Armored Brigade (upcoming wargame)

[Veitikka]

Yes, I have interest in Shrapnel Games games, otherwise I would not be here. I am one of those who only read forums and do not post so much.

As far as I know, the only way to show your game to players (without buying marketing space) is to write in forums where the right players are. Of course there are developer forums but these are only for developers, not gamers. And I noticed here was some topic about independent games.

I am not making any money with this, just trying to make a good game for small audience. But still, I understand your point.

[Gandalf Parker]

There is a historical wargames newsgroup which not only has many players but also people who write for those magazines.

Do you have any interest in getting the game marketed?

[Veitikka]

Could you tell me more about that newsgroup? I don't use newsgroups but maybe I could learn...

What kind of marketing do you mean? If you mean real marketing, I don't believe it is possible to make much money with game like this. I don't do this for money after all. But it would be nice to spread word when we are closer to release date.

[Gandalf Parker]

Usenet newsgroups. They are older than internet.
The easiest way to get to them (though it pains this oldtime netter to say so) is thru groups.google.com with your browser. But like many things on the net, if you get hooked then there is a better way thru specialized software for doing newsgroups. There are newsgroups for all kinds of game types.

By "real marketing" if you mean on the shelves and lots of paid advertising then you are probably correct. But there are levels that dont involve quite that much investment. Personal distribution is an option thru PoD sites such as CafePress if you want to take everything on yourself.

Or even better if you can get the attention of someone like Shrapnel which was started by a game developer to offer options other than having to take chances with those big animals. Shrapnel would be online ordering and publicity. They do really well at both and it doesnt force you to wait for years to pay back costs before seeing profits. Just IMHO of course. You would need to talk to them about it.

[RVPERTVS]

This game looks interesting although I prefer TBS over RTS, how would I know when it´s released?

Regard
Robert

[Veitikka]

I'll check those newsgroups.

I think that's maybe a bit double edged sword to make this a commercial product.. Publicity is nice but how many people are ready to pay for this game? It severely limits distribution. And if people must pay for it, game should be 99% ready when released. My plan is to build it to certain point and release it, then add features like scenarios and editors if there is enough interest.

RVPERTVS:

You can check this thread

[RVPERTVS]

This game looks good! I hope the "Time Compression" functon I see on the first shot allows issue orders while paused or slow down, like in RA and AATF, that would make a very detailed and interesting RTS if you ask me rather than a click fest, I know the argument that real commanders try themselves in a RT environment, I´m just saying you leave the option open. This well might be a game worth playing I´m always looking for. Is there any chance to get a demo scenario anytime soon?

Regards
Robert

[Veitikka]

Option to slow down is actually a good idea, I have implemented that now. Wasn't thinking it before. I don't like the idea to allow player to give orders during pause in this case. Player can plan routes, fire missions, smoke screens, edit rules of engagement etc before battle. These can be done during the action of course but that adds command delay.

There won't be scenarios in first release, just battle/map generator where you can input parameters about situation.