Are we paying more for less?

[Talleyrand]

Thanks for your concern, Kris, but I don't care much for Shrapnel's fondness of me. I call it like I see it. If I get banned, then fare thee well.

[Valandil]

There is actually another concern. In order to expand the market, therby allowing more future buisness, and in order to retain the existing consumer base, shrapnel also needs to price slightly below optimal return. Of course this is only true if illwinter/shrapnel continue to make/sell games, but I consider this likely.

[Archonsod]

Why? It's actually slightly cheaper than most new releases, at least in UK pricing. EA don't seem to have a problem selling games at £30, and they're not exactly looking at a shrinking market...

[Taqwus]

I'd think that the bigger obstacle to expanding the market is that the target audience is, frankly, quite small. The number of people willing to invest the time and attention necessary to enjoy games of this nature is far, far smaller than the market for more familiar, intuitive, prettier, or shorter instant-gratification games.

You wouldn't expect World in Flames, Advanced Squad Leader or Combat Mission to sell like hotcakes if priced at $10, either. Few people would play them, even if they were free, because it takes a fairly rare bird to enjoy them. For their audience they're quite good, but that audience is small.

[Kristoffer O]

I would prefer to have you here. I think and hope that you opinions on the game are valuable to us and other players.