Why Not Digitial Distribution?

[Innocence]

Edi said:Dominions 3 is not Stars!, so you can throw that comparison right out the window.

They both use a similar and very effective copy protection scheme. If that's not a similarity then I don't know what it takes. Want proof of effectiveness, go search for other discussions on the Stars! copy protection.

This discussion is also moving to territory where it might as well soon be shut down because it's not going to be productive in any way if things continue in the same vein.

Excuse me, but do you own this forum? You seem very eager to shut down this discussion on the general principle that you find it tedious I've stated a new important issue about this case, and yes, you're probably right that it wont change their descision, but please let other people have their say before you cry out, demanding the discussion be shut down

Anyway, I'll leave it at that for now, so you'll get it your way

[JimMorrison]

Edi is a hard man, and these forums need discipline, something their mother never gave them. >.>


But seriously, I think that his point ultimately is that it doesn't matter what semi or totally vaid points you bring up - the distribution method of the game will not change because of your arguments.

[fictionfan]

That was great I have not laughed so hard in a long time

[Edi]

Innocence said:

They both use a similar and very effective copy protection scheme. If that's not a similarity then I don't know what it takes.

The point apparently sailed right over your head. Similar != same. Your argument assumes that the copy protection for both Stars! and Dominions 3 is the same, when it is only similar, NOT the same. So your argument does not apply directly, yet you're still advancing it as if it did. This is what I and several other people have been trying to explain to you for the past several posts.

Innocence said:
Want proof of effectiveness, go search for other discussions on the Stars! copy protection.

I'll take your word for it that the Stars! copy protection is as effective as you say. It doesn't matter a jot, because it is simply not relevant for this discussion.

Innocence said:

Excuse me, but do you own this forum? You seem very eager to shut down this discussion on the general principle that you find it tedious

No, I don't own the forum, Shrapnel Games does. The reason I was contemplating shutting this discussion down because it's turning out to be a rehash of an issue that has been discussed and resolved already in the past. And not just once, if my memory serves me correctly.

Innocence said:
I've stated a new important issue about this case, and yes, you're probably right that it wont change their descision, but please let other people have their say before you cry out, demanding the discussion be shut down

Anyway, I'll leave it at that for now, so you'll get it your way

The problem with what you have been saying is not that there is something new, but that there is not and these considerations have already been taken into account and factored into the decision about how to distribute Dominions 3. That's why the decision is not going to change. I believe Tim Brooks also explained this in prior posts.

The thing is that the people on the forums do not have access to all the information that goes into making these decisions. I'm not an employee of Shrapnel or Illwinter, but even so I have a little bit more access than the average forum user due to being a forum moderator and the bug list manager. I have a slightly better picture due to that privileged information, though nowhere near complete. But with the information I do have, taken together with what Tim has said in the past, I feel I can safely say the Shrapnel argument is persuasive.

The problem with this approach is of course that since I cannot divulge what has not been said in public, I can only offer you my word on this issue. Whether you choose to trust that is up to you. I hope that I have generally been forthright enough that my word is sufficient for most people here.

[Lingchih]

I have resolved my problems with the game distribution. I think it should stay as it is. After all, why bother with a slight delay in receiving a game that you will probably play for 2-3 years. The delay in receiving it is immaterial, and helps the developers weed out piracy.

[Gandalf Parker]

There are also two possible incentives.

A) Shrapnel has made a request for AARs to all of their games. So it might serve a larger purpose if they mention it in a publicity post someplace.

B) I have always said that it would sell. A person can create a free CafePress shop, upload an AAR, publish it to a book, and sell it online. Personally, I would love to see one laid out with the story on the left-side pages, and the actual game steps on the right-hand pages. It could be entertaining to read, help sell the game, and be a tutorial all in one.

[Rathar]

I just finished reading the whole thread and I feel compelled to say that on the whole you folks did a great job of discussing the issue in a calm and respectful way.

Nice jobs of stating things in a "You're crazy!" manner rather than in an "You're stupid!" way if you know what I mean. I know this issue has flamed out a couple of times before due to the latter way of speaking ones mind.

Tim Brooks, you did an amazing job explaining your position, nice work.

My opinion? I think there has gotta be a way in which digital distribution can out-perform mail only and still keep an effective anti-piracy measure possible. What way that is though... (?)

[Ornedan]

Originally Posted by Edi

The Dominions 3 manual is not and is never going to be available in a downloadable PDF format nor is the game going to be distributed in digital download format. End of story.

Actually, both of your statements are false. Score another one for pirates offering better service.

Which, incidentally, is why I really don't get the distributor guy's arguments about having to have DRM to stop pirates if they were to do digital distribution. That's just intentionally making the legitimate version worse than the pirated version.


(And before you start whining about how I'm a pirate, I did buy my copy. And will never be buying anything from Shrapnel via mail again. Package was moist when it arrived. One corner was torn off. Tape all over to patch up lesser damage.)

[Edi]

Originally Posted by Ornedan

Actually, both of your statements are false. Score another one for pirates offering better service.

If you really want to nitpick, go right ahead. Let me amend that:

The Dominions 3 manual is not and is never going to be available in a downloadable PDF format nor is the game going to be distributed in digital download format via legitimate channels. End of story.

Happy?

As far as pirates offering better service? Bull****. They have taken what others have done and are conveniently handing it out to anyone who wants it for free while the people whose work they are exploiting do not get paid for their efforts, at least as far as those copies are concerned.

You have an interesting definition of better service, given the implications in a niche market like the one that Dominions 3 belongs to. Those implications might not always be realized in full, but pretending there is no impact is ignoring reality.

With regard to the condition of your packaging, contact Shrapnel support. They handle things like that as well. First I've heard of such problems.

[capnq]

Originally Posted by Ornedan

And will never be buying anything from Shrapnel via mail again. Package was moist when it arrived. One corner was torn off. Tape all over to patch up lesser damage.)

Why are you blaming Shrapnel for a failure by the parcel delivery service?