Questions

Rich · #1 May 21st, 2002, 06:23 AM

When this game comes out, will it have cd copy protection?

Will it have a printed manual?

Will it come in a box?

Will it be in retail stores?

Pak40 · #2 May 27th, 2002, 06:05 PM

what a strange bunch of questions.

Rich · #3 May 31st, 2002, 04:52 AM

I don't think they're strange questions. I don't like cd copy protection and was wondering if this game has it. I like the game to come with a printed manual so I can read it and I like it to come in a box so I can put it on the shelf with the manual inside. And I would prefer going to the store instead of the mail. 101 was available in stores so I wondered about 82 also.

What I think is strange is I posted these questions more than a week ago and nobody from the company has bothered to respond. Since I am a multiple customer (War Machine and Runesword 2) I wonder about this lack of consideration.

nikb · #4 May 31st, 2002, 09:11 AM

I prefer not to have a box now days. I look back at all the games purchased with boxes and they just get turfed.

Plus what I like about the current method is the postage is substantially reduced. This is important for the poor blighters that live outside the States.

It doesn't worry me too much about the lack of manual. As long as it has a decent on line one - plus - a summary Version that can be printed out I'm quite happy. A noted competitor does not print them - so I've had plenty of practice without. Of course it is more enjoyable having one but...cost, cost, cost.

One thing I would like is it to be sent in a pLastic case. I think H&M was sent just in a paper carrier which is a bit dodgy.

But then we all might be hunting for something that might not materialise. All those promises. Thank goodness I have not preordered.

Rich · #5 May 31st, 2002, 04:12 PM

Everybody's entitled to their likes and dislikes. I may buy the game even with copy protection and without the manual or box. All depends on how the demo plays. Or I might not buy it at all if the company doesn't have the common courtesy to answer a few simple questions.

Pak40 · #6 June 1st, 2002, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rich:
I don't think they're strange questions. I don't like cd copy protection and was wondering if this game has it. I like the game to come with a printed manual so I can read it and I like it to come in a box so I can put it on the shelf with the manual inside. And I would prefer going to the store instead of the mail. 101 was available in stores so I wondered about 82 also.

What I think is strange is I posted these questions more than a week ago and nobody from the company has bothered to respond. Since I am a multiple customer (War Machine and Runesword 2) I wonder about this lack of consideration.

Since you're a repeat customer, you should know that Shrapnel is not a big budget game developer. They develop niche games that don't create the revenue that the RTS and 3D games generate. Therefore, survival for them means to cut costs in some areas. Everything you're hoping for would mean that Shrapnel would lose money per unit sold.

If they sell it in stores, they don't make much money for each unit sold. If they design and produce a box, that's even more money lost. I have yet to see a Shrapnel game in a store, so don't count on it. Also, if it's not in stores then what's the point in making a box? If they don't use copy protection, that's even more money lost.

BTW, it will have a manual. It's on the website. Although it doesn't specifically say that it's a printed manual, I'll bet that it is.

Rich · #7 June 1st, 2002, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pak40:

quote:
Originally posted by Rich:
I don't think they're strange questions. I don't like cd copy protection and was wondering if this game has it. I like the game to come with a printed manual so I can read it and I like it to come in a box so I can put it on the shelf with the manual inside. And I would prefer going to the store instead of the mail. 101 was available in stores so I wondered about 82 also.

What I think is strange is I posted these questions more than a week ago and nobody from the company has bothered to respond. Since I am a multiple customer (War Machine and Runesword 2) I wonder about this lack of consideration.

Since you're a repeat customer, you should know that Shrapnel is not a big budget game developer. They develop niche games that don't create the revenue that the RTS and 3D games generate. Therefore, survival for them means to cut costs in some areas. Everything you're hoping for would mean that Shrapnel would lose money per unit sold.

If they sell it in stores, they don't make much money for each unit sold. If they design and produce a box, that's even more money lost. I have yet to see a Shrapnel game in a store, so don't count on it. Also, if it's not in stores then what's the point in making a box? If they don't use copy protection, that's even more money lost.

BTW, it will have a manual. It's on the website. Although it doesn't specifically say that it's a printed manual, I'll bet that it is.

You are absolutely wrong when you say everything. The two games I bought have no cd copy protection and come with a printed manual. 101, the predecessor to 82, came in a box and sold in stores. I'm seriously considering buying this game, depending on how the demo plays, and had some questions I was simply wondering about. But I'm totally dismayed that nobody from the company felt they were important enough to answer.

Paratrooper101 · #8 June 1st, 2002, 05:07 AM

I know this is a odd question but when is it comming out? And can I pick it up in Canada?

Pak40 · #9 June 2nd, 2002, 02:14 AM

Quote:

You are absolutely wrong when you say everything. The two games I bought have no cd copy protection and come with a printed manual. 101, the predecessor to 82, came in a box and sold in stores. I'm seriously considering buying this game, depending on how the demo plays, and had some questions I was simply wondering about. But I'm totally dismayed that nobody from the company felt they were important enough to answer.[/QB]

Actually I'm quite right when I say these things cost Shrapnel Games money, therefore shrinking their profits for each unit sold.

I, however, did NOT say that Shrapnel uses copy protection or prints boxes or manuals. I was merely stating that if they didn't have copy protection and if they did print manuals and boxes, then their profit per unit sold would be less. This is simple economics, I'm sure you understand that.

BTW, I also purched 101 in the stores and it was clearly not published by Shrapnel Games but Empire Interactive. Shrapnel is a different company although Tim Brooks has roots in both.

I'm not trying to argue with you, just clearly stating the facts as I see them.

I hope they have a printed manual, it will add much to the gaming experience. I don't care about the box which would get thrown away anyway because it takes up too much space. I own dozens of games and don't have the room to keep every box. I hope they use copy protection because if they don't I think there will be some loss of profit due to piracy. I want Shrapnel Games to be around for a long time and anti-piracy measures will help them achieve financial success. I too would like to buy the game in the store but I have no problem with internet purchases and I realize that this benefits Shrapnel games instead of the middle man.

Also, Rich, I'm having trouble getting my questions answered. I know they are knee deep in work on this game but I have confidence that soon they will answer our questions.

[ June 02, 2002, 01:16: Message edited by: Pak40 ]

Pak40 · #10 June 2nd, 2002, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paratrooper101:
I know this is a odd question but when is it comming out? And can I pick it up in Canada?

Not odd at all. It looks like it will be out at the end of the summer, maybe August. I think that it's internet/mail order only. I'm sure they ship to Canada. You might read their mailing policy somewhere on the site.