68 réponses à ce sujet

[tmelange]

javierabegazo wrote...

Yup it's true. Announcements concerning a game should be made in the media itself rather than initially in the game forum. We in the game forum always catch everything anyways where as Joe Blow, casual gamer who reads GI might not have heard of DA2

I have always disliked this practice as it applies to these forums. I have long felt that as a forum follower, I'm the last to know BW information, and that I had better keep a RSS feed on joystoiq (or wherever) if I want to know the latest BW news. I have also always felt that the BW main website is slow to keep pace with the release of news and that it is sometimes stale. (how long is that same poll going to be on the front page of the website?)

We may be only a few thousand or so people actively participating on the forums but we amount to the BW fanclub the hardcore fans that simply love (and sometimes hate) BW the most. Like any fanclub (albiet a digital one) we want to feel special, and it is in BW's interest to make us feel special. I think there are millions of people subscribed to these forums, last time I noticed? Wouldn't it be useful if there was a reason why more moderate fans should remain actively involved, particularly now that the release cycle between games seems to be shortening up? The forums shouldn't be the be the last to know important information.

I'm a fan of other things, hardcore in some instances, and I've never felt like an outsider the way I do with being a fan here. We never get to know anything first. In fact, by the time announcements are made here, I often already know all about it and it's just a matter of archiving and discussing. Perhaps the view is that that's all that we're good for.

IMHO, I think this type of marketing strategy is shortsighted. There should be some things that can be released to BW's most loyal fans first. After all, it would be great incentive to be and remain rabid fans, and move BW towards that elusive 10 million unit mark and a convention in Asia. lol

[Brockololly]

I know there are the sticky threads, but it would be nice if we had an "official" sticky thread that just compiled all the links to articles, previews and such on DA2.



Or at least a DA Central style search function for the DA2 forums...

[triggerhappy456]

Brockololly wrote...

I know there are the sticky threads, but it would be nice if we had an "official" sticky thread that just compiled all the links to articles, previews and such on DA2.

Or at least a DA Central style search function for the DA2 forums...

well there is the thread which basically outlines all the information released, and names the sources of information
if you dont think the thread is detailed, just lookat the sources written there and search them for dragon age 2 previews

[darkshadow136]

Who cares who get's the info first as long as the info get's out there. Bioware needs to get the information out about DAO2 to everyone not just to the people that already know about the game and already either have it pre-ordered or will pre-order it.



Also like with all things information and trailers will eventually get posted on the Bioware forums anyway. If it takes a week or two who cares as long as we get the information.

[Jimmy Fury]

Brockololly wrote...

I know there are the sticky threads, but it would be nice if we had an "official" sticky thread that just compiled all the links to articles, previews and such on DA2.

sarcasm?
cuz uhm... if not... social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/141/index/3064634


Incidentally the bioware social here may get it's own exclusive if they decide to give us another CC preview download like the did with origins
(pwetty pwease )

Modifié par Jimmy Fury, 31 juillet 2010 - 09:53 .

[Brockololly]

Jimmy Fury wrote...

Brockololly wrote...

I know there are the sticky threads, but it would be nice if we had an "official" sticky thread that just compiled all the links to articles, previews and such on DA2.

sarcasm?
cuz uhm... if not... social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/141/index/3064634

No, I know about that thread- I was thinking something officially maintained from BioWare. That thread is nice but its not a substitute for something like DA Central for Origins and its constantly being un-stickied.

[TheMadCat]

David Gaider wrote...

TheMadCat wrote...
Exclusives come about solely because someone paid a ton of cash for the rights, that's all. It's the same way with all forms of media.

I don't think so. My impression is that exclusives come about because a media outlet promised to give the game better coverage-- they put it on the cover/front page of a website, do a larger article, etc. I think it's odd that someone would think they pay us... you'd almost think it'd be the other way around, no? Or does that particular theory only come into play when it's time for a review score?

People are free to think what they like, and I've no special insight (not being part of marketing), but my impression of the whole process is that there's very little nefariousness to it.

It's actually really simple. Two parts.

First is the short term, an exclusive guarantees more immediate sales, the amount depending on exactly what we're talking about, in this case the initial sneak peeks at the next critically acclaimed BioWare/EA title so in other words a really big number since we're talking about one of the more famed companies and a sequel to title that sold several million units. So as I said that fact increases magazine sales for that issue, which are minisucle in the long run, but more importantly they can go to their advertisers not on a long term plan (And that may differ depending on the agreement) and say "Look, big issue coming out, lots of new eyes, here's the upped price." So you have increased advertising revenue from that month.

The second has a bit more of a passive effect. Over the long term if you hold more and more of these exclusives it bumps up your long term average and actual subscribers seeing as people are going to go where they can get deepest and most up to date information. So again this allows an increase in revenue from advertisements, which is where the bulk of their income comes from. 

A simplified example would be T.V. show, even though it may not seem like it at first. Why don't networks simply license out their new shows right away, one could think the money generated from spreading it around to as many different networks would be a huge boost in revenue, especially the higher rated programs. Advertisements, you're the only one showing this new show or event, anyone who wants to see it will have to turn their eyes on you and the more eyes you have on you the more you rake in from advertisements. Why do you think CBS pays so much cash for the Super Bowl or Fox with the World Series (Sorry, don't know of any Canadian networks to use as examples ) and why networks waits until the end of season at the earliest to sell licenses for their series.

So it's simple, the more eyes you have on you the more cash you make and sometimes it's best to buy something that will guarntee you more eyes. Of course as you said you're free to think whatever you like, but I do have a bit of experience with marketing and advertising (Grant it not with magazine or game companies, but principles are the same), and in my experience it's not quite as innocent and lovey dovey "you rub my back I'll rub yours" as you may think. Not sure if you have any contact with the marketing folks but go ahead and ask if you bump into them how often outlets buy exclusive rights, you may be surprised.

Modifié par TheMadCat, 31 juillet 2010 - 10:19 .

[Utoryo]

David Gaider wrote...

Err... do we traditionally shy away from online sites? I don't think we do. So unless you're looking at our one magazine announcement which has gone out so far and inferring an overall marketing strategy I'm not sure what you're trying to say.

Thanks for taking the time to reply! I don't think you do, but compared to some other games I'm following (especially Guild Wars 2, but not only - it wouldn't be fair if I compared you only to a MMORPG I suppose) it does seem that you're less aggressive on the online front (outside of Bioware's presence on this forum).

While I'm sure our marketers appreciate the assistance, I'm pretty sure they're looking at the subscriber base for any magazine and viewership for any online site and the crossover of their respective audiences to make sure that information about the game reaches as far and wide as possible. It's the job of the people on these forums, meanwhile, to monitor that information as it's disseminated and complain at how much of it is all the same stuff.

What?! I thought it was only our job to monitor your posts (which are great by the way, but I don't need to say that given how many people clearly appreciate them ). I demand a raise!

But yes, although I'll reiterate my point: the viewership of a free-to-view online site is not comparable to the subscriber base of a magazine, because it can go viral (not just in the social network sense) in a positive way over many other sites and forums, while also bringing better transparency to average fans (the vast majority, after all, have an internet connection but no GI subscription). I'm sure your marketing department understands all that perfectly, but it's a question of believing that effect is more or less important, and therefore relative priority (which in this case I think is wrong by enough that it warranted me posting about it - but I could be wrong). This kind of thing is always hard to say without sounding like you're making a much grander criticism than you really are, sorry.

Modifié par Utoryo, 31 juillet 2010 - 10:17 .

[tmelange]

darkshadow136 wrote...

Who cares who get's the info first as long as the info get's out there. Bioware needs to get the information out about DAO2 to everyone not just to the people that already know about the game and already either have it pre-ordered or will pre-order it.

Also like with all things information and trailers will eventually get posted on the Bioware forums anyway. If it takes a week or two who cares as long as we get the information.

I care. *shrug* If my magazine subscriptions started arriving on day of newstand release or after instead of in advance, I might not bother with a subscription. If the Yankees decide to treat their season ticket holders like the general public and not offer them first dibbs on playoff tickets etc., I might decide not to renew my ticket plan. If my frequent flyer plan decided not to reward me for being a frequent customer by sending me web specials on airfares first and treating me special at the airport, my loyalty might be in question. If I couldn't be guaranteed realease date or prior delivery on a pre-ordered game, I likely wouldn't bother pre-ordering.

Not that these examples are perfectly analogous; after all, we don't pay to be here. But we do comprise some of BWs most loyal fans, and there should be some acknowledgment of that, not necessarily with everything but sometimes. Occassionally. We shouldn't always be the last initials on the distribution list.

However, IMHO, this whole issue boils down to what these forums mean to BW. Are they simply here because BW knows they have to provide some sort of place for people to discuss things, and hopefully people will answer their own questions?

Or is BW trying to build a community, where membership has it's privileges? Sometimes it seems that this community is designed to be useful to TPTB, in order to track us, and make sure we're not pirating anything, and to sell us points, and to put us on a newsletter distribution list so it can be proved that we exist and EA can cross market to us...most of the benefits to this "community" membership around here flow one way. It's not the smartest recipe for a loyalty initiative. There should be some privileges.

[AngryFrozenWater]

I think it boils down to this: The fans of this forum are a safe market. It doesn't matter if they give us a scoop first. We'll buy the product anyway. There are also people here who criticize BW. So, if the scoops were here from time to time and news media were to monitor this site because of that then they could pick up that critique as well. So, it is in their interest to direct the scoops elsewhere.

Modifié par AngryFrozenWater, 31 juillet 2010 - 10:27 .

[Elvhen Veluthil]

David Gaider wrote...

Elvhen Veluthil wrote...
The only thing I would like in regard to the topic discussed is for Bioware to come over at the toolset forum and post there first about if there is a toolset for DA2 or not. The people that are interested more about that are already there. I'd hate to learn it from the last question in a interview that one of the two Biowarian's salesman are going to give somewhere.

Yes, we recognize that everyone wants the answer to every question RIGHT NOW.

Sorry, but you're going to have to wait-- as usual.

I am not saying that I need the answer now, I value patience (when nothing else can be done), I am saying that when time is right, have the courtesy (not you personally) to come over and tell us the news.

[Firky]

Oh hooray for David Gaider tellin' it like it is. I don't understand why there isn't more transparency to the preview/review process. It might debunk some misconceptions. (Maybe no-one else in the world cares about the misconceptions of the games industry but I just want to bang my head against the keyboard in frustration.)



PS. If I send you fifty bucks, can I write a preview for this forum?

[Hagspawn]

I don't know Behindyounow, I'm in AU too and I picked up game informer (EB games store). Pretty much what comes out over in the US hit's these forums in no time at any rate from other members and I just pick up the mags for the fan fodder (ie the artwork on the cover ). There really is no huge time delay and we have until next year until the game comes out so there is no rush to have the info the day these mags have been putting out the exclusives. Bottom line they are a company out to make money so they have to go with that first and if that means coughing up exclusives for mags then so be it, as I said people post up what was said anyway in no time.

[DespiertaLosNinos]

David Gaider wrote...
Yes, we recognize that everyone wants the answer to every question RIGHT NOW.

speaking of questions I want answered NOW.

Despite the cost of living, why does it remain so popular?

Can fat people go skinny-dipping?

Why do they announce power outages on TV?

Do you find it unnerving that what doctors do is called 'practice'?

[Fishy]

Did someone really compare Blizzard to Bioware?You just can't compare.I realy like Bioware and they make awesome game .. But Blizzard sell 10 millions game each month .



They put up the logo of SC2 on their main site and millions of ppl will watch it on the next hours.

It's funny considering the last Blizzard game i have purchased was Warcraft 3 the Frozen throne (Before SC2) and in that lapse of time i think i purchased 6-7 bioware product.



But still

[lv12medic]

Suprez30 wrote...

Did someone really compare Blizzard to Bioware?You just can't compare.I realy like Bioware and they make awesome game .. But Blizzard sell 10 millions game each month .

They put up the logo of SC2 on their main site and millions of ppl will watch it on the next hours.
It's funny considering the last Blizzard game i have purchased was Warcraft 3 the Frozen throne (Before SC2) and in that lapse of time i think i purchased 6-7 bioware product.

But still

Sorry, I think that was me.  I was making fun of Blizzard's Boeing 747 flying billboard ad for SC2 I guess.  Hopefully no real confusion.  I'm just horribly random and eyebrow raising/facepalm inducing.

[Maverick827]

Suprez30 wrote...

Did someone really compare Blizzard to Bioware?You just can't compare.I realy like Bioware and they make awesome game .. But Blizzard sell 10 millions game each month .

Columbia sells $40 billion in cocaine.  Your point?

[captain.subtle]

Maverick827 wrote...

Suprez30 wrote...

Did someone really compare Blizzard to Bioware?You just can't compare.I realy like Bioware and they make awesome game .. But Blizzard sell 10 millions game each month .

Columbia sells $40 billion in cocaine.  Your point?

Her point: You can't compare Afganistan to columbia.