66 réponses à ce sujet

[Sanunes]

From everything I have seen and experienced in the past, BioWare isn't really doing what Bethesda did with Fallout 4.  To me what it seems they are doing is not showing anything that isn't 100% guaranteed to be in the game since content might have to be cut eventually for some reason.  Since we proved how we are not able to be able to control the negative reactions because of the reaction caused by the Gamescon Crestwood demonstration they are being very careful about what to release.

[ApocAlypsE007]

I don't think making the fans worry about the game's fate with all the leavings and almost nothing showed is a good marketing strategy. If the game is on the right track, it's a shame that Bioware goes to the extremes with what they do (case in point: DA2 vs DAI) and never finds the silver lining in between. For the record outside the Crestwood leak I think the marketing strategy for DAI is just about perfect. Only basic story components, some gameplay from a random not plot centric area, a few trailers and thats it.

[Panda]

This one's pretty definitely true. If their games were as terrible as this forum says, I doubt they'd still be in business.

 

You should remember that everyone- or majority at least- here loves Bioware's games despite complaints. Otherwise they wouldn't have bothered coming to forum to discuss about them.

[AlanC9]

This part of the OP doesn't seem to make much sense as written:

This doesn't make a whole lot of sense for me. By This logic, they are catering to the fans of the ME series/BW games by coming out with just enough to keep us hooked until they go balls to the walls with releasing new crap every day. Now if they were just catering to the fans that would make a whole lot of sense, but the thing is, this implies that ME/BW game fans want more "exploration" in their games. I've been around this forum a bit and I can tell you this is a pretty hot button issue around here. Some people are fine with "exploration" being a main focus of what BW does, but other very strongly disagree that they desire quality over quantity.
 

What does the marketing strategy have to do with the design of the game? If they were putting out more information faster, it'd still be an exploration-based game.

[rossler]

The fans on the BW forums are not at all your typical fans of BW games. 

 

They are a vocal minority that make up a drop in the bucket when it comes to the amount of profit Bioware makes from their games. This is why Bioware doesn't make games for them anymore, and has opened their games up to newcomers. 

[Lyrandori]

I'm pretty sure we'll see more in around September and/or October. I think they're going to follow the Fallout 4 media reveal model (I.E. revealing a lot only about 5 to 7 months prior to release; assuming that Andromeda does come out in around March next year or so, maybe April at the latest if there's no more delay).

[Gothfather]

So we got very little from E3 right? Well, what we've been told is that BW AKA EA in this case likes to work on a exponential way of releasing infor for their "upcoming" games.

 

This doesn't make a whole lot of sense for me. By This logic, they are catering to the fans of the ME series/BW games by coming out with just enough to keep us hooked until they go balls to the walls with releasing new crap every day. Now if they were just catering to the fans that would make a whole lot of sense, but the thing is, this implies that ME/BW game fans want more "exploration" in their games. I've been around this forum a bit and I can tell you this is a pretty hot button issue around here. Some people are fine with "exploration" being a main focus of what BW does, but other very strongly disagree that they desire quality over quantity.

 

So where does that leave us? Well, I would guess this would mean a few different things.. 1) The fans on the BW forums are not at all your typical fans of BW games. 2) The devs are just excited about this new direction they are taking their fans. 3) BW don't give a crap about us and just basically know they will either get new fans or the old ones are not going to give up on BW just because of a new directional focus. 4) EA wears the pants in this family that is BW/EA/Fans and have developed a marketing team for the sole purpose of building hype for a game that the long held fans will reluctantly go along with because of the way in which this "exponential" model caters to the crowd while sucking in enough new blood to keep the BW train going. I'm inclined to think its primarily number 4, sadly.

 

Not to say I don't think the devs at BW are making a game they don't like, but I simply point out that the focus has likely changed for BW to include "more" and arguably not "better."

 

Thoughts?

What is it with gamers do they honestly think THEIR tastes are the only ones that count?

 

1) Forums fans in every media are not the typical fan. Typically fans of media content DON'T join websites. This is why forums sites all have significantly less members than sales of a product or viewers/readers of other media. Is this still a revelation to people?

 

2) Most developers are excited about their work. Again your point?

 

3) Wah wah wah bioware isn't exclusively catering to my wants and desires. Get over yourself. Gamers are not a demographic monolith. They are a diverse and myriad of different groups that like mutually exclusive features from other gamers. This means that REGARDLESS of what bioware does they will ****** off someone. It is a no win situation because people want things that other people hate and vise versa. So exactly how can Bioware please everyone. And it isn't hardcore vs. casual that is just gamers elitist BS to make them feel superior to others. It isn't new fans vs. Old fans because I have been with Bioware since the beginning and  I happen to like exploration. It is simply Bioware can't please everyone so some gamers are having a hiss fit because they honestly think they are so damn super duper special that Bioware should cater to them because their opinions are the best.

 

4) When they release a flood of info and people don't like it people blame EA, now they have taken a different approach and not releasing any alpha or beta info instead waiting until things are in the game before they tell us and people are saying it is an EA scheme. Please.

 

Bioware and Dice have both said EA doesn't micromanage them, that they are 'given enough rope to hang themselves,' which means if things go wrong it is on them and not EA. EA doesn't micromanage they don't push things out the door. They delayed ME3 TWICE, they delayed DA:I for OVER a year. It is very trendy to blame EA because they have done some really questionable things in the past but it has become a meaningless jibe with gamers especially on these forums it is a way to take issue with something without blaming precious bioware, like people blaming ME3's endings on EA sorry that cluster frak sits squarely in the lap of bioware.

 

There isn't a marketing campaign going on for ME:A right now, they have chosen to keep silent about the game until it is nearly done. This is a valid industry method for dealing with game information. You don't like it but who the frak cares your opinion doesn't matter to the company. It is 100% valid for them to tell you NOTHING. It isn't an insult to fans, it isn't strange. it isn't anything people are caging it. Bethesda uses this technique, Kojima pretty much is a master of the 'tease' video. Not all companies do this but it is a valid approach to game release.

 

You don't NEED to know jack SH!T right now. The games isn't due to be released this calendar year. You only need to know information to make an informed choice as to whether it is worth a buy. And frankly you NEED to know that info a week before a game releases give or take.

[Addictress]

OP, you laid down the facts straight in your first post. I hope Bioware reads it.

[The Night Haunter]

This is my own personal opinion, but I think part of the blame should be on the devs for editing so many things so close to release date. I could be wrong, but it seems BW could use some motivation to pick a direction and then execute. That way none of any of this time release crap would even be a thing.

Clearly you've never been involved in any kind of software development.

 

You are suggesting they work on something, figure out it doesn't really fit in the game, but leave it in because taking out things is bad. You don't know something won't fit until you have at least a prototype/story-boards. Often it takes much longer than that. Software Development cycles are very iterative, you build something, you learn, you fix, you move one. There is literally no such thing as 'pick a direction and then execute'. Unless you want a mediocre game because devs (and in reality this isn't the devs decision, it is Product Owners or BAs or someone else) were too afraid to take out the pieces that don't really fit.

[Keeper of Light]

So we got very little from E3 right? Well, what we've been told is that BW AKA EA in this case likes to work on a exponential way of releasing infor for their "upcoming" games.

 

This doesn't make a whole lot of sense for me. By This logic, they are catering to the fans of the ME series/BW games by coming out with just enough to keep us hooked until they go balls to the walls with releasing new crap every day. Now if they were just catering to the fans that would make a whole lot of sense, but the thing is, this implies that ME/BW game fans want more "exploration" in their games. I've been around this forum a bit and I can tell you this is a pretty hot button issue around here. Some people are fine with "exploration" being a main focus of what BW does, but other very strongly disagree that they desire quality over quantity.

 

So where does that leave us? Well, I would guess this would mean a few different things.. 1) The fans on the BW forums are not at all your typical fans of BW games. 2) The devs are just excited about this new direction they are taking their fans. 3) BW don't give a crap about us and just basically know they will either get new fans or the old ones are not going to give up on BW just because of a new directional focus. 4) EA wears the pants in this family that is BW/EA/Fans and have developed a marketing team for the sole purpose of building hype for a game that the long held fans will reluctantly go along with because of the way in which this "exponential" model caters to the crowd while sucking in enough new blood to keep the BW train going. I'm inclined to think its primarily number 4, sadly.

 

Not to say I don't think the devs at BW are making a game they don't like, but I simply point out that the focus has likely changed for BW to include "more" and arguably not "better."

 

Thoughts?

 

 

1) Old fans, new fans -- we're all fans in the end. Some give their voice and constructive criticisms to the developers, others just enjoy the games.

 

2) Yes, most video game developers are always excited. Example? Look at Sony Santa Monica with their new God of War game.

 

3) Bioware will most likely cater to both new and old fans. Simple really. It's always been the case with most developers, to be honest.

 

4) Again, we are all fans here. No point in labelling each other. If EA/Bioware wants to bring in more "new blood" then by all means. This game's for everyone, both the old and new. Yes, everyone, because we are all the consumers here, bro. Sure, there are some that's been with Bioware for a very long time now, but that doesn't mean they should be put up on the pedestal by Bioware or given some "special card" or something. 

 

Patience. Patience. We have yet to even play the game ourselves. There's more to come obviously. Bioware's doing all the hard work here, try to appreciate what they are doing for the love of everyone. Anyway, it's a good time to be a gamer, don't you think? Don't worry, just let Bioware do their thing, and we'll see how everything turns out to be. Peace be with you.

[TurianSpectre]

4) EA wears the pants in this family that is BW/EA/Fans and have developed a marketing team for the sole purpose of building hype for a game that the long held fans will reluctantly go along with because of the way in which this "exponential" model caters to the crowd while sucking in enough new blood to keep the BW train going.

I think it's safe to say that we all know that EA wears the pants in this relationship, they pretty much forced ME3 out of the gate when it wasnt quite ready even though it was already late for release, they did the exact same thing with The Old Republic, look at the amount of bugs and glitches thats in that game, most of which the devs dont even give a f**k about... there was some problems with graphics that i had where the game kept crashing after every patch, i went on to their helpdesk and got the stupidest explanation and assistance ever that, as a gamer, i would have tried first anyway and when i went back to them they couldnt even help me, so yeah EA are the ones wearing the pants because they keep pushing games out before they are properly ready for release.

[SofaJockey]

Having done some research, this is what I expect to be on Bioware Marketing Director's plate
(includes minor extrapolation to information already in the public domain - there's nothing surprising or confidential here).

 

This information supports the need for EA to get their holiday launches out of the door first in line with a key aim of 'synchronizing business objectives'.

 

Make of it what you will 

• Create, distribute and own the execution of the Product Marketing Plan for each title.
• Coordinate the efforts of several cross-functional disciplines to bring the game to market: PR, First Party (Microsoft, Sony), Retail, CRM, Online/Web/Social, Packaging, and external partnerships.
• Represent the marketing organization at the development Studio (BioWare Edmonton) including fostering close relationships with the General Manager, Executive Producer, and key members of the game development team. Bring consumer insights and market guidance to the Studio to enable them to create world-class entertainment properties that are a strong draw for today's game consumers.
• Evangelize each product internally, both at Electronic Arts and at the BioWare Studio in order to generate strong support for the title as it is brought to market.
• Work with asset creation teams: create briefings for videos and screenshots, assist with gathering necessary footage and identifying "showcase areas" in the game, ensure that the assets are aligned with the core marketing campaign messaging and beats, ensure that the assets are delivered on time, approved and at high quality. Work with internal functional groups to ensure each asset is released to maximum impact and exposure.
• Own the marketing launch of Mass Effect Andromeda and by extension, the multi-million dollar franchise that extends into toys, comics, novels and more.
• Drive the market launch of Mass Effect Andromeda in conjunction with other key marketing team members from EA.

[SNascimento]

Not odd at all.

 

They don't want to foul Battlefield 1 and particularly Titanfall 2.

I wonder what would happen if EA decided to only market a game if there is not other EA game being relased before it. Surely either Titanfall 2 or Battlefield 1 is not being market, right? Otherwise it would "steal the hype" from the other one.

[SNascimento]

Anyway, I always find this marketing discussion to be funny. I mean, the trend now is to say Andromeda is being market like Fallout 4, which in inherently flawed, as if that was the case, Andromeda wouldn't even have been announced so far. But it's worth pointing out that other "strategies" also work. Take The Witcher 3, for example. The marketing was diluted for a long time and the game still sold a lot.

In the end, we can't know why we known less about Andromeda than we should. Maybe EA did decide that's the best way to sell more copies of the game as possible. Maybe Bioware isn't unsure what to show, maybe they don't even have something to show properly. Who knows?

[Guanxii]

It's only odd if you misinterpret their (EA) behavior. The estimated release date is about 2 quarters off where it will actually end up being. EA are attempting to mislead investors that there will be a marquee release in Q1, 2017 to inflate the value of their stock.

 

Any gamer who has been watching E3 for as long as I have knows a feint (lie of omission) when they see one. This year's showing bares all the hallmarks of a developer and publisher tactically stalling for time. Don't be fooled... we're still a full year away from the start of any marketing campaign.

[TurianSpectre]

 

It's only odd if you misinterpret their (EA) behavior. The estimated release date is about 2 quarters off where it will actually end up being. EA are attempting to mislead investors that there will be a marquee release in Q1, 2017 to inflate the value of their stock.

 

Any gamer who has been watching E3 for as long as I have knows a feint (lie of omission) when they see one. This year's showing bares all the hallmarks of a developer and publisher tactically stalling for time. Don't be fooled... we're still a full year away from the start of any marketing campaign.

 

You better be f**king joking

[Navasha]

I will start with a couple harsh facts as I see it. 

 

1) 'marketing' a game that is a year out is a waste of time and money.   The only people following that stuff this far away are the fans of the series.   Fans who will 99% likely be buying the game anyway.   So no real need to entice them.

 

2) Since there is nothing much to be gained by it.   Developers only have stuff to lose by doing it.   Look at all the features they claimed for Inquisition that were ultimately left on the cutting room floor.   They take flak for each one of those.  As soon as information of any kind is released it is dissected and judgements passed before ever seeing the full story.   Take the 2 second clip of the Asari for example.   People already are proclaiming their hatred of this character without getting a full picture.  

 

Personally, I would be perfectly happy if all games only ever revealed themselves 6 months before release and only releasing info within a short window prior to launch.  

[Bruno Hslaw]

Personally i would like the games announced within a month of release. I do not mind not having any info as its usually wrong any way, Seeing as a person who bought all 3 previous ME games. I can assure you I will not be buying this regardless. I will wait till after launch and if it sucks any way, near as bad as ME3 I will not bother buying it at all.

[TurianSpectre]

Personally i would like the games announced within a month of release. I do not mind not having any info as its usually wrong any way, Seeing as a person who bought all 3 previous ME games. I can assure you I will not be buying this regardless. I will wait till after launch and if it sucks any way, near as bad as ME3 I will not bother buying it at all.

I find your lack of faith disturbing...

[In Exile]

Well I agree that the exploration wasn't particularly well done, but it's quite a large part of the game. Definitely more than the sequels.

I agree, but it's nonsense. The volume of exploration makes no sense.

[Sylvius the Mad]

I genuinely enjoyed the exploration in ME1. It was easily my favourite part of the game.

[SNascimento]

I genuinely enjoyed the exploration in ME1. It was easily my favourite part of the game.

Makes sense. Since there was nothing to explore, you could just imagine what you were exploring. 

[Bruno Hslaw]

I find your lack of faith disturbing...

I find your faith in blind faith being a good idea disturbing to be fair.

[Indigenous]

So we got very little from E3 right?

 

...

 

 

Thoughts?

It is almost like you forgot what you were trying to say (I assume it was 'Bioware have shown us barely anything so far, do you think this approach of theirs will help them sell more games?) and embraced your role as a true member of this community by the end of your post (I believe dirty EA, and Bioware by extension, are doing random bullshit based on all this proof I have here). Thoughts? that was the best part.

 

Dude, like most people on these forums you have already bought the game. Bioware does not need to sell it to you. What they do need to do is keep you happy. Dragon Age Inquisition is proof that Bioware can make a decent game but are unable to properly manage expectations of that game.

 

They said DAI would be the best biggest game they have ever produced. A lot of effort went into the over selling of that game and I believe it hurt them. I think if they didn't over sell their game to the Bioware community they would have gotten a better response. Expectations are already high. No point adding to them.

 

I believe the reason why Bioware hasn't shown much lately is because they don't want to disappoint there most obsessive and vocal fans. Kanye West isn't hated because he is an *******, he is hated because people think he is an *******. Bioware has been battling with peoples perception of their games since Dragon Age 2.

 

Honestly, they probably shouldn't have opened up a Mass Effect Andromeda forum. Or probably not have even announced the game until it was close to its release like fallout 4.

 

It is really hard for big game companies like bioware/ea to make bad games, but it is extremely easy to disappoint people.

[Sanunes]

 

It's only odd if you misinterpret their (EA) behavior. The estimated release date is about 2 quarters off where it will actually end up being. EA are attempting to mislead investors that there will be a marquee release in Q1, 2017 to inflate the value of their stock.

 

Any gamer who has been watching E3 for as long as I have knows a feint (lie of omission) when they see one. This year's showing bares all the hallmarks of a developer and publisher tactically stalling for time. Don't be fooled... we're still a full year away from the start of any marketing campaign.

 

 

EA would not do anything of the sort for they are obligated to be upfront with their investors and be honest with them.  That is why a lot of the information we get about BioWare games first comes from the shareholder reports.