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NEW POLL: December or January release?

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NEW POLL: December or January release?

Tell us what you'd prefer!

from GalCiv2 Forums

We are on track for a December release of the second expansion pack, Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor.

However, as we work on it, we realize that we have a historic opportunity to do the beta releases in such a way that we can reintroduce each major civilization with its new unique technology tree.

But as some have observed, the compressed beta schedule doesn't allow for us to really give each civilization that kind of reintroduction that they (and we) think they deserve.  That each civilization now has unique ship parts, planetary improvements, and technologies which can significantly alter the game play means that having time to really enjoy the civilizations as they are released seems important.

On the other hand, many will want to have this expansion pack finished in time for Christmas.

So we put the question to you guys: Which would you prefer? An early December release date for Twilight of the Arnor or an early January release?

Advantages of coming out in December:

  • You get it sooner
  • It can be purchased as a Christmas gift for other people
  • Stardock gets prestige for releasing two good expansion packs in a single year

Advantages of coming out in January:

  • More time for the public beta of the expansion pack.
  • Brad (me) can spend more time enhancing the computer AI before release.
  • More time to get preview coverage.

So you tell us. We can go either way. There is a web poll on the left side of the main page of GalCiv2.com. Vote there and post here and we'll go with the majority.

 

105,485 views 166 replies
Reply #26 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I voted for the January release, for the same reasons given by others above, but it would be nice if at some point before then the beta games could be posted to the metaverse.
Reply #27 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
We've waited this long, what's a little longer? I think a later release would be better, as it not only would allow for more preview coverage and AI enhancement, but can also allow for more overall QC (not that that is a problem, but more is always better). As an accountant, I can assure you that it's always the little things that get ya. If anyone was wondering, by the way, QC = Quality Control   
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Reply #28 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Take your time, a January release is fine with me, in the mean time we get to test the Beta so its a win-win situation.
Reply #29 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
January, without question.

As much as I want to sink my teeth into it...I'd rather the time taken to do it right, rather than trying to get it out the door. There is no point and no good reason to rush it.

Reply #30 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Take your time. Too many promising games and their expansions have been ruined by too early releases. Janurary is good.
Reply #31 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Why would anyone ever choose speed over quality? It's not like the world exactly lacks for unpolished, released-too-soon titles these days. By all means, take your time and give it the love it so rightly deserves.
Reply #32 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If you guys need more time to make it better then I am all for it. January works fine for me, although I can't wait.
Reply #33 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Perhaps push a big marketing campaign for pre-orders (maybe even with discounts) during Christmas time and then release in early January? Making sure to trumpet all the excellent new features of TotA of course.
Reply #34 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
"Houston. We are go for a January release!"

"Stardock. The people will be ready!"

Heck we get the beta's so go on take all the time you need. However i would appreciate a release some time before March as i would like to play the full thing before my third child is born


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Reply #36 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I vote for January.

I also think that an "I told you so" is in order: WWW Link
Reply #37 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Surely the correct answer should be "when it's done", that means if it's not ready then it's not ready whether that's December, January, February is irrelevant. Let's not turn Stardock into one of those companies that releases buggy, unfinished games just to meet deadlines.

Besides it's no loss to the players if it doesn't come out until next year, we can still play the beta.

Stardock may lose money in the short term by waiting but one only needs to look at the success of companies like Blizzard entertainment to realise that a "when it's done" policy is the best long term strategy for any company.
Reply #38 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Advantages of coming out in January:
More time for the public beta of the expansion pack.
Brad (me) can spend more time enhancing the computer AI before release.
More time to get preview coverage.
End of quote


And be in the running for expansion pack of the year for 2008

We have the betas which will get progressively bigger and have all kinds of new things to keep us busy till January.

Reply #39 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
It's not like there's a box release for this game- I doubt many will get TA as an xmas present- they likely already ordered it anyways in anticipation.

I'm curious how many actually don't preorder since SD makes the sweet offer of betas.

Reply #40 from GalCiv2 Forums Top


  • Stardock gets prestige for releasing two good expansion packs in a single year

End of quote


Well you could always go for two expansions in 2008

or three

Reply #41 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Where is the poll? in any case I vote january.
Reply #42 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
i was surprised to see such overwhelming support for the later release date. that's how i voted, to be clear. i don't know why i expected it to be a closer split, but in any regard, the people have spoken.
Reply #43 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I say do what YOU think is best...however, if given my option, I say release it in January, this puts you in the position of being one of the only new games in January...and give you a shot at GAME OF THE YEAR 2008


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Reply #44 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Sooner would be better.

If you were another company I might go with later, but I believe the game would be better served by a December release. The difference, in my view, is if you release it in December, what are you going to do between then and January? You are going to enhance the AI, iron out the bugs, and address the issues that are sure to come up with any new release. However, if you release the game sooner, that means more people will get it sooner, which means the bugs will be found sooner, thus fixed sooner, and the game will be better sooner.

That is the inherent advantage of the StarDock system, you actually listen to what your customers are telling you and so by putting your customers in a situation where they will be able to offer feedback sooner, the game will get better, faster. With other companies who drop the product and run from the consumer as soon as it is in a state that can e sold, waiting would be better. For a company that runs on customer feedback, makes improvements in response to what improves the game in the views of the player, I believe we will all get a better product by January if it is released in December.
Reply #45 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
My Vote is for a January release. Take your time and do it right. If the die hard fans want to play then they can pre-order and play the beta.

Reply #46 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I'd rather have a more polished game later than a less polished one early. Plus, I'm sure a January release will take off some of the pressure of this tight schedule.

PS: Wouldn't it still be technically two expansions in one year?

PPS: Is beta2 still on for tomorrow?
Reply #47 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Later release is my vote
Reply #48 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
We are on track for a December release of the second expansion pack, Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor.
End of quote

Heck, even if SD were to release TA in December of 2008 would be fine with me.

I'm still enjoying DL, and have only played a few sandbox games of DA... that would give me over a year to get more DA under my belt before moving on up.

In case I wasn't clear... take your time, no rush!

I think you have a very loyal fan base SD, and no matter how long it takes to release TA...relax, we're not going anywhere.
Reply #49 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Big surprize folks, the poll is currently one-sided, favouring a latter release date.
Reply #50 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
WOW What can we say but January !!!!