Now that Matrix is starting to release games on Steam (Panzer Corps, Pandora), what Matrix games do we think would work well on Steam?
Personally, considering how well Paradox Clausewitz games do, I'd think just about anything up to and including WitE and WitP:AE would do well. But for their next attempt, perhaps Great Battles: Medieval (since they converted that to tablet gaming recently) and its related predecessors back to Legion and Chariots of War? GB:M is a fairly simple but colorful strategy game with an equally simple yet RPG-ish strategy overlay.
Note: already released Matrixlitherine games ;) also include Battle Academy (a wise choice imo);
and Pride of Nations with its DLC updates, which is by far the most ambitious and technically wonky Ageod game, even including pseudo-AGE games like WW1Gold, so if that's on there any AGE game would seem more feasible.
Edited to add: the Unity of Command series which didn't show up when I clicked the Slitherine category link for some reason.
Distant Worlds, along with the various expansions, etc.
Quote from: tgb on May 01, 2014, 11:46:04 AM
Distant Worlds, along with the various expansions, etc.
+1
Quote from: Steelgrave on May 01, 2014, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: tgb on May 01, 2014, 11:46:04 AM
Distant Worlds, along with the various expansions, etc.
+1
+100
There's been periodic clamoring on the Matrix forums over the last 3+ years for the game to be put on Steam. I'm thinking it'll happen sometime after the sequel is released (so in another 2-3 years, perhaps). ::)
Quote from: Martok on May 01, 2014, 12:44:59 PM
Quote from: Steelgrave on May 01, 2014, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: tgb on May 01, 2014, 11:46:04 AM
Distant Worlds, along with the various expansions, etc.
+1
+100
There's been periodic clamoring on the Matrix forums over the last 3+ years for the game to be put on Steam. I'm thinking it'll happen sometime after the sequel is released (so in another 2-3 years, perhaps). ::)
+1000 :D As soon as I saw the topic, this was the first game to pop into my head.
Apart from the Civ/Sci/RTS click-fest type games and the beer and pretzel wargames (PanzerCorp/Battle Academy), I wonder if a full blown wargame would sell on Steam. Would that crowd have enough Grogs in it to sell a good number of Command/Harpoon/WITP/etc class games? I'd love to see sales figures from those various areas. 8)
I think FPC would stand a decent chance of success on Steam. It's easy to learn (16 pg. manual) and folks can quickly jump into the game. The minimal graphics hurt the game, but the gameplay is key. The mouse-over tool tips help a great deal, too.
The other wargames mentioned have no chance on Steam, IMHO. Their interfaces are too clunky to allow for ease of play. Folks would need to spend days figuring out what each function does and reading the manuals. There are few, if any, helpful mouse-over tips. The only way to learn the game is to slog through it. It's not like they cannot be successful. They would need an incredible amount of work to make their UIs intuitive and helpful, first. (May as well make a new game.) Grigsby games have all been clickfests for minutiae.
Distant Worlds and Qvadriga. More risky Flashpoint Campaigns. Best way for them to test if a more groglike wargame would sell is try and get a older game on there very cheap. Say one of the Battles in "...." games for $10..see how well it does.
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 01, 2014, 11:28:03 AM
Now that Matrix is starting to release games on Steam (Panzer Corps, Pandora), what Matrix games do we think would work well on Steam?
one thats costs less then $45. ::)
Close Combat, anyone?
pleeeeeeease.......... just drive a stake through it's heart and be done with it!
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on May 01, 2014, 10:38:45 PM
pleeeeeeease.......... just drive a stake through it's heart and be done with it!
LOL!
.
1.) Overprice -- I guarantee anyone picking up the Panzer Corps series or the Distant Worlds series or even the Battle Academy series at Matrix will end up paying as much or more than for WitE or WitP. And two of those are already on Steam, where there are occasional sales with deeper discounts than at Matrix.
Still...
2.) Interface/UI -- ...tis true that the super-groggy games have wonky interfaces and that this would be a problem for a high-retail game in a mass market. Then again, while the Clausewitz engines have had some major overhauls in polish recently they can hardly be said to be simple interface games. CK2 and EU4 have both been reasonably massive hits, and my impression is that Vicky2 and HOI3 (with their expansions) aren't far behind. Not even counting any sales for Clausewitz games prior to Vicky2/HOI3.
3.) Holy bleep yes Distant Worlds, why didn't I think of that immediately?! That kind of 4x game seems successful in many iterations already on Steam, and DW is arguably the king. Also yes, Qvadriga I agree makes sense.
4.) I see your DW and raise you SCOURGE OF FREAKING WAR. Cinematic, deep gameplay, a ton of expansions and mod support.
5.) If PCorps does well (and it should), I can think of no less than three other Matrix/Slither properties which also ought to run well. Including their series with the most expansions so far...
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 02, 2014, 12:23:10 PM
4.) I see your DW and raise you SCOURGE OF FREAKING WAR. Cinematic, deep gameplay, a ton of expansions and mod support.
Yes, also a great suggestion! I think that game would also sell quite well on Steam. Easy to play with lots of sandbox goodness!
Quote from: RooksBailey on May 02, 2014, 03:51:31 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 02, 2014, 12:23:10 PM
4.) I see your DW and raise you SCOURGE OF FREAKING WAR. Cinematic, deep gameplay, a ton of expansions and mod support.
Yes, also a great suggestion! I think that game would also sell quite well on Steam. Easy to play with lots of sandbox goodness!
The multi-player is also a lot of fun, although I've had some experiences with stuttery lag at times.
From the Matrix Facebook page.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t1.0-9/1509902_734022689951951_2454495272183206549_n.jpg?%3Cbr%20/%3Eoh=281078510c403a04f82bc7120977024f&oe=53BFFB5D&__gda__=1406692788_c85eb74cc4ea81b50473d0355e2e7b7c)
That's a rather odd choice. Since ROP is one of the more difficult AGE games to learn.
I would've chosen AJE & BOR, especially since the whole Rome setting is on people's radar at the moment. Or even Birth of America 2 since it doesn't require the army command organization either.
They should definitely put up the Distant Worlds and SOW series, as mentioned. I can see those as appealing to the widest range of potential casual purchases. I didn't mention Qvadriga because it has (or is getting) a tablet version so perhaps that shouldn't be a Steam priority over others.
I'm thinking that Slitherine/Matrix is only putting up their older slower selling titles and keeping the newer stuff in-house right now, though.
Quote from: Nefaro on May 08, 2014, 05:04:34 AM
I'm thinking that Slitherine/Matrix is only putting up their older slower selling titles and keeping the newer stuff in-house right now, though.
I think you've nailed it.
I'm sure that's why
Distant Worlds isn't on there yet as well. They'll wait til at least a year after the
Universe package goes on their own shelves before they put it on Steam.
Quote from: Nefaro on May 08, 2014, 05:04:34 AM
That's a rather odd choice. Since ROP is one of the more difficult AGE games to learn.
I guess their theory is if Pr0n is already on Steam, anything less complex is less complex by comparison? On the other hand, ROP isn't especially an old title compared to other Ageod games, so Slither is showing some range in putting up relatively new titles.
Quote from: Nefaro on May 08, 2014, 05:04:34 AMI would've chosen AJE & BOR, especially since the whole Rome setting is on people's radar at the moment. Or even Birth of America 2 since it doesn't require the army command organization either.
Very much agreed on both points.
For Liberty! would be a good alternate non-AGE system choice.
[/quote]
Hi guys,
The reason we brought Pride of Nations and Rise of Prussia to Steam was because they were already there before under Paradox. We updated and reactivated them more or less.
Other games we currently have on Steam are: Panzer Corps, Battle Academy and Pandora. We are preparing more games for Steam, some of which we probably will announce at Home of Wargamers this week. I can say that it will include some new releases.
Quote from: Surtur on May 12, 2014, 11:08:52 AM
Hi guys,
The reason we brought Pride of Nations and Rise of Prussia to Steam was because they were already there before under Paradox. We updated and reactivated them more or less.
Other games we currently have on Steam are: Panzer Corps, Battle Academy and Pandora. We are preparing more games for Steam, some of which we probably will announce at Home of Wargamers this week. I can say that it will include some new releases.
Thanks for the info. I stand corrected.
Quote from: Surtur on May 12, 2014, 11:08:52 AM
Hi guys,
The reason we brought Pride of Nations and Rise of Prussia to Steam was because they were already there before under Paradox. We updated and reactivated them more or less.
Other games we currently have on Steam are: Panzer Corps, Battle Academy and Pandora. We are preparing more games for Steam, some of which we probably will announce at Home of Wargamers this week. I can say that it will include some new releases.
Thanks for the clarification. Look forward to seeing both the old and new that you put on Steam.
The whole Steam thing will probably also be a topic during the Question Time at Home of Wargamers tomorrow. If you have any specific questions, you can also send them to us (BartS@Slitherine.co.uk) and we will try and fire them at JD.
Ladies and Gentlemen...
Advanced Tactics Gold
http://store.steampowered.com/app/310390/
Quote from: jomni on August 15, 2014, 06:51:12 AM
Ladies and Gentlemen...
Advanced Tactics Gold
http://store.steampowered.com/app/310390/
This is one I've been tempted to try but didn't during the Matrix holiday sales. I wonder what the pricing will be?
Yeah, I saw that, too, but didn't remember it was from Matrix. Super-astonished.
I'm going to guess that they're floating it as a test for how well a harder-core game would do on Steam, preparatory to opening up the Grigsby Lifestyle Modulation Challenges and things of that ilk. :D
(Like maybe WW1G, cough cough... >:D )
Since early May, by the way, when the thread started we've seen Distant Worlds go up (as Distant Worlds Universe); Qvadriga; and the last of the old-engine Close Combat games (Gateway to Caen). Those were recommended upthread.
Also Pandora (which actually hadn't been released yet when Surtur from Slither told us about it); the latest AGEOD game CW2 (and its expansion); and the newly developed multi-platform (PC and pad) Frontline: Road to Moscow.
And now (in about half a day remaining) ATG.
ATG! ATG! Say it quickly now with me!
ATG! ATG! Say it quickly now with me!
ATG! ATG! Say it quickly now with me!
ATG! ATG! Say it quickly now with me!
ATG! ATG! SAY IT QUICKLY NOW WITH ME!
(note: never played ATG. Still kinda pumped about it being there. :) )
Next up, I shall use our reality-bending powers to suggest the Conflict of Heroes games (which I think would make a ton of sense on Steam as colorful as attractive turn-based games with respectful pedigrees, opening up the way for L&L);
Espana 1936 (for the oh-you-like-AGEOD-huh-well-here's-something-you-definitely-aren't-going-to-find-anywhere-else recent release which could stand some extra exposure);
and the Command Ops games (which would be completely insane but what the hell are reality-bending powers for otherwise?)
I think Conflict of Heroes would be awesome on Steam. (What I really want is Conflict of Heroes on ipad!!! but that's another story). Fantastic game.
Also hope that the other Viktor Reikjerz titles will be offered now that AT Gold is up: Decisive Campaigns Warsaw to Paris and Case Blue. Again, both are absolute gems.
They used Das' LetsPlay for one of the Steam videos. Which is cool but it's cut off before he actually starts playing the game in earnest. So you just see him talking about the game setup screens. ;D
Quote from: jomni on August 15, 2014, 06:51:12 AM
Ladies and Gentlemen...
Advanced Tactics Gold
http://store.steampowered.com/app/310390/
I was about to fire this one up again for the weekend. Think I'll nab my Steam code while I'm at it.
Uhh...
http://store.steampowered.com/app/261470/
Distant Worlds, anyone? Or is this not right (it does say "universe" at the end...) - I never played it so I don't know.
Quote from: sandman2575 on August 15, 2014, 10:29:26 AM
Also hope that the other Viktor Reikjerz titles will be offered now that AT Gold is up: Decisive Campaigns Warsaw to Paris and Case Blue. Again, both are absolute gems.
This, this, a thousand times this!
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 15, 2014, 08:59:00 AM
Since early May, by the way, when the thread started we've seen Distant Worlds go up (as Distant Worlds Universe)
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on August 15, 2014, 11:30:32 AM
Uhh...
http://store.steampowered.com/app/261470/
Distant Worlds, anyone? Or is this not right (it does say "universe" at the end...) - I never played it so I don't know.
Yep, that's the full DW collection, including the newest expansion.
And you guys all think DW is the cat's meow, I take it?
I love good space-themed 4x games, but haven't gotten into one lately. I do have GCII, but keep getting distracted by shiny bits elsewhere.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on August 15, 2014, 01:01:49 PM
And you guys all think DW is the cat's meow, I take it?
I love good space-themed 4x games, but haven't gotten into one lately. I do have GCII, but keep getting distracted by shiny bits elsewhere.
Buyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyit.
(Hey, I never said I was subtle. :P )
Quote from: Martok on August 15, 2014, 01:34:15 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on August 15, 2014, 01:01:49 PM
And you guys all think DW is the cat's meow, I take it?
I love good space-themed 4x games, but haven't gotten into one lately. I do have GCII, but keep getting distracted by shiny bits elsewhere.
Buyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyit.
(Hey, I never said I was subtle. :P )
LOL. That's a glowing recommendation. However, I won't buy it for sixty bucks...no way in hell that would go over well in my house. Too bad they don't offer the base game.
Let's turn the question around:
What Matrix games shouldn't be on Steam?
Yeah, some Matrix games are very much "niche" games, but I've seen games for sale on Steam which are highly niche-y (he said philosophically).
Quote from: jomni on August 15, 2014, 06:51:12 AM
Ladies and Gentlemen...
Advanced Tactics Gold
http://store.steampowered.com/app/310390/
So if I already own AT:Gold from Matrix do I get a Steam key?
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on August 15, 2014, 01:01:49 PM
And you guys all think DW is the cat's meow, I take it?
I love good space-themed 4x games, but haven't gotten into one lately. I do have GCII, but keep getting distracted by shiny bits elsewhere.
I just couldn't get into GalCiv I or II. Just too thin for my tastes. Gimme the Distant Worlds info onslaught any day!
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on August 15, 2014, 04:14:03 PM
Quote from: Martok on August 15, 2014, 01:34:15 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on August 15, 2014, 01:01:49 PM
And you guys all think DW is the cat's meow, I take it?
I love good space-themed 4x games, but haven't gotten into one lately. I do have GCII, but keep getting distracted by shiny bits elsewhere.
Buyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyitbuyit.
(Hey, I never said I was subtle. :P )
LOL. That's a glowing recommendation. However, I won't buy it for sixty bucks...no way in hell that would go over well in my house. Too bad they don't offer the base game.
DW: Universe is the whole collection. It's a standalone that includes all previous releases.
You have to register your serial thru slitherine.com. Once you key is registered, you can redeem a Steam key.
Trey
Quote from: Staggerwing on August 15, 2014, 05:59:09 PM
Quote from: jomni on August 15, 2014, 06:51:12 AM
Ladies and Gentlemen...
Advanced Tactics Gold
http://store.steampowered.com/app/310390/
So if I already own AT:Gold from Matrix do I get a Steam key?
Good to know. Thanks :)