$90 Friggin' Dollars!!!! I'm sorry, but are they insane?
Yes, the game looks awesome, but $90 for early alpha access? I just do not get it. Didn't they raise over $2,000,000 (yes, that says two MILLION dollars) on Kickstarter? WTF?
Same here. I was really stoked up for this, then saw the price on Steam. Crazy!
^...and NO single player content? I am just totally at a loss. You raise literally 2.3 million dollars and then try to charge $90 for early access and there is no SP campaign or skirmishes? Seriously...this is where I draw the line. I WILL NOT BUY THIS GAME as things currently stand.
Even more so as its only an early pre-release version. It does seem to allude to lower prices later in the year as the game gets nearer to a full release version, but even then, it seems a way over the top price for what it is.
I'm seriously disapointed with this one :-((
I cannot even tell what the hell it is. Some sort of Starcraftish type game?
A bit difficult to define really.
Steam really needs to add another tab for alpha/beta game sales. It's pretty freaking deceiving at first glance. For example today there are two "new" games for sale this one and unepic. However neither is actually a gold release. Both are alpha/beta releases. I thought this is what greenlight was for but apparantly not.
It doesn't look that good to me anyway, but...yeah...lolz!
Quote from: Bison on June 13, 2013, 02:49:03 PM
Steam really needs to add another tab for alpha/beta game sales. It's pretty freaking deceiving at first glance. For example today there are two "new" games for sale this one and unepic. However neither is actually a gold release. Both are alpha/beta releases. I thought this is what greenlight was for but apparantly not.
$90 for a alpha release, did the Airlines or credit card companies just get into the gaming business? :o Even EA hasn't got the balls to do that, yet! I don't like the idea of buying Alpha/Beta releases (did it once with Elemental, never again) but, selling them just like any other new release is like used car salesman crap.
Quote from: Bison on June 13, 2013, 02:27:42 PM
I cannot even tell what the hell it is. Some sort of Starcraftish type game?
Seems like MP only Total-Annihilation/Supreme-Commander clone.
Quote from: SgtRock on June 13, 2013, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: Bison on June 13, 2013, 02:49:03 PM
Steam really needs to add another tab for alpha/beta game sales. It's pretty freaking deceiving at first glance. For example today there are two "new" games for sale this one and unepic. However neither is actually a gold release. Both are alpha/beta releases. I thought this is what greenlight was for but apparantly not.
$90 for a alpha release, did the Airlines or credit card companies just get into the gaming business? :o Even EA hasn't got the balls to do that, yet! I don't like the idea of buying Alpha/Beta releases (did it once with Elemental, never again) but, selling them just like any other new release is like used car salesman crap.
We should probably be happy it doesn't require some Lo-jack you gotta plug into your USB port in order to run it. That is sent to you a week or two later. :P
Quote from: bob48 on June 13, 2013, 01:22:31 PM
Same here. I was really stoked up for this, then saw the price on Steam. Crazy!
I think its being misread and overly reacted to .... they had to charge that as early access was one of the things included at the higher reward level in their kickstarter campaign. they could hardly put that in a reward tier and then charge less on steam.
the full final game will cost the same as any normal game - but the price on steam is a reflection of the kickstarter rewards tiers. Personally I wouldnt pay for early access in any case (primarily cause it spoils the full game release for me). Its not a normal early access release more an extension of the kickstarter tier and no one has to buy in if they dont want to...
Quote from: Zulu1966 on June 14, 2013, 08:15:39 AM
...and no one has to buy in if they dont want to...
I find this comment to be somewhat insulting, and pretty ignorant, as well, particularly from the standpoint of a consumer. I hear it repeated often, so I'm not just quoting you for it.
I'm aware of the fact that I do not "have to buy it." And guess what, because of the price, I won't be.
You cannot compare the price of a kickstarter campaign to the price offered on a retail outlet. The purpose is entirely different. Kickstarter is meant to FUND a project so that it can be developed. Therefore, if people want to "donate" or pay a premium, thats one thing. However, Steam is a retail outlet, and the purpose of selling at retail is to make PROFIT. It is no longer about funding...they had their chance for that and they managed to make over two MILLION dollars.
Now they are just making profit, and at $90 a ticket, its gross profit.
While we are on the subject of steam as a retail outlet, I feel steam is really starting to blur the line between crowd funding, retail sales and even re-releasing of older titles similar to GOG.com. The blurring of these lines is most troubling when it comes to releasing a game like Planetary Annihilation at a price point of $90. It is not in the greenlight program. It shows up on the main page as a general retail release. Although one can go to the game's retail page and read that the game is in alpha, some people do not know what this means. It leads to confusion in the marketplace and I find it hard to believe that this is unintended.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 14, 2013, 08:39:36 AM
You cannot compare the price of a kickstarter campaign to the price offered on a retail outlet. The purpose is entirely different. Kickstarter is meant to FUND a project so that it can be developed. Therefore, if people want to "donate" or pay a premium, thats one thing. However, Steam is a retail outlet, and the purpose of selling at retail is to make PROFIT. It is no longer about funding...they had their chance for that and they managed to make over two MILLION dollars.
Now they are just making profit, and at $90 a ticket, its gross profit.
While we are on the subject of steam as a retail outlet, I feel steam is really starting to blur the line between crowd funding, retail sales and even re-releasing of older titles similar to GOG.com. The blurring of these lines is most troubling when it comes to releasing a game like Planetary Annihilation at a price point of $90. It is not in the greenlight program. It shows up on the main page as a general retail release. Although one can go to the game's retail page and read that the game is in alpha, some people do not know what this means. It leads to confusion in the marketplace and I find it hard to believe that this is unintended.
+1 Sorry, but I will not purchase anything from this developer.... they had their kickstarter..... and it is not our fault if they grossly underestimated their needed funds. From an objective point of view it appears to be a money grab or they think we are fools.
Planetary Annihilation = Universal Fail
PE
Are we all sure that it's not some kind of mistake?
Someone confusing 19 and 90 $ (they do sound similar)
Quote from: Tpek on June 14, 2013, 09:13:35 AM
Are we all sure that it's not some kind of mistake?
Someone confusing 19 and 90 $ (they do sound similar)
Its actually listed at $89...so giving them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps they meant $8.99. ::)
Funny, usually alpha / beta is cheaper than retail.
Anyway, I'll wait until it's out at retail price.
I like that the world is round, which means you can attack from different angles, and your defense must be 360 degrees or more (I see there's death from above).
It is 89.99.... it is an Alpha... and it has been done before.
June through August: $90 for early alpha access, during the time where we're still locking down features and making tweaks to the flow of the game. This access is permanent access - you will be able to play through alpha, beta and on through retail. (Galactic Edition Equivalent with all addons)
PE
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 14, 2013, 09:43:14 AM
It is 89.99.... it is an Alpha... and it has been done before.
June through August: $90 for early alpha access, during the time where we're still locking down features and making tweaks to the flow of the game. This access is permanent access - you will be able to play through alpha, beta and on through retail. (Galactic Edition Equivalent with all addons)
PE
I'm not sure exactly what you get with the "Galactic Edition" or how many "addons" there will be...but, offering some form of additional content makes the price scheme a little more acceptable. however, since it is the ONLY price option at this time, I still stand by my earlier comments.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on June 14, 2013, 09:47:39 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 14, 2013, 09:43:14 AM
It is 89.99.... it is an Alpha... and it has been done before.
June through August: $90 for early alpha access, during the time where we're still locking down features and making tweaks to the flow of the game. This access is permanent access - you will be able to play through alpha, beta and on through retail. (Galactic Edition Equivalent with all addons)
PE
I'm not sure exactly what you get with the "Galactic Edition" or how many "addons" there will be...but, offering some form of additional content makes the price scheme a little more acceptable. however, since it is the ONLY price option at this time, I still stand by my earlier comments.
My beef is that the game is in Alpha and to already say there will be "addons" when the primary game is not even complete seems to be foolish and with their development resume I would say way too premature.
PE
^Good point. While they likely have charted out the content they plan to be included in the initial retail release, as well as some content they plan on releasing in the future with add-ons, I agree that at the alpha stage, where you are not yet feature complete, any discussion of charging extra for add-ons which may or may not be released is "a bit" premature.
The issue that annoys me. I've said it once, JH's said it, and I'll say it again. Steam and publishers are blurring the line and deceiving customers by selling alpha/beta state games as new releases. This suggests that the game has reached the final gold build and is ready for mass consumption. They need to create a separate tab for games in pre-release state and advertise it as such.
On the price. It's the developer and publisher's call on pricing. I think $90 is high. That being said I paid $70 for Battles for the Bulge from Panther Games. Why? Because I like the game system and I want Panther Games to continue to make games. Was it over priced? Clearly yes, because it was reduced in price a year later or so. Do I regret paying that much? No. Now whether this one is worth it or not I don't know.
Quote from: Bison on June 14, 2013, 10:02:21 AM
The issue that annoys me. I've said it once, JH's said it, and I'll say it again. Steam and publishers are blurring the line and deceiving customers by selling alpha/beta state games as new releases. This suggests that the game has reached the final gold build and is ready for mass consumption. They need to create a separate tab for games in pre-release state and advertise it as such.
On the price. It's the developer and publisher's call on pricing. I think $90 is high. That being said I paid $70 for Battles for the Bulge from Panther Games. Why? Because I like the game system and I want Panther Games to continue to make games. Was it over priced? Clearly yes, because it was reduced in price a year later or so. Do I regret paying that much? No. Now whether this one is worth it or not I don't know.
I think this particular deal (90 for alpha for a game I'm not very interested in) is unappealing, but there have been games I might have paid something like that for to be in the alpha. After all, I paid 32.99 to be in ARMAIII and so far that has been a lot of fun.
While I have no not much interest in paying $90 to be in alpha for this game (mostly because I already paid a stupid amount of money to be in alpha for Mechwarrior Tactics), I do think the game looks promising. I gather that at retail the game will be released in several versions, or with planned DLC, and in effect early supporters are buying what amounts to all the DLC for Crusader Kings 2 ahead of time.
However, unless there is some kind of single-player skirmish at least, I won't buy it. I can barely schedule time properly for turn-based mp. I love Total Annihilation as much as the next geek, and the vibes are strong with this one, but no.
Quote from: Bison on June 13, 2013, 02:27:42 PM
I cannot even tell what the hell it is. Some sort of Starcraftish type game?
more like Total Annihilationish
We play $90 for Gary Grigsby games right? Why not this one?
Because this is not anywhere close to being a complete game, no one knows what it will be like when finished and doesn't appear to be near as deep and technical as WitP or WitE
The game looks like a mix between Total Annihilation and K240/Fragile Allegiance.
It seems the price is set to drop as it gets closer to release. $90 for alpha, $40 for beta...not sure after that. Kickstarter backers who paid $20 get the game.
I'm looking forward to it, but after Stardrive I've decided to just wait until games are released in earnest before I buy in. I don't want to knowingly play a broken or unfinished game. To me its like reading a novel as the writer is brainstorming.
I really wish there was some standardization of Alpha/Beta etc. Beta can mean it doesn't run at all, or it can mean they are just leaving the moniker of Beta to give them leeway with the community as they patch out minor balancing or script issues.
I don't understand how this earned as much as it did in Kickstarter, where it had the same model. Pay more for Alpha, a little less (but still more than release price) for Beta, and slightly above the norm if you have the patience to wait. Who is paying MORE to Alpha and Beta a game?! Seriously, what is wrong with people?
To top that off, the fact that these guys thought they could port that price model over from Kickstarter while apparently assuming there would be no complaints calls their basic business sense in to question.
no single player and a ridiculous price + no go for me - did anyone tell them over half the world is still in recession.....
It looks like a run of the mill RTS... I predict it's $4.99 shovelware for the '14 Xmas Steam sale. Gotta love capitalism. Think I'll wait.
Quote from: ArizonaTank on June 15, 2013, 06:48:16 AM
It looks like a run of the mill RTS... I predict it's $4.99 shovelware for the '14 Xmas Steam sale. Gotta love capitalism. Think I'll wait.
If they pull it off, and it is a big IF, this one could be something different. It allows for taking a battle beginning on one planet and sending forces to another planet, moon, or asteroid and using this as a staging ground to get the upper hand. Their prototype idea is that you could even build jets on asteroids to use them as giant orbital missiles (destroying planets in the process).
The $90 thing is a reflection of their Kickstarter, which had similar pricing for Alpha access, bundled with a lot of premium extras. Many people did sign up at that level - according to the KS page around 5000+ backers (although with the Kickstarter you got extra goodies, no idea with Steam). Basically it looks like they are just offering a fairly popular option on Steam, since they were Greenlit. I don't think they intend to sell the game at this level and it is purely on one's own volition if you think $90 is worth alpha access. Myself, I backed the game on KS at the $20 level. So I get the game when it releases and spent $70 less than the alpha folks. I feel that was good value, IMHO.
I agree with Bison, however. I'm getting tired of alpha and beta level things showing up as "new releases."
.
Just FYI, the Steam page has a statement from the devs. They say that the price for Early Access will reduce the closer it gets to Beta and then release. Again, a weird practice, but it did pay off for them in the Kickstarter.
Quote from: son_of_montfort on June 18, 2013, 10:54:46 AM
Just FYI, the Steam page has a statement from the devs. They say that the price for Early Access will reduce the closer it gets to Beta and then release. Again, a weird practice, but it did pay off for them in the Kickstarter.
Kickstarter is great, but people really should get out of the habit of buying in to betas.
Its only $60 at their own store.... weird
https://store.uberent.com/Store/PreOrder?titleId=4#moreinfo
Quote from: bboyer66 on June 18, 2013, 11:27:44 AM
Its only $60 at their own store.... weird
https://store.uberent.com/Store/PreOrder?titleId=4#moreinfo
Different edition, I think. The one on steam is the Galactic edition, which is the same price on their store.
Quote from: Faux on June 18, 2013, 11:03:56 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on June 18, 2013, 10:54:46 AM
Just FYI, the Steam page has a statement from the devs. They say that the price for Early Access will reduce the closer it gets to Beta and then release. Again, a weird practice, but it did pay off for them in the Kickstarter.
Kickstarter is great, but people really should get out of the habit of buying in to betas.
Well, Kickstarter has some huge negatives as well. In a way it's like people buying into theoretical betas!
Not that I really care, you can join if you want...
Quote from: son_of_montfort on June 18, 2013, 11:45:32 AM
Quote from: bboyer66 on June 18, 2013, 11:27:44 AM
Its only $60 at their own store.... weird
https://store.uberent.com/Store/PreOrder?titleId=4#moreinfo
Different edition, I think. The one on steam is the Galactic edition, which is the same price on their store.
Quote from: Faux on June 18, 2013, 11:03:56 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on June 18, 2013, 10:54:46 AM
Just FYI, the Steam page has a statement from the devs. They say that the price for Early Access will reduce the closer it gets to Beta and then release. Again, a weird practice, but it did pay off for them in the Kickstarter.
Kickstarter is great, but people really should get out of the habit of buying in to betas.
Well, Kickstarter has some huge negatives as well. In a way it's like people buying into theoretical betas!
Nope its the same edition and they just (since I entered my post) raised the price to 90 dollars at their store.... WEIRD
Quote from: Faux on June 18, 2013, 11:03:56 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on June 18, 2013, 10:54:46 AM
Just FYI, the Steam page has a statement from the devs. They say that the price for Early Access will reduce the closer it gets to Beta and then release. Again, a weird practice, but it did pay off for them in the Kickstarter.
Kickstarter is great, but people really should get out of the habit of buying in to betas.
Buying in to Betas is much more widespread than Kickstarter releases.
I typically don't see anything wrong with it, since you're usually paying less to gain access to Alpha/Beta versions. Meanwhile, those early buy-ins keep the money flowing to the developer while they work.
Quote from: Arctic Blast on June 18, 2013, 06:13:51 PM
I typically don't see anything wrong with it, since you're usually paying less to gain access to Alpha/Beta versions. Meanwhile, those early buy-ins keep the money flowing to the developer while they work.
Yeah but this is counter the trend. More expensive than retail.
Quote from: jomni on June 19, 2013, 02:22:50 AM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on June 18, 2013, 06:13:51 PM
I typically don't see anything wrong with it, since you're usually paying less to gain access to Alpha/Beta versions. Meanwhile, those early buy-ins keep the money flowing to the developer while they work.
Yeah but this is counter the trend. More expensive than retail.
Oh, this one makes absolutely no sense to me at all. Very strange.
Well, that's because it is following Kickstarter rules rather than pre-order rules. In a KS, you pay as much as you feel you want to support the developers. Some people will pay multiple times more than the MRSP just to show their support, make sure something gets made, and get a few meaningless special goodies (unless you are talking about boardgame KS, then the extra goodies can be quite substantial).
But, IMHO, this translates poorly to Steam and an online store. Paying over 4 times the retail price for some extra commander options and a headstart is a bit low value.