World in Flames (Matrixgames) looking for beta testers (multiplayer)

[smittyohio]

One of the points I've been trying to communicate is that this game itself is not like our other games.  From a computer wargamer's perspective, I completely agree this is a hard sell.  I think we're likely to sell far more copies to computer wargamers once the AI is available.  From a WIF tabletop wargamer's perspective, I think this release makes much more sense.  So I understand that a pure computer wargamer will have some trouble connecting with this release - that's our challenge, to both make the WIF community happy and explain what is cool about this to the computer wargaming community. 

I somehow fail to understand this business model. Wouldn't it be wiser to aim for a release version of the game that is able to widen the target audience while satisfying the core audience? Why not waiting one more year and bring it out with all features incl. AI and PbEM and see who's buying it? Why not making different versions available for different users? Digital download plus rules in pdf, CD version with pdf rules, CD version with hardcover rules etc..why not let the gamer decide what he wants and needs? This would probably allow you to sell it even to those who might be just interested in it and who could be convinced by the completeness of the product instead of rushing out a version of the game now that is in work for 10 years. Doesn't make any sense from a business perspective imo...

Cynical answer:   They aren't sure PBEM will work well, and that a capable AI is potentially years away at best.

Realistic answer:   They want to get some kind of return on investment, to help fund additional features...  If sales are too low, maybe just punt.

[Grimnirsson]

Fair enough, but if they want to get some kind of return on investment, to help fund additional features as you say, then it would make even more sense to have several versions of the game available to target all potential buyers.

[MikeGER]

IIRC: there will be all kind of versions available. the printed books and the physical map-pack are both optional
and the non-AI-version purchasers now will get a discount on the AI-version (so its like buying an AI-module) in the future...

Actually playing WiF -in whatever format -  seams to be more a way of life then just (war)gaming
I got told there are ppl out there, who play the whole map in 3 vs 3  teams as a boardgame the full war to the very end in several days, deadly serious and bring their opening moves -just like chess-  already pedefined and smarted out on paper to speed up the procedures in the beginning.           

[Grimnirsson]

there will be all kind of versions available.

Ok, then I stand corrected on this one, but still - bringing out the game without AI and PbEM is the wrong move imho.

[Grim.Reaper]

IIRC: there will be all kind of versions available. the printed books and the physical map-pack are both optional
   

Pretty sure only optional item will be the maps...books are required.  This thread seems to indicate the same.

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3451354

[phredd1]

I think there may be a plan in all of this.  It appears at this point that the product at this time is aimed at board gamers. The computer in this is primarily used as a game assist and rule enforcer. If it works well at this, perhaps some of the board gamers would be willing to give the AI a try when it comes out. If that works well, perhaps a good number of those people would be willing to try other computer games, thereby bringing in a few more souls into our hobby.

However the AI is going to have to be really good, as most of the WiF players are probably very serious players and a weak AI will turn them off really quickly.

Actually I have to wonder how many WiF players currently deal in computer gaming. It sounds like WiF probably sucks in all their free time. Did Matrix do some kind of market research on this issue? I'd really like to know what they found out if indeed they did some.

[JudgeDredd]

Manuals are a part of the "base" game purchase.

I also haven't heard anything regarding a discount for early adopters of the game - just that an AI will be available in about a year and will cost.

[JudgeDredd]

I'd like to know the answer to my question re stacks if anyone has any knowledge of it...and also, given this game was for sale at Essen at the weekend, I thought there would be a fresh AAR showing up or perhaps even first impressions.

[Grim.Reaper]

I'd like to know the answer to my question re stacks if anyone has any knowledge of it...and also, given this game was for sale at Essen at the weekend, I thought there would be a fresh AAR showing up or perhaps even first impressions.

Although older posts seems to indicate stacks....

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2147250&mpage=1&key=Stacks&#2153336

[JudgeDredd]

I stand corrected

The number does seem to signify a stack. I had presumed it would be done "the normal way" where you could see the units offset under each other.

Thanks GR

[BigBlueFleet]

there will be all kind of versions available.

Ok, then I stand corrected on this one, but still - bringing out the game without AI and PbEM is the wrong move imho.

There are plans for all versions but until they are released they are just that...  Plans.

I didn't realize no PBEM either.   I'll play a wait and see to view where this game is at when the dust settles.  Using just my criteria for game buying the program is not complete if it's missing PBEM and AI.

[GJK]

I like the way that ZunTzu does the drop shadows and counter stacking.  I'd of liked to of seen MWiF adopt something like this instead of the number above the counter.  Here's a screenshot from the gamebox that I did for John Prados' Third Reich:

[Grimnirsson]

Very nice Gary :)

[GJK]

Very nice Gary :)

Thanks.  The map I drew, the counters are scans of the original countersheets.  I just always liked the drop shadow and stacking in ZunTzu gameboxes.  It really looks like a game on the table and a picture was taken.  Anyways....

[Grimnirsson]

But that's not all that was new. To celebrate the release of the digital version of World in Flames - the King of all Monster Games - Slitherine had invited over Harry Rowland, one of the original designers of the boardgame, for a meet & greet session with the fans who could get their exclusive game with printed maps signed by him.  This game is not for the faint of heart and after speaking with several fans I got a glimpse of what this game means to them: a real grognard challenge to dwarf all other challenges.

hm...no word about the price...

http://wargamer.com/article/3465/event-coverage-spiel-2013-a-convention-report