Imperator following the footsteps of EU IV?

[manager2525]

So a question to the community, how would you feel if they would announce that a new PDX studio would be taking over the development of Imperator like Paradox Tinto has taken over the development of EU IV?
As mentioned the decision of putting the game on hold was taken (also) because there was a difficulty in finding developers as there was also a need to reinforced the other titles of PDX. Probably setting a studio in Barcelona also took into consideration that it was easier (and probably also cheaper) to set up a studio there. In theory it would be easier (supply and demand) to set up a studio in South or Eastern Europe if PDX wanted. A lot of software companies set shop in countries like Czech Republic or Poland. What are your thoughts, would you see something like that positive or have the first baby steps of Tinto discourage you?

 

[Herennius]

For three reasons I would have little problems with this step:

1) If the alternative is no development and since there are legacy versions just in case...what would be the risk we are taking here?

2) I don't feel comfortable with judging Tinto, but assuming for a moment I share the impression that they have "performed bad in their first project" - is that an inevitable outcome of the move to put a game in the hands of a new studio? I don't think so - their is always the risk to fail, but for me the reason for failure is not this general step, but rather individual reasons of the case.

3) Lets not forget - IR has already experience with this. Remembering Thalassic and the wonders? Yes, you can argue that they weren't the most pressuring and important addition to IR (and if IRs development should never resume, you can make the point that they got added before more important stuff was added/fixed), but for sure their addition didn't make the game worse.

 

[IsaacCAT]

For me it depends on the typology of the professionals in the new studio and their vision for the game.

Human factor is more important than being developed in PDS or elsewhere. I do not think PDS has a monopoly or the secret sauce for a successful redevelopment of I:R. Being in the same office building allows for many interactions and pushes for better results. However, I do think that professionals are more important than the company.

Which professionals do I think would be good for the next phase in I:R? Well, I am quite biased here, as I love mechanics and certain type of content above others. But I will say something like:

• Inspired Game Director with love for the Historic Period, attention to detail, very good computer skills and seasoned in group dynamics
• Funny content creator that engages frequently with the community
• Diligent bug squishier computer programmer with a nearly perfect record in almost bug free releases
• Risk taking UX designer with original thinking and deep integration with fellow nerds

That would be the core team IMHO, the I TEAM.

 

[Godd_Howard]

I can't really blame the EU4 devs for Leviathan if I'm being honest. That's all on management. From what I've seen the Tinto team is very responsive to the community on the forum and is actively fixing the mess that was created by the management.(but you could step it up with fixing the development overdosing next patch guys, I beg you).
I haven never worked for Paradox but I have worked in an environment simillar to what the devs go through theese days, especially with the virus and all.

So yeah I would be more than happy to see anyone at all working on Imperator. There is a megaton of suggestions on this forum they can look through and do the game justice it truly deserves.

 

[DukeLeto42]

The only problem with farming it out - a problem common in any situation where lots of specialized knowledge about a system's operation is developed over time - is that you generally need at least some people on board familiar with its peculiarities.

This isn't an argument against another studio at all, but I would be concerned if nobody who had worked on I:R before was on the project, at least until the studio put out its first release. You always need someone to go "hey sorry that won't work because [minor design decision made years ago that is now wired into core systems]."

 

[manager2525]

Absolutely agree with you all! I wouldn't blame the Devs (Tinto) in our case for a top management decision to rush Leviathan. It is reasonable that it will be more difficult for them to adapt and probably working less effective (learning curb and all) even if they have guidance from the members of the old team.
I really wish that imperator would be considered for the same treatment being worked in another studio (country). It just feels such a same to give it up as it started getting better and better reviews. A higher player count seemed a very big possibility in the near future.

 

[Me_]

Nothing like having the game be broken for a month or two "to let the devs learn", with no guarantee of it ever being unbroken. I think that some paradox games should not get the "constant development" treatment and just be finished products.

 

[manager2525]

Nothing like having the game be broken for a month or two "to let the devs learn", with no guarantee of it ever being unbroken. I think that some paradox games should not get the "constant development" treatment and just be finished products.

I have no knowledge of the gaming industry but I suppose that releasing a patch while knowing it has several important bugs and issues is something that is probably decided by the higher levels (management) so if you need to put the blame somewhere this should probably be the decision makers.

Imho "constant development" is not inherently bad or good. If a game is released on a good state and not as a skeleton just to receive DLCs I do not find something bad with putting out addition features as part of a DLC later in the development. This is especially true if the DLCs are well made and worth their money (Holy Fury anyone). In addition one is not obliged to purchase every last DLC if they feal they are not worth it. Imperator is a game I have already invested a lot of time so purchasing an additional 10 or 20 Euro DLC that will give an additional play time of 200 hours for example is well worth it.

 

[Paghalay]

set up a studio in South or Eastern Europe

I know Creative Assembly have a studio in Sofia, and I believe they made Total War Troy.

 

[Godd_Howard]

I know Creative Assembly have a studio in Sofia, and I believe they made Total War Troy.

I shouldn't go down the rabbithole of why I hate Sega and CA but I must say it. I hope Paradox Interactive games never fall as low as Total War, Dawn of War and Company of Heroes.

 

[LSF]

If the new studio did the same quality-job Tinto did, it would be better I:R stay in its current state...

 

[Lamisatr]

No thanks. Leave IR to modders and the community.

 

[Lord Lambert]

Funny content creator that engages frequently with the community

Hey I qualify, right?