I'd like the possibility of a physical copy, because often some companies which don't have to pay massive taxes sell their merchandise at a bargain price.
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
You guys seem to miss the greatest point of a digital only release: making piracy harder. I started playing Eu3 and Vic2 by downloading pirated versions, and they were incredibly easy to get because of the cd version having no anti-piracy feature... I then bought the games, because as an IT aspirant I know I might be the in the same situation in the future, but most don't share my consciousness. Having it fully depend on steam or whatever way of digital distribution makes it a hard task to pirate it, and EU isn't a game most would consider worthy of their time to crack.
I wouldn't have started playing if it weren't for piracy, and many would agree (see minecraft) so I think fighting it is a backfire. But you can't blame them for thinking that...
I wouldn't have started playing if it weren't for piracy, and many would agree (see minecraft) so I think fighting it is a backfire. But you can't blame them for thinking that...
While I prefer physical copies as a whole, I realize that digital downloads are just so much more convenient. So long as I can continue to get my Paradox games off GamersGate (where I can actually, you know, own the game rather than 'renting' it and having to be connected 24/7 like Steam) then I'll be pleased.
Bro, bro, even when the physical releases are just big boxes containing a Steam code, no popular game manages to stay off of the Torrent circuit for more than a week after launch. IIRC, Civ5 was Steam only and it still got pirated with minimal effort. Any security measure developed by humans can be compromised by humans.
Not really. It's very straightforward, CD's aren't nearly as profitable as a digital, so the CD's are getting the axe.
Even though I've always bought online, the first Paradox games I ever saw were in retail stores. (Rome and EU3)
Also, don't say the 'p' word, you'll get an infraction.
Also, don't say the 'p' word, you'll get an infraction.
I would like a box for such an important game, like someone else said, have a collectors edition with a map, box, etc for like $80.
honestly it's come to the point where I associate physical release with something completely different than a boxed copy.
And digital distribution allows them to reach more customer all around the world than using CD's. It is easier to find a girlfriend than finding a original boxed version of paradox games in my country.
And frankly, digital distribution is the only logical choice for me to buy paradox games (the other choice is order it via amazon/ebay/play-asia/etc and then wait for 3-4 weeks, and not to mention the very expensive shipping rates and custom fees and other tax)
... and cherishing every one of them.
While I always prefer hard-copy, I can live with downloads. All I hope is that I get decent internet before this comes out.
I used to love them too but then I ran out of shelf space.
Steam releases are usually cracked the same day they are out, and Paradox games don't have DRM on steam anyway, they rely on people being honest.
The only DRM that's anywhere near effective in stopping piracy is Ubisoft/Blizzard style where you have to connect to their server to play, but this kind of DRM annoys gamers and probably costs more sales than you gain. Ubi reported a 90% drop in sales on PC when they introduced the new DRM.
Don't forget also, EU4 will be eu4. Plenty of times I've seen eu3 in stores as I said... wheras I'm sure not many people would have heard of the original crusader kings who only buy stuff in stores. I'm sure this alone would make eu4 much more popular than ck2 physically wise.
The greatest point of making a release digital only is not having to spend the bloody time and money on predicting how many boxes you'll need to pay for up front, producing boxes and discs and printing manuals, shipping filled boxes, and fighting for severely limited shelf space in shops via negotiations with national/regional chains of distribution, each of whom have their own policies and concerns. Once you've reached the point that your revenue from digital sales significantly outstrips your revenue from physical sales, it makes excellent sense to throw in the towel and stop doing physical sales entirely, as it means you can terminate an entire category of activities on a corporate level and free yourselves from the constraints that physical media impose upon you. And the smaller your expected market is, the sooner it makes sense to stop paying the costs of physical distribution.
THIS is what digital only means.
One advantage of physical sales is the advertisement factor. I found out about EU3 when I saw it in a shop. How are you going to reach new customers with Digital only releases? Not saying it is not possible, but I'm curious.
Digital can do it well if not better, how many people have bought previous Paradox games at say 75% off during a Steam sale and come to learn what the overall brand is and the other games they may have released? Some people may buy EU4 at launch as a result.
Personally I didn't discover EU3 through a boxed copy (Although I did buy one) I found it through a preview and link to a Demo on Gamespot.
Yes, physical releases are important to draw in new customers. However a collectors edition isn't going to draw in new customers. A $5 bargain edition will draw in new customers.
Three months after EU4 is released Paradox should start selling CK2 in physical form for $5. Similarly, EU4 should be released in $5 physical form three months after their next grand strategy game is released. Thus the release doesn't take away from the sales of their newest project, but instead increases it by bringing in new customers. The $5 would be expected to break even, not make a profit. It would be used as a way to build a customer base.
I paid $2 for EU1, $10 for EU2, and $20 for V2 (that was a mistake). V2 used up my goodwill, so I almost didn't buy CK2 but then I saw it for $10. I ended up paying $13 to buy CK2 with add-ons for a gift. I am thinking about paying the full $40 for EU4. I would not be considering doing that, except that they sold me discounted games all of these years, building my interest and loyalty.
Three months after EU4 is released Paradox should start selling CK2 in physical form for $5. Similarly, EU4 should be released in $5 physical form three months after their next grand strategy game is released. Thus the release doesn't take away from the sales of their newest project, but instead increases it by bringing in new customers. The $5 would be expected to break even, not make a profit. It would be used as a way to build a customer base.
I paid $2 for EU1, $10 for EU2, and $20 for V2 (that was a mistake). V2 used up my goodwill, so I almost didn't buy CK2 but then I saw it for $10. I ended up paying $13 to buy CK2 with add-ons for a gift. I am thinking about paying the full $40 for EU4. I would not be considering doing that, except that they sold me discounted games all of these years, building my interest and loyalty.
Selling a boxed game for under 10€ is a loss. If you buy it in a bargain bin like that, you might as well download it off pirate bay.