Why Not Delay the Release of CXL?

[jabezscratch 159]

Blizzard has delayed the release of StarCraft 2 b/c they realize how much is at stake in getting such a revered game just right before its release.  By the same token, CXL (read: unofficial sequel to SC4) needs to be polished and "ready-to-wear" upon release.  Yet I read the recent Interview with MC in the ST Blog along w/ other postings in the forums and have to conclude that CXL simply is not finished.  Policies on custom content have not been finalized according to MC, mass transit still has to be perfected, user interface needs to be refashioned, etc., etc.

I know that patches are an integral part of modern PC gaming but a patch is a bandaid, not surgery, and it sounds like CXL needs a few more visits to the OR right now -- STAT!

I just don't want to end up w/ a half-finished game on October 9 and be expected to shell out monthly fees from the get-go in the hope that the game developer will get around to fixing the serious problems.

[manuelandrei 0]

The game is already delayed. It was supposed to launch at the beginning of September. I don't expect the game to be bug free on the launch date.

[USA_Pride 49]

I noticed a few minor UI bugs in the demo, including a large window with null data, but the window wasn't closable. The only major issue I ran into bug-wise was the farm-crash to desktop issue, where if you make a lot of farms without taking a break the game crashes to desktop.

Beyond the bugs I would say there is a lot of polishing and finishing to do. I would prefer to see that supported by the offering of an expansion pack, but unfortunately it looks like anything beyond minor bug fixes will only be for the folks with the deeper pockets; the monthly subscribers.

Also, the trading system needs some major tweaking, but I think the best way to find out what tweaking is to see how people use (and abuse) it once the game is launched.

[soldyne 111]

at the present time I don't think a postponement is possible, it is too close to the official release date and I am sure there are contracts they have to fulfill with all of their distributors.

should they have pushed the date back a few months ago, possibly. the problem with telling the public about your game so early on as MC did is that the community builds up this bubble of anticipation and, IMHO, gamers are not a patient crowd.

in the vernacular of a StarCraft game player waiting for a map to load, "gogogogogogogo!!!11!"

also, MC is not what you would call 'A list' as far as developers go, so, they need to get their game out there on the market in order to start making back some of their investment. Blizzard can delay all it likes, it has a very loyal fan base that is willing to give them some space with lots of well known products and lots of income from WoW and D2 sales (another classic game BTW). MC might not be able to afford any more delays and so going to market with a few bugs is a calculated risk they are obviously willing to take.

[crazychickensc12 84]

Blizzard makes 11,000,000 X $15 from WoW = A Staggering $165,000,000/month give or take a bit because I'm not sure how many of those are active and that also does not count the revenue they are making from Name Changes($10) Male/Female Changes($15) Server Transfers($25) Faction Changes ($30) or Server/Faction Changes($55).

And I Highly doubt they are using all that money to keep WoW online so they can postpone for days because they are making a staggering amount of money. MC needs to get CXL on the shelves and creating revenue so that they continue work on it and get some releases out.

*Swat you sneaky man with your all white text!!

[jabezscratch 159]

Originally posted by: crazychickensc12

MC needs to get CXL on the shelves and creating revenue so that they continue work on it and get some releases out.

quote>

Fair comment but a buggy, unpolished product won't sell well.  CXL is not being released into a vaccuum like some new game title.  CXL has an entire community of SC players just waiting on the release date to get on the forums and share their thoughts and impressions.  Those comments will have a huge impact on whether or not those who haven't bought the game yet will ultimately buy the game.

Realistically, I know that MC would not push back the release date.  The fact that pushing it back would probably help greatly is a sad commentary on the state of the game IMO.

[kevinj319 0]

There are most likely contracts involved with the publisher. You can push the date so many times as specified by the contract, but at a certain point either you go or they cancel it.

[citiesxlfan42 27]

Cities XL was from the start, very, VERY ambitious. This is what caused MC to go backrupt or near bankrupt. The game has gotta go on the shelves or MC is toast. Good or not, the game needs money. BTW, what other GOOD games did MC ever come out with?

[8elhaj 0]

citiesxlfan42

I dont remember any official statements of MC getting bankrupt...

anyway, this is a good idea, to delay it, i dont mind even if i already ordered my copy. but it wont happen

[Msprintz 25]

Originally posted by: citiesxlfan42

BTW, what other GOOD games did MC ever come out with?quote>

If you look at the games they've produced that would be the Fire Department series.  Of course looking at the screenshots that game doesn't really appear to match the Emergency series by competitor Sixteen Tons Entertainment. 

[el_roy1985 0]

Delay the game and have a 'pay to play' beta to help cover further production costs, Then everyone can still play and help finish the game at the same time. When the game is released, people will gladly purchase the game and want to pay all these fees that may be included. All because they would know it's a quality game that they helped perfect.

Right now, everyone will have have to take a blind, leap of faith. Support them by buying the game, and hope they stick around to finish the game that's already been released. I'm not sure if I'm ready to do that. I know some are, and I support you all the way. I want this game to be a success just as much as anyone else. I just don't have the kind of money to throw at a game(with monthly charges), just to hope that it succeeds. If not, I'm left with basically nothing. Not unless somehow we were able to modify it like SC4.

[TigerXtrm 0]

This game being delayed until Christmas next year would be about the best news the community could get at this point.

[DCMetro34 577]

The reason for this current release date is simple, we whined until they did it. We have no one to blame but ourselves.

[Ocram's Razr 964]

Originally posted by: DCMetro34

The reason for this current release date is simple, we whined until they did it. We have no one to blame but ourselves.quote>

I agree with you completely. I did not complain but I know that many others did (but the nixing of the multi lane tool and the original mass-placement tool hurt me deeply).

[Craig-Abcvs 1,595]

 

-SWAT

Mod pileup!  --Liv