Other advantages we saw:
- It reduces lead times (print lead times are 6-8 weeks)
- Eliminates the need for physical discs
- Allows for flexibility in patching and automatic updates
- Reduces certain (potential) technical issues
- Testing of patches before going public
I'm sorry, but this sounds like marketing blather. Let's take a look at the points:
- It reduces lead times (print lead times are 6-8 weeks)
- Eliminates the need for physical discs
So, you're selling a boxed version of the game (see amazon.com), citing the advantage of
eliminating the need for a box? Huh? And you're still printing boxes, so you still have the lead time, or am I mistaken?
- Allows for flexibility in patching and automatic updates
Taleworlds has used patching since way before Steam, and there are other ways you could do this, isn't there? This is possibly the only valid point you have made here, in my view. Steam guarantees you that all users use the most up-to-date version possible. You might sell it as good for consumers, I see it as restricting my choices, but it's fully understandable.
- Reduces certain (potential) technical issues
- Testing of patches before going public
Again, this is sounds suspiciously like blather. "Reduced certain (potential) technical issues? The "(potential)" bit is the most glaring indication that this is marketing talk -- never admit to problems!
Plus, completely ignore the fact that it creates
new technical issues. Testing patches is also fully possible outside of Steam.
3. Could we have made it clearer that the Steam installer is included? Absolutely, currently the box has an information section about it but we'll look into how we can make it even clearer moving forward.
Yes please. This is very nice to hear. I wouldn't buy anything that needs me to connect to Steam, so knowing this beforehand is a must. Good to hear that you are learning from this experience!
Please note that I do not wish to "bash" Steam, I just have no intention of using them. Please also note that I do not wish to sound like a troll, but I am genuinely interested in your thoughts behind these steps.