2 options for online sales of EU

[unmerged(9)]

Paradox should check out www.shrapnelgames.com for a possible solution when it comes to distribution of EU in USA. They've had alot of success with their wargames. They only sell online and it has proven to be a viable solution (shelfspace in USA costs more than it tastes).

Another solution is to sell it directly through Paradox. Check www.battlefront.com for a very succesful effort.

Marcus

 

[unmerged(13)]

Marcus,

I've told Johan about Combat Mission, especially after reading all those comments in the strategic news group Methinks Paradox should seriously consider it for customers in overseas countries which won't be lucky enough to get it published there.


Sapura

 

[unmerged(260)]

Paradox might even be able to sell the game through Battlefront.com, as they distribute games other than their own.

OTOH, I'd bet money that schrapnelgames.com would be willing to distribute this game. They already have a wide variety of niche games: Steel Beasts (tank sim), Space Empires 4 (4X game no other publishers were apparently interested in), and Horse & Musket (wargame covering mostly European battles in the 18th century), among others.

 

[Doomdark]

As much as I like the idea of self-publishing I am not sure the world is quite ready for it yet. Putting a game on the store shelves is bound to result in many times the number of sales than an on-line only release.

Besides, Space Empires and Horse and Musket give me the distinct 'homegrown' vibes of a Shareware game. IMHO, Europa Universalis is worth a flashier release.

 

[unmerged(212)]

I promised myself that I wouldn't get drawn into this discussion again, but since marcus started this thread...

I agree with the logic in all of the above suggestions. I also want to reiterate my previous position on Gathering of Developers (G.o.D.) they're now owned by Take2, a larger publisher, but they have a reputation for working with developers. While they clearly have some mainstream type games like KISS: Psycho Circus and Max Payne, don't forget that they published Railroad Tycoon II. For my money RRT2 was one of the deepest games with a unique style of game play.

Again... operators at Jiminov, Inc. are standby by to assist Paradox in any way possible.

 

[unmerged(164)]

That # again is 1-800-jim-inov in the U.S.
Order early and often, pre orders accepted NOW! Also go to http://ww.buyjiminov.com to buy online.

 

[unmerged(258)]

'While they clearly have some mainstream type games like KISS: Psycho Circus and Max Payne'

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I think that pretty well sums up the problem right now. Look at the titles which you just referred to (correctly) as mainstream.

 

[unmerged(259)]

Don't forget that going w/o publisher, even if it lowers sell enable the developper to increase significatively his margin. Shrapnel or Battlefront demonstrate clearly that this is now a viable option.

Also, I think a company named visiware released a prince of persia style game playable one episode at a time, and sold only thru their website.

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Athena Victrix

 

[unmerged(9)]

Athena, just want to add that Shrapnelgames actually is a publisher. The only difference is that they do without shelves .

Btw they have plans to do that too in the future.

Marcus

[This message has been edited by marcusjm (edited 31-08-2000).]

 

[unmerged(260)]

'I'm not sure the world is ready for it {online sales}' Combat Mission, a wargame no less, sold out its printings twice in the first two months after its release with online only sales. Battlefront won't say exactly how many copies they've sold, but its well over 100k. Whats more, the developers get to keep all the profit, rather than giving the bulk of it to publishers and retailers. I think the world is ready for online sales.

 

[Doomdark]

Combat Mission, a wargame no less, sold out its printings twice in the first two months after its release with online only sales. Battlefront won't say exactly how many copies they've sold, but its well over 100k.

Well, that makes me happy to hear. The really important thing is publicity. If people read rave reviews about your product they will gladly order it directly from you.

Paradox needs more publicity.

There are still complications with on-line international trade however. For example, many people still don't use credit cards...

 

[unmerged(260)]

It's certainly true that online sales won't work for everyone. But, if Paradox can't find a North American publisher smart enough to know a great game when they see one, then online sales might be the next best option.

 

[King Christian IV]

You know of anywhere in Denmark where you can order EU online?

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*says like a chicken*

 

[unmerged(234)]

Why? it will be sold in Scandinavia (including Denmark).