From a business standpoint, we like pre-orders. It helps us make post game release decisions, and really helps with budgeting. So how do we encourage pre-orders?
If we give out too many features, or something really valuable, some might think we were intentionally leaving stuff out of the base game.
If we give out small bonuses, like a few game models, some might think that we're overpricing a cheap addition.
So can I pose a question to those of you who dislike the pre-order bonus? What incentive would you find acceptable for pre-ordering?
I must say it is nice to see a company rep engaging on what is a rather tricky area.
I completely understand your reasons for wanting to promote preordering and DLC. Both practices are clearly beneficial for any company. However i thnk its an uphill struggle with this crowd... largely speaking we're a pack of grouchy old grognards who remember the gaming business models of the 90's. From a buyers perspective preordering is clearly a Bad Thing. It just opens us up to paying money for a game which might not be any good. DLC is generally overpriced for what it is (Typically say 10% of a base game cost for 1% of the base game content).
I personally think the day one DLC is really ropey territory. Companies will always state that it wasn't intended for the base game and that it is new content... the reality is that any content available on day one
could have been included as standard, but a decision was made to monetise it (or use it as incentive to lock in pre-order cash flow.
In terms of what would make me preorder:
The only game I have ever pre-ordered was EU4... mostly because I am a complete fanboy and knew that even if it turned out to eb rubbish (which I considered unlikely) I was inevitable that I would buy it, so I might as well pick up a 10% discount or whatever was offered.
To make me preorder an unknown game (like C:SL), the incentive would need to outweigh the perceived risk. My rough evaluation of the industry is that they make 'good' game jsut over half the time... so something like a 40% discount would make me preorder. But I can't see any company wanting to do that.
The only DLC I order are significant content expansions. Gods and Kings, Enemy Within etc. I also make an exception and order all of their mini-expansions due to fanboyism. Cosmetic DLC are avoided (With the exception of Crusdaer kinds consmetic stuff when on 75% discout... again fanboyism coupled with a moderate heraldry fetish).
In short, I hope C:SL is very successful and CO become the new kings of city builders. I'll certainly be buying it if early review are above average... but I'm afraid that I hope you DLC and preorder campaigns are unsucessful (nothing personal, I wish that upon every game).
Interesting I guess to note that the only outfit i am happy buying DLC off or preordering from is PDS... and that is pretty much because I have developed trust in them (largely from the time when they made decisions that were clearly gamer-friendly (and not too business savvy). It will be interesting to see how that trust survives with their newer, more corporate clothes on.
