Would you like to see more and richer patches?

[PackMan]

As I was reading some threads in this subforum it struck me how really nice some of these ideas are. Most game developers usually support their products with one maby two patches and the reason they don't keep pumping them out is naturally financial aspects. But... I was thinking, if Paradox introduced a way of charging their users for patches introducing new features, would YOU be willing to pay for that? If so, how much?

Being one who truly love Paradox games I would most certainly pay for patches that add new features to the game. The amount would have to be somewhere in between 10$ - 15$ to get me interested and to keep it simple and cheaper, Paradox would only distribute them through download (i.e http://www.gamersgate.com/)

After all, money is what makes the world go around (that includes our favorite game developing company Paradox).

 

[Gul Brown]

An interesting idea...but wouldnt htis be an expansion then? Not bug fixes just adding new content that we pay for. It would be an expansion then no?

I would definently think of getting it for HOI2 [we who dont have doomsday!] although the additions would have to be sufficient enough to merit paying ofcourse.

 

[Pioniere]

That's exactly my point. If Paradox get payed (I'm talking less then the Doomsday expansion) for new patches/addons we would actually see some of these great ideas implemented.

Fredrik said in his post that patches fixing actual bugs in the game should continue to be free so I honestly can't see how this could be a bad idea.

Pay paradox for new ideas ok, but fixing bugs shall be free no barging.

 

[shadow737]

I'm willing to pay for new material, not for mistakes or bugs in the original software.

For example, Doomsday still has the weird deal with the convoy system where the convoys that are no longer in use still are supplied with ships and other convoys that are under attack never seem to get escorts, even after the gamer starts micromanaging the convoys. That seems to me to be a traditional patch problem, something that needs to be worked out and therefore not paid for.

Things that I would be willing to pay for would be new tech tree items, new campaigns, expansions of the game such as several threads have talked about like adding time to either the front or back of the game. For instance if the game started in 1933 or 1928, the game could include the Washington Naval Treaty of the late 1920s that prevented the USA and Great Britain from starting a war over the size of their fleets. Or if the game started in 1933 the whole rise of the Reich and the different political events that shaped that nation could be addressed. Added features or improved featrues like the design your own division system propsed by Hellfire33 would definitely be an item I would like to see and would pay for.

 

[unmerged(42223)]

First thanks to PackMan for bringing this thread up.

I saw three points of interest come up in it.

Paying for improvement patches.
Not paying for bug fixes
Paying for modders versions or patches.

I heartily support all three with enthusiasm and would with money. Paying money for improvement patches or modders patches such as a map editor for a released game such as HOI2_1.3a or DD maybe work on both since they are so close, maybe even work for Vicky. For a modders patch I would pay a premium. Like 100. dollars just for such a modders map editor and the support that might be required for a short season.

To me this is no different than paying for book sequels.


Paradox please consider this idea, maybe have a person or two that only did this and could interface with.

Many sincere thanks for your continued considerations and hard work.

Yukala

 

[stabsoffizier]

For a modders patch I would pay a premium. Like 100. dollars just for such a modders map editor and the support that might be required for a short season.

Paradox please consider this idea, maybe have a person or two that only did this and could interface with.

Well, I do not feel alone anymore I'm much too tired right now, but I consider opening up (and thinking up issues exclusively for it) a thread that is about how to expand the modability of the current game engine. Although there is much demand for expanded modding possibilities (just enter the according subforum) I currently fear it's an issue that's overheard (although I could be wrong).

 

[Mr. G]

I wouldn't pay for bug fixes.
But for HUGE game play improvements. Maybe.

 

[Fredrik II]

I don't like the idea... I have a bad feeling we might end up seeing things that seem like enhancements but should have been in the game in the first place (single province targeting with bombers, spy automation, etc) included with a "premium" patch. =/

Also, is it just me or do many threads with some great ideas (e.g. hellfish6) are seemingly ignored while this thread that offers a suggestion that could make Paradox more money gets a quick response from a dev? =(

We read through the forums a lot and get many great ideas from what people are writing. The reason I commented in this thread was that one of my responsibilities is trying to keep the money coming in to the company.

Like many people say we need to keep a difference between patches/fixes and major enhancements. Sometimes we do not agree which is which (like when someone commented to me that the original HoI2 should have been until 1953, thus Doomsday should be free of charge).

Thanks for all your comments in this thread, we've had some really good discussing regarding this idea internally as well.

F

 

[hellfish6]

Like I said, I'll probably buy any enhancements to HoI2 that Paradox has to offer. I imagine any of us still playing would. There's simply no other game like HoI2 out there for us that even begins to compare.

I'd still like to know what kinds of enhancements Paradox might have in its mind. I mean, if they're all kinda just fluff, it might not be worth doing at all and time might be better spent on the Next Big Thing (HoI3, etc). If they are significant enhancements or even experimental forays into things Paradox hasn't tried before, it might be more interesting.

 

[Mr. G]

Doomsday is an example of what is not a patch, without a expansion.
Especially since it was pretty cheap.

 

[unmerged(42223)]

We read through the forums a lot and get many great ideas from what people are writing. The reason I commented in this thread was that one of my responsibilities is trying to keep the money coming in to the company.

Like many people say we need to keep a difference between patches/fixes and major enhancements. Sometimes we do not agree which is which (like when someone commented to me that the original HoI2 should have been until 1953, thus Doomsday should be free of charge).

Thanks for all your comments in this thread, we've had some really good discussing regarding this idea internally as well.

F

I again am grateful for Paradox's work support and now entertaining these great ideas.

Some of us modders have delved into the HOI2 game maybe more now than those of you who made it. And it is one of the best in many of our opinions. Any more progress here would be extremely welcome.

I with others would as modders be additionally grateful to 'feedback', compile suggestions and roadtest any and all enhancements, improvements etc.

And yes lets pay for it. Without new monies more attention may never be warranted.

Sincerely,

 

[Krantz]

jippi! nice idea!
When do Paradox need my money?

I support expansions for Eu3! o

 

[Joppeius]

Doomsday is an example of what is not a patch, without a expansion.
Especially since it was pretty cheap.

It´s a stand-alone expansion, wich don´t need the original game!
So basicly you are buying Hoi II then you are rebuying it again when you pay for DD!!!

I think that the best thing would be if those "addons" would be implemented in next version of the game, not sold as "addons"!

Else Paradox might just give the game away for almost nothing but demand a monthly fee for playing a udated version... Oups, it´s almost what´s happening if the suggestion in this thread is implemented! Pay to get your game updated...

Pay to get your game updated is a way to splitt up the community in diffrent groups, those who can afford, and those who can´t!

These games live so long because of all the devoted players who makes a lot of changes, mods and events that other player can benefit from!
But if you have to buy every every "addon" to be able to make a mods, or to play a mod, I think that this might be a way to kill a big part of the community!
Ohh, sorry my friend, but you can´t use this mod because you haven´t bought addon no.3, please buy the addon then you can use my mod!
Ohh, congratulation, you have now bought the addon, but now my mod demand addon no.4!!!

I recognize this way of thinking...
Anyone remember Windows 95, 95B, 95C, 98, 98B and so on?
Those poor fellows who bought Win 95 was stuck with many of it´s backdrafts until they could afford to get a newer version of the same OS!
If you don´t belive me, check out the internal version number of Win 95-98!
4.00.950-4.10.2222A Wich isen´t more then a normal patch on every other company, 4 --> 4.1 !!!

This is the same way of thinking! Pay to get "addons" when the basic game is the same... I would rather pay the full $40 every 2-3 years to get a completly new version of a game, then have to pay $20 every year to get "addons" to a old game!

$40 every third year or $40 every third year (still want the new version!) and then $20 each year? The choice is simple! $40 vs. $100...

 

[unmerged(42223)]

Try not to get skepical so bloody quick.


Give Paradox time, space and a little dignity BEFORE you roast them.
:wacko:

 

[Mr.G 24]

It´s a stand-alone expansion, wich don´t need the original game!
So basicly you are buying Hoi II then you are rebuying it again when you pay for DD!!!

Now I'm not one to buy a game just because but I think you are a little too eager to write this off. Doomsday was the same thing and as far as I know we are not paying extra for the original game but instead the new person purchasing Armageddon is paying nothing for the original game. And who says its a stand alone expansion?

I think that the best thing would be if those "addons" would be implemented in next version of the game, not sold as "addons"!

Paradox puts time into making new features one can't expect these new features to be free, although we do occasionally get new scenarios it is not unreasonable to expect to pay for something extra, hence it being a expansion.

Else Paradox might just give the game away for almost nothing but demand a monthly fee for playing a udated version... Oups, it´s almost what´s happening if the suggestion in this thread is implemented! Pay to get your game updated...

Not so, there is a difference between a patch and an expansion, you already know the difference but you are getting Armageddon confused with a patch, although it has been stated as a expansion, granted lets hop Doomsday gets a polished finish before Armageddon is close to being released.

Pay to get your game updated is a way to splitt up the community in diffrent groups, those who can afford, and those who can´t!

True people who say it is just $20 and the likes are ignorant of other peoples monetary position but nonetheless your argument does not have a leg to stand on, are you saying that if Paradox or another company was to make a an expansion which takes a lot of man hours to make and is filled with new features, it should be given away for free as it can't expect all to pay for it?

These games live so long because of all the devoted players who makes a lot of changes, mods and events that other player can benefit from!
But if you have to buy every every "addon" to be able to make a mods, or to play a mod, I think that this might be a way to kill a big part of the community!

I understand where you are coming from but the fact is that almost every patch dictates a new update to any mod in almost any game some updates more complex then others. That is why some mods require you to stay with 1.2 or others with HoI2 and although these additions may kill some mods it will not kill the modding community as each patch/expansion brings about even more modding potential.

Ohh, sorry my friend, but you can´t use this mod because you haven´t bought addon no.3, please buy the addon then you can use my mod!
Ohh, congratulation, you have now bought the addon, but now my mod demand addon no.4!!!

If a mod is made for a Armageddon, why would you expect to play it in an older version? If a mod is made in an older version and goes to the newer version then it has made the decision to support a new format based on the demand of the people playing it, unfortunate however that one cannot afford the new update will have to suffice with the older version because not much is free in this world.

I recognize this way of thinking...
Anyone remember Windows 95, 95B, 95C, 98, 98B and so on?
Those poor fellows who bought Win 95 was stuck with many of it´s backdrafts until they could afford to get a newer version of the same OS!
If you don´t belive me, check out the internal version number of Win 95-98!
4.00.950-4.10.2222A Wich isen´t more then a normal patch on every other company, 4 --> 4.1 !!!

Alas! I agree with you, let us hope Paradox doesn't do the same as windows and stop support of an unfinished Doomsday, although I have a feeling Doomsday will never get all of its proper bug fixes as Armageddon has probably been well under way of production.

This is the same way of thinking! Pay to get "addons" when the basic game is the same... I would rather pay the full $40 every 2-3 years to get a completly new version of a game, then have to pay $20 every year to get "addons" to a old game!

$40 every third year or $40 every third year (still want the new version!) and then $20 each year? The choice is simple! $40 vs. $100...

You see the add-on as recycling old material and when one looks at Doomsday I think I agree, but if one looks at Victoria:Revolutions then you see the extra money spent is worth it as it opens up new game play that was not in the original. Let us hope Armageddon is like V:R but to dismiss it on the basis of its announcement and nothing else is silly.

 

[unmerged(50895)]

Urrah!

From the TRP site:
You heard it here first! Our next project in the works is a booster pack for Hearts of Iron II: Doomsday - "Armageddon". Over the coming weeks we'll fill you in on the details of this Booster pack, expected release date and of course send out teaser screens. But this is what we can reveal so far:

The Booster pack will include two completely new alternative history scenarios, perfect for those looking for new challenges! The scenarios will also have variable end dates and in addition to a variety of new game options, gamers will find new features like:

- New attachments for Naval units, do you scrap or upgrade those old ships?
- Land units can now be built with brigades already attached.
- An Air Naval combat system that radically alters the combat balance.
New damage algorithms for the Air combat system, making organisation more important and allowing air units to fight longer.
Stay tuned!

Paradox, I love you. You'll get my money Was this thread helpful in your decision to come up with an add-on, or had it been in the works before?

I'm so glad there is more life in this game. There simply is nothing out there that compares to Hoi2/DD.

Urrah!

 

[Galverizer]

I wouldn't pay for that. Why do they give out unfinshed games from the start is my questine. Like HOI2(not doomsday) was so damn buggy that it couldn't be played. And you want me to pay them for acctually finishing the game?

I ave tried out a game called Dreamlord they give out updates every week some times 2, fixing only one or two problems at a time but I would prefer that then wait 6-12months for a new patch that fixes 20 problems as paradox patches does.

 

[unmerged(12303)]

i can pay for a booster pack as long as:

1) it REALLY takes care of the bugs and issues that appeared in the last "patched" version
2) it makes the game more moddable - so more of the values should be in the misc.txt/whatever.txt as some of the things that appear are hatchet decisions. Eg the chat sound - I agree a lot of people complained about it but a lot of them wanted it in - why could paradox just add the option to switch it on/off?
3) Add things that acutally are more than just an extra HQ/whatever unit and people can mod themselves - so more features that ARE tested (maybe finally move to open beta after the release of addon?)