Zyphria
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- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
- Messages
- 188
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I can almost guarantee that come 9-30-03, somewhere out there the game would be leaked. Why? Because the developers made a promise to release it on that day, and someone in that company would hold to it. Seems a little illogical doesn't it though? That a company would leak software that makes them money? Yes and no. For one, I've found in the past that leaked games have really improved the marketing. Why? Because it is like a demo in a fashion. As not everyone knows how to obtain such software, you will have a word-of-mouth spread of the game (the best way to market anything is to have someone you know tell you to get it, instead of the company trying to sell it).
Come to think of it, Valve could release the single-player version of HL2 for free, and still make almost as much money in the long run as they would if they charged $29.99 for it. All because the main selling point, like many other solid games, that it is the multiplayer element that is the real bang for the buck.
So Vivendi aside, unexpected show-stoppers aside, come the last day of September, you'll see the forums lighting up about the game. While Valve did manage to keep the entire game bottled up for more than four years (considerably longer than any other game I can think of), I believe if there is a will...there will be a way.
Disclaimer: I do not endorse nor encourage the spread or use of pirated software as it often does hurt the developers who invest their hard work and energy into it. This post is based on my own observations and understanding of the computer game industry, combined with my own hypothesis. Do not take my post as either a threat or a promise.
Come to think of it, Valve could release the single-player version of HL2 for free, and still make almost as much money in the long run as they would if they charged $29.99 for it. All because the main selling point, like many other solid games, that it is the multiplayer element that is the real bang for the buck.
So Vivendi aside, unexpected show-stoppers aside, come the last day of September, you'll see the forums lighting up about the game. While Valve did manage to keep the entire game bottled up for more than four years (considerably longer than any other game I can think of), I believe if there is a will...there will be a way.
Disclaimer: I do not endorse nor encourage the spread or use of pirated software as it often does hurt the developers who invest their hard work and energy into it. This post is based on my own observations and understanding of the computer game industry, combined with my own hypothesis. Do not take my post as either a threat or a promise.
