Printed manual and CD when bought?

[phildo77]

When Mount and Blade is finally released, will you be releasing it in physical form? Meaning with a CD case and printed manual (and maybe a box)? And if so, will those that have purchased the game in BETA get the CD and manual?

I'm a big fan of physically having the case, CD and manual (and box).

 

[Skyrage]

Heh...odds for 2 people who most likely are not millionaires, paying a publisher for printing CD's and manuals and having them distributed all over the world is very very slim to nonexistant...

 

[Zeno]

I don't see why, with a bit of positive thought and effort, they could not get this game to such a point that a reputable games publisher would look on it favourably and give them some financial help. The talent is there, they just need to find the right outlet for it. With decent backing there is no reason why it should not be sold as a mainstream product.

 

[Skyrage]

Heh...forget any major publishers then...if I guess right, they'd not even dare considering financing this game in any way...

Maybe if one could talk them into having this game as a "minor" release or something, cause frankly, a two-man team won't have too much success in convincing a big publisher...some small-scale one perhaps, but then of course, the release will be quite limited...

Add on top that any profit that would be made; part of it would go to the publishers instead of armagon, which would mean that there'd be a need to jack up the price for the game up considerably...

Even worse, there would be a time pressure as there is the risk that publishers might demand release dates and such...

No, best way to distribute a game so far is the way it's done now, build up income and reputation in the process...and not rely on publishers...yet...

Overal, I have a dislike for any publishers...sure, they print manuals and pretty boxes and all, but they also hog up profits etc...game makers should find ways to circumvent publishers for many many reasons...

 

[Cleitan]

Make a case cover, and let us print it out then we can insert it into a clear case and tadaa!

 

[Keemo]

Even though it would be nice for publicity having a publisher would really cut into whatever profits armagan will get from this. Add in the fact that most major game stores coulden't care less about having shelf space for any PC game that does not have the name Half-Life, GTA, Unreal or Doom in the title and it's a lot of effort.

The online distro method is perfect for a game like this. A high quality PDF manual is useful enough. Maybe a limited edition run of nice printed manuals for an extra fee but that's getting extravagant.

 

[dorni]

I agree with Cleitan and Keemo - printable case and PDF manual would be enough for me. (More than enough, actually. I probably wouldn't print it out anyway.)

 

[JohnathanStrange]

Usually I would like a CD and manual, but if it is available only online, that's cool too.

It would really help M&B if we who are members of other forums put in a good word there. Given the lack of a major publisher and advertising and an online only distribution (at least so far) - we have to rely on word of net.

 

[Ryuta]

I could make PDF file manuals if everything is completed (it's a good practice for me too). Cover is jpeg-ed and put in a folder in the final version and be printed by buyer... We could even have several different versions!

I totally agree on Skyrage, Cleitan and Keemo. As far as I read about the publisher, they're vultures. They'd squeeze as much money as possible from the developer and took legal right for the game so if devs wanted to make M&B2, you have to pay for publishers... They have heir lawers and they exploit laws to take maximum profits, even that means devs got none.

It's not game, but my tutor's son got a contract from a record company (he's a musician). But, when he showed document to his father, he found that if you signed it, you have to work for them for the lest of your life, copyright and profits all goes to the company....

Online is the best option (though I don't have internet connection at home)!

 

[ShadowofDeath92]

its easyer on the internet / to buy get serial key instantly and then download but i would like a manual that can be bought but beta buyers get it for free

 

[Momotaca]

Devil Whiskey did it well. They had a manual online in PDF format. There was also an option to print it off as a small booklet. Using two sided printing option (put the stack of paper back in the printer to do reverse sides) I produced the small half-size booklet, four printed pages to the piece of paper. Worked fine for those occasional times I referenced it.

I agree that the printed manual option is not cost productive, but you do need a manual for people to read when they begin and learn the game. At a minimum, this site should eventually contain an online manual. A viable option might be a hotkey in the game which takes you to the online manual without leaving the game. In that way one can answer the occasional question and continue playing without leaving the game.

 

[Sir Saladin]

Positive thought? damn, that won't even get rid of a horrible president.