cicero said:
Not to start a flame, but I think realistically we shouldn't be too optimistic on the future develope of this game..
Normally an answer such as "when it's done" would diservse two words and they would start with F and U. But since M&B is not a full priced and professionally developed and finaced product, Aramgan diserves some leaway.
Always remeber that you get what you paid for, regardless of whatever promises that are made.
With that said, even in it's current state is still much better money and time spent then most of the junk dupilcated on disks and packaged today. I have no regrets.
I think it is worth making a comment here, and drawing a comparison. I would further clarify and say that as stated above, "Normally" would best refer to the existing/previous large scale corporate INVESTMENT and software development model for video games and pc computer games. In which case I can agree with that part of the statement.
However, to bery VERY clear - this is not that model. As far as I am aware, the the marketing and development "Model" Armagan has chosen is unique. There is a strong similarity to the "open source" model - by having a wide open beta, and strong - that is VERY strong, community involvement in the development and input as to product direction and content - it approaches the "open source" software development paradigm. Obviously Armagan has to retain "ultimate" control however - and that means he can do what ever he wants.
If something were to happen and everything shut down today - I agree completely with your last statement - if not more so. The current product is easily worth twice what I paid for 2 licenses and if it never changes beyond that - the ROBUST Module capability means there will still be interesting things to do with it for many years.
I think it is VERY cool to be part of a new kind of (game softare at least) development model. Armagan has to walk a fine line between what people clamor for, and what his OWN vision of the product is (not to mention what is technically feasible) - there is an inherent risk he takes in opening up the process in this way - if the community really demands a specific *something* and he cannot or will not implement it - he risks having no customers. On the other hand, he cannot implement ALL the great ideas people might have - again risking dis-satisfaction. Personally, - I think it takes a certain kind of person to be able to do that.
WRT the marketing model, I think it has already proven itself here - if the various BETA releases of M&B were not any good, or worth the money charged, then most of us would not be here - people would not have paid for it/them. I like this model - in addition it free the developer from having to find Venture capitol or investment funding - which inherently means loss of control.
If ongoing sales of beta code for the game can support the development process - that means much more control and perhaps even artistic license in the hands of the developer.. but I digress..
Thank you Armagan. I am looking forward to continuing the ride with you - wherever it may lead, and whenver ever we may get THERE - because I tell you friend, as far as I am concerned, the JOURNEY is the destination.
DE