Demo strategy

I know we're far from it today, since a demo should contain a little from the fun parts that's not in the alpha But I mainly just want to know if you're planning on a demo and if you have a timeplan.

Just a test reply, please ignore..

Another test..

There will be a demo after the game comes out - next fall.

I don't fully understand why demos come out after the game is released. Itsn't important to have a strong launch? The only way to try a game yourself is a demo and alpha/beta test. Having an open beta or demo before the game is out, makes you want to buy it right when it does....or maybe pre-order

I don't this it really matters if it's before or after as long as the demo comes out in the same month.

I "think" I missed a word...

Strong launches depends on how it's launched. Unless we have a publisher commited to really backing a very strong release, then it can be very problematic releasing a demo before the game because we wouldn't know precisely what day the game will hit the stores.

If you releaes a demo say 6 weeks before it shows up on shelves, that can actually hurt the release.

I don't agree. I base my buyong a game on the demo and how I like the game play. With all the titles that come out now a days I like to test drive before I buy. Putting out a demo before the release will always give you first crack at my money.

I find it depends on the type of game. Strategy games I always buy without a demo. Real time strategy games (which are really tactical games) I like to see a demo. Any empire building game I read reviews (preferrably online by gamers as oppossed to glossy magazines), check websites and then make a decision. Usually I can be sure of 100 or so hours out of such a game, even is I don't really like it (RFTS for example). This is enough time for me to justify the expense. A few games generate 1000's of hours (MOO, MOO2, EU, CIV2, Alpha C).

Paul.