Eschalon: Book II - Forum Activity

Dhruin

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Thomas from Basilisk has gone to their forums to ask about changing the distribution of Eschalon II:
So with Book II we are looking to distribute the game a bit differently than we did with Book I. As you know, Book I has a separate demo and full version of the game. So you play the demo and if you like it, you buy the full version which comes via a download link from Plimus or BMT Micro. This has worked well, but it has some downsides.

With Book II we are thinking about handling distribution they way others (such as the fine folks @ Spiderweb Software, for example) do it by having one version of the game that has a limited play area, and you would use a key code to unlock the "full version".

The benefits to this alternate method of distribution are:
- No need to maintain separate demo and full versions. This is a huge time saver!
- No need to issue patches (a big pain for Linux, Macs, and 3rd party versions). When we release a new version of the game, it would be the entire game. You can remove the old version, download and install the new- your existing key will unlock this latest install as long as your .cfg file is still present. If not, just use the key in the original email to unlock it again.
- No need for us to manually reissue download links like we do now when people want to reinstall Book I. People can download the latest full version on their own. This would save us a ton of time as well!
- We can still use Plimus and BMT Micro to issue keys. That means you don't have to wait 24-48 hours for a key from us. Order the game and almost instantly receive your key.

Since this will be different for people already comfortable with the way we distributed Book I, are there any comments or questions?
I would have thought this is a no-brainer.
More information.
 
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Huh? redownload the entire game for a patch ? ??!?!? did I get that right?
 
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Sounds good to me.
nevertheless, gonna buy the game anyways.

best indie game ever !!!
 
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hmm, If I am not mistaken the first one was like 200 ( at least my eb1 folder equals to 210 mb ) mb ? and the second one would be much bigger ?

Of course I would buy the game even if he realesed it with spyware and adware inside,,, but I am concerned if he needs to patch it several times... it would annoy people and reduce sales etc etc.
 
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Come on GG - this is 2009.

Most patches are at least three times the size of Eschalon. It's a tiny issue at worst.
 
hmm, If I am not mistaken the first one was like 200 ( at least my eb1 folder equals to 210 mb ) mb ? and the second one would be much bigger ?

Of course I would buy the game even if he realesed it with spyware and adware inside,,, but I am concerned if he needs to patch it several times... it would annoy people and reduce sales etc etc.

i understand what you are saying. patches are useally rare so most likely you gonna download the game 2 times or so over the years.
for me it only takes 10 min to download 200mb, but i can imagine that some people still dont have that luxury...

anyways, its still a better distrubition way then the current methode..
 
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It is quite different with indie games, compared to new AAA games, many people who play indie games have older computers, and some are even stuck on modem connections and complained in bas. forum the download from pilmus was too big or took too long.

It does not bother me personally, I download 200 mb in like 1 or 2 minutes from a good source.
 
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The age of the computer is irrelevant - as this is about internet connection.

However, if it's a problem for more than a handful of players - color me surprised.
 
I think its a good idea....

All I am waiting for now is my email or message telling me it's ready to start beta testing.
 
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I think its a good idea....

All I am waiting for now is my email or message telling me it's ready to start beta testing.

thnx for that reminder, gonna beta place myself right away :D (if its still possible).
 
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thnx for that reminder, gonna beta place myself right away :D (if its still possible).

I kinda luck out in the fact that I am one of the testers on the original and been in contact with Basilisk(thomas) for a few years now.... I kinda champion the game every now and again:)

Reminds me, I have to get ahold of thomas and see if he has any plans for another interview or what not...
 
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Will there still be the option of obtaining a Hard copy of the game?
 
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I hope so....I think someone asked on the main board about that....
 
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