How can digital download pre-order be limited anywas....?
Very easily, through a single line of code limiting the amount that they are going to sell.
Obviously that is not what i meant.
There is no limit to something that isn't physically limited. It's not limited by CD/DVD or anything. You can download it indefinitly. The only limit there could be is only if BW decides to limit it for example to avoid too big server stress on release.
You can't however talk of limited supplies of preorder when it comes to digital version.
Except you just did, and even gave the proper reason for it. The fact it's their choice to limit it doesn't change the fact that it's limited. Obviously they'll lift those limits as time goes on, but it doesn't change the fact that there will be limits initially. I don't see the difficulty you seem to be having with the idea.
Okay but why would you "limit" pre orders? That doesnt even make sense. Do games usually limit pre orders? Ive never heard of that. That doesnt sound like exactly good business to me.
Its just a sales tactic. Cant tell you how many times Ive seen "For a limited time only" with something and two years later its still " For a limited time only! " . I figure its a lie. Pretty cheap.
As I've said before, they are not limiting pre-orders per se. They are limiting overall sales, which means you're better off if you do pre-order. I suppose it's possible that they'll hit whatever limit on sales they have on pre-orders alone, but I doubt it. Just think what would happen if they did hit that limit and they hadn't warned people that there were limits, can you imagine the outcry? The whole point is that you're better off ordering sooner rather than later, because if you try to get it after release you might not get it as soon as you might like. Personally I doubt they'll hit those limits in pre-orders simply because the vast majority of gamers do not pre-order games.
Whatever limits it does have will be lifted once they are comfortable with the release. The limits really only effect you if you want to get in during that first week or so, and yes everything they've said suggests that when they say they're limiting the release, they actualy mean it, and not simply as a marketing ploy. Recent history has shown just how vital a smooth release is to MMOs and they've taken that to heart, so much so that they're willing to risk offending people in oder to stagger the release in such a way that they can have a smooth release.
Originally posted by czekoskwigel Originally posted by wojtekpl
Originally posted by vesavius
It has to be one or the other, right?
How can digital download pre-order be limited anywas....? Very easily, through a single line of code limiting the amount that they are going to sell. Don't you love softball questions?
1. As many already stated, only the CEs were limited.. Any other limitation involved solely the early entries, plus, its easily manageable (to change)
2.And a personal take on the matter.. That was EA, which in turn felt the pressure from LA themselves. Game wasn't ready when it was wanted, but competition won't wait. I think Bioware reached a good middle point by saying ok, let us open up pre orders from now, so you can start seeing the money rolling in, you give us some extra slack. They may have done some mistakes, but i seriously doubt someone as big as them would have opened up pre orders that early without external pressure.
It's not a lie. Keep inmind that with games like this the supply is artificially made. This means the company can choose to keep it limited or produce more at will.
Afaik, the CEs are the limited ones, and I believe they are already gone. The standard / digital versions are of course still available, as you don't really get anything besides the game and a code.
How can digital download pre-order be limited anywas....?
Very easily, through a single line of code limiting the amount that they are going to sell.
Obviously that is not what i meant.
There is no limit to something that isn't physically limited. It's not limited by CD/DVD or anything. You can download it indefinitly. The only limit there could be is only if BW decides to limit it for example to avoid too big server stress on release.
You can't however talk of limited supplies of preorder when it comes to digital version.
Except you just did, and even gave the proper reason for it. The fact it's their choice to limit it doesn't change the fact that it's limited. Obviously they'll lift those limits as time goes on, but it doesn't change the fact that there will be limits initially. I don't see the difficulty you seem to be having with the idea.
Okay but why would you "limit" pre orders? That doesnt even make sense. Do games usually limit pre orders? Ive never heard of that. That doesnt sound like exactly good business to me.
Its just a sales tactic. Cant tell you how many times Ive seen "For a limited time only" with something and two years later its still " For a limited time only! " . I figure its a lie. Pretty cheap.
As I've said before, they are not limiting pre-orders per se. They are limiting overall sales, which means you're better off if you do pre-order. I suppose it's possible that they'll hit whatever limit on sales they have on pre-orders alone, but I doubt it. Just think what would happen if they did hit that limit and they hadn't warned people that there were limits, can you imagine the outcry? The whole point is that you're better off ordering sooner rather than later, because if you try to get it after release you might not get it as soon as you might like. Personally I doubt they'll hit those limits in pre-orders simply because the vast majority of gamers do not pre-order games.
Whatever limits it does have will be lifted once they are comfortable with the release. The limits really only effect you if you want to get in during that first week or so, and yes everything they've said suggests that when they say they're limiting the release, they actualy mean it, and not simply as a marketing ploy. Recent history has shown just how vital a smooth release is to MMOs and they've taken that to heart, so much so that they're willing to risk offending people in oder to stagger the release in such a way that they can have a smooth release.
I actually think it is a marketing ploy and I dont see it "offending" anyone yet as for such a "limited" release they havnt seemed to fill the "quota" because this is the 3rd email I have gotten from Bioware trying to "convince" me to pre-order their game.
I think we have to look at everything they've said on this. First they say they are doing a phased launch, they will be limiting the number of copies available. Second they have also said they are expecting one of the largest launches in MMO history.
Who's to say what that limit is? It could be 5 mil it could be 10 mil, it could be 2 mil. Before we can say they're lying we have to know the truth here, we don't so what's the point in jumping to conclusions?
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
1. As many already stated, only the CEs were limited.
And as many have said to you, that isnt true.
They have stated explicitly that all pre orders were limited (so get them while 'supplies last')
With the release date revealed, pre-order quantities will go fast. If you haven't already, make sure to pre-order* now and secure your Early Game Access and exclusive in-game bonus item.
I am looking at the email they sent me today right now. It dosent talk about the CE at all. It talks only about the pre-order and the early access and in game items.
Why do you defend corperate lies with misinformation of your own?
I would assume that when they say limited, even limited digital pre orders, they are probably meaning that at some point they will cut off sales to pre-orders when they reach a point where they are unwilling to open more servers before the game is released and the servers they are already planning on having are reaching a certain threshold for the early access to the game.
But this number could be really high, so who knows how limited it really is.
But this number could be really high, so who knows how limited it really is.
The motivation behind this thread doesn't seem to be focused on the actual number that may be set. It seems far more focused on showing some sort of shady agenda on the part of EA/Bioware. I think what the OP is really trying to say is ' was it all just a ploy to create an artificial demand to boost pre-orders ?".
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
I would assume that when they say limited, even limited digital pre orders, they are probably meaning that at some point they will cut off sales to pre-orders when they reach a point where they are unwilling to open more servers before the game is released and the servers they are already planning on having are reaching a certain threshold for the early access to the game.
But this number could be really high, so who knows how limited it really is.
Nah.
This is from their page;
*PRE-ORDER OFFER EXPIRES WHEN PRODUCT RELEASES. CODE EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2012. GOOD ONLY FOR NEW PURCHASES OF "STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC" ("PRODUCT").
More to the point: Why does it actually matter that the marketing put out a statement telling us about their "limited" stock?
Are you not experienced enough with marketing ploys to ask such a question, or is this some sort of bizarre way to put SW:TOR down? (It has to be one or the other, right?)
I would assume that when they say limited, even limited digital pre orders, they are probably meaning that at some point they will cut off sales to pre-orders when they reach a point where they are unwilling to open more servers before the game is released and the servers they are already planning on having are reaching a certain threshold for the early access to the game.
But this number could be really high, so who knows how limited it really is.
Nah.
This is from their page;
*PRE-ORDER OFFER EXPIRES WHEN PRODUCT RELEASES. CODE EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2012. GOOD ONLY FOR NEW PURCHASES OF "STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC" ("PRODUCT").
Let's cut to the chase here. Have some guts and tell us your real issues with SWTOR/BIOWARE/EA or what else is bothering you. Cut out the BS about "limited" as it isn't about that. What is your hate?
Kyleran: "Now there's the real trick, learning to accept and enjoy a game for what
it offers rather than pass on what might be a great playing experience
because it lacks a few features you prefer."
John Henry Newman: "A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault."
FreddyNoNose: "A good game needs no defense; a bad game has no defense." "Easily digested content is just as easily forgotten."
LacedOpium: "So the question that begs to be asked is, if you are not interested in
the game mechanics that define the MMORPG genre, then why are you
playing an MMORPG?"
I would assume that when they say limited, even limited digital pre orders, they are probably meaning that at some point they will cut off sales to pre-orders when they reach a point where they are unwilling to open more servers before the game is released and the servers they are already planning on having are reaching a certain threshold for the early access to the game.
But this number could be really high, so who knows how limited it really is.
Nah.
This is from their page;
*PRE-ORDER OFFER EXPIRES WHEN PRODUCT RELEASES. CODE EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2012. GOOD ONLY FOR NEW PURCHASES OF "STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC" ("PRODUCT").
Using this logic, lets look at another fact, physical sales are limited in scope. To access from certain regions there are hurdles you must jump. Such as paying extra to ship the product, as digital download choices will be limited. See Xkingdoms series of posts on the subject. That is a set limit in and of itself.
Sales will in no way be limited only to pre-order, they will allow those who did not pre-order a chance at playing as well. Who's to say there will not be a limit on the number who will be able to though? Pre-ordering would ensure a better chance would it not?
Your posts thus far have in no way solidified your point.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
In order to ensure a great user experience we have decided to limit initial launch supply.
Further supplies will be released post-launch.
its EA right to do so but I think its lame
Lets be honest here.
This is 'Star Wars Made by Bioware' aka 'The most hyped MMO launch in the history of MMOs'.
There is just no way EA/BW knows the demand this game will have.
So, put up a pre-order with a limit on, get some numbers and extrapolate a bit. This 'should' give them some rough estimates using industry numbers. The 'limit' marketing should get them the most 'accurate' pre-order numbers.
I've worked with actual pre-order/sales numbers for softwares before. They are not 'THE' accurate prediction but they can serve as one.
Games as big as this does/will produce outliers/exceptions but it is better than nothing.
Gdemami - Informing people about your thoughts and impressions is not a review, it's a blog.
Originally posted by vesavius It has to be one or the other, right?
I haven't seen a UFO, but people told me they exist.
They are either lying or mistaken about what they saw, right?
This makes no sense whatsoever.
Precisely! /clap x 3
UFOs could exist but just because I haven't the vision to see beyond two self-imposed limited variables, the conclusion is faulty. And so is the OP premise that only two answers are possible in this situation, period.
Thank you for responding so I could tell you that personally.
This is 2011.... Who is still dumb enough to expect truth in market advertising?
even if its false -- its still lame tactic for more sales
True. But it is so typical of the way products are marketed in modern times that I simply can not bring myself to even lift an eyebrow. And I guess that's sad in that it encourages the trend of accepting such market behaviour to continue.
So they can increase them according to demand and they are not, by defintion, 'limited'?
They said CE's were limited, Not all pre-orderers. Was the pre-order that consfusing to you, Or are you just trolling? I hope it's the ladder as it will at least mean you have some intelligence.
Well from reading that official post on the matter, I can figure out a few things right away.
If they knew they would sell boxes and I mean every single box, I have a hard time believing EA games wouldnt want to sell as many as possible. Which makes me wonder if they are worried they wont be able to sell all of their boxes to even break even with the cost of the game. Which by the way is ALOT of boxes. I also wonder if there are some bugs in the release they have not quite worked out yet.
All and all, that press release gives me a very bad feeling about the games release. It's also not like the game is high on the totem pole of hype like it was in the beginning. I speculate if there are not some things about TOR people dont like and if its reflecting in estimated sales. In this economy everyones not going to buy every new box mmorpg on the market, they might just stay home and play RIFT, at least they know it works.
Well from reading that official post on the matter, I can figure out a few things right away.
If they knew they would sell boxes and I mean every single box, I have a hard time believing EA games wouldnt want to sell as many as possible. Which makes me wonder if they are worried they wont be able to sell all of their boxes to even break even with the cost of the game. Which by the way is ALOT of boxes. I also wonder if there are some bugs in the release they have not quite worked out yet.
All and all, that press release gives me a very bad feeling about the games release. It's also not like the game is high on the totem pole of hype like it was in the beginning. I speculate if there are not some things about TOR people dont like and if its reflecting in estimated sales. In this economy everyones not going to buy every new box mmorpg on the market, they might just stay home and play RIFT, at least they know it works.
It is a MMO, of course there still is bugs that aren't fixed yet, or the game wouldn't be in beta still.
And of course EA wants to sell as many boxes as possible, it is the rather expensive CE that is limited, not the standard box (well, in a way is everything limited but you know what I mean).
No point in worrying about anything now even if it is always a smart idea to not pre order a MMO until you actually tried it.
Either will it be a great game or not, nothing we can do about it now. If it are a great game then it will be huge no matter what people thought before it go released, and if not then there is always GW2.
Well from reading that official post on the matter, I can figure out a few things right away.
If they knew they would sell boxes and I mean every single box, I have a hard time believing EA games wouldnt want to sell as many as possible. Which makes me wonder if they are worried they wont be able to sell all of their boxes to even break even with the cost of the game. Which by the way is ALOT of boxes. I also wonder if there are some bugs in the release they have not quite worked out yet.
All and all, that press release gives me a very bad feeling about the games release. It's also not like the game is high on the totem pole of hype like it was in the beginning. I speculate if there are not some things about TOR people dont like and if its reflecting in estimated sales. In this economy everyones not going to buy every new box mmorpg on the market, they might just stay home and play RIFT, at least they know it works.
And how many MMOs can recover from a bad launch?
The MMO industry is absolutely brutal when it comes to 'bad launch' so I think restricting the supply is a good thing.
C'mon, this is 'Star Wars made by Bioware'.
It'll sell millions but to only let in the number of people you know that your hardwares can handle is a good thing.
Gdemami - Informing people about your thoughts and impressions is not a review, it's a blog.
Comments
As I've said before, they are not limiting pre-orders per se. They are limiting overall sales, which means you're better off if you do pre-order. I suppose it's possible that they'll hit whatever limit on sales they have on pre-orders alone, but I doubt it. Just think what would happen if they did hit that limit and they hadn't warned people that there were limits, can you imagine the outcry? The whole point is that you're better off ordering sooner rather than later, because if you try to get it after release you might not get it as soon as you might like. Personally I doubt they'll hit those limits in pre-orders simply because the vast majority of gamers do not pre-order games.
Whatever limits it does have will be lifted once they are comfortable with the release. The limits really only effect you if you want to get in during that first week or so, and yes everything they've said suggests that when they say they're limiting the release, they actualy mean it, and not simply as a marketing ploy. Recent history has shown just how vital a smooth release is to MMOs and they've taken that to heart, so much so that they're willing to risk offending people in oder to stagger the release in such a way that they can have a smooth release.
Very easily, through a single line of code limiting the amount that they are going to sell.
Don't you love softball questions?
"TO MICHAEL!"
1. As many already stated, only the CEs were limited.. Any other limitation involved solely the early entries, plus, its easily manageable (to change)
2.And a personal take on the matter.. That was EA, which in turn felt the pressure from LA themselves. Game wasn't ready when it was wanted, but competition won't wait. I think Bioware reached a good middle point by saying ok, let us open up pre orders from now, so you can start seeing the money rolling in, you give us some extra slack. They may have done some mistakes, but i seriously doubt someone as big as them would have opened up pre orders that early without external pressure.
It's not a lie. Keep inmind that with games like this the supply is artificially made. This means the company can choose to keep it limited or produce more at will.
Afaik, the CEs are the limited ones, and I believe they are already gone. The standard / digital versions are of course still available, as you don't really get anything besides the game and a code.
I actually think it is a marketing ploy and I dont see it "offending" anyone yet as for such a "limited" release they havnt seemed to fill the "quota" because this is the 3rd email I have gotten from Bioware trying to "convince" me to pre-order their game.
I think we have to look at everything they've said on this. First they say they are doing a phased launch, they will be limiting the number of copies available. Second they have also said they are expecting one of the largest launches in MMO history.
Who's to say what that limit is? It could be 5 mil it could be 10 mil, it could be 2 mil. Before we can say they're lying we have to know the truth here, we don't so what's the point in jumping to conclusions?
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
This makes no sense whatsoever.
And as many have said to you, that isnt true.
They have stated explicitly that all pre orders were limited (so get them while 'supplies last')
With the release date revealed, pre-order quantities will go fast. If you haven't already, make sure to pre-order* now and secure your Early Game Access and exclusive in-game bonus item.
I am looking at the email they sent me today right now. It dosent talk about the CE at all. It talks only about the pre-order and the early access and in game items.
Why do you defend corperate lies with misinformation of your own?
I would assume that when they say limited, even limited digital pre orders, they are probably meaning that at some point they will cut off sales to pre-orders when they reach a point where they are unwilling to open more servers before the game is released and the servers they are already planning on having are reaching a certain threshold for the early access to the game.
But this number could be really high, so who knows how limited it really is.
The motivation behind this thread doesn't seem to be focused on the actual number that may be set. It seems far more focused on showing some sort of shady agenda on the part of EA/Bioware. I think what the OP is really trying to say is ' was it all just a ploy to create an artificial demand to boost pre-orders ?".
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
Nah.
This is from their page;
*PRE-ORDER OFFER EXPIRES WHEN PRODUCT RELEASES. CODE EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2012. GOOD ONLY FOR NEW PURCHASES OF "STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC" ("PRODUCT").
http://www.swtor.com/preorder?sourceid=eag3109
More to the point: Why does it actually matter that the marketing put out a statement telling us about their "limited" stock?
Are you not experienced enough with marketing ploys to ask such a question, or is this some sort of bizarre way to put SW:TOR down? (It has to be one or the other, right?)
Let's cut to the chase here. Have some guts and tell us your real issues with SWTOR/BIOWARE/EA or what else is bothering you. Cut out the BS about "limited" as it isn't about that. What is your hate?
Epic Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAigCvelkhQ&list=PLo9FRw1AkDuQLEz7Gvvaz3ideB2NpFtT1
https://archive.org/details/softwarelibrary_msdos?&sort=-downloads&page=1
Kyleran: "Now there's the real trick, learning to accept and enjoy a game for what it offers rather than pass on what might be a great playing experience because it lacks a few features you prefer."
John Henry Newman: "A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault."
FreddyNoNose: "A good game needs no defense; a bad game has no defense." "Easily digested content is just as easily forgotten."
LacedOpium: "So the question that begs to be asked is, if you are not interested in the game mechanics that define the MMORPG genre, then why are you playing an MMORPG?"
Using this logic, lets look at another fact, physical sales are limited in scope. To access from certain regions there are hurdles you must jump. Such as paying extra to ship the product, as digital download choices will be limited. See Xkingdoms series of posts on the subject. That is a set limit in and of itself.
Sales will in no way be limited only to pre-order, they will allow those who did not pre-order a chance at playing as well. Who's to say there will not be a limit on the number who will be able to though? Pre-ordering would ensure a better chance would it not?
Your posts thus far have in no way solidified your point.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
Omg Axe lied to me cause I've bought their deodorant and chicks didn't suddenly find me over attractive !!!
Two words for you : Marketing Ploy.
its EA right to do so but I think its lame
EQ2 fan sites
Lets be honest here.
This is 'Star Wars Made by Bioware' aka 'The most hyped MMO launch in the history of MMOs'.
There is just no way EA/BW knows the demand this game will have.
So, put up a pre-order with a limit on, get some numbers and extrapolate a bit. This 'should' give them some rough estimates using industry numbers. The 'limit' marketing should get them the most 'accurate' pre-order numbers.
I've worked with actual pre-order/sales numbers for softwares before. They are not 'THE' accurate prediction but they can serve as one.
Games as big as this does/will produce outliers/exceptions but it is better than nothing.
Gdemami -
Informing people about your thoughts and impressions is not a review, it's a blog.
This is 2011.... Who is still dumb enough to expect truth in market advertising?
even if its false -- its still lame tactic for more sales
EQ2 fan sites
UFOs could exist but just because I haven't the vision to see beyond two self-imposed limited variables, the conclusion is faulty. And so is the OP premise that only two answers are possible in this situation, period.
Thank you for responding so I could tell you that personally.
"TO MICHAEL!"
True. But it is so typical of the way products are marketed in modern times that I simply can not bring myself to even lift an eyebrow. And I guess that's sad in that it encourages the trend of accepting such market behaviour to continue.
They said CE's were limited, Not all pre-orderers. Was the pre-order that consfusing to you, Or are you just trolling? I hope it's the ladder as it will at least mean you have some intelligence.
http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/2716/article/star-wars-the-old-republic-will-have-limited-supply-upon-launch/
Well from reading that official post on the matter, I can figure out a few things right away.
If they knew they would sell boxes and I mean every single box, I have a hard time believing EA games wouldnt want to sell as many as possible. Which makes me wonder if they are worried they wont be able to sell all of their boxes to even break even with the cost of the game. Which by the way is ALOT of boxes. I also wonder if there are some bugs in the release they have not quite worked out yet.
All and all, that press release gives me a very bad feeling about the games release. It's also not like the game is high on the totem pole of hype like it was in the beginning. I speculate if there are not some things about TOR people dont like and if its reflecting in estimated sales. In this economy everyones not going to buy every new box mmorpg on the market, they might just stay home and play RIFT, at least they know it works.
It is a MMO, of course there still is bugs that aren't fixed yet, or the game wouldn't be in beta still.
And of course EA wants to sell as many boxes as possible, it is the rather expensive CE that is limited, not the standard box (well, in a way is everything limited but you know what I mean).
No point in worrying about anything now even if it is always a smart idea to not pre order a MMO until you actually tried it.
Either will it be a great game or not, nothing we can do about it now. If it are a great game then it will be huge no matter what people thought before it go released, and if not then there is always GW2.
And how many MMOs can recover from a bad launch?
The MMO industry is absolutely brutal when it comes to 'bad launch' so I think restricting the supply is a good thing.
C'mon, this is 'Star Wars made by Bioware'.
It'll sell millions but to only let in the number of people you know that your hardwares can handle is a good thing.
Gdemami -
Informing people about your thoughts and impressions is not a review, it's a blog.