The Process of a Patch

[jkp1187]

The deadline will only allow so much to be done. Do you extend the deadline (again)? Their bosses aren't any more understanding than yours are about things not being done on time.

To say nothing of certain fans...

Thanks for posting this, Methos. This is very informative.

 

[obliterate]

Interesting thread Methos

OK. Now for a very, very noob question. What exactly does the publisher do? Is it just marketing and distribution?

 

[gps]

I noticed that a lot of our members questioned how it was that Solver and Bhruic could create an unofficial patch in mere days and Firaxis couldn't. I was hoping this article would explain why it takes companies (not just Firaxis) so much longer.

To some extend, I understand what you're saying. But Civ 4 has been created as an open piece of software which is fast and easy to mod. Bhruic & Co. proof day after day after day, that it can be done - and all of the steps you mention are documented in the posts in the thread to Bhruics unofficial patch. There is identification, analysis, feasibility, design issues are discussed, coding is done by Bhruic and testing is done by all of us. But it's faster nevertheless. Why is that so? I guess it's because of dedication. Firaxis have earned their money, they have their focus on other things right now. Not much dedication left, I guess. While Bhruic is a guy, who wants to play a perfect game, that what - probably - makes him tick. At least, that's what makes me return to his patch and his thread to keep in touch with what's going on. My thanks and respect go to him, keep up the good work!

 

[Solver]

Interesting thread Methos

OK. Now for a very, very noob question. What exactly does the publisher do? Is it just marketing and distribution?

Usually, publishers do almost everything except actually creating the game. Marketing and distribution, sure. Publishers will typically be the guys responsible for the game's official website, setting the release date, give the green light for patches/expansions, take care of localization. Sometimes they also deal with licensing third-party software, if required.

Most importantly, publishers are, most of the time, the ones financing actual development.

So that's the general situation. There are also (usually smaller) game developers that have no publisher at all and there are game developers that have a lot of leverage (and money) and are less dependent on the publisher than most (examples: Blizzard, iD, Valve).

 

[fed1943]

Just read this thread. Very interesting!

Congratulations, Methos, you showed knowledge of very diverse points.

Just one more point, actually the first one:

Before you begin something you must strive to know who is your client.

Because this is the only truth.

(And see with their eyes, think with their heads, like with their tastes).

Best regards,