Why not 2 July?

[Danthor]

Here's an interesting article I read when looking into this: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-23-why-are-we-stuck-with-games-being-released-on-a-friday

So U.S. americans get to play early because their distribution system is inefficient?

 

[Menzies]

I want it now. With Finland. Finland is not Sweden.

There are 43 Civs in the game as things stand, and I could rattle of 43 more interesting, important and culturally diverse than adding Finland would be. No offence to Finland, but I don't really see why they'd add them, particularly when it seems they are meant to be covered by Sweden and Russia anyhow, which seems fair enough in truth considering that an independent Finland has only existed since the end of the First World War, at least since before the Kalmar Union.

 

[Rob (R8XFT)]

There are 43 Civs in the game as things stand, and I could rattle of 43 more interesting, important and culturally diverse than adding Finland would be. No offence to Finland, but I don't really see why they'd add them, particularly when it seems they are meant to be covered by Sweden and Russia anyhow, which seems fair enough in truth considering that an independent Finland has only existed since the end of the First World War, at least since before the Kalmar Union.

Back in the days when Civ III was the latest version of Civilization, there were a lot of important Finnish modders - aaglo, drift and ukas to mention three - so Finland got it's modded leaderhead and a level of appreciation for Finland on the C & C forums in Civ III. In fact, in was Drift's Kekkonnen leaderhead that inspired me to mod - so it's from this quite romanticised point of view that I'd be happy to see Kekkonnen of Finland in the game rather than them being in there for any historical reason. Saunas for UB anyone ?

 

[SJSerio]

So, I have been playing Civ V in my (little) spare time the past week, all the while anxiously awaiting the release of BNW and the new features that it brings. I am working and attending class in the evenings (going for my Microsoft and CompTIA certs). Because of my schedules, I am really packed tight over the next few months. My class schedule was compressed due to reasons I wish not to get into right now, and my next "break" between classes isn't until the end of July/beginning of August. I will have a week to between my classes where I can chill in the evenings.

With the 4th of July weekend coming up, I do get a mini-break and I am looking forward to it. The problem is, BNW comes out on July 9th. July 9th? Who on Earth picked that date to release a major time stealing game??? I understand that July 4th is an American holiday... but July 9th is the American release! I mean, come on... my job decided to close on Friday as well as Thursday, and my class is shortened that week (being made up by having 5 days instead of 4 the next week).

I call for the person who picked that date to be sentenced to a firing squad... of air rifles. Or maybe Nerf guns.

Anyway, I just needed to vent. Here's hoping for an early release for us Civilization Fanatics who pre-ordered the Expansion that will raise Civ V to new heights. and restore balance to all things civilization... I hope.

 

[Goldkoron]

It would be great if they changed the release date or something like July 3-5, but as the release date is already pre set on Steam, I am not sure Steam would let them change the release date.

 

[SnowKomodo]

I'm truly sorry about the inconvenience, I can sympathize as my schedule is packed both before during and after release.

But at the same time, Civ is a very successful business. They are not just picking and choosing dates out of thin air. There are no demographics or regions for them to consider unless they see a financial benefit in it. If they make bank, they go for it. I'm sure there is a reason they chose the dates they chose.

 

[SJSerio]

Please note that my complaints are (mostly) tongue-in-cheek. Nonetheless, it would be financially sound to release BEFORE a major (recreational) holiday of a region where they are releasing a game. While the hardcore fans may get it no matter what on the day it is released, many of the "lesser" core fans will likely hold off until they have a time when they can devote to it... likely, the next major holiday (for us in the US, being labor day... right at the end of summer).

 

[Bakspatel]

Indeed, screw the rest of the world. They should have only thought about Americans when considering the release date. It's not like North America gets a two days head-start before the rest of the world.. oh wait.

 

[SJSerio]

It would be great if they changed the release date or something like July 3-5, but as the release date is already pre set on Steam, I am not sure Steam would let them change the release date.

I am pretty sure that early releases have happened before on Steam... at least, early access or something. I could be wrong though.

Indeed, screw the rest of the world. They should have only thought about Americans when considering the release date. It's not like North America gets a two days head-start before the rest of the world.. oh wait.

Well, if they were to release the game on July 2nd in the US, then they could have released it for the rest on July 4th. And don't pretend like the US gets every game before the rest of the world. There have been many games that have released (months) earlier elsewhere than the US region version. Some games don't even come to the US, though other regions get them.

 

[Jabberwockxeno]

I don't understand release dates at all for digital titles like expansion packs. Just release it when it's done!

 

[apocalypse105]

Go to a store an preorder it i've had my gods and king before it actualy came out . Sometimes store gets it a little bit earlier because of shipments.

 

[leif erikson]

Moderator Action: Threads merged as they are about the same topic. Please check for other threads before starting a new one.

 

[Louis XXIV]

Please note that my complaints are (mostly) tongue-in-cheek. Nonetheless, it would be financially sound to release BEFORE a major (recreational) holiday of a region where they are releasing a game. While the hardcore fans may get it no matter what on the day it is released, many of the "lesser" core fans will likely hold off until they have a time when they can devote to it... likely, the next major holiday (for us in the US, being labor day... right at the end of summer).

Is the Fourth of July a good commercial holiday? It seems that most people go outdoors and to BBQ events rather than play video games.

 

[SJSerio]

Is the Fourth of July a good commercial holiday? It seems that most people go outdoors and to BBQ events rather than play video games.

Not to the level of Christmas or something, but when it is coupled with a weekend (it is on a Thursday this year), it provides more time for people to chill and relax. Gotta have something to do after the fireworks are done. And I can see how it can even be inspirational to some to play games like Civilization.

 

[God of Kings]

...and if it were released on July 2, it would be good for Americans, but not good for Canadians (our national holiday is on July 1 (Canada Day)).

Note that Canadians get the same release date and time as Americans regardless.

 

[sickVisionz]

You do know the game isn't just for Americans right?

Explain how the rest of the world is somehow hurt by it coming out a week early for everyone.

 

[Ryoga]

Explain how the rest of the world is somehow hurt by it coming out a week early for everyone.

I think it's probably a marketing factor, pretty much like release of games often postpone a bit so to get on the gift rush for Christmas.

There's probably a lot of people that start their vacations on 10-12 July and that would likely improve the sales somehow or so their marketing analysts must think.

 

[aluelkdf]

Maybe the different release dates are a marketing tactic. They can release it in America first, then Americans are talking all about it and how it's a huge improvement. Americans are like free advertisement to get Europeans all excited, and then it will increase sales in Europe when it becomes available a few daya later.

Although I'm not sure how effective this strategy is. I'm sure most people on this forum will buy BNW regardless of what happens in America. And casual players who play once a month probably don't even know an expansion exists.