Will Firaxis sign an agreement before making Civ 4

[WarpStorm]

Originally posted by Boris Godunov
While I think really good initial planning can avoid most problems in this regard (and I honestly think Civ3 suffered from poor initial planning and a scattershot "we'll try to please everyone!" mentality), changes in design and intent of function will be inevitable.

And I'm sure it didn't help that a large part of the developement team left part way through the project to form their own company. Those kind of things will make even the best plans go awry.

[Alexander's Horse]

Originally posted by Boris Godunov
Well, never let it be said there was a shortage of game fans with a misplaced sense of entitlement.

Amen to that

[Yolky]

I guess all I am trying to say is I want a game that I can play when I open the box and install the game onto the computer. I don't want to worry about waiting for patches in a future date. I want it all when the game comes out. If it takes longer so be it. Let the game take longer to come out.

I got burned with Civ3 gold edtion and got very burned with Moo3. Had to wait for patches for both games to become enjoyable.

At least with Civ3 three we didn't have to wait 6 freaking months for the game to be enjoyable.

I guess since these are Atari products that would be a good explanation.

I just wish we could all get together and never buy an Atari product as soon it's released. We should all wait
4-6 weeks and then buy the game as the first patch should be out buy then. Then maybe publishers won't be pushing the desingers for a rushed game that is incomplete.

I guess all I am trying to say is the computer gamining industry, heck computer software industry better stop this product out first then patch later mentality. No wunder alot of people pirate software lots of times.

[notyoueither]

I got burned with Civ3 gold edtion and got very burned with Moo3. Had to wait for patches for both games to become enjoyable.

You are waiting for Civ3 patches after buying Civ3 Gold?

Don't hold your breath.

[Alexander's Horse]

brian is god

[notyoueither]

brain is dog?

[Faboba]

Brain is dead

[Alexander's Horse]

Microprose lives on in our hearts and hard drives.

[WarpStorm]

Originally posted by Comrade Tassadar
I would rather have a game with good gameplay but bad AI (SMACX) rather than bad gameplay and cheating AI (Civ3)

Or a game with cheating AI that was still bad (SMACX).

[Tiberius]

Originally posted by Comrade Tassadar
It's pleasing in it's own way but there really is no contest between Civ3 and SMACX.

Which makes me wonder why do you care about stack combat in civ3. Would such a tiny detail make the game worth playing, even when you have on your computer an awesome game such as SMACX?

[Hagbart]

Game producers don't do stuff like this.

[Jeff_ATARI]

Keeping in touch

Hey gang,
Thought I'd chime in here (while dodging the occasional barb thrown Atari's way). There are a lot of good comments in this thread. Don't think that we at Atari and Firaxis are ignoring them.

Software development in any industry is a tricky endeavor, and a developer/publisher team does not always have the luxury of continuously delaying and pouring money into a project until it is perfect. That said, you should know that we at Firaxis and Atari have recommitted ourselves to creating quality strategy products. I think Civ Conquests has been a fine example of that. Even after executing a very strong beta program, we continued to delay the final release of the product until we were positive it was ready for release. We did not arrange for any advertisements or special placements in retail stores because those arrangements must be made months in advance, and we did not want anything to affect our go/no-go decisions for this product. The initial reviews, both from the media and from fans, are a direct result of these efforts. In today's competitive gaming industry, no one can afford to intentionally put out a game that has issues and expect to maintain a business.

I feel a personal obligation to the community of Civ fans to make sure that you are well-informed about our efforts, which is why I have taken a more active role on these forums. We all take a lot of pride in the games we create and publish, and I hope that by our continued involvement with the fan community and beyond, some of our pride will shine through.

Best,
Jeff Foley
Sr. Brand Manager
Atari

[Shogun Gunner]

Jeff, that's for the note. Great product! I think most appreciate the fact that you do solicit information from such sources as Apolyton. Its great that you guys get on the board and post message and interact with the hard core civ fans!

[DrSpike]

Thanks for your comment.

However, would you care to comment on Alexman's findings below, or how soon this serious oversight can be fixed?

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101387

[Alexander's Horse]

Re: Keeping in touch

Originally posted by Jeff_ATARI
we at Firaxis and Atari have recommitted ourselves to creating quality strategy products.

turning over a new leaf are they?