"I said a while back Revenge would possibly be THQI's best selling game ever; I am estimating that it may sell up to 2 million copies over it's lifetime."
I am trying to remember exactly who told me this recently, but all that comes to mind are the initials TW, sorry I can't be of more help guys :o)
BF (Brian Farrell) - Listen to me on this one, I know what I'm talking about. Latency on the web doesn't matter squat, if you build it they will come. All you have to do is look at the success Blizzard has had with Diablo and Starcraft, and you can see that the technology exists today to make playing games over the web a reality.
I play Starcraft on Battlenet, and yes latency (or lag, as it is referred to) is a pain in the butt. But, it did not stop me from buying the game, and it definitely does not stop me from playing this game over the Internet. If Blizzard can make this game work over the web with up to 8 players playing head to head, I assure you THQI can solve this problem with their wrestling games.
As far as charging for playing over the web, thats a TERRIBLE IDEA. Blizzard has the right idea, where they offer Battlenet for fre over the internet. Where they make their money is in the number of games they sell over it's lifetime. By being able to play over the internet for free, what Blizzard has done is EXTEND the life time of a game almost indefinitely. People are still buying Diablo, even though it is over 2 years old.
Also, another cash cow is offering expansion sets, or upgrades to the game that incorporate new features, or add new players or charachters to the game. Just like Blizzard is now about ready to release "Brood Wars Expansion Set" for Starcraft, THQI could add additional wrestlers in a simialr expansion set and sell it for an additional $19.99.
People would gobble it up, I promise that given a playing field where people can compete over the internet for free, they will buy so much damn product, it will make everyones head swim. There is so much enthusiasm over this type of product, people form clans, they chat for hours about strategy, there are web sites solely dedicated to discussing these games. The publicity alone would bode well for THQI.
Don't buy into the idea? Then buy a copy of Starcraft, log onto battlenet, come to channel WE, and let the Warriors of Exile show you exactly what I'm talking about. Oh, by the way ... be prepared to experience one of the most exciting games you've ever played, as well as one mean butt whoopin :o)
Regards, JB
aka {WE}gaDGet 76-4-1 |
