Ageod's pre-order policy

[Franciscus]

I would like to discuss Ageod's pre-order policy and hear other people's opinion.

I have pre-ordered Ageod's games in the past but I did not pre-order RUS, I bought it as soon as it was released. Why ? No real benefit in pre-ordering. In fact, I even got the game earlier than many people that pre-ordered.

In fact, I think that Ageod's pre-order policy is wrong.

If a company decides to open a pre-order, there should be some real benefits to the faithful that do pre-order. Examples that other companies do:
- Access to extra bonus content at release time or even earlier (eg, extra scenarios, maps, whatever)
- Discount prices (on the game or in other games of the company)
- Access to an earlier beta version of the game, or to an earlier demo version
- Acess to "private" sub-forums related to the game

What Ageod does ? Nothing, besides maybe a few hours earlier access to the game (not always fulfilled). The only real benefit is to Ageod (earlier income, a possibility to predict a game's sales)

I think that for the upcoming PON, Ageod's pre-order policy should be revised, turning pre-order into an effective benefit to the guys that do it and into an effective marketing/PR tool.

Your thoughts ?

[soloswolf]

Should they charge us more for their amazing customer service? How about for the constant patching/tweaking to tighten their games? Or for their dedication to always strive for a fun game that is as historical as possible?

I hear what you are saying. But I do not agree that anything needs to change. Why would you want access to a private sub-forum when you can just openly ask the developers about whatever you'd like in any of the normal forums? What Ageod 'lacks' in up front bells and whistles, they MORE than make up for with their patience and dedication to us on the other end.

What has always struck me about this company is the egalitarian nature of it. We have direct access to the devs and programmers, all the support we could ask for and a company that is committed to quality games (as seen by care taking their games years after their release.). They are friendly and treat us well.

I don't think we could ask for more.

[Raidhaennor]

Let's face it, pre-orders are (generally) meant to bypass reviews, to get people to buy a game before reviews are out. That doesn't necessarily means that the game will be bad, of course.

But I think that everyone has the right to wait for reviews and opinions of a game before buying, and there is no reason why people who do that should get less for their money, or pay more for the same game because of it.

Sure there is no significant advantage to pre-ordering in that case, but it also means that there is no downside to waiting either. And that, ultimately, is far more respectful to the customer. Basically Ageod is saying that if you want to wait until the reviews are out, you still get the same game, for the same price.

[Franciscus]

I think it's beside the point trying to talk about pre-ordering and customer support in the same discussion, two unrelated topics, IMHO. Also, it's beside the point to remember how friendly and decent Ageod is, I know that perfectly well.
I support fully Ageod, having bought ALL games published by them (and a few others through their shop), and I will continue to do so.

My examples of pre-ordering policies were not meant as literal suggestions, but like that: examples of what other companies are really doing:
- Discount prices (like in the case of very early Stardock Elemental pre-ordering, IIRC, and what GOG are doing now in their pre-sale of The Witcher 2)
- Access to earlier beta (Stardock in Elemental) or to earlier demo (Histwar)
- Access to "private" sub-forums (I am a proud "Grenadier" of Histwar :bonk .

I really think that, in view on one side of the current economic crisis and on the other hand with Ageod's push to the limelight with their upcoming PON, something "else" should be offered to a customer who pre-orders. Ageod's faithful, like you and me, will buy it nevertheless. What is desperately needed is to attract more new customers, and pre-ordering "bonuses" may be another good marketing weapon, IMHO.
As it is, it's useless.

Regards

[soloswolf]

I think you have some valid points, and I wouldn't mind the perks (in whatever form).

My point in raising the topic of customer service was that most of the companies that offer bonuses are crap when it comes to taking care of their customers. I have always felt like a part of this community and I have not felt that from any other set of devs, etc.

I think the fact that they are making new games (and still supporting old ones) says that they are not having trouble "keeping the lights on". I'm not sure what they clear per copy of a given game, but it would seem to me that bonuses or discounts would have to affect that.

What are some ideas that maybe would be neat, but would be cost free for Ageod?

-Beta stuff maybe?
-I guess the private forum thing you mentioned (Though personally, I don't see the point on that one)
-Maybe something for people's avatar/screen name?

I guess the main feeling I have is that Ageod does a lot already, so I don't feel I need a whole lot more.