So if i use everyones logic about complaining about the price. I should be mad that i paid $19.95 for it instead of $17 like some have said they paid. I should also be mad that I didn't get the free card game with it.
I should be mad that i paid $19.95 for it instead of $17 like some have said they paid.
The $17 price is only on Direct2Drive and doesn't include all of the pre-order bounses you get by ordering through Telltale.
The thing I'm more concerned about is the fact that the $20 price is only available through the Facebook game. Anyone who pre-orders today through the website still has to pay $24.95, at the same time that this other deal is going on that they may not even know about.
I just have to say I'm unhappy i usually but digital download games though steam because i trust their support services i have a lot of steam games. This time though i figured i would support TTG directly so that they would get all the money. Having said that i expected them to cut me the best deal available on my purchase that they have basically ripped me off for like between $5 and $8 bucks a sizable percentage (20% minimum) of my purchase price i don't think ill worry about them getting a better deal on my money if i ever buy from them again !!!
I've never told anybody to stop complaining. Please, do it. I hear you guys and have passed on all of your concerns. All of them.
Thank you. I assure you, I don't intend to be a broken record or a general community nuisance. I simply have concerns that I feel are valid considering what this company has done in the past. There was a point in 2008 where excellent, nigh immediate, and incredibly accommodating customer service and respect for the customer were half the reason I was a fan of the company, and in my opinion this service and respect were unparalleled in the industry. That makes the sub-par treatment of long-term customers lately(the two above mentioned BttF promotions that ran before the first episode was released, the 30 Days of Telltale promotions that overlapped with and exceeded pre-order forum promotions, etc) all the worse because it replaces a record of excellence that is the main reason I buy games from Telltale today.
Thank you for passing on our concerns. Though I don't expect much to come of it, I suppose that's the most benefit I'll get from this, and continuing on won't have much of an impact anyway. I'm done with this issue. I'm not going to argue with anybody in this thread anymore: if anybody wants to have a discussion with me about anything I said in this thread, send me a PM or an IM and I'll be sure to discuss whatever with you. I enjoy talking about video games, I don't enjoy being a public nuisance.
Again, from a business perspective this all probably makes sense, but I always thought TTG is more about games and players than business. .
Being a company that caters to what is generally a fairly niche genre, trying to isolate their core audience? It seems more like desperation to sell, than actual good business planning. And though the sad fact of life is that any game company trying to hold up does need to put an emphasis on business in some way or another, but this is just bad business.
I try not to have a whole lot of qualms for these sorta things, but this kinda worries me because I do love the company.
Personally, I have always bought Telltale's (adventure) games on pre-order (including Out From Boneville when it was $19.99 in September 2005) and have never felt ripped off when they inevitably became cheaper as time went by.
Of course, I understand people's problem with a game becoming cheaper before it's even released, but here is my way of looking at it:
in my view, Telltale's games become cheaper because they have sold enough copies to afford doing such a promotion; therefore, if people decide to wait until closer to release date before they purchase the game, Telltale will probably no longer be able to reduce the price (having sold less copies) and you will end up paying the original pre-order price anyway (which is as it should be for pre-orders, of course); additionally, a pre-order perk like participating in the pre-order forum will no longer be available to you and moreover, since the game will appear to sell less than others, Telltale might have to raise the price to recoup their production costs and they might no longer be able to do as many other promotions like the 30 days of Christmas.
As I see it, buying a game early (for more money or not) is a way for me of showing my support for the company who makes pretty much the only games I play anymore.
If it sounds like a Telltale fanboy, smells like a Telltale fanboy and tastes like a Telltale fanboy, it's probably me.
Being a company that caters to what is generally a fairly niche genre, trying to isolate their core audience? It seems more like desperation to sell, than actual good business planning. And though the sad fact of life is that any game company trying to hold up does need to put an emphasis on business in some way or another, but this is just bad business.
I try not to have a whole lot of qualms for these sorta things, but this kinda worries me because I do love the company.
I know next to nothing about business, but is it maybe just possible that they have some kind of "magic number" of games that they have to sell at the $25 dollar price before they drop it to $20? Then they'll have to sell a certain number at that price before they drop it to $15 -> $10 -> etc.? That way, they're assured of at least making back their money, while drawing in those who've held out until the price went down, without being greedy and gouging new customers. Of course, this seems to have backfired with loyal, long-time customers. Which is to say, if enough people don't pre-order the next game at the original offer price, the price won't go down (for a while).
To give a bit more info on this, Telltale will trial initiatives from time to time, targeting audiences in different ways.
The Blitz through Time Facebook game is one new avenue we’ve recently put in place, and we’ve been running varying messages and offers with that game from time to time.
Direct2Drive as a channel chose the 10% discount for their offer. Their customers aren’t getting the free copy of Puzzle Agent and the other pieces that the Telltale store adds to the mix (you’re all probably aware that in addition to the private forum, we’re making charitable donations to Michael J Fox’s foundation).
We run a number programs like this from time to time in the past … some get less visibility with the base here than others.
We absolutely appreciate and value the support of all the folks here, which we look to recognize and acknowledge in as many ways as possible. There have been quite a number of deals created specifically for you all, and there will continue to be.
You all have definitely been a huge part of Telltale’s growth. Ultimately, bigger and bigger audiences help Telltale gain more growth, bringing more and more to you all as this builds.
I assure you, I don't intend to be a broken record or a general community nuisance. I simply have concerns that I feel are valid considering what this company has done in the past.
If a company cares about retaining customers, it would probably prefer them to complain loudly rather than leave quietly.
Awful lot of hullabaloo over $5 off an absurdly cheap game based on a decidedly expensive license.
If you want to be upset about deals, go after those companies charging $50-$60 preorders, then putting the games on sale 2-3 weeks after release for 15-45% off.
The thing I'm more concerned about is the fact that the $20 price is only available through the Facebook game.
That's actually why I'm NOT concerned. It's a special coupon for new players to the Facebook game, just like people in the preorder forums got special coupons for items they may have already owned. It's another implementation of an already-established Telltale business model.
I understand people being upset, but I figure, this way I just paid five extra bucks to get all the DVDs shipped to me when the preorder forum did the "$30 off shipping" deal.
That's actually why I'm NOT concerned. It's a special coupon for new players to the Facebook game, just like people in the preorder forums got special coupons for items they may have already owned. It's another implementation of an already-established Telltale business model.
I understand people being upset, but I figure, this way I just paid five extra bucks to get all the DVDs shipped to me when the preorder forum did the "$30 off shipping" deal.
My concern was more for the people who still have yet to pre-order the game and may do so not knowing about the Facebook deal. They'll be paying 5 more dollars than they would have otherwise had they known about the deal.
The only thing I'm upset about is that those who had already pre-ordered didn't get the choice to grab the card game for nothing when that deal was on.
I usually do leave my pre-orders to the last minute(I hardly have even been in the Private Forum), and I'm pretty peeved I didn't do it this time. Feels like we've been punished for supporting TT from the word go.
I understand that you are 'trialling initiatives', but don't forget about those who have supported you along the way
Just like to note I'm still perfectly happy with paying the $25, I would've paid more!
My concern was more for the people who still have yet to pre-order the game and may do so not knowing about the Facebook deal. They'll be paying 5 more dollars than they would have otherwise had they known about the deal.
The facebook game is a form of viral marketing. Those playing it are getting rewarded because they're drawing attention to the BTTF episodes amongst their friends. People not playing the FB game don't deserve the price break.
And those paying $25 are getting Puzzle Agent, so it all evens out.
Im fine that I paid 25$ I am happy to be able to be one of the 1sts to play it on launch, I SUPPORT this project by preordering and saying YAY I didnt pirate great work cause I want MORE from this story.
Granted 5$ is still.. 5$ I couldve used on steam for holiday gifts =p
Telltale, a suggestion, Perhaps a special perk for us? A promo code to use?
Ill accept a "Battle Mystic" forum title if you can. ^^
I was getting Joel's Direct2drive statement mixed up with the FB game one.
Right. Not complaining, but it's hard to let a factual error stand.
By the way, I'm fine with Direct2Drive's thing, it's another retailer and they can do what they want to have exclusive, separate perks for another venue. It's when it's the same store that I feel it's an issue.
The facebook game is a form of viral marketing. Those playing it are getting rewarded because they're drawing attention to the BTTF episodes amongst their friends. People not playing the FB game don't deserve the price break.
And those paying $25 are getting Puzzle Agent, so it all evens out.
This is true.. it seems silly to moan over a measly $5, when you get a 10$ game for free.
I pay $25, but I would pay more tbh. Telltale do fantastic work and like to support them in anyway I can.
This is true.. it seems silly to moan over a measly $5, when you get a 10$ game for free.
Again:
Feel free to believe or feel anything you want, but be sure to know the facts when you do. Those who purchase the game through the Facebook link today pay $20 and receive all pre-order bonuses from this point on, including the free copy of Puzzle Agent.
1. While I am glad Alan is passing on complaints to the higher-ups, the fact remains that he did close us down the last time we had complaints about better pre-order deals for late-comers.
2. Why is everyone focusing on the money, as if that was the important thing? It's a principle, people! Pre-orders do not get offered for less money to those who pre-order late. This is a cardinal sin as far as I'm concerned.
To illustrate what a company who cares about their loyal customers does, let mer present to you the story of a different game I recently pre-ordered, Stealth Target, by Phil Hassey, the man behind Galcon.
Now, shortly after release of the pre-order(which also gave you access to a playable beta), Phil decided he had charged too much. So, did he refund the difference to the early adopters? No, he did them one better. He refunded every sale, and let us keep our licenses simply as a gesture of appreciation of his loyal customers.
Now, obviously, this isn't a potential solution for TellTale, and I'm not suggesting it would be. I just find it deliciously illustrative of what companies who care about their loyal customers do. On the other hand you have TellTale who used to care about their loyal customers, but is now instead saying loudly and clearly they prefer the business of last minute tag-alongs via facebook than they do mine.
I am not angry. I am something much, much worse. I am disappointed.
1. While I am glad Alan is passing on complaints to the higher-ups, the fact remains that he did close us down the last time we had complaints about better pre-order deals for late-comers.
I wouldn't call explaining the situation and the card game offer shutting the conversation down. It was a one-day offer related to the 30 Days of Telltale Sale and I likened it to an early adopter situation. I passed that concern on as well, and other additions to 'new' BttF pre-orders were taken off the schedule.
I think criticism is healthy and the best way to enact change. Seriously.
I wouldn't call explaining the situation and the card game offer shutting the conversation down. It was a one-day offer related to the 30 Days of Telltale Sale and I likened it to an early adopter situation. I passed that concern on as well, and other additions to 'new' BttF pre-orders were taken off the schedule.
I think criticism is healthy and the best way to enact change. Seriously.
What you said was, and I'm paraphrasing because I don't want to look it up, that the arguments had to stop. That's shutting it down in my book. That said, fair enough, that line of arguments was in all essence over, so it was a natural place to end the discussion. I realize it might have been an unfair assumption that you would shut us down prematurely this time, and I apologize for that. Trust me, I take no issue with how you conduct your business as moderator. You were merely caught in the cross-fire of some misdirected disappointment.
I wouldn't call explaining the situation and the card game offer shutting the conversation down. It was a one-day offer related to the 30 Days of Telltale Sale and I likened it to an early adopter situation.
I think that the problem with the "early adopter" comparison here is that early adopters generally get to enjoy the product that they purchased before it drops in price or a better version becomes available. My father was an early HDTV adopter, and as such he misses out on some features that have since become standard, and he paid more for a television than he would for a better one now. All the same, he got to enjoy a cool new television set for some time before these features and those prices came into being.
Myself and some other members of the community feel it's a bit off to have a major sale mid-season, but one released well before the game comes out, externally advertised to an entirely separate and less-involved audience comes off as a slap in the face to everyone that cared enough to buy in early. It delivers a very loud and clear message:
I'm pretty sure it's made enitrely clear that it's made up, but sure, if anybody thinks that's an actual quote from The Entire Company Telltale, rest assured that it's simply a made-up quotation meant to convey the basic message that long-term customers feel like they are getting due to Telltale's recent actions by Telltale, specifically those regarding new pre-order incentives for a fickle and unengaged audience.
Preordering any game after ToMI (which gave off a nifty poster) had no bonuses or advantages (except for some exclusive forum category which doesn't really have much of a use) to the majority of people -in this case, people already owning Puzzle Agent-, and instead has a big disadvantage because all the discounts come right after the release of the said game. First episode of BTTF is free, which means everyone has a month to buy the full game after its release for a presumably lower price.
Preordering any game after ToMI (which gave off a nifty poster) had no bonuses or advantages (except for some exclusive forum category which doesn't really have much of a use) to the majority of people -in this case, people already owning Puzzle Agent-, and instead has a big disadvantage because all the discounts come right after the release of the said game. First episode of BTTF is free, which means everyone has a month to buy the full game after its release for a presumably lower price.
If you want it for cheaper you should've waited.
Funfact: Puzzle Agent probably sold <100,000 units or so.
There are 7 billion people in the world. Majority doesn't apply in that instance.
Yay title, I didnt know it was enabled. =D (Normally its not, I know I used to use custom titles as a forum premium setup, along with custom colors for default on posts and so)
Awful lot of hullabaloo over $5 off an absurdly cheap game based on a decidedly expensive license.
If you want to be upset about deals, go after those companies charging $50-$60 preorders, then putting the games on sale 2-3 weeks after release for 15-45% off.
This.
What you said was, and I'm paraphrasing because I don't want to look it up, that the arguments had to stop. That's shutting it down in my book.
Hi Orusaka,
I was part of that discussion. I think what Alan was getting at that it was not the place to discuss that. For a large part I understood it, we were basically flooding the topic.
I'm pretty sure it's made enitrely clear that it's made up, but sure, if anybody thinks that's an actual quote from The Entire Company Telltale, rest assured that it's simply a made-up quotation meant to convey the basic message that long-term customers feel like they are getting due to Telltale's recent actions by Telltale, specifically those regarding new pre-order incentives for a fickle and unengaged audience.
I am a long term customer and I don't feel like that.
The way I see it, I get BTTF for $15 because of the free puzzle agent. I don't have a problem with giving Telltale an extra $5. At $25 or £12 it is a steal anyway, compared to other games.
Telltale have always been good to us, and I find it hard to believe that they are trying to screw over loyal fans.
Comments
But oh well. It is what t is.
The thing I'm more concerned about is the fact that the $20 price is only available through the Facebook game. Anyone who pre-orders today through the website still has to pay $24.95, at the same time that this other deal is going on that they may not even know about.
what other bonuses are there?
Thank you for passing on our concerns. Though I don't expect much to come of it, I suppose that's the most benefit I'll get from this, and continuing on won't have much of an impact anyway. I'm done with this issue. I'm not going to argue with anybody in this thread anymore: if anybody wants to have a discussion with me about anything I said in this thread, send me a PM or an IM and I'll be sure to discuss whatever with you. I enjoy talking about video games, I don't enjoy being a public nuisance.
Being a company that caters to what is generally a fairly niche genre, trying to isolate their core audience? It seems more like desperation to sell, than actual good business planning. And though the sad fact of life is that any game company trying to hold up does need to put an emphasis on business in some way or another, but this is just bad business.
I try not to have a whole lot of qualms for these sorta things, but this kinda worries me because I do love the company.
Of course, I understand people's problem with a game becoming cheaper before it's even released, but here is my way of looking at it:
in my view, Telltale's games become cheaper because they have sold enough copies to afford doing such a promotion; therefore, if people decide to wait until closer to release date before they purchase the game, Telltale will probably no longer be able to reduce the price (having sold less copies) and you will end up paying the original pre-order price anyway (which is as it should be for pre-orders, of course); additionally, a pre-order perk like participating in the pre-order forum will no longer be available to you and moreover, since the game will appear to sell less than others, Telltale might have to raise the price to recoup their production costs and they might no longer be able to do as many other promotions like the 30 days of Christmas.
As I see it, buying a game early (for more money or not) is a way for me of showing my support for the company who makes pretty much the only games I play anymore.
If it sounds like a Telltale fanboy, smells like a Telltale fanboy and tastes like a Telltale fanboy, it's probably me.
To give a bit more info on this, Telltale will trial initiatives from time to time, targeting audiences in different ways.
The Blitz through Time Facebook game is one new avenue we’ve recently put in place, and we’ve been running varying messages and offers with that game from time to time.
Direct2Drive as a channel chose the 10% discount for their offer. Their customers aren’t getting the free copy of Puzzle Agent and the other pieces that the Telltale store adds to the mix (you’re all probably aware that in addition to the private forum, we’re making charitable donations to Michael J Fox’s foundation).
We run a number programs like this from time to time in the past … some get less visibility with the base here than others.
We absolutely appreciate and value the support of all the folks here, which we look to recognize and acknowledge in as many ways as possible. There have been quite a number of deals created specifically for you all, and there will continue to be.
You all have definitely been a huge part of Telltale’s growth. Ultimately, bigger and bigger audiences help Telltale gain more growth, bringing more and more to you all as this builds.
Hope that helps in giving more background.
- Joel, Telltale
If a company cares about retaining customers, it would probably prefer them to complain loudly rather than leave quietly.
^ This is what a good community manager looks like.
If you want to be upset about deals, go after those companies charging $50-$60 preorders, then putting the games on sale 2-3 weeks after release for 15-45% off.
That's actually why I'm NOT concerned. It's a special coupon for new players to the Facebook game, just like people in the preorder forums got special coupons for items they may have already owned. It's another implementation of an already-established Telltale business model.
I understand people being upset, but I figure, this way I just paid five extra bucks to get all the DVDs shipped to me when the preorder forum did the "$30 off shipping" deal.
I usually do leave my pre-orders to the last minute(I hardly have even been in the Private Forum), and I'm pretty peeved I didn't do it this time. Feels like we've been punished for supporting TT from the word go.
I understand that you are 'trialling initiatives', but don't forget about those who have supported you along the way
Just like to note I'm still perfectly happy with paying the $25, I would've paid more!
The facebook game is a form of viral marketing. Those playing it are getting rewarded because they're drawing attention to the BTTF episodes amongst their friends. People not playing the FB game don't deserve the price break.
And those paying $25 are getting Puzzle Agent, so it all evens out.
I was getting Joel's Direct2drive statement mixed up with the FB game one. My first paragraph is still valid though.
Granted 5$ is still.. 5$ I couldve used on steam for holiday gifts =p
Telltale, a suggestion, Perhaps a special perk for us? A promo code to use?
Ill accept a "Battle Mystic" forum title if you can. ^^
By the way, I'm fine with Direct2Drive's thing, it's another retailer and they can do what they want to have exclusive, separate perks for another venue. It's when it's the same store that I feel it's an issue.
You can do it yourself here.
I pay $25, but I would pay more tbh. Telltale do fantastic work and like to support them in anyway I can.
Feel free to believe or feel anything you want, but be sure to know the facts when you do. Those who purchase the game through the Facebook link today pay $20 and receive all pre-order bonuses from this point on, including the free copy of Puzzle Agent.
2. Why is everyone focusing on the money, as if that was the important thing? It's a principle, people! Pre-orders do not get offered for less money to those who pre-order late. This is a cardinal sin as far as I'm concerned.
To illustrate what a company who cares about their loyal customers does, let mer present to you the story of a different game I recently pre-ordered, Stealth Target, by Phil Hassey, the man behind Galcon.
Now, shortly after release of the pre-order(which also gave you access to a playable beta), Phil decided he had charged too much. So, did he refund the difference to the early adopters? No, he did them one better. He refunded every sale, and let us keep our licenses simply as a gesture of appreciation of his loyal customers.
Now, obviously, this isn't a potential solution for TellTale, and I'm not suggesting it would be. I just find it deliciously illustrative of what companies who care about their loyal customers do. On the other hand you have TellTale who used to care about their loyal customers, but is now instead saying loudly and clearly they prefer the business of last minute tag-alongs via facebook than they do mine.
I am not angry. I am something much, much worse. I am disappointed.
I wouldn't call explaining the situation and the card game offer shutting the conversation down. It was a one-day offer related to the 30 Days of Telltale Sale and I likened it to an early adopter situation. I passed that concern on as well, and other additions to 'new' BttF pre-orders were taken off the schedule.
I think criticism is healthy and the best way to enact change. Seriously.
What you said was, and I'm paraphrasing because I don't want to look it up, that the arguments had to stop. That's shutting it down in my book. That said, fair enough, that line of arguments was in all essence over, so it was a natural place to end the discussion. I realize it might have been an unfair assumption that you would shut us down prematurely this time, and I apologize for that. Trust me, I take no issue with how you conduct your business as moderator. You were merely caught in the cross-fire of some misdirected disappointment.
Myself and some other members of the community feel it's a bit off to have a major sale mid-season, but one released well before the game comes out, externally advertised to an entirely separate and less-involved audience comes off as a slap in the face to everyone that cared enough to buy in early. It delivers a very loud and clear message:
Preordering any game after ToMI (which gave off a nifty poster) had no bonuses or advantages (except for some exclusive forum category which doesn't really have much of a use) to the majority of people -in this case, people already owning Puzzle Agent-, and instead has a big disadvantage because all the discounts come right after the release of the said game. First episode of BTTF is free, which means everyone has a month to buy the full game after its release for a presumably lower price.
If you want it for cheaper you should've waited.
Funfact: Puzzle Agent probably sold <100,000 units or so.
There are 7 billion people in the world. Majority doesn't apply in that instance.
I deeply apologize.
In people who wants to play BTTF: The Game, the majority of it either does not even want or care about the game, OR already own the game.
This.
Hi Orusaka,
I was part of that discussion. I think what Alan was getting at that it was not the place to discuss that. For a large part I understood it, we were basically flooding the topic.
This made me imagine the evil Eric Cartman laugh.
"Na na na na naa naaa, I got it at cheaper price, na na na na naaaa naaa! You don't! You don't!"
The way I see it, I get BTTF for $15 because of the free puzzle agent. I don't have a problem with giving Telltale an extra $5. At $25 or £12 it is a steal anyway, compared to other games.
Telltale have always been good to us, and I find it hard to believe that they are trying to screw over loyal fans.