Risky Business Or Is It?
Time for a rant methinks!
**Rant Mode Engaged**
Yes indeed, the risk is there, but there are proven ways to minimise it.
Here are 3 possibilities.
Firstly, Frontier could go the "Doom" route by issuing a free shareware version of Elite IV with most of the features in the game but limited in the size of its galaxy, missions, ships ect. A big demo if you like. Then open a secure site where you can buy the full version after interest has been drummed up.
The good points of doing this is that it generates tons of interest as everyone can try it for free. The downside is that they must have the real fully featured game waiting in the wings. Can the shareware version generate enough interest..................?
Another way is the "Minecraft" route. Issue an alpha version and encourage people to buy it (perhaps with a discount for early support) with the promise that, with enough purchases, further development will go on.
This is good because the amount of resources Frontier put into the game depends on the take up of the first alpha. This might appear to be the least risky option from Frontier's point of view.
However, there is a bad side to this route, if there is not enough take up, but still a healthy showing from the "die-hard" elite fans, there could be a lot of anger in the Elite community if the game dies. Likewise if there is enough support at the outset but development slows or stalls. Frontier might well be locked into doing this or suffer the wraith of the community.
Is this a conducive atmosphere to create a ground breaking game? It might encourage a rushed, ill thought out game. Basically, not the deep meaningful game we all wish for.
In either case, the Elite community will feel abandoned, used or frustrated on the lack of progress toward that seemingly impossible goal of a "true" Elite game.
But let's be honest here people, dont some of you feel that already? Not a lot to lose in going down this route?
Note that in both of the above examples, publishers are circumvented, every penny the game might make, goes straight to Frontier Developments. That alone must appeal to them.
You could say, in both examples, the risk is reduced somewhat, if no one takes up the shareware or alpha versions, it dies, simple as that and Frontier are still in a position to continue making its other games. Also, if it did fail, they could say "we tried and no one wanted it so now everyone can stop harping on about it" The "Elite issue" would finally be closed forever.
Also,
*cough*.......there is a third route...............
They could buy a license to use the Infinity engine then "Elitise" it. This would save on creating an engine from scratch for the game but it could also mean heavy license fees. How would some of you feel if Elite IV was little more than an Infinity mod?
It can be done people, the options are there with their own pros and cons. The real questions are, has Frontier the will to do it and would we as a community come out and support it no matter what route Frontier took?
**Rant Mode Dis-engaged**
Frontier needs the will, but we as fans need faith too
