SoE to publish Vanguard

[Kuro]

Brad, will the CGonline magazine code and other vanguard-related offers made during it's time under Microsoft still be valid after this shift?

[Maxxius]

Originally Posted by Aradune Mithara

SOE is NOT funding the game -- we are. We are getting funding and buying the publishing rights from Microsoft. SOE is a co-publisher/distributor, with Sigil as the publisher as well. They can focus on what they do well (mentioned above -- someone quoted one of my posts from the official boards) and we can now focus with even more authority on making Vanguard into the game we want it to be and believe our audience is looking for.

Well Brad you are posting here obviously, so the question is begged. what happened? Was MSG pressuring you into early release? Were they disappointed in where the game was heading?

I don't know how to interpret all this when concerning the end product. I take it more as a negative than a positive, which is unfortunate.

[Everlast]

Originally Posted by Fender

My only question is how/why Microsoft was deemed to be "not good" at distribution and marketing. The Age of Empires series isn't exactly known as a flop. Also, it's effing Microsoft. If they can't get boxes out and market them who can?

I guess I'll subscribe to the whole "Brad was being leaned on and didn't like it" theory at this point.

Microsoft is not very profitable in their gaming sales - there was an article on CNN.com about it a week or two ago, can't seem to find it right now.

I find it interesting that Microsoft dealt Vanguard off to Sony. It says to me they have little faith in Xbox 360s ability to play Vanguard and they don’t want negative press surrounding Xbox 360 around the time PS3 launches (which I am sure PS3, Vanguard, Duke Nukem Forever, and the resurrection of Christ will all released at the same time).

No company would pass up any halfway decent MMORPG at a time where WoW has 5 million unhappy customers, and you can bet your ass Microsoft would not do it unless they had too.

[Everlast]

Originally Posted by Kuro

Brad, will the CGonline magazine code and other vanguard-related offers made during it's time under Microsoft still be valid after this shift?

short answer will most likely be no - there were no contractual agreements between Sony and CGonline, Sony could offer compensation - but I highly doubt that would happen.

[Exmonk]

This in conjunction with other beta stuff recently (yes breaking NDA by acknowledging access) really makes me think that the delay is to have more time to improve the game.

Is VG great atm, no. But with time and effort that this shows they are willing to put in it still can be.

[Cinge]

Originally Posted by Everlast

short answer will most likely be no - there were no contractual agreements between Sony and CGonline, Sony could offer compensation - but I highly doubt that would happen.

I dunno, brad posted on VG boards that even though all the beta apps that every forum user filled out, all went through MGS website, that nothing has changed and wont need to be deleted/re-done/ changed.

[kashmir]

keep dancing... it's what you're good at.

[Aradune Mithara]

Originally Posted by Kuro

Brad, will the CGonline magazine code and other vanguard-related offers made during it's time under Microsoft still be valid after this shift?

Yes, nothing with beta is going to change.

[Xhar]

Originally Posted by Smed

As for gameplay stuff.. it's precisely because of the gameplay that we're interested in Vanguard. Like the old saying goes "If it ain't broke.. don't fix it". I realize I'm setting myself up nicely by saying that, but hey.. it applies.

Oh, please elaborate on this one. Are you saying what Vanguard has to offer as far as gameplay goes is just the "old" with a new coat of paint? Or did you mean something else?

[Kuro]

Originally Posted by Aradune Mithara

Yes, nothing with beta is going to change.

Thanks

[Drave]

Link to Silky Venom's dev tracker - Brad's posts.


*Edit - reads like a(n) FAQ on the whole situation

[Frax]

Originally Posted by Skars

Cannot wait to read the shitstorm this is gonna bring on the VG forums.

My thoughts exactly. I'd guess a solid 75%+ of the people who post on vanguardsoh.com are rabid SOE haters. Now they will have no home for their vitriolic comments, plus if SOE moderates the forums... lol!

I'm still not sure there is room for even more fantasy MMOs out there, especially with some very impressive looking competition in Conan and Warhammer looming in the future. DDO was by all accounts a pretty massive failure already. And having what appears to be a mis-step (regardless of how brad or smed spin it, and don't get me wrong I have respect for both you fellas!), this can't be good for the game. I hope I am wrong, as I really do wish Vanguard to succeed.

[Ameraves Loyalheart]

For me, as many others have stated, it won't affect if I play the game or not. If it is good great, I will play. If it's not, I won't. If this was a move by Brad to get control and release the game when they felt it was ready instead of MGS then great.

Someone clarify something for me though. People keep saying that SOE will eventually just take over and turn it into whatever they choose. Is that possible with Sigil owning the IP and publishing rights? I guess I just don't understand it all =P

[Cuppycake]

Quick question for Smed or Brad -

With the change is it still planned to have no 'official forum' for Vanguard and let the forums be community fansites instead?

Just wondering if SoE will be hosting forums like they do for the rest of the games on their lineup.

[Skars]

Originally Posted by Frax

My thoughts exactly. I'd guess a solid 75%+ of the people who post on vanguardsoh.com are rabid SOE haters. Or WoW haters. Now they will have no home, plus if SOE moderates the forums... lol!

Yah. The more time that goes on the more I'm trending towards believing the VG forums are more idiotic than the WoW ones. Just in a different way. I can't believe how many people lack basic reading comprehension, it's incredible.