Lack of Buzz

gordyhulten · 05-19-2009, 10:34 AM

At the risk of this turning into another "when will the game be released discussion," I must say that I'm greatly disconcerted by the complete lack of buzz surrounding the release of OOTP10. At this point, if they're planning on a May release, even if they immediately start dropping screenshots and previews to review sites and interviews, they'll only get 10 days of earned media prior to release.

I'm worried that the two-months-past-Opening-Day release and the lack of any marketing activities may badly hurt sales. Just my $0.02. I hope I'm wrong.

silvam14 · 05-19-2009, 10:49 AM

Hey Gordy! Long time no see! I am also surprised by the lack of talk about this year's version. While the late release doesn't bother me as much, I just feel that the communication from developers and liasons (where art thou Steve?) has clearly taken a step back from prior years.

Yes, there was a newsletter, but that is about it. Unless there are plans for some major hyping of the game post-production, I don't see how this years version is going to reach the masses of potential people who have no idea about it.

With all that said, I have faith that when I do download the game, it will be a great one, just as all the rest have been. Just hasn't been much to get excited over lately, especially for a 10th version.

zekester91 · 05-19-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordyhulten

At this point, if they're planning on a May release, even if they immediately start dropping screenshots and previews to review sites and interviews, they'll only get 10 days of earned media prior to release.

I'm worried that the two-months-past-Opening-Day release and the lack of any marketing activities may badly hurt sales. Just my $0.02. I hope I'm wrong.

Markus has never been great at Marketing, that is why he joined with SI a few years back, The only times there was a big buzz (before the game came out) was with the SI people (which actually hurt the game due to 2006 coming out before Markus was happy with the game).

Now that Markus no-longer has SI Marketing department we are back to our normal "Marketing" strategy. Markus puts out the game when he is happy with it and relies mainly on word of mouth from us to generate buzz, once it is out.

Bluenoser · 05-19-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordyhulten

At the risk of this turning into another "when will the game be released discussion," I must say that I'm greatly disconcerted by the complete lack of buzz surrounding the release of OOTP10. At this point, if they're planning on a May release, even if they immediately start dropping screenshots and previews to review sites and interviews, they'll only get 10 days of earned media prior to release.

I'm worried that the two-months-past-Opening-Day release and the lack of any marketing activities may badly hurt sales. Just my $0.02. I hope I'm wrong.

Why worry? It's no different than past versions. Markus is quite content to let the game be advertised via word of mouth. He certainly doesn't seem too concerned about hurt sales.

Siv · 05-19-2009, 12:07 PM

I am a diehard OOTP gamer so I am really my own marketing machine. Except I market to myself, I am sure I am not alone here as all of us check their inbox hourly to see if the beautiful email has arrived for the pre order.

I continually go over the new features in my head and try and anticipate what sneaky little suprises Markus has for us. I know marketing is needed to get new people into the game, but for me I will buy this game every year it is made until it isn't developed. Luckily for me I am older then Markus so I have at least 30 more years of getting this game.

PotatoPeeler · 05-19-2009, 12:55 PM

We pretty much knew that the marketing wouldn't be what it was with SI, but I think a weekly update, even if it was as brief as the most recent update, would probably go a long way.

PSUColonel · 05-19-2009, 01:27 PM

prediction:OOTP X will either be the last or second to last version of the game's life.

endgame · 05-19-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

prediction:OOTP X will either be the last or second to last version of the game's life.

Where in the world did that come from, the Psychic Channel?

Cryomaniac · 05-19-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

prediction:OOTP X will either be the last or second to last version of the game's life.

What makes you say that?

PSUColonel · 05-19-2009, 01:34 PM

it's a gut feeling

Cryomaniac · 05-19-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by endgame

Where in the world did that come from, the Psychic Channel?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

it's a gut feeling

Ah, so it did come from the psychic channel!

deadringer · 05-19-2009, 02:18 PM

Great, another minefield thread. Markus can't win any way he answers.

If he spends his time hyping the game, it will take longer to release and the crowd is pissed. If he spends his time on the game and not the marketing people bitch. What would you do?

deadringer · 05-19-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

prediction:OOTP X will either be the last or second to last version of the game's life.

For what it's worth, I'm not saying it is going to happen but it has been a fear of mine as well.

StyxNCa · 05-19-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadringer

Great, another minefield thread. Markus can't win any way he answers.

If he spends his time hyping the game, it will take longer to release and the crowd is pissed. If he spends his time on the game and not the marketing people bitch. What would you do?

Clone myself so I could do both at the same time

Russ · 05-19-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadringer

Great, another minefield thread. Markus can't win any way he answers.

If he spends his time hyping the game, it will take longer to release and the crowd is pissed. If he spends his time on the game and not the marketing people bitch. What would you do?

Well, I don't think it's an either or thing. In fact, I would think it's vital. But I'm not looking at his numbers.

And unless my memory is failing me, I think there was a marketing push last year post-SI.

kq76 · 05-19-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadringer

For what it's worth, I'm not saying it is going to happen but it has been a fear of mine as well.

Eh, I imagine many of us worry about that every release. I know I do and it has nothing to do with whether a bunch of people are clamouring for it to be released asap. The fact is it's not a major corporation and one guy walking away from it could mean the end. Would someone step in and take the lead or would it be sold to another company? Who knows, but whatever would happen I'd be very skeptical that it'd be as good as it is with Markus.

snnort · 05-19-2009, 03:21 PM

There are a number of people on this forum who are in Beta that could be convinced to be a "PR" rep and talk to those at PC game sites and such. With limited communication with Markus required this person could sign a contract and be paid a minimum amount (the requirement of a contract, has to benefit both parties in some way) could be that only what Markus chooses to release to the public at any given time be given (as far as information).

There COULD be more buzz around every OOTP release. But you've got to face the issue head on. Obviously this is not a mass market product. It never will be. But the die hard baseball fan in increasing becoming high tech and would love this product. Sadly I show it to many baseball fanatics and they are surprised that they had NEVER heard of it before.

satchel · 05-19-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordyhulten

...I must say that I'm greatly disconcerted by the complete lack of buzz...

Me, too. The stuff should have kicked in by now...

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

prediction:OOTP X will either be the last or second to last version of the game's life.

I've also had this fear, but it's not based on much evidence.

Malleus Dei · 05-19-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

it's a gut feeling

Translation: "I have no data or logic to back up what I wrote."

The Outlaw · 05-19-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadringer

For what it's worth, I'm not saying it is going to happen but it has been a fear of mine as well.

So Markus will be able to move on from OOTP and do the same thing with football and/or basketball??!!

05-19-2009, 10:34 AM	#1
gordyhulten All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,175	Lack of Buzz At the risk of this turning into another "when will the game be released discussion," I must say that I'm greatly disconcerted by the complete lack of buzz surrounding the release of OOTP10. At this point, if they're planning on a May release, even if they immediately start dropping screenshots and previews to review sites and interviews, they'll only get 10 days of earned media prior to release. I'm worried that the two-months-past-Opening-Day release and the lack of any marketing activities may badly hurt sales. Just my $0.02. I hope I'm wrong. __________________ Gordy Hulten Owner / General Manager Red Willow Roadrunners -- Kennel Series Champions: 1951, 1959, 1964, 1965, 1972, 1975, 1980, 1982, 1983 Dog Days Baseball - "The World's Best Online OOTP League" Creator inactive: Republican League - OOTP 2009 Dynasty inactive: Republican League Dynasty - Version 2.0 inactive: Republican League Dynasty

05-19-2009, 10:49 AM	#2
silvam14 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dedham, MA Posts: 9,939	Hey Gordy! Long time no see! I am also surprised by the lack of talk about this year's version. While the late release doesn't bother me as much, I just feel that the communication from developers and liasons (where art thou Steve?) has clearly taken a step back from prior years. Yes, there was a newsletter, but that is about it. Unless there are plans for some major hyping of the game post-production, I don't see how this years version is going to reach the masses of potential people who have no idea about it. With all that said, I have faith that when I do download the game, it will be a great one, just as all the rest have been. Just hasn't been much to get excited over lately, especially for a 10th version. __________________ Senior "Nancy Boy" of the OOTP Boards _______________________________________________

05-19-2009, 12:55 PM	#6
PotatoPeeler Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 3,639	We pretty much knew that the marketing wouldn't be what it was with SI, but I think a weekly update, even if it was as brief as the most recent update, would probably go a long way. __________________ 培傑西 I have never taken a lesson on how to talk on TV in my life. - Tim McCarver Guns have only two enemies; rust and liberals. The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel.

05-19-2009, 12:07 PM	#5
Siv Major Leagues Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 365	I am a diehard OOTP gamer so I am really my own marketing machine. Except I market to myself, I am sure I am not alone here as all of us check their inbox hourly to see if the beautiful email has arrived for the pre order. I continually go over the new features in my head and try and anticipate what sneaky little suprises Markus has for us. I know marketing is needed to get new people into the game, but for me I will buy this game every year it is made until it isn't developed. Luckily for me I am older then Markus so I have at least 30 more years of getting this game.

05-19-2009, 01:27 PM	#7
PSUColonel Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 13,106	prediction:OOTP X will either be the last or second to last version of the game's life.

05-19-2009, 01:34 PM	#10
PSUColonel Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 13,106	it's a gut feeling

05-19-2009, 02:18 PM	#12
deadringer All Star Reserve Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: La Grande, Oregon Posts: 994	Great, another minefield thread. Markus can't win any way he answers. If he spends his time hyping the game, it will take longer to release and the crowd is pissed. If he spends his time on the game and not the marketing people bitch. What would you do?

05-19-2009, 03:21 PM	#17
snnort Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 272	There are a number of people on this forum who are in Beta that could be convinced to be a "PR" rep and talk to those at PC game sites and such. With limited communication with Markus required this person could sign a contract and be paid a minimum amount (the requirement of a contract, has to benefit both parties in some way) could be that only what Markus chooses to release to the public at any given time be given (as far as information). There COULD be more buzz around every OOTP release. But you've got to face the issue head on. Obviously this is not a mass market product. It never will be. But the die hard baseball fan in increasing becoming high tech and would love this product. Sadly I show it to many baseball fanatics and they are surprised that they had NEVER heard of it before.