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| 30 SEP 2006 at 3:07am |
HelenGuild Master
Posts : 3436
Joined: 12 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | Thanks for the info Randy, they wont get any of my money. >
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| 30 SEP 2006 at 3:31am |
jujigatameSchattenjger
Posts : 1976
Joined: 14 FEB 2003
Status : Online | I appreciate the sentiment, but how else am I supposed to get the old Space Quest games?
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| 30 SEP 2006 at 4:19pm |
RecklessJourneyman
Posts : 962
Joined: 14 NOV 2002
Status : Online | If you're not after a collector's edition then picking up the games is fairly easy through the usual places. Mind you, if you're after a collector's edition then the recent releases aren't what you're after anyways Alternatively, I'd expect a large number of eBay listings for the set(s) in the coming months so buying them 2nd hand will not add any additional support to VUG and get you the games you want...
I had hoped that VUG would put some effort into the releases but clearly near zero effort was applied. I'm not sure I'd agree with Randy in that VUG would eventually release the rights to GK [based upon the sales of these releases] but I'm certainly not going to support them for such a half baked effort!
[url=http://leisuresuitlarry.dyndns.org/]Leisure Suit Larry Archive Site[/url]&&[url=http://www.adamhearn.co.uk]Hearn Garage[/url]
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| 30 SEP 2006 at 5:18pm |
| Deleted User | Why should good sales of these collections guarantee that we'll get crap? Seriously, I know a thing or two about Sierra's PR people too and I'd say you are right about them. But, there is also the possibility that they realize that they have something valuable here but that they need it to be treated by people who understand it, that there is a bigger market out there if they can please both old fans and new, as opposed to trying to sell to a new audience but getting a mob of angry, old fans on their hands. Rather than bashing Sierra, why not tell them what games we want instead? Few games are created in-house by the large developers these days. Sierra could just as well as anyone else contract Jane Jensen to make a new Gabriel Knight, as long as they see the market and realize that it needs proper treatment. That seems to me like a more likely possibility than them selling any rights. I think a Gabriel Knight published by Sierra would sell better than one that wasn't, and if it was a good game, I'd support it.
People will buy these collections whether we want it or not. If some people wrote to Sierra and told them that it was a good idea to release these games but that they did it wrong with this and that, maybe that could be a good thing?
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| 30 SEP 2006 at 8:05pm |
WimliGuild Master
Posts : 3259
Joined: 14 MAR 2003
Status : Offline | I agree with Petter. I don't think Sierra will ever sell the rights to these series whether people buy these collections or not. The best chance of hoping for sequels is as they are produced by Sierra themselves. Nothing is to say that whenever they are interested in making eg a new Gabriel Knight, they won't contact the original game designer. They didn't do it for Magna Cum Laude and got a terrible game in return that, I suspect, didn't exactly sell well. I think they've learned their a wise lesson there, that changing genre does not convince fans to buy the game. Maybe next time, they'll approach it differently, and stay loyal to the series. In case of Gabriel Knight, what will matter is whether Jensen's next game, Gray Matter, is a succes or not. If it is, I think Sierra will be more inclined to contact her if they are interested in producing a Gabriel Knight sequel.
In any case, I don't believe that by boycotting these collections, there's a bigger chance that Sierra will sell the rights to these properties.
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| 1 OCT 2006 at 12:09am |
jujigatameSchattenjger
Posts : 1976
Joined: 14 FEB 2003
Status : Online | If you're not after a collector's edition then picking up the games is fairly easy through the usual places.
What usual places?
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| 1 OCT 2006 at 9:09am |
RecklessJourneyman
Posts : 962
Joined: 14 NOV 2002
Status : Online | I'm sure that wasn't a totally serious question... but I'll add a link to the usual places
eBay is the best bet. GameTZ can be useful if you're willing to trade. Both links perform a search so you can see how many are listed at the mo.
Without luck, there isn't anywhere where you can source a collector's edition (SQ1-6) for a reasonable price. However the SQ1-5 boxset doesn't tend to attract that high a price and picking up a standalone SQ6 shouldn't be that difficult.
Whether the above route is viable depends on your stance... basically it'll cost more than buying the re-release and given most US peeps don't like paying a lot of $'s for a game, it's probably not an option! So I'd go for an eBay listing of the new collection some time in the [near] future
[url=http://leisuresuitlarry.dyndns.org/]Leisure Suit Larry Archive Site[/url]&&[url=http://www.adamhearn.co.uk]Hearn Garage[/url]
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| 1 OCT 2006 at 12:29pm |
challis3Intergalactic Janitor
Posts : 84
Joined: 13 DEC 2004
Status : Online | Gametap also has a number of the older Sierra Games- Including Quest for Glory, King's Quest, I think at least one Police Quest among many others.
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| 1 OCT 2006 at 3:46pm |
jalexSchattenjger
Posts : 2503
Joined: 5 MAR 2003
Status : Offline | I was a Sierra fan for many years. I bought Magna Cun just because of the name even though I had heard it wasn't a good game. I would have to say it was about the bigest disapointment I have ever had in any game I have ever played. I never could understand why they would hang on to the Seirra copywrights when they never intended to make or even where capable of making any game like the originals. Of course they are not the only ones that has tried to destroy the adventure game gerne by making them into key and button pounder action games but they sure did there share. Even my son who is an action gamer likes a good AG so why are they so intent on killing the gerne. I am so happy that there are still companies out there that are still making AG's the way they were ment to be made and not trying to change them or kill the gerne. These are the companies I will support. The computer is not a toy and really doesn't need games that can be bought and played on any dime store game machine and then thrown away like a piece of trash.
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| 1 OCT 2006 at 4:55pm |
| Deleted User | Well, I think Larry is the one character that really etched itself into the gamers' collective unconcious so to speak... Most people don't know what those games were all about, but they have this image of a lovable loser chasing sexy women. I figure they thought this concept would sell fairly well.
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| 1 OCT 2006 at 11:38pm |
jujigatameSchattenjger
Posts : 1976
Joined: 14 FEB 2003
Status : Online | Originally Posted By Reckless (1 OCT 2006 9:09am)
I'm sure that wasn't a totally serious question... but I'll add a link to the usual places
eBay is the best bet. GameTZ can be useful if you're willing to trade. Both links perform a search so you can see how many are listed at the mo.
Without luck, there isn't anywhere where you can source a collector's edition (SQ1-6) for a reasonable price. However the SQ1-5 boxset doesn't tend to attract that high a price and picking up a standalone SQ6 shouldn't be that difficult.
Whether the above route is viable depends on your stance... basically it'll cost more than buying the re-release and given most US peeps don't like paying a lot of $'s for a game, it's probably not an option! So I'd go for an eBay listing of the new collection some time in the [near] future
I stopped using eBay years ago, it's too much of a hassle for me. Going through the whole bidding process and then dealing with the seller is just a waste of my time when I can order the thing off Amazon for a reasonable price and have it within a few days.
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| 2 OCT 2006 at 12:06pm |
WimliGuild Master
Posts : 3259
Joined: 14 MAR 2003
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By challis3 (1 OCT 2006 12:29pm)
Gametap also has a number of the older Sierra Games- Including Quest for Glory, King's Quest, I think at least one Police Quest among many others.
*sigh* As has been said before, Gametap is a US citizens only service. Nice when you live in the US, pretty frustrating when you don't.
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| 2 OCT 2006 at 2:07pm |
AyaGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 7277
Joined: 16 OCT 2002
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By Wimli (2 OCT 2006 12:06pm)
*sigh* As has been said before, Gametap is a US citizens only service. Nice when you live in the US, pretty frustrating when you don't.
plus, that's just dloads... no boxes, nothing... if there are two things you cannot have unboxed is sierra and infocom!
You have gotten the attention of the mysterious lady. She turns to face you. Her face is devoid of any flesh. You are frozen with horror as she begins ripping your body into a bloody mess.
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 12:03am |
ConMolSorcerer Apprentice
Posts : 396
Joined: 10 OCT 2002
Status : Online | You have them for sale at the JA store....but we shouldn't buy them (?)
Another saucy State of Adventure Gaming article too - I so look forward to them!
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 12:35am |
challis3Intergalactic Janitor
Posts : 84
Joined: 13 DEC 2004
Status : Online | I realize that Gametap isn't for everyone, but Juji IS in the US and he was asking for alternatives to play the game.
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 3:06am |
jujigatameSchattenjger
Posts : 1976
Joined: 14 FEB 2003
Status : Online | Gametap is worthless to me. You pay them good money but you don't actually OWN the games. If I want to play the games in 3 years I have to sign up and pay all over again (assuming they still exist at that point).
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 4:26am |
nytimesguyPrivate Detective
Posts : 684
Joined: 14 OCT 2002
Status : Online | Originally Posted By Randy-JA (30 SEP 2006 2:27am)
Seriously, don't support these clowns by buying these poorly packaged game compilations. The more they sell, the more they will think there is still a market for these licenses and we will get more crap like Leisure Suit Larry Beach Volleyball.
But if no one buys those game then Sierra will just take it as further proof that adventure games are dead. Whereas if they sold well, perhaps Sierra would think there was still a market for adventure games.
I don't think there's an effective tactic one way or the other. Sierra will do what they feel like doing. I say, if you want the compilations, buy them.
I think the whole idea of "not supporting" Sierra to teach them a lesson is silly. It's not about supporting Sierra, it's about whether you want the games are not. If you're mad at Sierra and don't want to give them your money, that's fine, but don't consider it a tactic.
Charles - Game Theorist
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 5:18am |
Randy-JAJourneyman
Posts : 1351
Joined: 11 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | you're missing the point, if Sierra were to think the adventure game market was dead, then they might be more inclined to sell the rights back to their original creators at a fair price. There have been offers made to Sierra for these licenses, but they have asked a fortune for them believing there is still a market. And there is still a market, just not for junk like LSL volleybay, etc.
it has nothing to do with being 'mad' at Sierra.
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 11:04am |
WimliGuild Master
Posts : 3259
Joined: 14 MAR 2003
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By Randy-JA (3 OCT 2006 5:18am)
you're missing the point, if Sierra were to think the adventure game market was dead, then they might be more inclined to sell the rights back to their original creators at a fair price. There have been offers made to Sierra for these licenses, but they have asked a fortune for them believing there is still a market. And there is still a market, just not for junk like LSL volleybay, etc.
it has nothing to do with being 'mad' at Sierra.
I don't think they can be that easily mislead. Just the fact that they have had many offers in the past, and maybe even now, shows them that there is still enough interest in these properties to not sell them for a lower price. I don't think they'll ever sell these for a fair price. These properties have been very lucrative in the past, they might be again some day, and those many offers made to Sierra that you mention will only strengthen them in this belief. Only my opinion of course.
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 3:50pm |
nytimesguyPrivate Detective
Posts : 684
Joined: 14 OCT 2002
Status : Online | Originally Posted By Randy-JA (3 OCT 2006 5:18am)
you're missing the point, if Sierra were to think the adventure game market was dead, then they might be more inclined to sell the rights back to their original creators at a fair price. There have been offers made to Sierra for these licenses, but they have asked a fortune for them believing there is still a market. And there is still a market, just not for junk like LSL volleybay, etc.
it has nothing to do with being 'mad' at Sierra.
Sierra is not going to judge whether there is a market for adventure games based solely on how well compilations of their own games sell. They would actually look at sales of other adventure games. Obviously Sierra decided years ago that there is no market for adventure games, that's why they don't make them. But they consider the name recognition of their licenses to hold some value, which is why they don't sell them off. The fact that people won't buy old adventure games is not going to make Sierra decide the name recognition has worn off. In theory the best bet for getting Sierra to sell off their assets would be if they tried using them and felt they gained no advantage, for example if they felt that horrible LSL game bombed. That would be a clear indication, I would think, that Larry wasn't worth much to them. But I don't think that game did well and I don't see them selling off LSL.
I don't think anyone is offering the amount of money the corporate suits want to sell off any asset. I think the only hope is that Vivendi reaches the precipice of bankruptcy and has to start selling off assets to survive; that's about the only chance we're going to see them sell of GK and LSL and all that.
Charles - Game Theorist
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 5:22pm |
KAPIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 64
Joined: 25 AUG 2004
Status : Online | The other thing to consider is looking at this from a business standpoint. Publishing Companies are generally valued in the market by name recognition and the more recognizable the title....the more it is worth. Think about it what would Pepsi be without Pepsi?
So no....LSL Volleybay was NOT a good title at all...but since it is technically an "LSL" game that makes LSL an asset.
Yes they make money.....guess what...thats what a free market economy is all about. They can offer whatever they feel is a "fair" price for thier titles....No we do not have to like it....and no we probably should not buy these releases, but in the grand scheme of things. It will not matter one bit. Simply because NOT everyone comes to this site and sees threads like this so. Since it costs nearly NOTHING to rerelease a title....they are bound to make at least some cash off this deal. Even if all of us who have been following this story never even looked at these titles again...there are many many more who have NO clue of the backstory. Corporations in my general experience never really care what we the consumers want....they are just out to make thier investors and themselves some cash....It's the great American Way....sad but true.
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| 3 OCT 2006 at 5:48pm |
Lucien21Guild Master
Posts : 4876
Joined: 9 JUL 2003
Location: 0
Status : Offline | So which windmill are we attacking next week.
Funcom
Sierra
who's next.
I don't agree with boycotting anyone. Buy the games or don't that is each consumers choice.
So I won't be buying Volleyball or any other substandard knock off based on the licenses. Maybe if the collections sell well sierra will realise there is a market for adventures and not MCL type crap.
Dear Diary, My teenage angst bullsh*t now has a bodycount.
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| 24 OCT 2006 at 7:17am |
EricHG23Space Cadet
Posts : 155
Joined: 23 JUL 2003
Status : Online | I saw the Space and King's Quest sets in Best Buy in Vancouver this past weekend--20 bucks Canadian
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| 24 OCT 2006 at 2:25pm |
KarstenSorcerer Apprentice
Posts : 347
Joined: 23 SEP 2006
Location: DK
Status : Offline | HI
IIRC, we're talking about Sierra (or Vivendi/Ubisoft?) selling the licensec to say KQ 1-8 back to
the ORIGINAL creators of say KQ 1-8, like Roberta Williams, Ken Williams, and Al Lowe.
And yes, Vivendi (ubisoft?) may ask a fairly steep (high) price for the licenses since they do realize that there still is a market out there for these (very) classy - classic games. Hence, the re-release of the games, maybe also to put a little money in Vivendi's bucket.
Also, I doubt I will be able to get say KQ's or SQ's game series anywhere if I don't buy these collections.
(currently I have no money to buy any games, so it has to wait a while...)
Karsten
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