People I know that like the game don't even know of that site. And yes, porn is what best sells there, just check DarkTranslations' blog to see what kind of people do buy there.
In my case, I have problems with buying downloads. it simply is not in my policy. I'd rather buy a physical copy of something than just data(and normally, you get some few extras this way).
I simply find it irritating that I actually asked [erka:es] about making the game more available to people on this side of the Pacific, and now I'm the one who looks like a fool because the RKS fanbase here doesn't give a shit.
You know maybe I could get more people interested by writing an review on "The Escapist" but I am not too sure if the review turns out good enough, because of my english skills ...
A) THE BEST offered too little for the time it was released. Let's face it, most people that would had cared already had the game and already beat it. That's without saying that anyone below a certain age simply doesn't have access at all to THE BEST.
B) This is the internet. We are talking that in here you can download games to play on an external console like the Wii or PSP. A game for the pc is more accessible and easy to find (and cheaper
Well, it doesn't require an economic degree to realize that the demand was already really low. It got released almost two years later and everyone who'd have cared for it have already downloaded it for free and finished it a good couple of times. The rest, well they probably just heard about the game so they'd rather get it for free and have no expectation than buy it and be disappointed if it's not good enough.
Anyway I'm pretty sure those who really care about them would be ready to pay for the second game, if it is localized here soon enough.
It's not about what the game offers. It's about support for the doujin circle that brought us the game. It's about fan support, and it bothers me that the so-called fans of the series are unwilling to show any.
As long as it isn't zero sales, bro. That's all that matters. Plus it's not like DLsite is ever going to remove the game or anything. More copies will be sold as time goes on.
Also it seems that it made the WEEKLY CHART RANKING which is pretty cool for a non-porn product on DLsite.
It's about support for the doujin circle that brought us the game. It's about fan support, and it bothers me that the so-called fans of the series are unwilling to show any.
Well, I'd be willing to do anything to help support [erka:es].
Well it's them who failed to see the market potential here earlier. I'm not going to pay $15 for a product or a service I don't need (anymore) only to support. There are donation buttons for that purpose. It's sad but it's how it works. I think the sales show it pretty well.
If they work on giving pre-orders for the new game over here, then it will work. Otherwise, unless they release it here soon enough, the piracy will still be at his peak.
Well it's them who failed to see the market potential here earlier.
Yes, because they could clearly foresee the fanbase potential of a Megaman-clone doujin game that debuted in a non-commercial market environment. Maybe Freudenstachel will be put up earlier, but only if they see that people are going to buy it.
To my knowledge, THE BEST offers nothing of added value in comparison to the original release, since it didn't address any relevant issues such as the Vista lag-fest. In fact, not getting a physical copy to fiddle around with makes it even less in value. As such no one who already has a copy would never consider buying one digitally. Following that it's also difficult to recommend the digitally distributed version to anyone.
Also, everyone who cared got their copy ages ago. Those who didn't... well, the only incentives to get the digitally distributed version now is the recent lack of physical copies available for purchase (which, in turn, isn't catered for due to the assumed/perceived lack of demand) and problems with the postage, its fees and paying. In the latter case the digital distribution doesn't solve the problem.
(Considering the expression I used, "recent"... yes, yes it is. I bought my copies nine or so months ago without much trouble in finding a source for it.)
You might have thought about a certain other motive to get a digitally distributed copy, but I assure you, the market for that is quite marginal. People these days have no moral, and it's considerably more inconvenient to get you copy from an authorized digital distributor than from... other sources. Of course, there is a small group who are willing to go for the digitally distributed copy due to various factors, such as the desire to support the developers, and they're in the headline.
There are still other potential factors to be considered. I would assume, with no firm data on me, that Rosenkreuzstilette, while not the most unknown doujin game ever, has a relatively small fan base outside of Japan, which is for the most part dispassionate and disorganized - especially after a few years have passed after the game's release - when it comes to spreading information about the game, which in itself poses some restrictions to the game's popularity. More so with the digital version, of which I'm sure many a fan hasn't even heard (which partly has to do with the fact they won't be stumbling on it unless they specifically search for information about the game, ie., partly due to the fan's inactivity (as there's no particular reason to search for the information), partly due to the lack of "spreading the love", or "marketing" and "word-of-mouth", if you will). (continued...)
Summing up the last point, maybe the problem doesn't lie in low demand, but rather in people's unawareness of the new release?
It also seems that there has been from little to none research in the potential demand for the physical copy, or just blatant unwillingness to make money. Finding it out should be simple enough: Contact different resellers and inquire if they have any reservations for the game should they get some in stock. If there's a demand I'm sure the shop might take a few extra to sell (as they know there's demand) - then again, I might just be bit too optimistic and naive regarding the shops' willingness to co-operate. Informing the shops about the possibility to stock up games when there's demand should hardly be a costly affair, at least for the informing part. Making games in small increments might be; I haven't looked into that.
Since I decided to drop in and write a bit, allow me to address some trends I've been noticing concerning this blog.
First off, until very recently, there hasn't been too many posts. I know the external new stuff might be lacking in volume and all fan pictures are already chewed out, but there has hardly been any reason not to make some yourself. There haven't been any contests recently (aside from that drawing contest that was launched not so long ago), and frankly: where did the challenges go? I don't remember how I found my way here, but I do remember I loved those challenges, even if I could take part in only one of them. That's the reason I stuck around.
Secondly, in the rare occurrence of a blog post, instead of RKS stuff I get e-drama. No! Why would I want to follow such egregious waste of my time? That type of things should be settled outside of the main blogging.
Thirdly, didn't you have a plan to have a forum or something? It'd certainly increase the activity. Why go through the trouble of meeting the commoners' growing demands doing wheelbarrows through flaming loops when the common folk can entertain themselves?
I suppose I'm a bit late with my critique, but I just felt like throwing that in since I'm posting anyway (and I don't do that very often).
I also realize I'm probably rather straight-forward or even blunt with my arguments, but I believe my comments are justified and based on a sufficient foundation to post them here.
My comment's a tad long so I couldn't preview it all too well, sorry for any inconsistencies.
People these days have no moral, and it's considerably more inconvenient to get you copy from an authorized digital distributor than from... other sources.
That seems to be the general gist of things. It's irritating in a way, to be honest, but it may very well be because of my own passion for the series.
Summing up the last point, maybe the problem doesn't lie in low demand, but rather in people's unawareness of the new release?
There were over 200 downloads for the English "THE BEST" patch, from this website, via the Mediafire link alone. Believe me, people know about it.
First off, until very recently, there hasn't been too many posts. I know the external new stuff might be lacking in volume and all fan pictures are already chewed out, but there has hardly been any reason not to make some yourself.
Not much is happening in the RKS world, and I've been busy with some other projects.
where did the challenges go?
That's a good question, actually. I have plans to get into that again at some point, but, again, I've been busy with other projects. Also, something happened when I upgraded to the retail version of Win7 Ultimate, and the game doesn't work properly. This is the reason I temporarily abandoned the English Voice Project as well.
Secondly, in the rare occurrence of a blog post, instead of RKS stuff I get e-drama. No! Why would I want to follow such egregious waste of my time? That type of things should be settled outside of the main blogging.
I've been dealing with some anger issues as of late, and in hindsight, it would be better if I handled things outside of the blog. I apologize for that.
Thirdly, didn't you have a plan to have a forum or something? It'd certainly increase the activity. Why go through the trouble of meeting the commoners' growing demands doing wheelbarrows through flaming loops when the common folk can entertain themselves?
I don't have the webspace for a forum (and I'm not getting one of those ad-filled free ones), and there's been an RKS board over at Mirai Gamer for god knows how long that nobody seems to want to join. Maybe that's due to a lack of advertising on my part, but Darkside Translations has been plugging the place for months, asking for feedback on the English patch.
I also realize I'm probably rather straight-forward or even blunt with my arguments, but I believe my comments are justified and based on a sufficient foundation to post them here.
Just wanted to say, been following this blog since I found it about two months ago. Who knew RKS was shrouded in so much drama? You are doing your best Letty (since Erka:es can't really communicate easily with international fans) and I am sure there are more RKS fans than people who actually know of this site. I'm one of the people who actually bought the BEST version from dlsite. That said, I agree with the general thoughts posted that A. Its the internet, what did you expect? B. Anyone who had the ability to buy the original have no real incentive to re-purchase the game (I would have bought the original if I had money at the time). Its a dismal number sure, at least its not zero though.
Any body that typed RKS into google or bing in the last couple of months saw people like flacidviper, emommx, and lefty calling fans of RKS a bunch of retards.
What do you think people who saw all that thought? "This makes me want to support and buy the game." (I know, sarcasm doesn't come across as well in text.)
Didn't anybody learn from SEGA? Where's the Game Gear franchise now?
I don't anyone has to worry about the -[erka:es] The Best- edition's sales as much now since every place where its possible to download the game for free is now dead. Well this sucks for everyone can't get the game now unless they buy it from DLSite...
That stinks. X'(
ReplyDeletePeople already have the original version and the re-release just isn't that popular. Sorry mang.
ReplyDeleteThat is alarmingly few. Is erka:es gonna keep it up or are they seeing it as a waste of time with that few sales?
ReplyDeleteit is quite understandable, since people can easily find the BEST patch and add it to the original game, so there would be no need to rebuy the game
ReplyDeleteWhy?
ReplyDeleteBecause this is the internet, where you can get stuff for free.
Sad but true..
Another one who bought the original game disc here!
ReplyDeleteAnd porn seems to be the only thing that actually sells well on DLsite. Correct me if I'm wrong though.
People I know that like the game don't even know of that site. And yes, porn is what best sells there, just check DarkTranslations' blog to see what kind of people do buy there.
ReplyDeleteIn my case, I have problems with buying downloads. it simply is not in my policy. I'd rather buy a physical copy of something than just data(and normally, you get some few extras this way).
ReplyDeleteThat awfully few... O_o
ReplyDeleteMaybe this service was proposed far too late after the original release ? Most of us already had the game at home... :-/
I hope they'll release the "Freu" game directly using this download system at C77... I'll definitely buy it this way, now.
I simply find it irritating that I actually asked [erka:es] about making the game more available to people on this side of the Pacific, and now I'm the one who looks like a fool because the RKS fanbase here doesn't give a shit.
ReplyDeleteYou know maybe I could get more people interested by writing an review on "The Escapist" but I am not too sure if the review turns out good enough, because of my english skills ...
ReplyDeleteI believe there's two main reason:
ReplyDeleteA) THE BEST offered too little for the time it was released. Let's face it, most people that would had cared already had the game and already beat it.
That's without saying that anyone below a certain age simply doesn't have access at all to THE BEST.
B) This is the internet. We are talking that in here you can download games to play on an external console like the Wii or PSP. A game for the pc is more accessible and easy to find (and cheaper
Well, it doesn't require an economic degree to realize that the demand was already really low. It got released almost two years later and everyone who'd have cared for it have already downloaded it for free and finished it a good couple of times. The rest, well they probably just heard about the game so they'd rather get it for free and have no expectation than buy it and be disappointed if it's not good enough.
ReplyDeleteAnyway I'm pretty sure those who really care about them would be ready to pay for the second game, if it is localized here soon enough.
It's not about what the game offers. It's about support for the doujin circle that brought us the game. It's about fan support, and it bothers me that the so-called fans of the series are unwilling to show any.
ReplyDeleteHow many english RKS fans are there anyway?
ReplyDeleteAs long as it isn't zero sales, bro. That's all that matters. Plus it's not like DLsite is ever going to remove the game or anything. More copies will be sold as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteAlso it seems that it made the WEEKLY CHART RANKING which is pretty cool for a non-porn product on DLsite.
It's about support for the doujin circle that brought us the game. It's about fan support, and it bothers me that the so-called fans of the series are unwilling to show any.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd be willing to do anything to help support [erka:es].
Well it's them who failed to see the market potential here earlier. I'm not going to pay $15 for a product or a service I don't need (anymore) only to support. There are donation buttons for that purpose. It's sad but it's how it works. I think the sales show it pretty well.
ReplyDeleteIf they work on giving pre-orders for the new game over here, then it will work. Otherwise, unless they release it here soon enough, the piracy will still be at his peak.
Well it's them who failed to see the market potential here earlier.
ReplyDeleteYes, because they could clearly foresee the fanbase potential of a Megaman-clone doujin game that debuted in a non-commercial market environment. Maybe Freudenstachel will be put up earlier, but only if they see that people are going to buy it.
I am definitely going to buy Freudenstachel when it comes out.
ReplyDeleteTo my knowledge, THE BEST offers nothing of added value in comparison to the original release, since it didn't address any relevant issues such as the Vista lag-fest. In fact, not getting a physical copy to fiddle around with makes it even less in value. As such no one who already has a copy would never consider buying one digitally. Following that it's also difficult to recommend the digitally distributed version to anyone.
ReplyDeleteAlso, everyone who cared got their copy ages ago. Those who didn't... well, the only incentives to get the digitally distributed version now is the recent lack of physical copies available for purchase (which, in turn, isn't catered for due to the assumed/perceived lack of demand) and problems with the postage, its fees and paying. In the latter case the digital distribution doesn't solve the problem.
(Considering the expression I used, "recent"... yes, yes it is. I bought my copies nine or so months ago without much trouble in finding a source for it.)
You might have thought about a certain other motive to get a digitally distributed copy, but I assure you, the market for that is quite marginal. People these days have no moral, and it's considerably more inconvenient to get you copy from an authorized digital distributor than from... other sources. Of course, there is a small group who are willing to go for the digitally distributed copy due to various factors, such as the desire to support the developers, and they're in the headline.
There are still other potential factors to be considered. I would assume, with no firm data on me, that Rosenkreuzstilette, while not the most unknown doujin game ever, has a relatively small fan base outside of Japan, which is for the most part dispassionate and disorganized - especially after a few years have passed after the game's release - when it comes to spreading information about the game, which in itself poses some restrictions to the game's popularity. More so with the digital version, of which I'm sure many a fan hasn't even heard (which partly has to do with the fact they won't be stumbling on it unless they specifically search for information about the game, ie., partly due to the fan's inactivity (as there's no particular reason to search for the information), partly due to the lack of "spreading the love", or "marketing" and "word-of-mouth", if you will). (continued...)
Summing up the last point, maybe the problem doesn't lie in low demand, but rather in people's unawareness of the new release?
ReplyDeleteIt also seems that there has been from little to none research in the potential demand for the physical copy, or just blatant unwillingness to make money. Finding it out should be simple enough: Contact different resellers and inquire if they have any reservations for the game should they get some in stock. If there's a demand I'm sure the shop might take a few extra to sell (as they know there's demand) - then again, I might just be bit too optimistic and naive regarding the shops' willingness to co-operate. Informing the shops about the possibility to stock up games when there's demand should hardly be a costly affair, at least for the informing part. Making games in small increments might be; I haven't looked into that.
Since I decided to drop in and write a bit, allow me to address some trends I've been noticing concerning this blog.
First off, until very recently, there hasn't been too many posts. I know the external new stuff might be lacking in volume and all fan pictures are already chewed out, but there has hardly been any reason not to make some yourself. There haven't been any contests recently (aside from that drawing contest that was launched not so long ago), and frankly: where did the challenges go? I don't remember how I found my way here, but I do remember I loved those challenges, even if I could take part in only one of them. That's the reason I stuck around.
Secondly, in the rare occurrence of a blog post, instead of RKS stuff I get e-drama. No! Why would I want to follow such egregious waste of my time? That type of things should be settled outside of the main blogging.
Thirdly, didn't you have a plan to have a forum or something? It'd certainly increase the activity. Why go through the trouble of meeting the commoners' growing demands doing wheelbarrows through flaming loops when the common folk can entertain themselves?
I suppose I'm a bit late with my critique, but I just felt like throwing that in since I'm posting anyway (and I don't do that very often).
I also realize I'm probably rather straight-forward or even blunt with my arguments, but I believe my comments are justified and based on a sufficient foundation to post them here.
My comment's a tad long so I couldn't preview it all too well, sorry for any inconsistencies.
People these days have no moral, and it's considerably more inconvenient to get you copy from an authorized digital distributor than from... other sources.
ReplyDeleteThat seems to be the general gist of things. It's irritating in a way, to be honest, but it may very well be because of my own passion for the series.
Summing up the last point, maybe the problem doesn't lie in low demand, but rather in people's unawareness of the new release?
There were over 200 downloads for the English "THE BEST" patch, from this website, via the Mediafire link alone. Believe me, people know about it.
First off, until very recently, there hasn't been too many posts. I know the external new stuff might be lacking in volume and all fan pictures are already chewed out, but there has hardly been any reason not to make some yourself.
Not much is happening in the RKS world, and I've been busy with some other projects.
where did the challenges go?
That's a good question, actually. I have plans to get into that again at some point, but, again, I've been busy with other projects. Also, something happened when I upgraded to the retail version of Win7 Ultimate, and the game doesn't work properly. This is the reason I temporarily abandoned the English Voice Project as well.
Secondly, in the rare occurrence of a blog post, instead of RKS stuff I get e-drama. No! Why would I want to follow such egregious waste of my time? That type of things should be settled outside of the main blogging.
I've been dealing with some anger issues as of late, and in hindsight, it would be better if I handled things outside of the blog. I apologize for that.
Thirdly, didn't you have a plan to have a forum or something? It'd certainly increase the activity. Why go through the trouble of meeting the commoners' growing demands doing wheelbarrows through flaming loops when the common folk can entertain themselves?
I don't have the webspace for a forum (and I'm not getting one of those ad-filled free ones), and there's been an RKS board over at Mirai Gamer for god knows how long that nobody seems to want to join. Maybe that's due to a lack of advertising on my part, but Darkside Translations has been plugging the place for months, asking for feedback on the English patch.
I also realize I'm probably rather straight-forward or even blunt with my arguments, but I believe my comments are justified and based on a sufficient foundation to post them here.
And I appreciate that.
Hey guys, good news. I just saw the number raise to 15. ^_^
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Hey guys, good news. I just saw the number raise to 15. ^_^"
ReplyDeleteI smell hidden sarcasm!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say, been following this blog since I found it about two months ago. Who knew RKS was shrouded in so much drama? You are doing your best Letty (since Erka:es can't really communicate easily with international fans) and I am sure there are more RKS fans than people who actually know of this site. I'm one of the people who actually bought the BEST version from dlsite. That said, I agree with the general thoughts posted that A. Its the internet, what did you expect? B. Anyone who had the ability to buy the original have no real incentive to re-purchase the game (I would have bought the original if I had money at the time). Its a dismal number sure, at least its not zero though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, sorry about the drama. :(
ReplyDeleteAny body that typed RKS into google or bing in the last couple of months saw people like flacidviper, emommx, and lefty calling fans of RKS a bunch of retards.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think people who saw all that thought? "This makes me want to support and buy the game." (I know, sarcasm doesn't come across as well in text.)
Didn't anybody learn from SEGA? Where's the Game Gear franchise now?
I don't anyone has to worry about the -[erka:es] The Best- edition's sales as much now since every place where its possible to download the game for free is now dead. Well this sucks for everyone can't get the game now unless they buy it from DLSite...
ReplyDelete