Stardock releases free major update for Gal Civ II
While we seem to be doing a little to much gushing over Stardock around here of late, I feel like this news is noteworthy.
Stardock has continued their tradition of releasing major free updates for already released games. Their latest free “patch” for the Galactic Civilizations II trilogy (the original game and 2 expansion packs) would almost put some expansion packs to shame (I’m looking at you, Sims!)
This update adds a bunch of new features, including new more varied game setup options, improved graphics, a substantially revised espionage system and new diplomacy options. It also adds some of the usual game balance improvements and bugfixes.
It would be nice if more developers would show this kind of continuing commitment to an already released game. Stardock has publicly stated that there will be no more official expansion packs for Gal Civ II and there is no monthly fee for playing. However, the decision to add these “content updates” still makes good business sense, as I’m certain each substantial update generates some additional sales for Stardock.
Maybe there is still hope that someday most developers will actually care about and even take pride in their games.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:50 am
I think it’s not just about additional sales - I think the Stardock employees actively *play* GalCivII, and actively see ways that the game could be improved, then go work on them. I’d be willing to bet a good amount of the features in place in GalCivII 2.0 were thought up and coded in addition to the employees’ other projects.
I also think that Brad Wardell, having been through a boom/bust cycle with O/S2, has the need to build a sustainable company versus a profit generating company. He sees that he’s got a solid corner of the market nailed down, and he’s going to do what he can to keep that niche interested in his company and buying his games. Wardell doesn’t *want to go mainstream and sell huge amounts of games if that means changing their core product. He *wants* a stable, sustainable business that will be able to continue despite the economic downturn. I think he’s well on his way to doing it.