I just got back from PAX in Seattle where we showed the game to the US audience and I got to meet the people at CDV for the first time. I can tell you that this is a very different team than the one in 2002, and I was quite impressed by their professionalism. As the US deal was only signed recently, they need some time to prepare their market but I think they'll do really well.
As far as the market and competition are concerned, I think it's cool that there are several RPG's coming to market as there's really been a drought, but I also think
has sufficient strengths to create its own market. That was evident from seeing the warm reception the game got at PAX and by observing the people play.
We also haven't stopped working on the game ever since it's been released in Germany, paying very close attention to these forums, and while the reviews so far have been good, I think that with everything we've added, they'll get even better. Most negatives hinted at by reviewers are gone now, using the simple secret formula of : listen to suggestions, fix things that bother people and implement features that are in popular demand. That means that the versions which we are mastering now are quite battle-tested, and incorporate a whole bunch of things we didn't manage to do during the original production. While delays suck (also for us who ultimately do this because we enjoy seeing people have fun with our creations), they sometimes do have advantages, and I think the work done on the original release definitely falls in that category.
I think KnightPT already stole the words, but I have to admit that your philosophy, as spoken in this post, is one that all companies should adhere to, gaming or otherwise.
I have tried to shelter myself from previews/reviews, more due to spoilerific type concerns, but also so not to be "swayed" by someones negative view of a game or parts of a game. I like to form my own opinions, in other words.
I haven't been entirely successful due to curiosity getting the best of me, so I am aware of some of the negative feedback from community and reviewers. If your words hold true and the team has eliminated as best it can, these negative aspects, and improved or added upon other parts, then I'm sure the game will be one of the hits of the year!!
Now, if CDV can put forth just a little effort and do some advance marketing in the short time before launch, I'm also sure that a vast majority of gamers will become aware of the game, and put DD2 and and Larian up on the perch where they belong...with some of the best regarded development teams in the industry. I say this because you guys deserve the respect, awards, and accolades, but also the monetary rewards that come as well, which in turn lead to more development of excellent products. Good luck to all!! Keep up the good work.
