Why NRftW Should Launch as an Epic Games Store Exclusive

[Thiago]

In the ever-evolving landscape of video game development, securing adequate funding and minimizing financial risk is paramount for studios to thrive. For Moon Studios, the creators of the highly anticipated title “No Rest for the Wicked,” the path forward is at a crucial juncture. The decision to launch the game on the Steam Store in early access on April 18, 2024, presents a traditional route, yet it is fraught with the unpredictability of sales and market reception.

However, there exists an alternative that promises a more stable and secure financial foundation: an exclusive launch on the Epic Games Store. This move is not merely about exclusivity; it’s about ensuring the game reaches its full potential. Here’s why Moon Studios should consider pivoting to an Epic Games Store exclusive release:

1. Guaranteed Funding: Epic Games has been known to provide substantial upfront payments for exclusivity rights. This influx of capital would allow Moon Studios to allocate resources confidently towards development, polishing, and marketing, without the looming concern of initial sales figures.

2. Development Focus: With financial concerns alleviated, the talented team at Moon Studios can concentrate on what they do best – creating a mesmerizing gaming experience. This focus can lead to a more polished final product that could surpass expectations.

3. Marketing and Visibility: Epic Games Store exclusives often receive prominent promotional support, ensuring that “No Rest for the Wicked” would be showcased to a broad audience. This visibility is crucial for building hype and driving player engagement from day one.

4. Community Building: A focused launch platform allows for a centralized community, fostering stronger connections between players and developers. Feedback and updates can be streamlined, enhancing the overall community experience.

5. Long-term Sales Strategy: Launching as an exclusive does not preclude a future release on other platforms. Once the game has established its success on the Epic Games Store, it can expand its horizons to Steam and others, potentially leading to a resurgence in interest and sales.

In conclusion, while early access on Steam is a well-trodden path, the exclusive partnership with the Epic Games Store offers a strategic advantage that Moon Studios should not overlook. It’s a decision that could very well shape the future of “No Rest for the Wicked” and set a precedent for the studio’s subsequent endeavors. Therefore, it is a prudent choice for Moon Studios to cancel the impending Steam launch and embrace the opportunity that lies with Epic Games – while time is still on their side.

[SaltyWeasel]

What kinda response are you expecting to get out of this?

[backohead74]

They are farming Jesters obviously. Don't give them any.

[*ODIO*POWER*]

Give the jester to me, don't feed the troll.

[Thiago]

Originally posted by SaltyWeasel:

What kinda response are you expecting to get out of this?

I appreciate your question. The response I’m hoping for is a constructive dialogue about the benefits and drawbacks of exclusive game launches. I believe that by presenting a well-reasoned argument for why Moon Studios might consider an Epic Games Store exclusive release, we can engage in a meaningful discussion about the future of game distribution and developer sustainability.

The gaming community is diverse, with many passionate opinions, and I’m looking forward to hearing different perspectives on this topic. Whether it’s agreement, disagreement, or new insights, any feedback that furthers the conversation is valuable.

[Thiago]

Originally posted by backohead74:

They are farming Jesters obviously. Don't give them any.

I appreciate your skepticism, it’s important to have a critical eye in the gaming community. However, I assure you that my intention is not to ‘farm Jesters.’ I’m genuinely interested in discussing the potential benefits of an Epic Games Store exclusive launch for ‘No Rest for the Wicked.’ It’s a conversation worth having for the future of game development and distribution strategies.

[Thiago]

Originally posted by *ODIO*POWER*:

Give the jester to me, don't feed the troll.

Your enthusiasm is noted, and while I can’t give you a ‘jester,’ I can offer you a thoughtful discussion on the topic at hand. Let’s focus on the merits of the distribution platforms and what they mean for both developers and gamers. It’s through these discussions that we can come to a better understanding of the industry and its direction.

[Melodia]

Ok I admit, I'm finding all this pretty funny now. Keep it up.

[Kyota]

This mf'er is role-playing as an Epic A&R Rep.

And he's doing a terrible job at it too.

Now I see why they didn't accept you for an interview lil'bro.

[fpanther43]

Well for one reason i don't bye from epic , so that would be one less sale.
Baldur's gate proved that Early Access works , and the last thing you need is another party
having a controlling factor in your company. So there's three for now.

[Thiago]

Originally posted by Kyota:

This mf'er is role-playing as an Epic A&R Rep.

And he's doing a terrible job at it too.

Now I see why they didn't accept you for an interview lil'bro.

Kyota, I appreciate your candor, and it’s clear you have strong opinions on the matter. It’s important to have open discussions about the future of game distribution and the decisions developers face. While my approach may not align with your views, I believe it’s crucial to consider all options that could benefit Moon Studios in the long run. The gaming industry is complex, and each studio must navigate it in the way they see fit. Let’s continue this conversation and explore the various perspectives that make game development such a dynamic field.

[Corona Scurrae]

if you spent the time you wasted on this wall of text towards researching the current state of the industry, you would have been aware that epic funding for timed exclusives is done. the golden age of farming braindead investors is gone.

I can certainly see the appeal of studios choosing financial stability compared to slathering the balls of their fans but no matter what we all think, it's over unless a new player enters the market with the sole goal of creating a monopoly.

failed for epic since that fortnite well isn't as lucrative as it once was and it's probably going to fail for other newcomers too.

[Thiago]

Originally posted by Outback Santa:

if you spent the time you wasted on this wall of text towards researching the current state of the industry, you would have been aware that epic funding for timed exclusives is done. the golden age of farming braindead investors is gone.

I can certainly see the appeal of studios choosing financial stability compared to slathering the balls of their fans but no matter what we all think, it's over unless a new player enters the market with the sole goal of creating a monopoly.

failed for epic since that fortnite well isn't as lucrative as it once was and it's probably going to fail for other newcomers too.

Outback Santa, I appreciate your perspective and understand where you’re coming from. The video game industry is indeed dynamic, and the strategies that worked yesterday may not hold the same promise today. It’s true that the landscape of exclusive deals is changing, and the influx of ‘easy money’ from platform exclusives might be on the decline.

However, I believe it’s important to consider each opportunity on its own merits. While Epic’s funding for timed exclusives may not be as prevalent, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s completely off the table for all projects. Each deal is unique, and Moon Studios might find value in an exclusive launch that goes beyond just financial incentives.

The focus should remain on delivering a high-quality gaming experience, and if an exclusive deal can aid in that without compromising the studio’s values or the trust of its fans, it could still be a viable option. It’s all about striking the right balance and navigating the industry with both caution and optimism.

Ultimately, the decision lies with Moon Studios, and they’ll need to weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering the current industry trends and the long-term vision for their game. Your input is certainly a valuable part of this broader discussion, and it’s crucial for all voices to be heard in these strategic decisions.

[matthew]

I think the dev studio has missed the boat with going to epic, as I think steam changed their rules regarding this, as studios can't go to epic if they are already on steam. As in the early days, a few companies did move from steam to epic. But pretty sure steam changed that.

the other problem is, while epic would provide a solid amount of funding, sales of the games will be in decline. Generally, a game will sell the most copies within the first few weeks of a game release. But games released on epic, at least some, didn't really sell that well. And at least some games wind up coming back to steam with a huge discount, as the game didn't sell that well on epic at all.

Personally I don't use epic, and really hate what Epic has done. So all in all, going to epic isn't always a good idea. I may get the game, but I will wait for some feedback about the early access before I get it. But it does look interesting. So hopefully, it will be worth picking up.

[er.tz]

Do you know that there are AI text detectors in the internet?

[Thiago]

Originally posted by er.tz:

Do you know that there are AI text detectors in the internet?

Yes, I’m aware of the tools designed to detect AI-generated text. However, I believe it’s important to stay focused on the topic at hand. Let’s continue our dialogue about the potential exclusive launch of “No Rest for the Wicked” on the Epic Games Store and explore where this adventure leads us. The points I've raised about funding, development focus, marketing, community building, and long-term sales strategy are all critical factors that Moon Studios should consider. It’s an exciting time for game development, and strategic decisions like this could indeed pave the way for the game’s success. Shall we delve deeper into any of these aspects?