Low Player Count

[Pek]

After less than 3 months since release, there are only about 1200 people playing at the time of this post. Not even a tenth of the number that was playing at release. Even Imperator: Rome, a game Paradox abandoned, has nearly 500 players.

For a game that's supposed to be all about variety and replay value, it has done a shockingly poor job of retaining players, even after releasing a dlc.

[soldier6661111]

Middle of the week, middle of the day. Almost like people have this thing called, being employed. Hmm

Originally posted by Pek:

After less than 3 months since release, there are only about 1200 people playing at the time of this post. Not even a tenth of the number that was playing at release. Even Imperator: Rome, a game Paradox abandoned, has nearly 500 players.

For a game that's supposed to be all about variety and replay value, it has done a shockingly poor job of retaining players, even after releasing a dlc.

[Багряный]

Originally posted by soldier6661111:

Middle of the week, middle of the day. Almost like people have this thing called, being employed. Hmm

Originally posted by Pek:

After less than 3 months since release, there are only about 1200 people playing at the time of this post. Not even a tenth of the number that was playing at release. Even Imperator: Rome, a game Paradox abandoned, has nearly 500 players.

For a game that's supposed to be all about variety and replay value, it has done a shockingly poor job of retaining players, even after releasing a dlc.

Do you know that there are different time zones?

[Pek]

Originally posted by soldier6661111:

Middle of the week, middle of the day. Almost like people have this thing called, being employed. Hmm

Even on weekends, the number isn't much higher.

[soldier6661111]

Whoa. There are? I thought that when I saw the Sun in the sky that all the peoples of the world did as well, and when the moon rose to prominence and I fell asleep so did the rest of the world.

My mind is absolutely blown. Does everyone know this?

Originally posted by Veresh1989:

Originally posted by soldier6661111:

Middle of the week, middle of the day. Almost like people have this thing called, being employed. Hmm

Do you know that there are different time zones?

[TriumphJordi]

Hi Pek, we understand your concern but there's nothing to worry about. First up, Imperator: Rome was a very different game developed by PDS. We're talking different games, by different studios with different goals and budgets. Age of Wonders 4 had a great launch and we're hoping to support it longer than our previous titles.

As for the numbers, after launch it's normal for a Game to loose players as it stabilizes. Nothing that's currently happening is reason for concern. Assuming you're looking at SteamDB then I do want to remind you that Age of Wonders 4 is available on not just Steam but also GoG, Epic, MS Store, Xbox Series S|X and PS5. We're also currently in the middle of Summer during which player numbers are generally lower.

[soldier6661111]

Originally posted by Pek:

Originally posted by soldier6661111:

Middle of the week, middle of the day. Almost like people have this thing called, being employed. Hmm

Even on weekends, the number isn't much higher.

Fair. I haven’t paid attention. Honestly I mostly play games for single player or with a friend so how many people are playing at a given time is irrelevant to me and I’m puzzled why people care so much. If you enjoy a game, play it. If not, then don’t.

Replayability would go up with more realm options. It’s lacking right now

[Anarchy Burger]

So now a developer has come in to address this so Im sure now we wont get anymore of these topics. Right?

[Pyro Penguin]

Originally posted by TriumphJordi:

Hi Pek, we understand your concern but there's nothing to worry about. First up, Imperator: Rome was a very different game developed by PDS. We're talking different games, by different studios with different goals and budgets. Age of Wonders 4 had a great launch and we're hoping to support it longer than our previous titles.

As for the numbers, after launch it's normal for a Game to loose players as it stabilizes. Nothing that's currently happening is reason for concern. Assuming you're looking at SteamDB then I do want to remind you that Age of Wonders 4 is available on not just Steam but also GoG, Epic, MS Store, Xbox Series S|X and PS5. We're also currently in the middle of Summer during which player numbers are generally lower.

maybe it had a great launch if all you consider is sales and not the state of the game

[Anarchy Burger]

Maybe thats just your opinion man

[darkholyPL]

Let's not be coy and just state the obvious things: since launch people have often played 100+h of AoW4, and with that amount of time, you pretty much seen it all, and unlocked it all, or very close to.
Right now a lot of people are waiting for more content and for patches and fixes.

[Anarchy Burger]

Yeah and this year is loaded with great games. People that watch steam charts seem to think if people arent playing a game steadily at all times then its a failure

[Pek]

Even when you consider other platforms, the fact that any one of them (and Steam is probably one of, if not the most popular for this type of game) couldn't retain even a tenth of its players so soon after release and a dlc at any given time speaks volumes. Not to mention the problems with the AI barely knowing how to play the game or multiplayer.

[Anarchy Burger]

It really doesnt speak volumes, you have been told many legitimate reasons for the drop in players but you got your little agenda to push

[soldier6661111]

But why do you care if other people are playing?

If you enjoy a game then play it. If not, don’t. Why your very odd obsession?

Originally posted by Pek:

Even when you consider other platforms, the fact that any one of them (and Steam is probably one of, if not the most popular for this type of game) couldn't retain even a tenth of its players so soon after release and a dlc at any given time speaks volumes. Not to mention the problems with the AI barely knowing how to play the game or multiplayer.

[Pek]

Originally posted by soldier6661111:

But why do you care if other people are playing?

If you enjoy a game then play it. If not, don’t. Why your very odd obsession?

I really don't. The thing is, player numbers are still a good indicator of the long term entertainment value of a game. In the case of this game, its safe to guess that it actually doesn't offer an "endlessly replayable experience" like it claims to.