I'm bumping this because I completely agree.

What would be even more awesome is if you could post a sample XML entry from one of the spells so that we can get a jump on modding.

Agree. I'm not really a fan.

Jon

Quoting Derek Paxton,

reply 2

Soon.

(is it just me or does that smiley seem a little crazy?)

It's creepy. With it's watching, soulless, piercing stare.

Obligatory bi-monthly bump.

I kind of don't get this; they've been very short on specifics of gameplay and function, without any real reason to be so obtuse.  EWOM's been out for a year now, almost, and while the game mechanics may be changing for EFE, I don't think the game engine is changing substantively from EWOM.  While there were some minor criticisms of artistic style, I don't think EWOM really suffered for its engine.  Mechanics, however, were a different story, and where a lot of loss of credibility occured during the days leading up to release.  There really wasn't a lot of information being delivered at that point, just a "oh, you haven't seen the latest build, it's different, don't worry".  We're kind of in the same boat now, where not a lot of communication is occuring, just little hype of "oh, just you wait and see, you'l be impressed".  While I understand the need for some companies to play that game, I don't see it in Stardock's best interest to do so.  There's a credibility gap, and I would think they would want to be filling that gap with more information about the new release, not less.  Being obtuse at this point smacks of ego, not trust, communication, and engagement with us, the community.  It's frustrating.

I dunno, LoA, I hear your words, but it seems a little odd to me.  They're releasing digital only, most likely through Impulse only.  I think that the majority of folks who will initially get the game will do so for free due to the Stardock policy regarding EWoM and EFE; initial sales are likely to be sluggish, as there's little info on the game, and there's some concern over the predecessor.  It's the credibility gap again; I think if the game gets good review from those who have it and review it, and positive buzz ensues, then they're likely to make money on EFE.  If the buzz is poor, it's likely to be the end of the elemental franchise.  The majority of the initial buzz is likely to come from those who have and play the game for free, namely this community.  I realize there will likely be a PR effort in the next few months, but I'm still frustrated at the lack of communication that this community has seen.   It's a standard practice in the industry to play cards close to the chest, I'm just not sure it's a wise practice in this case, where they're working uphill to positive buzz.  Small, steady engagement usually ends up with better long term support than a sudden media blitz right before release.

Of course, that having been said, it's not my game, or my company.  The choice is, of course, theirs to make about how to handle release of information.  Being honest with myself, part of my frustration stems from having put a lot of what I consider to be good ideas out into this forum, and have had them garner relatively little attention.  So, I'm interested in seeing what ideas actually did make it into the game.