Topic: Product lifecycle of the SFC series (Read 9120 times)

FPF_TraceyG · « **on:** January 07, 2004, 11:50:57 pm »

Typically when a software product is reaching the end of its marketable life, a budget 'boxed' set or something similar will be released marking the drawing close of its lifecycle and squeeze the last few dollars out of the product.
SFC1, EAW and OP with all patches (and possibly mods) are well and truly at this point. Is it purely because of the publishers, Interplay, that this has not occurred yet?
It would be nice to see a boxed set that contained all three games, and making it readily available to all those who still dont have copies. I assume because SFC3's publisher is different, we are not likely to see that included as well.

Cleaven · « **Reply #1 on:** January 08, 2004, 02:09:39 am »

I'll bet two beers that Interplay can't do it because they no longer have a licence for what would be a new product, which is a shame because I'm sure the fully patched items would be well worth the money for a new player.

Dark Jedi · « **Reply #2 on:** January 08, 2004, 05:03:24 am »

Quote:

Typically when a software product is reaching the end of its marketable life, a budget 'boxed' set or something similar will be released marking the drawing close of its lifecycle and squeeze the last few dollars out of the product.
SFC1, EAW and OP with all patches (and possibly mods) are well and truly at this point. Is it purely because of the publishers, Interplay, that this has not occurred yet?
It would be nice to see a boxed set that contained all three games, and making it readily available to all those who still dont have copies. I assume because SFC3's publisher is different, we are not likely to see that included as well.

Hold your horses. SFC3 have not got past the development stage of the product life cycle yet. We're still waiting for a non alpha/beta version of this software product.

Rod O'neal · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2004, 12:15:17 am »

Tracy, you're a genious! If this idea flies it's a great way to get people copies of OP that can't find them. As well as spreading the "word" to those who might not already know about our favorite games.

Hats off to you!

Baker · « **Reply #9 on:** January 09, 2004, 01:30:03 am »

Just a quick question about this, would OP and SFC2 come as patched versions or would you still have to get all the patches? I ask this because of my limits on downloads.

NannerSlug · « **Reply #10 on:** January 09, 2004, 01:42:32 am »

four words

red headed step child

Toasty0 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2004, 01:53:05 am »

Don't worry, Cinderfella. Just as soon a your fairygodmother reveals her formula for unaided flight we, the glorious Klingon empire, will release her.

Otherwise your tough luck!

3dot14 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 09, 2004, 04:35:06 pm »

Yeah Ann, if this does happen, would you please see if they can include an extra disc with the patchs on it?

Something like this kind of "Collection/Series" boxes are quite useful in the holiday sense.

Just a week ago, I saw a Command and Conquer series box (Renegade, Tiberian Sun + Firestorm, Red Alert 2 + Yuri) for only 20 Canadian dollars...

A no frills re issue (with electronic manual) would be great!!

NannerSlug · « **Reply #17 on:** January 10, 2004, 12:45:05 am »

yeah, the red headed step child recieves 0. (at least for the moment)

Cleaven · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2004, 04:20:13 am »

I wonder if as part of the legal resolution Activision could be made to release their ownership of SFC3, allowing that product to be taken over by the producers who get the ST PC game licence. SFC:TNG II could be viable with a little work on some new races, some enhancement of the game system, and a demo release. This would only happen though if somebody decided it was worthwhile to try a development short-cut to get a new ST PC game on the shelves.

But that would all depend (a lot) on lawyers.

NannerSlug · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2004, 02:05:27 pm »

agreed cleaven... and you know, i think it would be neat to make a packaged deal of all the sfcs put together (sorta like the bungie action sack).

infact, done right, they could make a dominion war expansion pack for next to nothing with all the changes that is in the stuff that is to come and what not. (that and investing cash in more models, scripts and a few other items which isnt that much).

Crimmy · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2004, 03:47:50 pm »

They could get really creative and include a disk of the most popular user mods for the pre-3 part of the series...I bet most authors would glady sign off to have their mods included in an "official approved" package....Gee...isnt one of those mods being done right now for OP called GaW?....what an amazing co-inky dink.... *nudge nudge,wink wink*

What would I pay for such a boxed set? 60 to 80 bucks maybe...if the bonus disk of user made stuff was included?....80 to 100...

IIRC...werent there certain rights to expansions and addons to SFC: EAW until 2005?...who got those rights when the license transfered?

And since OP is an expansion itself....can it get an addon legally?.....just wondering outloud...heh..

I bet such an addon to a boxed set would sell as a DL directly from the devoloper

*wistles*

FPF_TraceyG · « **Reply #22 on:** January 12, 2004, 01:35:14 am »

Bump!

Ravok · « **Reply #23 on:** January 12, 2004, 02:36:43 am »

One of the best ideas i have heard in a while! Ive turned a lot of my friends on to SFC especially OP and they love them but cant get the games any more.
PS. To the powers that be PLEASE try to do this and include some of the modders stuff too much good work to be left out!!!
Ill even buy them just to have copies that already patched.

FPF_TraceyG · « **Reply #25 on:** January 21, 2004, 03:13:30 pm »

Bump!!

IronGiant · « **Reply #26 on:** January 21, 2004, 03:51:10 pm »

I would buy it if you could use all the available ships in the storylines.

That is, have the Xships available in the SFC1 and SFC2 campaign, etc.

I'd pay $40 - $50 for that idea.

But since I still own SFC2, OP and SFC3 and dust them off from time to time, I can't see spending $$ on something I already have...

Iron Giant

Ravok · « **Reply #27 on:** January 21, 2004, 06:05:33 pm »

I want to pick up where we left off in OP then work our way up. I think it would be more fun. And give the game more continuity.

Pestalence · « **Reply #29 on:** January 23, 2004, 06:35:10 pm »

You can get the patch for Gold Edition to bring it up to 1.02 status on my site at

http://www.nightsoftware.com/effhq/sfc12.html

just hought you shoulde know.

Toasty0 · « **Reply #31 on:** January 24, 2004, 10:39:43 am »

OP is still available at http://shop4.outpost.com/search?search_type=regular&query_string=orion+pirates&cat=20681&submit.x=11&submit.y=11

EmeraldEdge · « **Reply #32 on:** January 24, 2004, 12:04:33 pm »

Wow, I didn't even think of looking at Outpost, and I get stuff from there frequently. I knew they used to have copies, just hadn't checked in a while, I certainly can't find copies around here anymore.

Capt Jeff · « **Reply #33 on:** February 02, 2004, 06:25:18 am »

Bump, Please tell me this would be possible

Ravok · « **Reply #34 on:** February 15, 2004, 10:35:03 am »

Bump!

C-Los · « **Reply #37 on:** March 03, 2004, 07:57:23 pm »

Anyone hear anything about this happening.....please say its in the works !!!!!!!!!!

C-Los · « **Reply #38 on:** March 05, 2004, 05:55:15 am »

E_Look · « **Reply #39 on:** March 05, 2004, 03:44:47 pm »

Ah, KF, I dream along with you!

Taldren_Admin · « **Reply #40 on:** March 05, 2004, 04:19:21 pm »

Well, the chances of this happening a slim to none for many reasons. Cool as it would be there are too many fingers in the pie to make it happen.

Age · « **Reply #42 on:** March 05, 2004, 05:36:19 pm »

This is what I would like to see is newer version of all three or compine them altogether in a two or three disk set or like no.3 but in a two disk set run of the hard drive.I like to see an officers and refit sellection like no. 3 and I would like to see the same for
on energy management,warp button reversing thrusters,three different kinds of photon torps and a similiar con. but colourized eg.blue,red,green etc,and authentic weaponery eg,For Klingons disruptors instead of phasers and photon torpedoes I could go more on this but that would take up a lot space or time I have however I have explained all this to Taldren and they would like to do it put it is an Interplay product and they are the onley ones who could sell it.The only way they can is if we all wrote to Paramount and told them that we would like to see Interplay get thier license back.It is to bad that Interplay still does not own Taldren Formerlly 14Degrease east.These new version would not need any patches or unless Microsoft come out with new windows os and we all know Microsoft.Yes Trace it sounds like a good Idea for now but all patch up for those who do not own these games and would like them.If we want to see are games with all the patches then we could mail them to Interplay for them to fix.I would like to get my Starfleet Academy fixed that does not work all that well and only as three missions on it.I really think there needs to be uptodate versions of SFC 1,EAW andOP great games though needless to say like old computers they need updating.I would encourage you all to start writing to Paramount on this.Taldren did a good job on no3.although Activsion was wanting them to rush it for marketing in time for the release of the movie Nemises and that did not do well either.That is why no.3 needs patching up but I like way the ships blow up in Interplays versions I hope this spreades light on this .

ganymad · « **Reply #44 on:** March 06, 2004, 11:12:01 am »

well i bought sfc2 eaw about 2years ago. together in one box with star trek new worlds a bonus disc with patches and some artwork stuff. but those were german versions.i stil have to thank the ducttapewonder a thausend times for giving me a copy of op.op is still the best sfc game. i bought sfc3 the day it came out and it (sorry i have to say that!) sucks!
seeing sfc1,2 and 2op in one box would be awesome. but sfc3 ...hm..idoubt it will be played half as long as sfc1 was played.

btw: i have all the sfc1 music in wav format. i tried to implement it into sfc2op but i ablsolutley dont know what i have to do with the sfcmusic.txt to get it to work properly.i tried to replace some of the sfc2 music with the sfc1 music but it came out "streched" it sounded like the musicit was played with half the speed it should be.any ideas?

sfc1 missions in sfc2op? would be awesome - but i have no clue how to do that.

btw: were there voicec instructing u on your missions in the english version of sfc1 and 2? there were in the german versions
of sfc1 and 2. just curious but i was used to HEAR sule telling me what to do in the tutorials in eaw and there is no sulu in sfc2op.

greatings,

ed

FFZ · « **Reply #45 on:** March 06, 2004, 11:12:23 pm »

I'd like to see the old games as a compilation, but I see that can't happen.

Is there any chance of all the fans mods being put on disk as an add-on?

I'd pay for something like that.

C-Los · « **Reply #46 on:** March 08, 2004, 06:50:34 pm »

red_green · « **Reply #47 on:** March 10, 2004, 04:48:18 am »

If people can play SFB for twenty years, then I say that SFC should last at least 30. I know when I am 60 I will be anxiously awaiting OP enhancement pack version 65 with 9000 ships 7789 of which are Fed.

FFZ · « **Reply #49 on:** March 10, 2004, 11:50:17 am »

The clock is indeed ticking on all things Trek, but since it was been around for about 40 years, I have hope for the future.

Interloper · « **Reply #51 on:** March 10, 2004, 04:33:50 pm »

Look at how many times other series have come and gone and come and gone.
It may wane, but never die

FFZ · « **Reply #52 on:** March 10, 2004, 07:35:20 pm »

I hope not.

Right now, Trek seems to be at a low point, Enterprise is struggling in the ratings, and the leagal troubles seem to have ended all Trek games for the time being.

Hasn't been this bad since the 1970s it seems.

Interloper · « **Reply #53 on:** March 10, 2004, 09:19:37 pm »

Remember that good gaming, good mods, and good competition will help
keep intrest and play going

3dot14 · « **Reply #54 on:** March 11, 2004, 08:28:35 pm »

I just got an email from Interplay that it is re-releasing Freespace 2 as a 20th Anniversary (of Interplay, not of Freespace) Collector's edition.

Who wants to wait another 10 years and see if they'll do a 30 year anniversary, if they last that long, SFC series edition? (I know I do!)

Pestalence · « **Reply #56 on:** March 12, 2004, 07:53:58 am »

Interplay is selling SFC OP again.. check their site for details.

FPF_TraceyG · « **Reply #58 on:** January 07, 2004, 11:50:57 pm »

Typically when a software product is reaching the end of its marketable life, a budget 'boxed' set or something similar will be released marking the drawing close of its lifecycle and squeeze the last few dollars out of the product.
SFC1, EAW and OP with all patches (and possibly mods) are well and truly at this point. Is it purely because of the publishers, Interplay, that this has not occurred yet?
It would be nice to see a boxed set that contained all three games, and making it readily available to all those who still dont have copies. I assume because SFC3's publisher is different, we are not likely to see that included as well.

Cleaven · « **Reply #59 on:** January 08, 2004, 02:09:39 am »

I'll bet two beers that Interplay can't do it because they no longer have a licence for what would be a new product, which is a shame because I'm sure the fully patched items would be well worth the money for a new player.

Rod O'neal · « **Reply #65 on:** January 09, 2004, 12:15:17 am »

Tracy, you're a genious! If this idea flies it's a great way to get people copies of OP that can't find them. As well as spreading the "word" to those who might not already know about our favorite games.

Hats off to you!

Baker · « **Reply #67 on:** January 09, 2004, 01:30:03 am »

Just a quick question about this, would OP and SFC2 come as patched versions or would you still have to get all the patches? I ask this because of my limits on downloads.

NannerSlug · « **Reply #68 on:** January 09, 2004, 01:42:32 am »

four words

red headed step child

Toasty0 · « **Reply #70 on:** January 09, 2004, 01:53:05 am »

Don't worry, Cinderfella. Just as soon a your fairygodmother reveals her formula for unaided flight we, the glorious Klingon empire, will release her.

Otherwise your tough luck!

3dot14 · « **Reply #72 on:** January 09, 2004, 04:35:06 pm »

Yeah Ann, if this does happen, would you please see if they can include an extra disc with the patchs on it?

Something like this kind of "Collection/Series" boxes are quite useful in the holiday sense.

Just a week ago, I saw a Command and Conquer series box (Renegade, Tiberian Sun + Firestorm, Red Alert 2 + Yuri) for only 20 Canadian dollars...

A no frills re issue (with electronic manual) would be great!!

NannerSlug · « **Reply #75 on:** January 10, 2004, 12:45:05 am »

yeah, the red headed step child recieves 0. (at least for the moment)

Cleaven · « **Reply #77 on:** January 10, 2004, 04:20:13 am »

I wonder if as part of the legal resolution Activision could be made to release their ownership of SFC3, allowing that product to be taken over by the producers who get the ST PC game licence. SFC:TNG II could be viable with a little work on some new races, some enhancement of the game system, and a demo release. This would only happen though if somebody decided it was worthwhile to try a development short-cut to get a new ST PC game on the shelves.

But that would all depend (a lot) on lawyers.

NannerSlug · « **Reply #78 on:** January 10, 2004, 02:05:27 pm »

agreed cleaven... and you know, i think it would be neat to make a packaged deal of all the sfcs put together (sorta like the bungie action sack).

infact, done right, they could make a dominion war expansion pack for next to nothing with all the changes that is in the stuff that is to come and what not. (that and investing cash in more models, scripts and a few other items which isnt that much).

Crimmy · « **Reply #79 on:** January 10, 2004, 03:47:50 pm »

They could get really creative and include a disk of the most popular user mods for the pre-3 part of the series...I bet most authors would glady sign off to have their mods included in an "official approved" package....Gee...isnt one of those mods being done right now for OP called GaW?....what an amazing co-inky dink.... *nudge nudge,wink wink*

What would I pay for such a boxed set? 60 to 80 bucks maybe...if the bonus disk of user made stuff was included?....80 to 100...

IIRC...werent there certain rights to expansions and addons to SFC: EAW until 2005?...who got those rights when the license transfered?

And since OP is an expansion itself....can it get an addon legally?.....just wondering outloud...heh..

I bet such an addon to a boxed set would sell as a DL directly from the devoloper

*wistles*

FPF_TraceyG · « **Reply #80 on:** January 12, 2004, 01:35:14 am »

Bump!

Ravok · « **Reply #81 on:** January 12, 2004, 02:36:43 am »

One of the best ideas i have heard in a while! Ive turned a lot of my friends on to SFC especially OP and they love them but cant get the games any more.
PS. To the powers that be PLEASE try to do this and include some of the modders stuff too much good work to be left out!!!
Ill even buy them just to have copies that already patched.

FPF_TraceyG · « **Reply #83 on:** January 21, 2004, 03:13:30 pm »

Bump!!

IronGiant · « **Reply #84 on:** January 21, 2004, 03:51:10 pm »

I would buy it if you could use all the available ships in the storylines.

That is, have the Xships available in the SFC1 and SFC2 campaign, etc.

I'd pay $40 - $50 for that idea.

But since I still own SFC2, OP and SFC3 and dust them off from time to time, I can't see spending $$ on something I already have...

Iron Giant

Ravok · « **Reply #85 on:** January 21, 2004, 06:05:33 pm »

I want to pick up where we left off in OP then work our way up. I think it would be more fun. And give the game more continuity.

Pestalence · « **Reply #87 on:** January 23, 2004, 06:35:10 pm »

You can get the patch for Gold Edition to bring it up to 1.02 status on my site at

http://www.nightsoftware.com/effhq/sfc12.html

just hought you shoulde know.

Toasty0 · « **Reply #89 on:** January 24, 2004, 10:39:43 am »

OP is still available at http://shop4.outpost.com/search?search_type=regular&query_string=orion+pirates&cat=20681&submit.x=11&submit.y=11

EmeraldEdge · « **Reply #90 on:** January 24, 2004, 12:04:33 pm »

Wow, I didn't even think of looking at Outpost, and I get stuff from there frequently. I knew they used to have copies, just hadn't checked in a while, I certainly can't find copies around here anymore.

Capt Jeff · « **Reply #91 on:** February 02, 2004, 06:25:18 am »

Bump, Please tell me this would be possible

Ravok · « **Reply #92 on:** February 15, 2004, 10:35:03 am »

Bump!

C-Los · « **Reply #95 on:** March 03, 2004, 07:57:23 pm »

Anyone hear anything about this happening.....please say its in the works !!!!!!!!!!

C-Los · « **Reply #96 on:** March 05, 2004, 05:55:15 am »

E_Look · « **Reply #97 on:** March 05, 2004, 03:44:47 pm »

Ah, KF, I dream along with you!

Taldren_Admin · « **Reply #98 on:** March 05, 2004, 04:19:21 pm »

Well, the chances of this happening a slim to none for many reasons. Cool as it would be there are too many fingers in the pie to make it happen.

Age · « **Reply #100 on:** March 05, 2004, 05:36:19 pm »

This is what I would like to see is newer version of all three or compine them altogether in a two or three disk set or like no.3 but in a two disk set run of the hard drive.I like to see an officers and refit sellection like no. 3 and I would like to see the same for
on energy management,warp button reversing thrusters,three different kinds of photon torps and a similiar con. but colourized eg.blue,red,green etc,and authentic weaponery eg,For Klingons disruptors instead of phasers and photon torpedoes I could go more on this but that would take up a lot space or time I have however I have explained all this to Taldren and they would like to do it put it is an Interplay product and they are the onley ones who could sell it.The only way they can is if we all wrote to Paramount and told them that we would like to see Interplay get thier license back.It is to bad that Interplay still does not own Taldren Formerlly 14Degrease east.These new version would not need any patches or unless Microsoft come out with new windows os and we all know Microsoft.Yes Trace it sounds like a good Idea for now but all patch up for those who do not own these games and would like them.If we want to see are games with all the patches then we could mail them to Interplay for them to fix.I would like to get my Starfleet Academy fixed that does not work all that well and only as three missions on it.I really think there needs to be uptodate versions of SFC 1,EAW andOP great games though needless to say like old computers they need updating.I would encourage you all to start writing to Paramount on this.Taldren did a good job on no3.although Activsion was wanting them to rush it for marketing in time for the release of the movie Nemises and that did not do well either.That is why no.3 needs patching up but I like way the ships blow up in Interplays versions I hope this spreades light on this .

ganymad · « **Reply #102 on:** March 06, 2004, 11:12:01 am »

well i bought sfc2 eaw about 2years ago. together in one box with star trek new worlds a bonus disc with patches and some artwork stuff. but those were german versions.i stil have to thank the ducttapewonder a thausend times for giving me a copy of op.op is still the best sfc game. i bought sfc3 the day it came out and it (sorry i have to say that!) sucks!
seeing sfc1,2 and 2op in one box would be awesome. but sfc3 ...hm..idoubt it will be played half as long as sfc1 was played.

btw: i have all the sfc1 music in wav format. i tried to implement it into sfc2op but i ablsolutley dont know what i have to do with the sfcmusic.txt to get it to work properly.i tried to replace some of the sfc2 music with the sfc1 music but it came out "streched" it sounded like the musicit was played with half the speed it should be.any ideas?

sfc1 missions in sfc2op? would be awesome - but i have no clue how to do that.

btw: were there voicec instructing u on your missions in the english version of sfc1 and 2? there were in the german versions
of sfc1 and 2. just curious but i was used to HEAR sule telling me what to do in the tutorials in eaw and there is no sulu in sfc2op.

greatings,

ed

FFZ · « **Reply #103 on:** March 06, 2004, 11:12:23 pm »

I'd like to see the old games as a compilation, but I see that can't happen.

Is there any chance of all the fans mods being put on disk as an add-on?

I'd pay for something like that.

C-Los · « **Reply #104 on:** March 08, 2004, 06:50:34 pm »

red_green · « **Reply #105 on:** March 10, 2004, 04:48:18 am »

If people can play SFB for twenty years, then I say that SFC should last at least 30. I know when I am 60 I will be anxiously awaiting OP enhancement pack version 65 with 9000 ships 7789 of which are Fed.

FFZ · « **Reply #107 on:** March 10, 2004, 11:50:17 am »

The clock is indeed ticking on all things Trek, but since it was been around for about 40 years, I have hope for the future.

Interloper · « **Reply #109 on:** March 10, 2004, 04:33:50 pm »

Look at how many times other series have come and gone and come and gone.
It may wane, but never die

FFZ · « **Reply #110 on:** March 10, 2004, 07:35:20 pm »

I hope not.

Right now, Trek seems to be at a low point, Enterprise is struggling in the ratings, and the leagal troubles seem to have ended all Trek games for the time being.

Hasn't been this bad since the 1970s it seems.

Interloper · « **Reply #111 on:** March 10, 2004, 09:19:37 pm »

Remember that good gaming, good mods, and good competition will help
keep intrest and play going

3dot14 · « **Reply #112 on:** March 11, 2004, 08:28:35 pm »

I just got an email from Interplay that it is re-releasing Freespace 2 as a 20th Anniversary (of Interplay, not of Freespace) Collector's edition.

Who wants to wait another 10 years and see if they'll do a 30 year anniversary, if they last that long, SFC series edition? (I know I do!)

Pestalence · « **Reply #114 on:** March 12, 2004, 07:53:58 am »

Interplay is selling SFC OP again.. check their site for details.

News:

Topic: Product lifecycle of the SFC series (Read 9120 times) var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};

FPF_TraceyG

Cleaven

Dark Jedi

Taldren_Admin

AdmiralFrey_XC

FPF_TraceyG

Scipio_66

Rod O'neal

FireSoul

Baker

NannerSlug

Scipio_66

Toasty0

Dogmatix!

3dot14

Scipio_66

Toasty0

NannerSlug

Rod O'neal

Cleaven

NannerSlug

Crimmy

FPF_TraceyG

Ravok

Dogmatix!

FPF_TraceyG

IronGiant

Ravok

Scipio_66

Pestalence

Raniz Murjuri

Toasty0

EmeraldEdge

Capt Jeff

Ravok

Klingon Fanatic

FireSoul

C-Los

C-Los

E_Look

Taldren_Admin

FPF_TraceyG

Age

Crimmy

ganymad

FFZ

C-Los

red_green

AdmiralFrey_XC

FFZ

AdmiralFrey_XC

Interloper

FFZ

Interloper

3dot14

Capt Jeff

Pestalence

Sarek

FPF_TraceyG

Cleaven

Dark Jedi

Taldren_Admin

AdmiralFrey_XC

FPF_TraceyG

Scipio_66

Rod O'neal

FireSoul

Baker

NannerSlug

Scipio_66

Toasty0

Dogmatix!

3dot14

Scipio_66

Topic: Product lifecycle of the SFC series (Read 9120 times)