Demo Release.

[fenir]

From memory, CA release the demo roughly 2 to 3 weeks before game release? I think thats right.


If so, i think it's out in the next few days. So i would expect it by friday i would say. That gives us two weeks to get hyped up.
And it's usually a friday release, so we have the weekend to play, and then chat endlessly.


Sincerely

fenir

[Monk]

Very misleading topic. For a second I thought the demo was out.

Also I wouldn't waste your energy trying to predict when the demo will be out. A lot of folks at TWC have been trying to do that, and many have since exploded. It's a tragic scene. :shame:

It will be soon. :laugh4:

[fenir]

lol true monk.

But i don't TWC, i am an orgah. We are semi - patient.

ALso, I would bet you a bed and breakfast at your place, it's out by friday. :laugh4:



Sincerely


fenir

[CBR]

That gives us two weeks to get hyped up.
You mean some people aren't already hyped up? :laugh4:


CBR

[pevergreen]

I've been in a state of long-term hyped-up-ness since this subforum was created. Its exhausting!

[Belgolas]

Yup I am always hyped. Infact I can harldy wait till the next Total War is annouced :p.

[pyradyn]

Agreed Misleading topic head I almost had a heart attack!.....Now all I can do is go back to invading the French a common German past time.......*Pulls up E-Mail ever 5 mins*

[Marten]

Fenir you :furious3:! I expected the release date by reading the topic. :smash:

The hype is tremendous. I was in beta of wow (i know ...:shame:) 200 years ago, i really enjoyed the game for 2 month. At release (was also in february i think) the download of the final client was nearly impossible - server crashed every 2 minutes. Kept me away from the game: First i lost patience, then interest. :no:

I even expect 200 posts "CA - I CANT DOWNLOAD ON STEAM, BECAUSE ...." when download of the final files starts on steam. They will go crazy ...:clown:

[peacemaker]

wait the demo is going to be on steam? Does that mean I have to go install it now so I can immediately download the demo when it comes out or is it just going to be open for download on, say, filefront?

[CBR]

Might as well install it as you are gonna use it in 3 weeks time anyway.


CBR

[pevergreen]

Most likely the demo will only be avaliable to download through steam, we arent sure though.

[peacemaker]

hmmm...thats not great news, with my slow internet...Where can I download steam?

[Belgolas]

hmmm...thats not great news, with my slow internet...Where can I download steam?

If people used google there would be a lot more questions answered and less troubleshooting threads. You can download steam at http://store.steampowered.com/

Anyways steam can more than handle the small Total War community. There nearly isn't as many total war players as lets say HL2. Downloading with steam is much faster then most file sharing sites because there is no bandwidth cap. So you can download at the fastest you internet connection allows. So even though it is only on steam it will still be faster to download through steam then file shack, file front, gamers hell or whatever because of no bandwidth caps.

[Polemists]

True, steam's download speed is not to bad as long as the file is working properly.

There will be problems of course, there always are, but I am hoping for a simply download and play demo. We shall see. (i don't want to punch in a code or something stupid)

This thread is misleading, and yes there is a demo, when is anyone's guess today is as likely as tommorrow.

TWC does this daily, 10 posts it will be out morrow 10 posts of where is it 10 more posts of maybe tommorrow. It's why they have like 90 threads :laugh4:

That said I think CA is aware people want the demo, I'd say getting it this week seems likely.:2thumbsup:

[Fisherking]

Well it is three weeks to the day before Release Day!

If there is going to be a Demo prior to release it had better come soon.

Most of us have already lost our minds waiting for things to develop.

It no longer feels as though time is standing still…now it feels like it is backing up!!!

It is early, but I have already been checking the sites….and nothing! Bah!

[pdoyle007]

Shouldn't there at least be a new unit or faction inf today? They seem to release them about lunchtime UK time and I'm on my hat-trick of first posts

[Stiboo]

Hi Fenir

thanks for the post

Looking at your Sig, it mentions a certain R.T Smith - I thought to myself It can't possibly be the same R T (Bob) Smith from the 1980s and ZX Spectrum computer games, who made some of the best wargames ever ?

I’ve just done a Google for him and OH MY GOD it’s the same man !!!!!!!

Bob Smith was lead designer on MTW2, and worked on all the other TW games, in his early days in the 80’s he made the strategy games Arnhem, Desert Rats ( North Africa 1940-42), And Vulcan ( Tunisian campaign Nov42 – May43) these games blew me away and were the games that got me into computers and wargames. I even started making AFV models to see what the tanks really looked like ( graphics were sooo bad back then) I even wrote Bob a few fan letters, and asked about what games he would be doing next etc..

I’m so happy Bob has followed his dream all these years, no wonder the TW games have been so good !

It’s even made me forget about the DEMO for a few seconds…...

wow

[Polemists]

Someone please edit this so it reads like

Demo Release (Gossip) Demo Release (not yet released)


I can only cry when seeing this thread so many times :thumbsdown:

because i want demo :2thumbsup:

[gollum]

*offers hankerchief to polemists*

!it burnsus!

[Husar]

If the demo won't come before release then there is no way for me to preorder, that would be sad for CA, wouldn't it? They wouldn't want that, would they?
I want to know it works before spending any money on it.

[Polemists]

Well CA has put up a demo page and so it looks like they are releasing one....but sadly no one knows when :oops:

[Sir Beane]

Shouldn't there at least be a new unit or faction inf today? They seem to release them about lunchtime UK time and I'm on my hat-trick of first posts

There should be. We'll see who gets there first. :tongue:

I too thought that this thread meant the demo had been released! Think before you write the title, or risk being mobbed by disappointed fans. :laugh4:

I'm almost certain the demo will come out before the game. It always has before.

[Polemists]

Yes the rapid demo legions are only barely kept in check by the fact that the game is coming out soon. Yet not even I can stop the 2933520 fans over at Total War Center from mauling you...so be cautious :laugh4:

I'm hoping for demo today....but no such luck I think :no:

[Sir Beane]

Yes the rapid demo legions are only barely kept in check by the fact that the game is coming out soon. Yet not even I can stop the 2933520 fans over at Total War Center from mauling you...so be cautious :laugh4:

I'm hoping for demo today....but no such luck I think :no:

Total War Centre must be a terrifying place at the moment. Their membership is on the whole not as patient and forgiving as those of us at the Org. :laugh4:

[Polemists]

Total War Centre must be a terrifying place at the moment.


To give you some ideas guys, at this moment they have 722 replies to thier demo thread

722 :dizzy2:


I am not making that up.


So be greatful you have some form of moderation...in some way.

I want demo badly, but I do have limits :2thumbsup:

[Lusitani]

Hi Fenir

thanks for the post

Looking at your Sig, it mentions a certain R.T Smith - I thought to myself It can't possibly be the same R T (Bob) Smith from the 1980s and ZX Spectrum computer games, who made some of the best wargames ever ?

I’ve just done a Google for him and OH MY GOD it’s the same man !!!!!!!

Bob Smith was lead designer on MTW2, and worked on all the other TW games, in his early days in the 80’s he made the strategy games Arnhem, Desert Rats ( North Africa 1940-42), And Vulcan ( Tunisian campaign Nov42 – May43) these games blew me away and were the games that got me into computers and wargames. I even started making AFV models to see what the tanks really looked like ( graphics were sooo bad back then) I even wrote Bob a few fan letters, and asked about what games he would be doing next etc..

I’m so happy Bob has followed his dream all these years, no wonder the TW games have been so good !

It’s even made me forget about the DEMO for a few seconds…...

wow

Sorry for the offtopic but....those were really great games...i specially liked Vulcan.
Hmm that took me back for a while... lol :smash::juggle2:

V.

[Sol Invictus]

Yeah the mob over at the TWC is ready to storm the barricades.:furious3: If the demo is not out by Friday, I will be inclined to join them.:charge:

[SpencerH]

Didnt we have to completely uninstall the M2TW demo prior to M2TW, and didnt that effect subsequent installations by those who never got the message about the problem?

[Sir Beane]

Yeah the mob over at the TWC is ready to storm the barricades.:furious3: If the demo is not out by Friday, I will be inclined to join them.:charge:

We chall join with our brothers at TWC, and the other TW fansites. We shall join with them and we shall form the First Great ETW Crusade. We shall take back our holy game and demo from the infidels who hold it as their own, and we shall rejoice in the playing of it.

Of course since this is a TW crusade we will get stuck next to an allied town's zone of control and by the next turn half of us will have disbanded. :laugh4:

[Sol Invictus]

We chall join with our brothers at TWC, and the other TW fansites. We shall join with them and we shall form the First Great ETW Crusade. We shall take back our holy game and demo from the infidels who hold it as their own, and we shall rejoice in the playing of it.

Of course since this is a TW crusade we will get stuck next to an allied town's zone of control and by the next turn half of us will have disbanded. :laugh4:



Yeah, something always steals my joy.:wall:

[Ibn-Khaldun]

This is the worst thread I have ever read!!!! :furious3:

When I saw the title I actually thought that Demo is released or it will be released soon!!!!

But no.. You just assume that it will be released soon!! :furious3:

~;) :clown:

[Sol Invictus]

I was almost certain that the demo would come today. I have completely lost hope. Life is so cruel. The end approaches. Fin.:surrender2:

[KozaK13]

Aaargh...why the thread title! You have made me want the demo as much as the people making whole topics about it....

But anyway imagine if they don't release a demo....

[Sir Beane]

Aaargh...why the thread title! You have made me want the demo as much as the people making whole topics about it....

But anyway imagine if they don't release a demo....

Don't you dare! If that happens we will have an Omega-level disaster on our hands! The damage from Polemists alone would be irreparable... :no:

:clown:

[fenir]

posted by Stiboo
Looking at your Sig, it mentions a certain R.T Smith - I thought to myself It can't possibly be the same R T (Bob) Smith from the 1980s and ZX Spectrum computer games, who made some of the best wargames ever ?


It is.

The great man himself.

We have had a very close working relationship over the last 9 years. he builds them, i play them. :laugh4:


Upon knowledge of his presence, we commenced the artibutary " we are not worthy" posture.


:beam:



Sincerely

fenir

[Polemists]

But anyway imagine if they don't release a demo....


WHHHHHHHHHHAT?


Storm the walls

:wall::wall::wall:

Unleash the riders

:charge::charge::charge:


Draw your swords against our enemies

:duel::duel:


It's go time
:helloo:


Oh wait........false alarm...okay everyone back :whip:


Whew......almost went postal there.

The only thin line that keeps me from madness...is the hope of a demo :yes:

[Vuk]

WHHHHHHHHHHAT?


Storm the walls

:wall::wall::wall:

Unleash the riders

:charge::charge::charge:


Draw your swords against our enemies

:duel::duel:


It's go time
:helloo:


Oh wait........false alarm...okay everyone back :whip:


Whew......almost went postal there.

The only thin line that keeps me from madness...is the hope of a demo :yes:

So I do not get it, what is the big deal about getting a demo far ahead of the game release? I can see wanting one a week or half a week before game release so you can play it and see if you like it before you purchase it, but if you are gonna be getting the game so soon already, why insist on the demo for a few hours of limited play? It just doesn't make much sense to me... (*Treebeard voice* Then again, my brain is very small...perhaps your right.)

[Polemists]

So I do not get it, what is the big deal about getting a demo far ahead of the game release? I can see wanting one a week or half a week before game release so you can play it and see if you like it before you purchase it, but if you are gonna be getting the game so soon already, why insist on the demo for a few hours of limited play? It just doesn't make much sense to me... (*Treebeard voice* Then again, my brain is very small...perhaps your right.)

We are not getting the game that soon, we are getting the game March 3 or 4 depending on where you live.

So that means, if I count days, today is 11, you've got 20 or 21 days before release.

Which means you've got OVER, 2 weeks before the game is released.

2 weeks when nothing else is out. 2 weeks of sheer and utter boredom.

So let's say they release it on friday the 13th, just to be ominous. You get 2 full weeks of demo, then the game. So if it has two battles, like it normally does. You get a battle each week

Win win for everyone :2thumbsup:

I got the demos for all the TW games going back to shogun, rarely did they bore me in a day or so, :smash:

Thus, I want...

a

DEMO

[pevergreen]

Guys, just keep it civil. Not in terms of attacking each other, but post length and content. The sticky should remind you Polemists, no more large posts like 3 above me please. :yes:

Im hopeful for a demo on the 16th, the day after my birthday!

[Vuk]

Guys, just keep it civil. Not in terms of attacking each other, but post length and content. The sticky should remind you Polemists, no more large posts like 3 above me please. :yes:

Im hopeful for a demo on the 16th, the day after my birthday!

lol, was it uncivil at any point? I did not notice. :P

[Polemists]

I'm not spamming demo I am discussing the demo, other then the single post that said a demo, there is no spamming.

The entire thread is called demo release.

So when someone says why is there no demo or maybe we don't need one, I have a right to reply.

and to defend the honor of demo. :2thumbsup:

[gollum]

Originally posted by Polemists
The entire thread is called demo release.

So when someone says why is there no demo or maybe we don't need one, I have a right to reply.

and to defend the honor of demo.

Very democratic of you.

!it burnsus!

[pevergreen]

Reread my post. :wink:

[Polemists]

post length and content

My content is fantastic :laugh4:

[bloodshed]

At least they acknowledge a demo. Dont know if its been posted. Its from the main empire site.

http://shoguntotalwar.yuku.com/topic/42270/t/Greetings-from-Australia-.html

no info on when it will be released though.

[Polemists]

Just wanted to update you why there has been no new unit features this week! I am currently in Sydney, Australia on the latest leg of our Empire: Total War review tour. I have met with a variety of magazines and websites over the last few days and there will be a lot of coverage headed your way in the coming weeks.

I know you are all keen to hear more about the demo (you should see the amount of PMs in my inbox!) and I will update you as soon as I can.

This makes me sooooooo happy :)


This means they are putting full effort on demo...yayness :2thumbsup:

I'd much rather have demo then another unit profile.

[Fisherking]

Sure but he is out of the UK! :wall:

Don’t expect much until he is back.:inquisitive:

Okay all of you UKer it is time to man the placards and picket the dare place.:furious3:

I would help but I don’t think my horse can swim the channel.:no:

The one guy said a week before release… why bother if it is that late? :embarassed:

Not much publicity in that.:shame:

I can’t say I am overjoyed at this news…:whip:

[Sir Beane]

I hope these reviews they have promised turn up soon, because certain members of the forums won't wait forever. :laugh4:

Releasing the Demo a week before the main game doesn't really give people much time to play it before the actual game is released. It seems like an odd strategy, but maybe they are just too busy to put a demo out?

[Marten]

Hmmm ... :inquisitive: I will not post the link to the common streaming site where i have been ...

Just to bring no trouble to the org or this post. They are already closing on center and yuku ... :whip:


But it is absolutely worth the wait ... :2thumbsup:

[Sir Beane]

Hmmm ... :inquisitive: I will not post the link to the common streaming site where i have been ...

Just to bring no trouble to the org or this post. They are already closing on center and yuku ... :whip:


But it is absolutely worth the wait ... :2thumbsup:

Wait, are you saying that the Demo has been leaked early?

If that is the case then thankyou for not putting in specific details in your post. :2thumbsup:

[Polemists]

It wouldn't surprise me really, it got leaked last time, why not this time.

For those of you curious ones, you can find the sites by pming people but yes don't post links as that is a pretty definite forum no no.

I remeber from last time with mtw2 :laugh4:

[Polemists]

UPDATE

So here is the deal guys.

Apparently tw forums put up a link that showed a video of a guy playing what they believed was the "demo".

They took it down though, here's the comment they put up though to kill it


All links to that "demo" have been removed. Do NOT post any others.

The demo isn't finished yet anyway, so you'll only been misleading others.

You will probably recieve similiar comments here if you post anything.


Once again, CA is late in demo and it has leaked....*sigh*...why can't CA just be nice and release the demo...then we could all be happy :2thumbsup:

[Sir Beane]

Just to back up what Polemists has said. If anybody posts any links to a leaked version of the demo, or to anywhere discussing how to get it, then they will dealt with severely. I know that most of you would never consider this however. :2thumbsup:

[Argent Usher]

So let's say they release it on friday the 13th, just to be ominous.

"Sailors were particularly superstitious … often refusing to ship out to sea on a Friday. According to legend, in the 18th century, the British Navy commissioned a ship called the H.M.S. Friday in order to quell the superstition. The navy selected the crew on a Friday, launched the ship on a Friday and even selected a man named James Friday as the ship's captain. Then, one Friday morning, the ship set off on its maiden voyage – and disappeared forever." Urban (:inquisitive:) legend

Let's hope the demo isn't also a hoax.

[Polemists]

Apparently now the consensus is that the demo is a leaked demo video given to the press a month ago. Is it or not? I dunno

The Aus guy (who was qutoed earlier about demo) is back, and apparently people are discussing this over at steams forums.

So if you want official news, i'd suggest you go read over there.

[gollum]

burning coal under some peoples sit - heh.

!it burnsus!

[Polemists]

OFFICIAL DEMO NEWs

http://shoguntotalwar.yuku.com/topic/42290



Where to start? Well first of all yes we are aware a version of our incomplete demo code has been leaked via Steam. We had great fun watching it being played live on webcam, I can assure you.

The easiest way to address all this is to do a short QA style format, any subsequent questions please just ask and I'll answer.

i. If the demo was ready and on steam why didn't you just release it?

The demo was on Steam only for testing purposes, we knew there was a small chance it could become public if someone found the right way to get at it and someone did. It's since been removed. It wasn't ready for a public release and we have a bit more to do on it. We were testing to ensure that when a demo is released nobody has any problems accessing and authenticating it via Steam. It's slightly dangerous code security wise but at some point we had to test it.

ii. Why did you close all the threads and info on the demo?

The real answer is 'duplication'. Having a leak is embarrasing but it's not too bad. We just didn't want the method of 'how' to be shared. We're aware everyone wants the code and the demo but this isn't ready yet. It might look ready, but there is genuinly more to do. Hence we needed to ensure the 'how to' isn't rapidly duplicated before we can remove the code. We don't want thousands of you having incomplete code. I know it's maddening, but think of it like this: We take pride in polishing things at CA, even if its behind the code stuff that goes unseen, it's important to us that quality is our top priority (You may remember we even moved the release date for this reason) so please understand this is our love and we don't do 'just good enough', with demos or full releases.

iii. When will we get the demo we want?

I'm not toying with you when I say very soon. It really isn't too far away. Annoyingly I can't put a date on it, because development is not a quantative process. There will be a demo for general release and it will be soon, it's not a hype machine it's quality control.

iv. What about the guy that did it?

I want to say something a little controversial here. The exploit was our weakness, and as long as he didn't break any user agreements or laws in getting hold of the demo via Steam then there's no issue here, but that is for Valve to confirm not me. From CA's point of view I want to give the guy my thanks and respect that he's said he deliberately won't pirate the incomplete demo he's got out of respect for the game, I hope he stays true to that statement. He was also really rather complimentary in his commentary whilst playing live and whilst I can't condone or encourage what he did I would suggest that when demoing live one should always try grouping ships in custom formation (Organise then hit g on selected ships) and also account for the wind a little more when playing. In all seriousness, I can't speak about any potential legal issues but what I can say from the dev perspective is, we hoped you liked it (Those watching as well as him playing) despite it being unfinished and thanks for respecting our game and our community at large by ceasing broadcast and not redistributing. We'd ask that that be the end of the matter so we can leave it in the friendly spirit it's at now.

Now, let the questions and statements begin!

Kind regards,
Kieran

[Polemists]

Bad news:

We still don't have demo

Good news:

The demo will involve ships :2thumbsup:

Also now you don't have soon, you have "Very soon" so it's closer then it used to be

[Fisherking]

For those wishing to pass the time…most of us…

Go to youtube and search Empire Total War Demo…there are several clips…but I won’t post links because of language content and so on…

It will kill some time….LOL

:laugh4:

[Marten]

Reaction time on leak demos is very fast, if i may say so. :laugh4:

I am no software developer and i liked very much what i saw (even in a streaming vid with bad quality and taken from the left side of his monitor) - so i don't know what has to be polished on the graphics.

My thoughts: They are combining a complete demo from a land and a naval battle (because the demo in the vid was named "navalbattleonly"). And it will be out this friday, i bet! :2thumbsup: And the demo will have 3,5 gig ... :sweatdrop:

[Marten]

And because i cannot edit my posts - i want to add to my post above:


Fenir, i salute you for foreseeing todays unintended demo release! :bow


I will never ever complain about your misleading titles ... i promise. :laugh4:

[Fisherking]

Friday the 13th:inquisitive:

do you think they would do that...after today?


:laugh4:

[Polemists]

Well i dunno...I still hope for friday...or maybe thursday :2thumbsup:

[gollum]

..or maybe thursday

or maybe today...

!it burnsus!

[KozaK13]

Well there you go, it isn't out yet cus they care.:2thumbsup:

Have all traces and snippets of the demo stream been removed?

[Polemists]

apparently only one guy had it, and he just put up a video of him playing the naval part of it. Rumor was the naval part worked the land didn't because it wasn't done, so he put up him doing the naval.

He made a comment stating he did not and would not release the file, he merely found it, played it, and that was all.

Obviously now if he did there would be legal reprecussions, but for moment he's safe.

[Quintus.JC]

Well I do hope the demo gets released before/during half term. :bow:


Friday the 13th:inquisitive:

do you think they would do that...after today?


:laugh:

I don't think they should....

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

apparently only one guy had it, and he just put up a video of him playing the naval part of it. Rumor was the naval part worked the land didn't because it wasn't done, so he put up him doing the naval.

He made a comment stating he did not and would not release the file, he merely found it, played it, and that was all.

Obviously now if he did there would be legal reprecussions, but for moment he's safe.

Did he post the videos somewhere? And would it be against Org policy to repost the videos?

[Sir Beane]

Did he post the videos somewhere? And would it be against Org policy to repost the videos?

He did but at CA's request they have been taken down. Since CA don't want people to see them it would be against Org policy to post links.

[NovaColonel]

How come that they are so eager to remove all the footage? The first videos were from earlier builds, too - yet they released them. So why not this time?
...
Anyway, it's funny to see how history repeats itself.... demo coming soon ... demo leaked ... demo coming shortly after that ... game won't run with demo installed (prediction)

Maybe they hold it back so long because they didn't like the earlier demos being modded? With so little time left until release, we'll hardly see the sophisticated modding of the rome demo again. It even had it's own name which I don't remember right now...

[Sir Beane]

How come that they are so eager to remove all the footage? The first videos were from earlier builds, too - yet they released them. So why not this time?
...
Anyway, it's funny to see how history repeats itself.... demo coming soon ... demo leaked ... demo coming shortly after that ... game won't run with demo installed (prediction)

Maybe they hold it back so long because they didn't like the earlier demos being modded? With so little time left until release, we'll hardly see the sophisticated modding of the rome demo again. It even had it's own name which I don't remember right now...

Their stated reason was that they don't want to disappoint people by letting them see footage of a demo that isn't finished. I guess they don't wantto put people off getting the demo if the video showed bugs or flaws that they are removing.

[Sol Invictus]

It just has to be Friday. It has to be.:dizzy2:

[bloodshed]

They said very soon so to me that would mean a couple of days. But they said it was coming out soon before and two weeks passed by. So I am almost certainly wrong. I have no faith in my predictions anymore. :no:

[NovaColonel]

Their stated reason was that they don't want to disappoint people by letting them see footage of a demo that isn't finished. I guess they don't wantto put people off getting the demo if the video showed bugs or flaws that they are removing.

Yeah, I read that too. But following this logic, there should be absolutely no ingame-footage available right now. But there are the videos. And the land battle from that polish site, where you could see lots of bugs and flaws. Yet they released it to the public...
And they certainly don't put me off getting the demo, no matter what!

[Sir Beane]

Yeah, I read that too. But following this logic, there should be absolutely no ingame-footage available right now. But there are the videos. And the land battle from that polish site, where you could see lots of bugs and flaws. Yet they released it to the public...
And they certainly don't put me off getting the demo, no matter what!

I guess you would have to ask CA for an in-depth reason. I don't think natural disasters or wars could put anyone off the demo at this point. :laugh4:

[Polemists]

Well, it didn't really "release" to the public. More then likely it had been downloaded on 50 sites, and CA saw little choice.


This is how it went in MTW2 this is how it goes again.

Ever since Sega owns CA, the mindset, whether CA or Sega, seems to be hold off as long as possible. Things get put up, only once they've been leaked soo much that CA/Sega see no choice but to officially release it.

The official demo may or may not be released in one or two days, but now that everyone knows steam is hackable, alot more people will be trying :laugh4:

[Polemists]

More official demos news from official site Keiran



Hello all,
The thread has run for a while so hopefully I can make a decent summary of response for you.
Before continuing I'd like to thank all of you who have shown us such patience and support, there's no such thing as perfect communication and your patience and appreciation for things like this is genuinly welcome in the studio. Now, please allow me to expand on some of your points.

i. Why can't you say anything more than soon, and how long is soon?

The reason I'm unable to give you a definite date is that we're still working on it, it's as simple as that. I appreciate soon is a relative term, so I'll give as much information as I can. There will be a demo before release. We release in early March. Therefore, the range of possible release dates is easy to discern and in game development terms, none of those are far away!

ii. Why did it take a crisis to talk to us?

Many of the team at CA browse the boards regularly and post as often as they can, but we are in the final stages of making a product we have been working on for over four years. We're working late nights, early morning and weekends to get this game finished, it's our one and only focus. Hopefully that love and attention will be evident to all of you when you get your copy.
Sadly this also means we're not able to respond to everything.

We're genuinely proud of having a community like you and honestly enjoy your passion and interest in Empire, it's part of the fuel that drives the engine of war so to speak.

Why did we respond to this? Because we needed to communicate what had happened, what we were doing and why. That way nobodys in the dark.

I recognise we can do more and where possible we will. Please continue what you're doing and hold fast with us for this last mile of development!

iii. Is the demo naval only?

Part of the reason the leaked code isn't intended for the public is that it isn't complete. I'm being deliberately vague here, as I have to be, but rest assured we want to make it 'broader'.
iv. Why can't we have more videos / pics or live streams of the leaked code?
We've asked that the member concerned respect the fact that this isn't for public release and treat it accordingly. The demo's not yet at a stage where its ready for sharing with the community, thats why it hasnt been officially released.

iv. Why can't we have more videos / pics or live streams of the leaked code?

We've asked that the member concerned respect the fact that this isn't for public release and treat it accordingly. The demo's not yet at a stage where its ready for sharing with the community, thats why it hasnt been officially released.

Naturally everyone's going to ask for written info and specs etc. That's natural and please go ahead, but please treat any written info you get about the game as subject to change and incomplete. As for screens and videos, I can only add that we take that very seriously because Empire's our product and

[Sol Invictus]

Well, this sounds like late next week for the demo to me.:thumbsdown: Oh well, I guess this will build character.:yes:

[Ignoramus]

Patience guys. You'd hardly want to go through the excitement of a demo, only to find that it had a couple of major bugs, which ruined it. This is also a good sign that Empire will not be like Rome, and will be playable without requiring a patch in the first month.

[Polemists]

Very soon is a debative term.

You've got some who think it's 1-2 days (aka friday) because now it's "very" soon

Others who thinks it's a week or 2 because very soon, is just as qualtative as soon.

Some who think early march, because they did not say, the demo will be out in Feburary.


Many schools of thought, honestly, I could teach a course in demo.

I wonder if I apply at Cambridge to teach Demo 101 if they would hire me? :laugh4:

[Vuk]

Very soon is a debative term.

You've got some who think it's 1-2 days (aka friday) because now it's "very" soon

Others who thinks it's a week or 2 because very soon, is just as qualtative as soon.

Some who think early march, because they did not say, the demo will be out in Feburary.


Many schools of thought, honestly, I could teach a course in demo.

I wonder if I apply at Cambridge to teach Demo 101 if they would hire me? :laugh4:

There actually is a demo class at my Uni. :P It is not about game demos, it is some kind of business course I think.

[Polemists]

Awesome, i'm set,


Me: Today Class we shall discuss the difference between an actual dev post, and a moderator post about a developer.

Student: So is this based on product lifecycle model?

Me: Uhm....sure?


Welcome to the PHD of demo :laugh4:


I'm still optomistic on friday, despite everyone whining about 13th.

[Polemists]

A quote from SenseiTW or Mark O Connell who is the

Mark works as PR and Online Manager at The Creative Assembly. When he isn't playing the latest game releases, Mark spends his time continuing his mission to watch every film in existence (twice).




I will be releasing both a Faction and unit feature next week.


This is usually on a tuesday. Not sure if this has any bearing on our demo...but at least you now know we get something next week.

[Merak]

and maybe we get the demo this week?

hope is the last thing that leave us.

edit: yey i am a member

[Vuk]

lol, I still think what I thunk b4, people are getting waay to excited. :P As long as the demo is released at the time of or a few days before the game I am happy. That way I can play it before I buy it.

[fenir]

Ok people Quiet please................QUIET PLEASE......



I'm going to make another prediction.
















.................soon. maybe very soon.





fenir

[Sol Invictus]

I just want to try the demo a couple of weeks before release so I can upgrade; almost a certainty; or even order a new system. I am fairly certain that my current rig will have some issues when I try to run the game at an acceptable level of graphical sweetness.

[Vuk]

I just want to try the demo a couple of weeks before release so I can upgrade; almost a certainty; or even order a new system. I am fairly certain that my current rig will have some issues when I try to run the game at an acceptable level of graphical sweetness.

:2thumbsup: First good reason for the early demo craze I have heard. :2thumbsup:
I can definately understand that. Ok, now that we got a good reason, I will stop giving the demo people such a hard time. ~;)

[Monk]

(Un)fortunately for me, my paranoia drove me to upgrade last month. So the only reason I have left to grab the demo is that I really want to play around with the set pieces. :sweatdrop:

With the news that the demo includes both Naval and land battles it makes waiting that much harder. Of course, waiting is all we can do. We're about three weeks removed from the release of ETW and considering we are being told "NO DON'T LOOK IT'S NOT READY!" I doubt it will be this week. I'd look to next week.

[Belgolas]

Yeah probably next week seeing as the demo is not top priority. I would hate to have the game get released unfinished because they had to put too much time into a demo.

Just be glad there is a demo. Some vary large games don't have demos.

Anyways if you are wondering about upgrading you comp then why not upgrade now get everything set the way you want it to be instead of rushing to upgrade and then miss out on the ETW launch because you bought some crappy ram or something.

[scipiosgoblin]

Anyways if you are wondering about upgrading you comp then why not upgrade now get everything set the way you want it to be instead of rushing to upgrade and then miss out on the ETW launch because you bought some crappy ram or something.

Well for me it's an issue of buying a computer that I won't see for the next 12 - 14 months. I want to buy a new desktop, but I can't take a desktop with me to Iraq when I deploy. So rather than buy an expensive kick-butt system right now that will only be mediocre by the time I can use it, I'll wait until I get back and buy whatever the best is 14 months from now. Surely that system will play ETW at max resolution with no lag or stuttering. If I can get by with my laptop playing on the lowest settings until I get back, then I'll be the happiest soldier in the Army.

:army::army::army::army::army::army::army::army::army: :music:
Nine out of Twn soldiers agree. The other one was listening to his I-pod.

SG

[Belgolas]

Well for me it's an issue of buying a computer that I won't see for the next 12 - 14 months. I want to buy a new desktop, but I can't take a desktop with me to Iraq when I deploy. So rather than buy an expensive kick-butt system right now that will only be mediocre by the time I can use it, I'll wait until I get back and buy whatever the best is 14 months from now. Surely that system will play ETW at max resolution with no lag or stuttering. If I can get by with my laptop playing on the lowest settings until I get back, then I'll be the happiest soldier in the Army.

:army::army::army::army::army::army::army::army::army: :music:
Nine out of Twn soldiers agree. The other one was listening to his I-pod.

SG

Well that makes a lot of sense. Then yes it would be better to wait and yes by that time you should have no problem running it max settings at 1920 x 1200.

[Polemists]

Well still no release and I expect no news will come till next week (aka monday), glad to see the fake demo release date thread got quelched before I came back on....oh wells.

Maybe next tuesday when they update things we will get a demo update.

[hellenes]

Yeah probably next week seeing as the demo is not top priority. I would hate to have the game get released unfinished because they had to put too much time into a demo.

Just be glad there is a demo. Some vary large games don't have demos.

Anyways if you are wondering about upgrading you comp then why not upgrade now get everything set the way you want it to be instead of rushing to upgrade and then miss out on the ETW launch because you bought some crappy ram or something.

Sorry but im not glad for anything....sadly capitalism has taught me a hard lesson: Care about none since the cash is the only bottom line....
If there is no demo....I can assure you some people will make sure to make a "demo"....

[Polemists]

Agreed, I mean yes CA is nice and they are making good games so I don't want them to close down, but at end of the day this is about money. They are not making the game to be my buddy, or my pal, they are making the game to make money.

If they want my money, I want a demo.

Preferably soon :laugh4:

[Emperor of Graal]

:shame:Feel the shame of no demo CA, feel the Shame!
On topic the demo is still not out, what are you doing CA? Torturing us or
getting so much eagerness that we play it 24/7 until we settle down.
Can't wait for the AARs and story's

[Polemists]

Seriously the demo fanatcisim has no end, at this point I expect demo withdrawl groups to start forming in small communities :laugh4:

Judging by fact monday is a monday and tuesday they are releasing a faction and a new unit profile, it seems we will be waiting till friday for a demo.

At this point I think CA either can't fix something in the demo or are waiting until one week before release.

Good news is lots of youtube spoofs up, my favorite is the hitler angry over empire total war demo..probably because I know some german, it's just funny :P

[Sir Beane]

Seriously the demo fanatcisim has no end, at this point I expect demo withdrawl groups to start forming in small communities :laugh4:

Judging by fact monday is a monday and tuesday they are releasing a faction and a new unit profile, it seems we will be waiting till friday for a demo.

At this point I think CA either can't fix something in the demo or are waiting until one week before release.

Good news is lots of youtube spoofs up, my favorite is the hitler angry over empire total war demo..probably because I know some german, it's just funny :P

Hitler probably wouldn't have waited patiently for the demo. If he had known it was waiting for him in Britian Operation Sealion would have been undertaken as quickly as possible. :tongue:

Perhaps CA is waiting to see how long Demo fanatics can hold out before medical complications such as strokes/seizures/exploding heads occur. :clown:

[KozaK13]

Perhaps CA is waiting to see how long Demo fantaic can hold out before medical complications such as strokes/seizures/exploding heads occur. :clown:

I know i would....

Is this Demo sickness the same for every game? TW or not? I only started out on the forums after kingdoms was released really so i havent seen the previous horrors i can imagine.

[Sol Invictus]

I've been around for all TW releases and I don't remember it ever being this frantic. Every demo/release wait for a new TW game is a circus, but not to this degree.:dizzy2:

[Sir Beane]

I know i would....

Is this Demo sickness the same for every game? TW or not? I only started out on the forums after kingdoms was released really so i havent seen the previous horrors i can imagine.

I think Empire has definitely been worse, for a few reasons.

1) Empire has the potential to be utterly fantastic, if CA deliver on what they have promised. Empire is a 'revolution' game with a new engine and new possibilities.

2) Empire seems to have attracted the attention of a great number of new TW players.

3) CA have released much less info on Empire, and the game has already been delayed once.

4) Polemists :tongue:

[NovaColonel]

5) The demo has not been leaked as before.

6) People are probably more busy in late summer / fall than in February. With the previous waits, no one had the time to wait actively.

7) Medieval 2 was as much of a circus as this one...

[Polemists]

4) Polemists


but I really want demo :P

[InsaneApache]

IIRC I got the demo for Shogun about 3 months before the game came out. I think it was inside Computer Gamer.

Still, it's nice to have something to look forward to. :sweatdrop:

[Ituralde]

IIRC I got the demo for Shogun about 3 months before the game came out. I think it was inside Computer Gamer.

Still, it's nice to have something to look forward to. :sweatdrop:

But then it was so hard that it actually kept me from buying the game. I still hate that demo for that. If it weren't for that demo my Total War experience may have started with Shogun Total War, but alas I had to wait until the release of Medieval Total War before finally becoming addicted to one of the greatest strategy series of all times. What better way to ignite my fires anew then to release a...

demo?

[Polemists]

and I miss deeeeeeemo....like the deserts miss the rain :P


Okay my song is done.

Hopefully today we get the demo, I mean I understand sales, holding back, all that stuff, but it's two weeks away now. I mean there is a window, if they release it next week I think people would just go...oh..right...uhm I get the game next week and am playing whatever now, I'm not going to waste my time downloading it.

[Merak]

the way i figure it. be case there a a few people waiting for the demo i will most likely get to play the demo two month after the game is released.

(and yes i too want the demo)

[pyradyn]

Well It is 8 in the morning in South West usa and no Demo. I promised Polemists I would join his demo legion if it were not out today. FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE CA PLEASE KEEP ME FROM THE LEGIONS! that said I am still hopeful since they have not yet released the Faction preview either. Although CA runs on English time.......I guess it makes sense them being in England and all

[Polemists]

pyradyn

you...like the other demo legionaries.....are now.....MINE



LONG LIVE DEMO

[pyradyn]

*sigh* It appears so it appears so. I am now sad lol

[TB666]

Well knew it wouldn't get released today.
Next week I say.

[Sol Invictus]

If it isn't released by this Friday there must be a problem. This is starting to worry me.:sweatdrop:

[Barkhorn1x]

If it isn't released by this Friday there must be a problem. This is starting to worry me.:sweatdrop:

Sure is cuttin' it close and this would be quite a break with the past.:embarassed:

[Sir Beane]

I'm getting more and more paranoid the longer we go without a demo or much official news of the game. Especially now a few negative reviews and videos have surfaced.

At this point I'm looking to the demo to reawaken my faith in the game being great. This may be a grave mistake. :no:

[pyradyn]

So I look in my E-mail and there is an email sitting there called: Empire: Totalwar. I screamed in joy thinking, THE DEMO. So I opened it and it said:
EMPIRE: TOTAL WAR

If you are having difficulties viewing this email, please copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://links.messages.sega.com/ctt?kn=1&m=31484357&r=MTc4MDY4ODQ1NgS2&b=2&j=NDU4ODQ5MzYS1&mt=1&rt=0

------------------------------------
“This is one of the most playable, and therefore important and accomplished,
games ever created.”

“It’s exquisite.”

94% Editors’ Choice – PC Gamer, April 2009

------------------------------------
* PRE-ORDER NOW AND GET ROME: TOTAL WAR FREE

Per-order Empire: Total War todayand receive a copy of Rome: Total War for free! Reserve your copy at BestBuy.com or GameStop.Com to receive a code for a free download of this award-winning game.


Preorder

Best Buy.com
http://links.messages.sega.com/ctt?kn=9&m=31484357&r=MTc4MDY4ODQ1NgS2&b=2&j=NDU4ODQ5MzYS1&mt=1&rt=0

GameStop.com
http://links.messages.sega.com/ctt?kn=7&m=31484357&r=MTc4MDY4ODQ1NgS2&b=2&j=NDU4ODQ5MzYS1&mt=1&rt=0


Well I already Pre-Ordered and I already own Rome and BI and Alexander....I am angry! That is a tease

[Barkhorn1x]

Well, if it got a 94 from PC Gamer it cannot have terribly serious flaws, can it? :dizzy2:

[Sir Beane]

Well, if it got a 94 from PC Gamer it cannot have terribly serious flaws, can it? :dizzy2:

Yes, it can. Especially because Orgahs are far more likely to spot historical innacuracy and unrealistic combat than a PC Gamer reviewer. That and we tend to want more from out games.

Don't trust any review that isn't from someone on this site, and even then try and get as many other opinions as possible. :tongue:

[Sol Invictus]

Dear Lord, will our agony never end?:wall: We are getting another Faction and Unit tomorrow, so I doubt the demo will also appear. That leaves just two days this week. I fear a grave disappointment.:furious3:

[peacemaker]

This is too long. Pretty soon, people are going to lose interest in the demo since itll be too close to the release date. I am confident they'll release it by this week and if they don't, I have a feeling that there IS a problem that they are trying to fix so people will probably be less open to buying it.

[Hosakawa Tito]

Polemist's Demo Theme Song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uufd-IsJiKg).

[ThePianist]

There is a demo legion? I guess I'd want to be a legionnaire.

[Sir Beane]

There is a demo legion? I guess I'd want to be a legionnaire.

Apply to Polemists for your official uniform, sword and hat. :tongue: A three year tour of service is mandatory, or until the demo comes out. You will be required to serve in a variety of countries and conditions, whatever it takes to get CA to release a demo. Since this is a TW army you will be replaced with elephants at the earliest opportunity, and subsequently used as an arrow shield. :2thumbsup:

[InsaneApache]

Is it out yet? :inquisitive:

[Sir Beane]

Is it out yet? :inquisitive:

Nope :no:. But we all wish it was.

[Crazed Rabbit]

Well, if it got a 94 from PC Gamer it cannot have terribly serious flaws, can it? :dizzy2:

Rome Total War got a 92. Medieval Total War got an 82 IIRC - that still boggles my mind.

CR

[Polemists]

Yes, the demo legion offers exciting oppurtunites.


Are you bored? Tired of pointless posting for no reason and grand demo desires? Then the demo legion is for you.

Come to a place where pointless signatures are the norm, and assaulting CA daily for a Demo just part of the job. :)

Just add something about demo to your sig and your in :), it's that easy. Also we have a pretty cool graphics bench over in frontroom, as my sig proves (you know if you want some colo photo to go with your demo saying) :)

Still no demo....it is a sad day.

[ToeAndno]

If I were in charge at Sega, after browsing all ETW forums, I'd so be emailing subscribers evry single day with the word DEMO in the title. Then I would recline back in my chair, spin around to face the window, hands together under my chin and smile.

[Polemists]

Yea, actually I'd prefer that because then we'd actually get a e-mail from SEga. Thus far tho Sega is to busy playing sonic to actualy think of anything clever.:laugh4:

Well more speculation today, supposedly the guy who got the leaked demo (and didn't release it to anyone else) says today is the demo release day. Supposedly when he first released the screenshots one was a steam screenshot saying Feb 18th release date for the demo.

True or not, it gives you just as much reason to hope today is a demo as any other :)

The rest of you who don't want to wait for demo are not required to read this or any other demo thread. Go frollic for two weeks :P

I will contine to wait on demo, and play F.E.A.R 2 at night, to bust through legions of replica troops and imagine there is a demo awaiting me on the other end :)

[pyradyn]

*sigh* FEAR 2 now I want to play so so bad and Polemists I will be adding it to my sig
Originally Posted by Sir Beane
since this is a TW army you will be replaced with elephants at the earliest opportunity, and subsequently used as an arrow shield. Ya.....make that Elephants with cannons....I am breeding them now for the Legion

[cannon_fodder]

Rome Total War got a 92. Medieval Total War got an 82 IIRC - that still boggles my mind.

CR
Hmm, I had the issue with the Medieval review (it was what urged me to buy Shogun in the first place), and IIRC they spoke of it as if it was one of the greatest games ever made. Are you sure it got an 82?

Anyway, PCGamer UK are the most reliable game journalists there are with regards to the statements they make in their reviews, but of course the actual scores they give are meaningless. In fact I remember an article in a PCGamer issue about the institution of game scoring itself being fundamentally kaputt, which it is.

[Polemists]

Well guys, still no demo, slim pickings. Good news is now each day without demo gets everyone closer to full release which is less then two weeks away now :)

Sad news is...I still want a demo


Demo song:

Is this the meaning of being lonely.....
Is this the feeling I'm meant to walk with....
tell me why...I can't have a.......demoooooooooo..........
there's something missing in my...heart...

:laugh4::laugh4:

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

Can we change this thread title to something like "no demo yet" so every time it updates and I see it on the main page I don't get my hopes up?

[Megas Methuselah]

Yeah, for one fraction of a second, I thought the demo was released... :sad:

[Polemists]

I think if we called this

Demo (Demo not yet released)

or Demo Discussion (Not released)

or Demo Legion (We don't have demo yet, but we want it)

Would all be better thread choices :book:

[pyradyn]

I vote to rename it Demo Legion!

[zerathule]

Imho, Horde or mob would be better : a legion CAN negotiate.
A mob is maybe disorganised but will just tremple anyone standing in front of them, they'll take what they want and disband.

[Fisherking]

Well now you see just how far that got.

Who wants to guess the demo comes out with the second patch?

They seem so frightened of not showing their best that they are much more willing to show nothing.
:no:

Edit: Oh yes, and just so you know, The Demo thread at the official fan site today had 121 pages with 2409 posts. We have 5 as of now with 137 posts.

[Wausser]

We're not a disorderly mob :no:


Me want the DEMO very badly

[Sol Invictus]

I'll give it one more day until I hit the panic button.:sweatdrop: I can't believe that CA intended to release the demo this late. Either there is a problem with the Steam distribution; unlikely; or they don't have alot of confidence in their game. I don't even want to think about that second option.:no:
My soul will be crushed if it isn't released by tomorrow.:wall:

[Gaius Terentius Varro]

Your demo is in the same place as the patch that fixes the official campaign of M2TW only little to the left

[USS Providence 1972]

All this concern about the demo and in two weeks nobody will be playing it because they will have the game on their computer.

[ByzanKing]

All this concern about the demo and in two weeks nobody will be playing it because they will have the game on their computer.

Here, Here

[ArtillerySmoke]

I couldn't care less about a demo at this point.

The game is shipping in a couple of weeks. I see a demo being released a couple of months before the game goes live...not days before it goes live.

At this point, I'll just wait for the retail version to hit shelves.

[TheArsenal]

This says it comes out tomorrow: shoguntotalwar.yuku.com/topic/42851 (can't post urls yet)

[ToeAndno]

Already posted

[Sir Beane]

This says it comes out tomorrow: shoguntotalwar.yuku.com/topic/42851 (can't post urls yet)

Thanks TheArsenal, and welcome to the Guild! :2thumbsup::beam:

[Greyblades]

I'll give it one more day until I hit the panic button.:sweatdrop:
Crisis averted. CA must have heard him.
~D

[Monk]

Crisis averted. CA must have heard him.
~D

No doubt!

Here's the main text for those too lazy to redirect :laugh4:


Hi guys,


I am pleased to report that our official Empire: Total War demo will be available via Steam from 4pm GMT on Friday 20th February.

Giving you a taste of the epic engagements that you'll be experiencing from 3rd March, the demo will take you through the basics of land and naval command and then unleash you in two historical battles!

You will get to play as the mighty British Empire as they do battle against the Americans in the 'Battle of Brandywine Creek' and then take on the French Navy in the 'Battle of Lagos'...

Battle of Brandywine Creek

After landing from his transport ships on the American coast, Major-General Sir William Howe led the British troops eastwards, with the intention of capturing Philadelphia.

In preparation, American General George Washington readied most of his units to defend from this frontal assault around the narrow crossing of Chad's Ford on the Brandywine. The Creek flows through the countryside of Pennsylvania, enveloped by sheer cliffs and heavily wooded hills on both sides. Safe in the knowledge the fast flowing creek could not easily be crossed; Washington was confident of holding his position.

However, more detailed surveillance of the terrain would suggest that alternative routes could turn the battle in the favour of the British.

Battle of Lagos

As so often in 18th Century warfare, French plans to invade England during the Seven Years War were reliant on ships from the naval base at Toulouse joining ships from Brest. The British had both ports blockaded, and the French had to wait for one of the blockading fleets to withdraw for re-supply before attempting any rendezvous.

The opportunity came when the British fleet under Admiral Boscawen at Toulon withdrew to Gibraltar. The French under Jean-François de la Clue-Sabran left Toulon, and began to make their way towards Brest. Passing the Straits of Gibraltar, the French were spotted by Boscawen's lookout ships.

Giving chase, Boscawen's fleet was only slightly larger than the French force, and caught up with them off the coast of Portugal where battle was joined. Take control of the British and defeat the French to end the invasion threat to Britain.

We hope that you enjoy playing our demo, which will give you a small taste of Empire: Total War action in preparation to leading your own empire to victory in March!

Thanks,

Mark O'Connell
(aka SenseiTW)

Looks like two tutorials and two historical battles that we get to play to death for 2 weeks. :yes:

[Sir Beane]

Please direct all demo discussion to the demo discussion thread. Now the demo is out we don't need this thread.

Thread Closed! :dancinglock: