When Connecting With Fans, Be Careful What You Promise
from the high-class-problem dept
The submissions for Connecting-with-Fans (CwF) stories are ramping up these days, and here's a cautionary tale from thublihnk who writes "... one of the guys behind Borderlands (an upcoming online multiplayer FPS/RPG) promised to play with/give loot to anyone who preordered his game, and due to a game journalist alerting people to this deal, is now swamped with requests. Good try, better luck next time?"So this doesn't actually sound too bad for Mike Neumann, the Creative Director of Gearbox, who promoted his game by tweeting a promise to play with anyone who pre-ordered it, even if the number of folks who viewed his offer is in the thousands (so far, though, it sounds like the number is more like hundreds). Neumann says he'll hold up his end of the bargain, but he's also asked fans if they'd accept playing with the CEO of Gearbox instead of just him, which seems perfectly reasonable. It's not like Neumann promised he'd show up in everyone's living room. He also didn't specify how long he'd play with these fans, so there are a few loopholes that will allow him to live a normal life -- assuming his normal life didn't already include hours and hours of gaming. And presumably, superfans are not out to destroy him, though, it might be a bit embarrassing if Neumann turns out to be a total N00b at playing his own game. But, yes, the lesson here for creative CwF promotions is to make sure to think through the consequences. Fortunately for Gearbox, the virtual loot in Borderlands has zero marginal costs.
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Filed Under: borderlands, connect with fans, cwf, overpromise, video games
Companies: gearbox
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Neumann's real problem
Not much of a problem really.
Sure, he might have underestimated how popular his idea would be.. But what he got was an overwhelmingly happy reaction from his fans.
And he's not in the least bit upset.
Noone said CwF was supposed to be a resource free endeavor.
But perhaps next time, Neumann will say "the first 100 people to send me a pic of you pre-ordering" instead of "anyone who sends me a pic of you pre-ordering".
But I doubt he will walk away from this experiment displeased with its results.
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Re: Neumann's real problem
Exactly my thoughts, as well.
What a wonderful problem to have.
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In the last year or so they've been much quieter and there has been an increase inthe complaints levied against them. I wonder if, had they continued to speak to players directly, then there may have been more understanding all round.
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Online FPS/RPG
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Cost of virtual loot
Not that I'm an expert, but I've read a few interesting articles, including one on Blizzard's Diablo II online economic system somewhere (I think it was in Time magazine).
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Re: Cost of virtual loot
I guess we'll have to see what Gearbox decides to hand out when the game arrives....
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am interested in connecting class room fans
we are introduced to connecting class room, and i really love to be among the fans of connecting class room.
because i want to know more about what is going on in the college in abroad.
pls, am really interested to be among the fans
thanks.
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