Yep, a game that is difficult to get to grips with is a great way to keep a good, if small, community
It may not be ideal from a sales point of view, but it suits me just fine as a player.
I've played two other online strategy games in the past where the same applies. What separates this from some other games I've played in the past is that the community seems to grow rather than stagnating. I started a few months ago, a couple of years after release, and have seen many new players arrive in that time. I'm really not sure why that is to be honest, its certainly not a massive marketing push or anything.
Well, in one of those other games, though the concept was great the developer was not what I'd call existing customer oriented, which was the downfall, and he also seemed to lack some fundamental understanding about the priority of good game mechanics and balance over fluffy content. So established players left in droves, and the game was only fun if around good players.
The second was really, really good with an excellent developer. It did lack the scope of Dom though, the vast fantasy setting seems to be a big drawing point here, so that may be it. He has been planning a fantasy version of his game for a while (Roman based at present), maybe that will be what it needs to take off.
Finally the business model is different. The other games were web-based and had subscription fees, while Dom 3 is an upfront cost and that's it. Perhaps that appeals more to people - certainly it works out cheaper after only a few months. That we keep getting new content is a massive bonus - hopefully a Dom 4 does appear in the future, Illwinter are building and supporting a growing customer base, sales are guaranteed if they release a major addition/expansion
Re: Bought Dominions 3
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