EDCHUY'S PROFILE

So, he appears!

post=138232

post=138147
A demo release firmly plants a game in the not vaporware category. It's playable, you can touch it, get a feel for it. THAT IS NOT VAPORWARE.

While I generally agree with this post, I'd like to point out that releasing a demo often doesn't bring a game past being vaporware. Imagine this common scenario; a designer releases a bunch of incredible screenshots of interesting areas and imaginative, complex systems and then releases a much-anticipated demo. The demo, however, is only the first apart of the game, which has none of the areas showed in the screenshots. The systems are also non-existent because it's a tech demo or vica versa and they aren't "100% completed" yet.

We now have a demo that in no way shows anything from the vast catalogue of available vapor. There is no proof that any of the incredible systems we've seen actually exist. It's sort of the coup de grace of vaporware, actually, because then you can argue it's CAN'T be vaporware because you released a demo!

While I agree with what Kaempfer says, it is just a particular case which might cover or not a good amount of games in RMN. What happens if the demo does indeed show the screenshots posted, the systems promised, etc. is it still considered vaporware?

Regardless, I still favor the idea of having completed games and that's why overall, I'll try to play those more often than demos. I'll try to reserve playing the latter when I have a specific purpose in mind, such as giving feedback to the developer or beta-testing. Perhaps WIP's idea of giving only complete or definitely cancelled games ratings isn't completely off-base, while still allowing demos to get unrated reviews. Thus, the content of the review for the demo will take precedence and ratings will not be obsessed over any longer.

Actually, the deadline was extended 1 day. Not that it might make a difference, but at least it's something.

post=138158
Well, I can attest to the fact that just releasing games themselves is not nearly so popular a thing as releasing a demo or a lot of promising screenshots.

I think one fact that's been missed though; the audience that this was intended for, and the majority of those who post on it, are not the people who play your games.

Yeah, Anaryu hit these two points on the head. Even though demos are tangible there are still as susceptible to hype as screenshot, since they imply a promise of what the complete game could be like. Regarding the audience issue, I find it puzzling that some developers won't give the light of day to play the fellow developers work (some of you might even recall Play Something! events). To those who actually do, I have a greater respect for you. Sadly, most game players (non-developers) aren't involved with the game making process, unless they find a game breaking bug or another serious issue.

The fact it's a STD doesn't necessarily mean it was transmitted the obvious way. Regardless, I am going to download it so I can play it later and give some feedback.