WDS - Announcement
It's been more than four years since we took over the John Tiller catalog and we've made some big strides in that time. Not only in updating the various games visually, but adding in new functionality and of course creating entirely new games.
We have also made significant strides towards making it easier on the customer base to access and manage the games they have purchased. In 2021 you still had to save a copy of the installer when you bought a game for later use, or contact Support to have a new link sent. We now have the Store Account system in place so you can login whenever you wish and access a completely up-to-date installer and your serial number. Games from the original JTS Store are also there as are games that were migrated from HPS... really a massive leap forward in accessibility and convenance for all involved.
Our vision is to continue to improve our offerings, adding new features and refining older processes to make playing the games easier and more enjoyable. We have a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes that we will eventually share with you... if all goes well, before the end of this year we will be able to start providing a glimpse of what is coming.
But now we are taking a step in expanding our presence in the gaming world as a whole. For decades these games have inhabited a tiny corner of the internet. Ever since Talonsoft came out of physical stores really. It was almost a case of word-of-mouth to find them. Very limited advertising, and in the early days platforms like Facebook did not exist. We have expanded on that a bit since we have been in control of the IP, but it is a challenge to get much traction for a small developer through traditional advertising channels. So, we are embarking on a new chapter today, we are branching out onto Steam.
Everyone who has purchased these games through our Store will be issued a Steam Key when they go live on Steam.
Our plan will be to always launch new games on our site first, followed a few weeks later on Steam. So, in the future we will issue Steam Keys at time of purchase in our Store in the same manner you get your serial numbers now. Our continued primary focus will be our Store front and direct sales. Nothing will change in the service you have been receiving, how you access your purchases and so forth. If you aren't a Steam user nothing needs to change for you at all.
What we would like to ask of our community is, if you are a Steam user and you have enjoyed the Crusades titles, that you would head up there and "wishlist" these titles. Again, not asking you to re-buy them... you will get a free key when the games release there.
Once they are released we would ask that you would leave a positive review as well... as the growth on Steam will be very heavily dependent on the rating/review system. Since we are an unknown entity to the vast majority of people up there, it will be an uphill battle.
That concludes todays announcement. But here's a recap:
- Not a Steam user - nothing changes.
- Steam user who buys direct - you will get a Steam key along with your purchase.
- Steam user who wants to only be on Steam, you'll be able to do that too as games release.
- Pricing will be the same on both locations.
As always we appreciate your interest and support. We couldn't do what we do without you!
Just like some clarification. Does this mean that buying the game on your site gives us both the stand-alone game, as in the past, and the Steam version? For me that would be ideal, since it would basically be the same game through two venues. I’ve already Wish-listed the two Crusades games on Steam. I’d rather buy through you and have both versions, though. I’d also like to see some of your existing catalog ported to Steam, as I have some friends who pretty much only play on Steam, and this would make it easy to get them into WDS games.
Hi Rich & Team
I think the move to Steam is a great idea. You will keep all your old customers and likely grow to new customers. It’s another way to market your games and perhaps even add greater revenue that may lead to what we all want, more WDS games!
You convinced me sign up for a steam account. Really easy to do. Hopefully it will give you a broader audience and increase sales. Really enjoy your Civil War and Panzer Campaign series. Keep em coming!
Hi Rich,
Just a thought but what about putting some/all of the product demos on Steam as well? It would enable a much larger customer base to sample a whole lot more of your products!
Dear Gentlemen;
I will NEVER USE ANY “Steam” product or EVER SIGN-UP/USE “Steam”. It may (or may not) be a good move for you in the long run… only time will tell > BUT ONCE, I again I agree with Helm, Dave, etc. etc. that I do NOT > want to be tracked > not OWN the game I buy > have to be “online” just to play a game, AND deal with all the other CRAP that entails “being on Steam” > JUST TO PLAY A GAME that I paid for!!!. I HIGHLY appreciate you have RESISTED “Steam” up to this pt. But like MANY, MANY others have said "there are A LOT of “a$$—-es” on “Steam” that will rate you games LOW and might cause you to actually LOSE MORE SALES THAN you end-up GAINING in the long run!!! So, good luck with that!
Sincerely,
D.B.
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