Why the Silence?

edited August 2012 in The Walking Dead
First, this is not a "Where is Episode 3?" thread.

My question is, what are the possible reasons for TTG's lack of response to the questions and concerns raised on the issue? There are many upset people on these forums, facebook, and other pages who are requesting information. I am happy to wait for the game, and I am sure it will be great. However, it is clear that this lack of communication is a departure from TTG's past practices. I have always appreciated and respected their accessibility and open communication in the past.

Again, I am not complaining, I am genuinely curious about their departure from prior practices, and would like to discuss possible reasons for it.

Are there legal reasons for the lack of communication?

Are there business reasons?

Could they feel that they have said enough, and do not owe the vocal internet posters any more information?

It is apparent that the lack of response to the many questions has resulted in a loss of trust and customers who will not purchase from TTG again. There must be valid reasons for the silence that outweigh the negative consequences.
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Comments

  • edited August 2012
    dankirk wrote: »
    First, this is not

    Could they feel that they have said enough, and do not owe the vocal internet posters any more information?

    Most likely this. And imo they have given enough information, it's only a small vocal minority who keeps complaining and spamming on where episode 3 is and why its not released yet.
  • VainamoinenVainamoinen Moderator
    edited August 2012
    It's been just one week since Telltale has clearly communicated they're submitting the episode to Microsoft and Sony.

    That is, by the way, more communication about the episode status we had for any other preceding game, as far as I can remember. This submission stuff wasn't discussed openly in previous games.

    Telltale has nothing to communicate at this time. They're waiting just like you do. That's the reason for the silence.
  • edited August 2012
    define silence...

    they posted on there blog, link/tab on the top of these forum pages..

    read them...
  • edited August 2012
    Why excatly are they waiting for Sony or Microsoft to release it on PC? oO
    Doesn't seem legit to me
  • edited August 2012
    They may want to release the same day on all platforms...
  • edited August 2012
    Telltale has nothing to communicate at this time. They're waiting just like you do. That's the reason for the silence.

    That's not a reason. We're waiting and we're not silent, the 2 are not connected.
  • edited August 2012
    Abel wrote: »
    They may want to release the same day on all platforms...

    Why would anyone do this? Are you telling me the fucking PC Version is ready for months and they spent the last weeks coding the fucking console shit oO

    If that is true this is gonna be my last game of TTG. FFS, how can you not release something if it's ready, that's just so dumb it hurts...
  • edited August 2012
    daZza wrote: »
    Why would anyone do this? Are you telling me the fucking PC Version is ready for months and they spent the last weeks coding the fucking console shit oO

    If that is true this is gonna be my last game of TTG. FFS, how can you not release something if it's ready, that's just so dumb it hurts...

    Completly disagree with you.
  • edited August 2012
    daZza wrote: »
    Why would anyone do this? Are you telling me the fucking PC Version is ready for months and they spent the last weeks coding the fucking console shit oO

    If that is true this is gonna be my last game of TTG. FFS, how can you not release something if it's ready, that's just so dumb it hurts...

    They have a contract with Microsoft that says Xbox has to get it either before or on the same day as the other platforms.

    So they have a nice little de-bugged and thoroughly tested walkingdead103.exe sitting on a hard drive in their office and we won't see it for weeks because it needs microsoft's approval to be on their system.
  • edited August 2012
    the thing is though ep1 was out on pc first so what happened there ? as the xbox got it 2-3 days later..
  • edited August 2012
    If they had a sticky thread where only they could post to, and every Friday they posted a quick status update (e.g.: in play testing, or submitted for compliance, etc.), most of the complaints would be alleviated.

    There must be reasons why they choose not to adopt such an easy resolution to most of the complaints. I simply wonder what the reasons are.
  • edited August 2012
    I agree
  • edited August 2012
    dankirk wrote: »
    If they had a sticky thread where only they could post to, and every Friday they posted a quick status update (e.g.: in play testing, or submitted for compliance, etc.), most of the complaints would be alleviated.

    There must be reasons why they choose not to adopt such an easy resolution to most of the complaints. I simply wonder what the reasons are.

    nda...

    bill gates has threatened their loved ones with 'buyouts'

    they actually enjoy the abuse, the raging and the threats of boycotts ( i hope not )
  • edited August 2012
    dankirk wrote: »
    If they had a sticky thread where only they could post to, and every Friday they posted a quick status update (e.g.: in play testing, or submitted for compliance, etc.), most of the complaints would be alleviated.

    I suspect because they have work to do. I suspect that because they are making an adult game, they assume they are dealing with adults that don't require constant hand holding. Having already communicated that the episode is ready, pending approval, they're carrying on with their work on future episodes, so hopefully they can hear less of this in the future, which I highly doubt because someone always has to bitch.
  • edited August 2012
    daZza wrote: »
    Why would anyone do this? Are you telling me the fucking PC Version is ready for months and they spent the last weeks coding the fucking console shit oO

    If that is true this is gonna be my last game of TTG. FFS, how can you not release something if it's ready, that's just so dumb it hurts...

    You do realize every game developer ever does this right? And movie developer... and author... have fun not enjoying anything ever then :D
    EDIT:For clarification, I mean the whole "wait even after its ready to go" deal.
  • edited August 2012
    Cyreen wrote: »
    I suspect that because they are making an adult game, they assume they are dealing with adults that don't require constant hand holding.

    This. There doesn't have to be a message about the status of the game every day. People complained about the silence. They got what they wanted and now want more. I dont think everyone will be happy until there is a daily blog explaining the progress they've made.
  • edited August 2012
    Cyreen wrote: »
    I suspect because they have work to do. I suspect that because they are making an adult game, they assume they are dealing with adults that don't require constant hand holding.

    What do you mean constant hand holding? giving somebody something they paid for on time or at least communicating why they are constantly wrong about their projected release dates doesn't really amount to "constant hand holding". I'm glad you're happy getting a third of what you paid for but to insult those who are not and accuse them of being children... well that's just ignorant. TT doesn't need your defense, and you sound pathetic.
  • edited August 2012
    Let me reiterate; I am not complaining. In fact, I am tired of hearing the complaints. I have been a fan of TellTale since Sam and Max series 1. I don't like hearing people constantly ripping them. I assume that TellTale is tired and upset about all the complaints and negative sentiments on the web.

    I'm sure that they would like to alleviate the complaining by communicating if they could. I wonder what is preventing them from doing so.
  • edited August 2012
    fiddilydee wrote: »
    and you sound pathetic.


    Some might consider constant whining, fighting, and hostility over a delayed game release pathetic.
  • edited August 2012
    fiddilydee wrote: »
    What do you mean constant hand holding? giving somebody something they paid for on time or at least communicating why they are constantly wrong about their projected release dates doesn't really amount to "constant hand holding". I'm glad you're happy getting a third of what you paid for but to insult those who are not and accuse them of being children... well that's just ignorant. TT doesn't need your defense, and you sound pathetic.

    The last part of my previous post applies to you. Have a nice day!
  • edited August 2012
    fiddilydee wrote: »
    What do you mean constant hand holding? giving somebody something they paid for on time or at least communicating why they are constantly wrong about their projected release dates doesn't really amount to "constant hand holding". I'm glad you're happy getting a third of what you paid for but to insult those who are not and accuse them of being children... well that's just ignorant. TT doesn't need your defense, and you sound pathetic.

    chill fiddly chill

    you like a horny dog dry humping a leg..

    no one is happy about the delays or the silence (your pathetic to suggest it) but some of us use a bit of common sense and restraint in the knowledge that ttg know exactly how we feel (they are gamers too) and will release the game when it is READY.
  • edited August 2012
    Cyreen wrote: »
    ....Having already communicated that the episode is ready, pending approval,....
    I can read nowhere that it is ready and pending approval. the only thing i could read from their week old post was that they was "nearing final submission to our partners for certification on digital platforms." pleas point me to where thay have stated that the game is out and getting certified by either Microsoft or Sony.
  • edited August 2012
    You may not be happy about the delay but you're all getting jollies reminding everyone how little it bothers you and how little it should bother them. They should give refunds to people if they want them because they lied. That's really all I want to see happen. It's not that complicated.
  • edited August 2012
    fiddilydee wrote: »
    What do you mean constant hand holding? giving somebody something they paid for on time or at least communicating why they are constantly wrong about their projected release dates doesn't really amount to "constant hand holding". I'm glad you're happy getting a third of what you paid for but to insult those who are not and accuse them of being children... well that's just ignorant. TT doesn't need your defense, and you sound pathetic.

    Okay, I'll bite. By "constant hand holding", he was referring to people who whine, complain and throw hissy fits over a game because they can't do something with their time in the meantime have to be told to calm down and "held" through it. And it isn't ignorant to brand someone who, as I said, have to "have their hand held" as a child, especially if they are elder teens or even young adults who can't be patient enough for a game's episode to be released. It's the opposite with me and loads of other people, the silence and suspense of when the episode would be released makes me hyped up as I think thoughts like "Is THAT going to be changed?", "What will I get to do?", and even "What adventure will we go through today?!". But, this is all me. Oh, and lastly, YOU sound pathetic for calling someone else pathetic who was giving his $.02 and then some, capiche?
    fiddilydee wrote: »
    You may not be happy about the delay but you're all getting jollies reminding everyone how little it bothers you and how little it should bother them. They should give refunds to people if they want them because they lied. That's really all I want to see happen. It's not that complicated.

    Oh, but it is complicated. They didn't exactly "lie", per se. It was a change in procedure. I can see where you're coming from, but it isn't exactly right to blame them 100% for it. For all we know, it could've been a business decision from the higher-ups. And who said we're getting jollies? It isn't our fault that we're more open-minded, understanding, and patient...not to mention mature about it. It isn't as if complaining or demanding immediate release would help in the least.
    Endy wrote: »
    I can read nowhere that it is ready and pending approval. the only thing i could read from their week old post was that they was "nearing final submission to our partners for certification on digital platforms." pleas point me to where thay have stated that the game is out and getting certified by either Microsoft or Sony.

    Looky here!

    And there you go, my good sir.
  • VainamoinenVainamoinen Moderator
    edited August 2012
    fiddilydee wrote: »
    That's not a reason. We're waiting and we're not silent, the 2 are not connected.

    Complaining about the situation is not among Telltale's communicative options. ;)

    @all: Cut it with the insults a bit, will you? It's the weekend, it's damn hot in here, and threads are closed far too quickly.
  • edited August 2012
    Silence will fall when the question is asked.
  • edited August 2012
    dankirk wrote: »
    If they had a sticky thread where only they could post to, and every Friday they posted a quick status update (e.g.: in play testing, or submitted for compliance, etc.), most of the complaints would be alleviated.

    There would still be plenty of complaining then imo, the ppl who complain now will find other shit to complain about
  • edited August 2012
    coolsome wrote: »
    Silence will fall when the question is asked.

    doctor who reference which is also the question.
  • edited August 2012
    @all: Cut it with the insults a bit, will you? It's the weekend, it's damn hot in here, and threads are closed far too quickly.

    Thank you. I started this thread to discuss why TTG doesn't respond to the very vocal criticism with simple status updates. Let's not turn this into another complaint thread.
  • edited August 2012
    Xirsche wrote: »

    Looky here!

    And there you go, my good sir.

    I Have read it and it's Says:

    "The team has finished play-testing and tuning, and we’re nearing final submission to our partners for certification on digital platforms. "

    Its states nowhere that they have sent it to the parteners for certification only that they are nearing. you all Assume that they have, and you know what they say about assume :p
  • edited August 2012
    "In the coming weeks"

    Overlooked that one in the Steam - Walking Dead update cuz you have to click again to enter Telltale's blog.

    Thanks, Telltale, for at least updating us. ^.^
  • edited August 2012
    Endy wrote: »
    I Have read it and it's Says:

    "The team has finished play-testing and tuning, and we’re nearing final submission to our partners for certification on digital platforms. "

    Its states nowhere that they have sent it to the parteners for certification only that they are nearing. you all Assume that they have, and you know what they say about assume :p

    well considering that's now a week old our assumptions are more accurate as time goes on..
  • edited August 2012
    well considering that's now a week old our assumptions are more accurate as time goes on..

    In pre-episode 2 days they used the "about to submit for certification" terminology for about a week and a half, then once it was confirmed submitted it took about 2 weeks.

    So until they actually say they've submitted for certification I'm not holding my breath for an august release.
  • edited August 2012
    is this typical of TTG? in my 20+ yrs of gaming, i've never seen a company go about business in this way.
  • edited August 2012
    Release dates on games are often delayed or even cancelled. The only difference being that they are not generally sold until released and are not released as episodes. Crowd funding should be interesting, opening other game developers up the same abuse.

    I'm curious, for all those people demanding refunds, does that mean they never intend to play the game or do they intend to re-purchase it once complete? Either way, the wait is the same.
  • edited August 2012
    To be honest, I think most of you should start taking what Telltale says with a grain of salt. Let's be real: how many times has a major gaming company outright lied to you about when something would released, what content they would be providing, or how much something would cost? Does anybody remember the pre-Fable hype? Let's stop acting like Telltale are a bunch of mold-breaking heathens; Rockstar and EA and whoever else wouldn't even deign to explain to you what's happening. Hell, let's take a real, recent example - has anybody heard anything about Grand Theft Auto V in the last ten months? Longer than the conception and birth cycle of a human being? Anything at all? Anybody?

    As far as Telltale themselves go, cut them some slack, please. Yes, I paid for the same thing you did, and yes, I was under the assumption that I would be receiving it a bit faster - but, hey, I have other games to entertain myself, and I would much rather a thoroughly tried and tested, polished piece of work than I would a buggy, jumbly mess released haphazardly to placate a bunch of whiny consumers. The employees at Telltale are human beings; they make mistakes, they miscalculate, they screw up. God forbid anybody should hold you lot to similar standards of perfection, because I doubt you'd find out anything pleasant about yourselves.

    A bit more on topic, though: I think Telltale has their hands full trying to push this episode out as soon as they can, as well as cooperating with a handful of seedy, stubborn producers who are probably doing their best to slowly destroy this game in favor of marketing and personal profit. They aren't a gigantic team; they're a relatively small group of people trying to create a vision they have. They just don't have time to sit there and give us updates every second of every day and, contrary to what some of you are saying, I can remember being treated much worse by less talented game designers over the years.
  • edited August 2012
    John W. wrote: »
    A bit more on topic, though: I think Telltale has their hands full trying to push this episode out as soon as they can, as well as cooperating with a handful of seedy, stubborn producers who are probably doing their best to slowly destroy this game in favor of marketing and personal profit.

    Good first post!
  • edited August 2012
    John W. wrote: »

    As far as Telltale themselves go, cut them some slack, please. Yes, I paid for the same thing you did, and yes, I was under the assumption that I would be receiving it a bit faster - but, hey, I have other games to entertain myself, and I would much rather a thoroughly tried and tested, polished piece of work than I would a buggy, jumbly mess released haphazardly to placate a bunch of whiny consumers

    this was the exact rhetoric used for the last episode and it was the buggiest game i've ever played. hell, it deleted all of my PS3 saves. sounds like TTG didn't even bother to beta test it.
  • edited August 2012
    Know what i think enough waiting on microsoft and sony freakin give it to pc first freakin xbox has been getting them days ahead of the pc users which imo is lame as hell lol delayed game isnt what makin people angry its the lack of actuall communication or well stonewalling us basically. eitherway fun as hell game i love it to death.and telltale really cant have the right of bein sick and tired of complaints because its a buisness and well treating the players aka paying customers that way wouldnt go down very well for their buisness. Im sure their lack of communication from them actually workin on the product.
  • edited August 2012
    daZza wrote: »
    Why would anyone do this? Are you telling me the fucking PC Version is ready for months and they spent the last weeks coding the fucking console shit oO


    Its not like that,they finish the game at the same time for every port however they need some sort of validations from sony and microsoft to let them upload their arcarde to their servers.

    And im guessing they don't release ports in different days to treat every consumer equally.
This discussion has been closed.