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Limited Run Games - Putting digital games into your hands
- Thread starter dallow_bg
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DeuceGamer
Member
This. I think if people own both consoles and are collectors who only plan on getting one version, they are naturally going to get the one that has the lower print run.
If I miss out on a Vita copy on the second batch maybe I can make a trade for one of the previous releases. I'm hoping that there were people who placed multiple orders and will have them cancelled leading to it lasting longer the next batch.
They are still a small company and they only do one title at a time, for various reasons...
a) it's still an expensive endeavour to have a small print run of any physical game.
b) the more you print the less attractive something becomes because it's not so limited anymore...
c) they theoretically could bankrupt themselves if they went "all-in" and had a flop...
I've heard a few anecdotal stories from small devs doing physical print runs (unrelated to LRG) in the tens of thousands and they ended up selling almost nothing. Huge risk taken, huge losses taken, huge mistake right.
LRG comes around and takes equally small indie games and prints a small manageable number and sells out in minutes.
There's clearly a balance being sought out where, at some point, something in big (but not huge) numbers is just "some indie game in the bargain bin" that didn't sell and "a very special, very rare game you'll only get this once so you better get it now go go go."
If you err on the former too far, you end up putting a small studio into huge debt, out of business, or just in a terrible situation. If you err on the side of the latter, the small studio and LRG end up with a small, quick project that nets a decent return on investment and it's done. For a small studio, which one makes sense? The problem with the latter is you end up with physical fans who end up missing out-- but they can still obtain the game easily digitally and for less cost, of course.
But what if you could inch closer, and closer, with each LRG run, towards a middle ground where there's a lot of copies available so they don't sell out in minutes, but few enough that it's still valuable for being "rare"? Well, I think LRG approach something like that with each release.
They're smart guys and they know the issues, but they have to take conservative steps.
LRG comes around and takes equally small indie games and prints a small manageable number and sells out in minutes.
There's clearly a balance being sought out where, at some point, something in big (but not huge) numbers is just "some indie game in the bargain bin" that didn't sell and "a very special, very rare game you'll only get this once so you better get it now go go go."
If you err on the former too far, you end up putting a small studio into huge debt, out of business, or just in a terrible situation. If you err on the side of the latter, the small studio and LRG end up with a small, quick project that nets a decent return on investment and it's done. For a small studio, which one makes sense? The problem with the latter is you end up with physical fans who end up missing out-- but they can still obtain the game easily digitally and for less cost, of course.
But what if you could inch closer, and closer, with each LRG run, towards a middle ground where there's a lot of copies available so they don't sell out in minutes, but few enough that it's still valuable for being "rare"? Well, I think LRG approach something like that with each release.
They're smart guys and they know the issues, but they have to take conservative steps.
You act like there'll be hundreds of people who have this problem and it will be a huge undertaking, when in reality, it will be probably under 20. And you keep mentioning me taking "someone else's" order. Who is that someone else? Because I'm that someone who didn't get a copy due to a glitch when I was there on time and ready.
So you think there would be 1250 PS4 orders for the Vita version because people kept getting the glitch? Sounds like it might be a bigger problem if that many people are having this problem.
They check the messages regardless. I guess that's new to you. And again, you're acting like it'll be hundreds of people who are doing this, while it'll be most likely just a few. "Logistical nightmare," lol.
Anyways, I just want a solution to be found for this, and this was just a quick idea I came up with, not the solution I expect them to implement or whatever. Not sure why you're missing the point and so hung up on this.
Kresnik258
Member
It's a forum and we're debating, lol. Anyway, you seem a little touchy about this so I'll leave it here!
NinjamicWZ
Banned
socksfelloff
Member
I managed to get both versions without a hiccup. On mobile. I wasn't so lucky the last time
Yes, that's right.
JayWood2010
Member
No Vita left 
Whats the chances they put more up?
Whats the chances they put more up?No Vita left
There's a second batch. Third is possible too per their Twitter.
Henry Jones Jr
Member
Man that Vita copy went fast! I had both in my cart about 30 seconds after the sales going live and got the sold out message when I tried to check out. Ended up just getting the PS4 version and I might try to get the Vita one later today.
Up until now I have been buying all the limited run releases as I think they are cool little collectors items to have. But this will probably be the last I do that for. Its starting to get too expensive with Vita and PS4 copies of the same game and a seemingly accelerated release schedule. Also I kind of dislike the next release coming up (FUTURIDIUM). I may try to pick more up in the future if they put out some games I really love.
Up until now I have been buying all the limited run releases as I think they are cool little collectors items to have. But this will probably be the last I do that for. Its starting to get too expensive with Vita and PS4 copies of the same game and a seemingly accelerated release schedule. Also I kind of dislike the next release coming up (FUTURIDIUM). I may try to pick more up in the future if they put out some games I really love.
JayWood2010
Member
No third batch so you guys will need to get ready for the second one.
https://twitter.com/LimitedRunGames/status/724618582072672257
https://twitter.com/LimitedRunGames/status/724618582072672257
Yeah, sorry about that. Just so frustrated right now. Ugh!
foobarry81
Member
No third batch, but there may be a (small) restock in two weeks: https://twitter.com/LimitedRunGames/status/724613148783849473
LimitedRunGames
Member
People asked us to sign the cover of our past games. But we made those, this time we are just publishing a game, so a lot of people are asking us to sign it and we want to make sure they understand it would just be Limited Run signing it and not Oddworld Inhabitants.
Stallion Dan
Member
Want Oddworld so badly but going on holiday in 3 weeks and need save every spare penny
Fatal Futanari
Member
Same. Hopefully I get a Vita copy on the second batch!
LimitedRunGames
Member
In the case of the Vita selling out too fast, here are some quick facts about this run:
- Vita carts costs almost double what a PS4 disc costs.
- We literally stretched our bank account thin to produce the amount of units we did.
- During SMRPG it took six hours for the same amount of Vita copies to sell out.
So that is our statement on why we chose that number. When we have more money we will increase the size for future runs. So we apologize to everyone who missed out on the first run and if you do on the second run.
We will be enforcing a zero policy for anyone who breaks our rules. So don't lose hope!
- Vita carts costs almost double what a PS4 disc costs.
- We literally stretched our bank account thin to produce the amount of units we did.
- During SMRPG it took six hours for the same amount of Vita copies to sell out.
So that is our statement on why we chose that number. When we have more money we will increase the size for future runs. So we apologize to everyone who missed out on the first run and if you do on the second run.
We will be enforcing a zero policy for anyone who breaks our rules. So don't lose hope!
So how do I request for you to sign a copy of my game? Just send an email? Will you give confirmation you’ve received it and will sign?
NinjamicWZ
Banned
I remember you guys saying that, but I couldn't remember the figures you guys gave
FerretGamer
Member
I'm more concerned that I was on the website at 7 am Pacific and I was unable to secure a Vita copy because of Shopify glitches. It clearly wasn't sold out at that time but despite trying with every browser on PC, on Android, and on an iPad it was showing as sold out. I was able to order the PS4 version without trouble.
The same thing happened for Saturday Morning RPG and I had to put orders in separately.
You should have Shopify look into this issue if you haven't already.
test_account
XP-39C²
LimitedRunGames
Member
We have and they basically told us, "sorry?"
So if this continues to escalate and get worse we will be forced to find another host.
Vita sold out quicker than PS4 this time. People want these mostly in part of their "rarity" and their ebay resale/market value. They're this years new Amiibo.
Also, When I checked out I was told that the PS4 and Vita protective cases were sold out. Nearly freaked because I thought it was going to say the games. Are the cases actually sold out and if not can I still get one of each added to my order if I email LRG Josh/Doug?
Any one check out ebay already? lol
Also, When I checked out I was told that the PS4 and Vita protective cases were sold out. Nearly freaked because I thought it was going to say the games. Are the cases actually sold out and if not can I still get one of each added to my order if I email LRG Josh/Doug?
FerretGamer
Member
That's really lame. To be honest, if that was their customer "service" that alone would make me want to consider a new host.
I'm hoping I won't have any issues this afternoon for the Vita version. I like supporting what you guys are doing!
I had no issues with the system today, but I've experienced it before and it was infuriating. Hopefully they'll switch to another provider soon b/c it'll just keep happening. I'm sure anyone picking up each release will be pretty unhappy if they miss 1 or 2 due to the glitches.
I hope it's not an inapropriate question but say I was interested in investing in LRG and maybe helping securing a higher print run, is this something you would be considering?
DeuceGamer
Member
I hope you at least investigate other hosts if that's all their support could tell you. That doesn't exactly instill confidence in them. Did they at least investigate it?
Hopefully, we don't have issues this evening. I've been able to get all other releases so missing out on Vita this morning was kick in the gut.
Yeah, I noticed that before. I like what they do anyway, but it's cool that they're also local.
The current sell-out rate is nice to see, but is a hard situation to be in.
- Increasing the production runs obviously makes sense, but for what products, and by how much?
- How much of the demand is driven by the brand now, rather than the specific game being released?
- At which point does increasing a print from 2500 to, say, 5000 have a negative impact on demand if scarcity-chasers go away?
- What happens if they are left with 2000 copies of a game in inventory?
I think they are doing exactly what they should: Being careful, but increasing production runs enough to test out where the cliff is. There could be a strong discontinuity in sales once production increases enough, and the downside of that could break the bank.
The caution is very much warranted, even if it makes it pretty hard for a lot of us to get everything.
- Increasing the production runs obviously makes sense, but for what products, and by how much?
- How much of the demand is driven by the brand now, rather than the specific game being released?
- At which point does increasing a print from 2500 to, say, 5000 have a negative impact on demand if scarcity-chasers go away?
- What happens if they are left with 2000 copies of a game in inventory?
I think they are doing exactly what they should: Being careful, but increasing production runs enough to test out where the cliff is. There could be a strong discontinuity in sales once production increases enough, and the downside of that could break the bank.
The caution is very much warranted, even if it makes it pretty hard for a lot of us to get everything.
DeuceGamer
Member
I agree with what you say and I think the platform with the lowest print run has sold out first the last 2 times, while the platform with the higher print was available for some time. I think that points to a decent amount of sales coming from collectors that want it, at least in part, because of the scarcity factor and knowing that it's the only chance they will get it without having to pay scalpers.
I missed out on the first round for the first time ever, but I don't suddenly want them to start overprinting these and put themselves in a bad situation. Hopefully, I'll be able to get the Vita version this evening. If not, I can always try to trade a previous release for Oddworld Vita.
LQX
Member
For a game to get a printing does Limited Run Games have to buy in only allotments or can that number been increased to whatever if the minimum is met? Say to get a game printed a minimum of 2,000 has to be bought...so then can you order 2,001 or do they have to then do another allotment of 2,000 even if only 1 more is needed?
BakedTanooki
Member
Is the vita version also 60fps? I heard about crashes and frame rate problems on the vita version.
Is the retail version updated / fixed mabye?
Is the retail version updated / fixed mabye?
thekiddfran
Member
When is 2nd batch ready to order?
Once Limited Run games have built up enough capital I really would like them to switch to a pre-order system.
1) Open preorders for 24hr period - if they receive say a low number of 2,000 pre-orders - order 5,000 and the rest go on general release.
2) Receive a high number of pre-orders - say 8,000 - they order 9,000 and keep the general release to a low 1,000 and reduce the demand risk. Don't even need to let people know they've ordered 9,000!
Make pre-orders non-refundable too. Just my two cents.
1) Open preorders for 24hr period - if they receive say a low number of 2,000 pre-orders - order 5,000 and the rest go on general release.
2) Receive a high number of pre-orders - say 8,000 - they order 9,000 and keep the general release to a low 1,000 and reduce the demand risk. Don't even need to let people know they've ordered 9,000!
Make pre-orders non-refundable too. Just my two cents.
blazeuk
Member
It defeats the point of limited run titles if there's an unlimited amount of stock available during preorders, I think they said early on that a preorder system wasn't something they were too keen on doing.
They're never going to make everyone happy, someone is always going to miss out and be annoyed about it so all they can do is try to make sure their website can handle the rush of orders they get each release (which as we've seen isn't easy, their website is actually holding up well considering they're taking thousands of orders within minutes).
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