NTW now averaging fewer players than ETW

Over the past week I've noticed that the number of Steam players on NTW has dropped below ETW, even at the daily peak. I know how much everyone loves my charts and graphs, so here's today's stats at the time of posting.

Doesn't surprise me, the weak point of NTW is the low replayability compared to other TW games.

Originally Posted by brandbll

Doesn't surprise me, the weak point of NTW is the low replayability compared to other TW games.

Exactly, there is only one option: Europe. Hehe. Even though ETW is awful, there is so much more you can do than in NTW.

Iv been playing more Counter Strike Source then NTW I am waiting to see what mods are released.

Greetings!

ETW is a year old game, NTW has only one month.
In 3-4 months NTW will have surpassed ETW.

Originally Posted by impar

Greetings!

ETW is a year old game, NTW has only one month.
In 3-4 months NTW will have surpassed ETW.

It should be the other way around. Games usually see their peak closer to the release (unless the game turns out to be really good and word of mouth keeps the sales coming in), then people get bored and move on. Judging by these stats, I would expect NTW to only fall further below ETW in the future. It's not hard to see why either. In my case, though I liked the improvements in NTW, I've already gone back to ETW with DMUC because of the huge sandbox that is the Grand Campaign. NTW needs a GC at least as big as Empire's to have staying power if you ask me.

Re-playability issues, which will lead to an inevitable DLC rush.

DLC and more DLC. Don't be surprised if there are 3 or so purchasable addons. The company is simply trying to get used to working with Steam- the instant availability for further content means they no longer need to bundle so much into the initial game or its expansions. Honestly I don't like this change but what can you do about it.

Empire and NTW in the top 10! awesome!

of course more people are playing Empire, more people probably own it.

Empire seemed to have much more fanfare and press coverage when it came out, Napoleon is more for the niche TW vet's (at least thats my impression).

And TW games are always slow burn games they sell consistently over long periods of time versus triple A titles like Mass Effect 2 and Assassins Creed 2, they sell the bulk of their copys the first month or so.

Originally Posted by Frenchy789

And TW games are always slow burn games they sell consistently over long periods of time versus triple A titles like Mass Effect 2 and Assassins Creed 2, they sell the bulk of their copys the first month or so.

Mass Effect 2 sure dropped off. A few weeks ago it was in the top 10. NTW seems to have some good staying power. Good news!

ME 2 doesn't require Steam, however - lots of players probably bought it outside of the Steamworks system.

And...ETW has had a years worth of mods to compare it too; NTW will stick around...I hope.

Originally Posted by SpaceHamster

ME 2 doesn't require Steam, however - lots of players probably bought it outside of the Steamworks system.

good point! didnt think of that.

Originally Posted by Frenchy789

Empire seemed to have much more fanfare and press coverage when it came out, Napoleon is more for the niche TW vet's (at least thats my impression).

And TW games are always slow burn games they sell consistently over long periods of time versus triple A titles like Mass Effect 2 and Assassins Creed 2, they sell the bulk of their copys the first month or so.

Um actually RPGs tend to be slow burn games too. Its just that most people don't want to have to be connected to crappy steam so buy the normal version of the game.

Now Football Manager 2010....that is a shock.

Possibly due to mods? I know I rather miss playing good ol' Imperial Splendour for ETW. I imagine once the NTW mod teams pick up and start releasing non-beta versions the numbers will begin shifting towards NTW.

Originally Posted by SpaceHamster

Now Football Manager 2010....that is a shock.

Why is that ?

Football (Soccer for the Americans) is the most popular sport in the world, and a "serious manager game" like that is sure to draw a fair number of players. They also have a very loyal fanbase from many years back. Sports Interactive, the developer (the publisher is SEGA btw) has always communicated with their fans (unlike certain others i can mention..), and worked hard to try to improve their games.

Hell, im not particularly into football, and even i own FM2010

Where do you view this list?

Originally Posted by Graphic

Where do you view this list?

In the Steam community stats section.

It's also funny that CS:Source tops the list, leading against the much newer MW2.
(is MW2 Steam only?)

Originally Posted by daniu

(is MW2 Steam only?)

MW2 requires Steam, yes (at least according to various articles im reading).