When do they actually finish the game?

[Hans Friedman]

My question is when does the team at CA say 'ok lets give to the distributors so they can upload it, print it on CD's etc.' Is it the day before release? A week? I am unaware of what the step by step process is for video games.

[Markas]

Total war games generally go 'Gold' (the masterdisk is given over to be mass-produced) about 1-4 weeks from release. Med 2 had one week, Shogun 2 had two weeks etc so it varies. It is highly likely to be either finished now or last minute touches are being made.

[Revan The Great]

Like Markas says, I'm pretty sure it's finished or very close to being finished.

Though between 'going Gold', and the actual release date, they'll be continually working on the game and will likely have a day-one patch release that will update the game to its 'true', fully launched form.

[AngryTitusPullo]

I believe it's already being Gold now with the information coming out almost everyday. The game is still however is not finished and all th additional work will be available on day 1 release.

[Jester]

yea, i also think it s already Gold and they re currently working on the 2GB day one patch

[TuuSaR]

Game is finished when no more updates are released, maybe a year from now.