Why I am boycotting L4D2

[Don't taze me bro]

I only bought L4D a few months back on a steam sale for $20. I liked it enough to plan to buy the sequel when it comes out, or when it also goes on sale. Have fun with your boycott while everyone else is playing something you would likely enjoy.

I see this in the same vein as people claiming they will boycott Starcraft 2 for whatever reason is popular for the week. The fact is you will be missing out on a good game, while achieving nothing / very little from your protest.

 

[Diablini]

Actually you are not boycotting L4D2 because Valve said that they will not be intimidated by the boycott group, also think of L4D2 as a big DLC, because of it's huge mass of content you will have to pay for it. Doesn't that sound like the corporate spirit?

 

[Lycaeus_Wrex]

The fact is you will be missing out on a good game, while achieving nothing / very little from your protest.

I fully realise that nothing will come of the boycott, indeed, the vast majority will buy L4D2 regardless.

The fact remains that I am not slating the release of L4D2, I merely do not understand why it is being released now, when the original is well...not in the best of shape. I think it interesting that, whilst there are so many people saying how much the boycott whines (which, admittedly, it does at times) if we achieved some of our goals and convinced Valve to release content for the original us 'whiners' would be the ones who raised our voices and got something done. Speculatively speaking, of course.

Just because I have a voice and choose to use it doesn't automatically make me a whiner. I'm trying to make a good IP even better for *everyone* who bought the game. I don't see any problem with that, even if the majority of you do.

L. Wrex

 

[TheZapper]

I don't understand the logic in hating a game that hasn't even come out yet. Yes, it probably means that there will be no dlc for L4D but if you get L4D2 and enjoy it then this wont be a problem. But if you are planning on boycotting L4D2 I guess there is no way of knowing if you will like or not.

 

[Steelfists]

http://store.steampowered.com/news/?filter=updates&appids=500

The last update for L4D was on July the 21st. There have been regular updates for L4D ever since it came out. See thats what bothers me about stupid fucks like you, you don't even bother to research before making ignorant, idiotic statements.

*Dons flame-retardant suit*

Hi all,

What I hope to achieve here is to put across why myself, much like the more mature/educated members of the boycott group, chose to do so in the first place. There has been a LOT of negative press aimed at the group and on the surface it seems easy to understand why. There are a multitude of short-tempered, swear-happy members who, along with such gems as 'Newell can suck my dick', present an incredibly poor image of the silent majority. I am here to hopefully represent that silent majority, and share some of our opinions with you.

I'll start by addressing the first major criticism of us seemingly demanding a free game from a very reputable games developer. I would like to go on record by saying that I do NOT expect L4D2 to be free, indeed, I do not mind all that much that they are coming out with a sequel so soon. What ires me is that shortly after the release of L4D1, Valve started development on L4D2, which completely nullified all their previous promises of additional content. I would like to stress that whilst this content is free for other IPs such as TF2, I would NOT mind paying for it! I would happily shell out £5 for a new campaign/weapon bundle the fact is that I never got the opportunity to do so.

It honestly feels as if I bought a beta to L4D2; as rather than make some effort to fix the problems in the existing campaigns, we are instead greeted with a brand new sequel. Where is the bug-fixing and exploit-stopping that Valve are so renowned for doing? I would argue that the biggest update L4D1 has had is the inclusion of two Versus maps which, let's be honest here chaps, should have been in the game from the get-go and Survival, which is little more than a breakdown of each campaign into much smaller sections.

There is also the issue of price. I'm not going to be so presumptuous as to guess what the pricing will be for the new game, but suffice to say that lots of people paid full retail for quite a small game. There is the argument about re-playability but once you've encountered a Tank 5 times, you know what to do, regardless as to which part of the map you are in. The way to counter this is with, of course, new content which is...in a brand new sequel. Great. Even now I'm watching all the friends that I have spent long hours killing Infected with slowly drift away from a game that really had the potential to last so much longer.

I would also put forward the argument that the very formula of L4D just doesn't seem fresh enough to warrant a sequel. Granted, they are making changes to the mechanics and I cannot judge those alterations until I try them first-hand, but they would have to be some pretty drastic changes for me to consider buying the same game again. This is not the FIFA franchise and I don't expect to have to shell out for minor fixes every year. L4D:2010, L4D:2011 anyone? No thank you.

It is a common theme in this industry that once the product is out of the door, the developer/publisher washes its hands and moves on. Valve did not follow this formula at all, instead taking an interest in their communities that is rivaled by no other developer and this went some way towards getting them the reputation that they now enjoy. I keep going back to TF2 but it really is the epitome of how successful an IP can be if it receives the support from its creator. How angry would you be if, instead of the class updates that Valve promised and delivered on, instead they boxed them all up and sold it as TF3 with a few new maps thrown in for good measure? That is, in essence, how the L4D community feels at the moment, that a developer they respect and believe respects them in return, has fallen foul of the greed normally associated with less reputable developers *cough*...EA...*cough*.

Anyway, I think I've gone on long enough. I hope that I've argued my case as convincingly as possible, maybe some of you even agree with me. Many of you probably do not. Regardless, I wanted to highlight the side of the boycott that very few people actually see; those who have an educated, intelligent reasoning behind a sequel that, I believe, shouldn't really exist.

L. Wrex

P.S. They also removed Zoey. I have to hate them on principle just for this.

EDIT: Yes, they *finally* have the SDK released so new content can be obtained from the community. However, giving modders the tools and saying 'do it yourself' is only one half of the story, some official features would also ensure the community that they haven't been abandoned for the next shiny thing on Valve's to-do list.

But who cares... certainly not Valve, or anyone who matters. I just think it sucks that they don't get recognition for all their good work.

BTW EA are a publisher.

Also, listen to this: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/06/01/left-4-dead-2-exclusive-podcast-with-chet-faliszek/ it should enlighten you as to why the evil money sucking scum at Valve want to rip off their poor helpless consumers again so soon.

And I object to calling this a 'boycott'. Like it actually matters. Like it has even anywhere near the same significance as something like the Montgomery bus boycott. Fucking ridiculous.

 

[Doth]

If the best barber in town used to cut your hair, shave your face, trim your nose and ears and then - with a reason - he stopped trimming your nose/ear hair, he'd still be far better than the rest of the barbers.
Especially when he remembers about the trimming and will do his best while you're in the chair.

Some of these people seem to be complaining that the photos of haircuts are a bit 70's and the floor has hair on it.

But I should still pay him for [small] (I'm lacking words here, I usually cut my nose hair myself, thank you.)[/small] a full check-up, even if he decides to skip my nose and ears? I expect the best barber in town to have people that sweep the hair up from the floor as it falls, I expect him, for he is the best, to update his repertoire of hair cuttery and trends every half hour.
Otherwise, he isn't the best.
[small](Let's just say that the barbers in my town are very competitive)[/small]
: ]

 

[RagingScottsman]

So, basically what I am supposed to believe makes this sort of idiocy ok is the fact that it is, in fact, a talented developer that we are talking about? Because that seems to be the issue. I remember when every month I would receive the usual magazine subscriptions along with a copy of the newest Tony Hawk game. And I am sorry, call me crazy.... But let's picture this. Let's say that DLC becomes so incredibly standard in the industry that it is basically expected with every single game. The buy now purchases every single game with the knowledge and understanding that in order to enjoy his new favorite game to it's fullest, he will at some point be forced to shell out more money on the same game. Sounds great right? Well congrats, b/c that's what blind, idiotic movements like this are promoting. If you don't want to buy the game, then fine; don't. Believe it or not, that's typically what u do when you are not happy with the quality of a game. However, strain hard (don't poo yourself now) and consider the big deal you're making of something just b/c you've been spoiled by an amazing developer.

p.s. How many games has valve released in the past 5 years? Ok, now how many have Bethesda released? Unfair comparison sir; apples to oranges and all that shizz. +5 pts.

 

[johnman]

I still dont see the issue, Valve still do a much better job than any other company at community support. They are there to make money not please you.

And there was an update just the other day, and more DLC on the way, which throws half your argument out the window. (I think)

 

[InfectingTheCrypts]

Correction: none of these "boycotters" are at all educated or mature.

Each and every one of you are just bitter and pissed off because Valve scrapped the idea of DLC in favour of developing a new game and you don't want to cough up the cash. News flash, geniuses: NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO BUY L4D2. If you feel like sticking with L4D keeping in mind that Valve will probably still continue to support L4D1 to some extent, then that's your choice. There's no need to ***** and whine and complain and act like 6-year-olds because Valve said something then decided to change their mind. Boohoo. Would you like some cheese with that whine?

The fact is, L4D was not perfect. It had flaws. It also wasn't entirely complete. Valve needs to release a new game to sort out these flaws and create a "stable", complete base to add more content upon.

Valve are going to release L4D2. Fact. No amount of bitching and whining from a few hundred morons is going to convince them otherwise. I don't mind forking out some cash to get a BETTER game, so you shouldn't either.

 

[Cowabungaa]

I have 1 big problem with the L4D2 boycotting group: they assume too much.
Nowhere Valve said that they would be dropping support of the first L4D.

Also it's assumed that L4D2 will apperantly not change a whole lot about L4D, that it apperantly does not contain enough new things to justify a fully priced sequel. Dallan262 wrote down a nice little list. We know for example that the levels and the AI Director will both get an overhaul, and will both get much more dynamic. And who says that's all? I won't be so sure.11

 

[Lycaeus_Wrex]

http://store.steampowered.com/news/?filter=updates&appids=500

The last update for L4D was on July the 21st. There have been regular updates for L4D ever since it came out. See thats what bothers me about stupid fucks like you, you don't even bother to research before making ignorant, idiotic statements.

But who cares... certainly not Valve, or anyone who matters. I just think it sucks that they don't get recognition for all their good work.

BTW EA are a publisher.

Also, listen to this: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/06/01/left-4-dead-2-exclusive-podcast-with-chet-faliszek/ it should enlighten you as to why the evil money sucking scum at Valve want to rip off their poor helpless consumers again so soon.

And I object to calling this a 'boycott'. Like it actually matters. Like it has even anywhere near the same significance as something like the Montgomery bus boycott. Fucking ridiculous.

And what point, do tell, are you trying to make with this statement? You're ranting about me explaining my reasoning without actually giving any explanations as to what you disagree with me on, besides the L4D patching.

I think Valve gets plenty of recognition for its good work. It has gleaming reviews for all of its games, and the vast majority of publications, PC Gamer UK for example, revere them as gods. It seems Valve can do no wrong and to speak against them will result in you getting branded a heretic followed by a swift stoning.

And I object with you objecting to calling this a boycott. Perhaps you need to look up the definition of the word, here I did it for you:

r.v. boy·cott·ed, boy·cott·ing, boy·cotts
To abstain from or act together in abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion.

Sounds familiar?

L. Wrex

 

[Lycaeus_Wrex]

Correction: none of these "boycotters" are at all educated or mature....There's no need to ***** and whine and complain and act like 6-year-olds because Valve said something then decided to change their mind. Boohoo. Would you like some cheese with that whine?

Example of ANYWHERE in my OP where I bitched like a 6-year-old. Do not compare me to the vast majority please, I'm no more representative of them than they are of me.

L. Wrex

 

[Cxizent]

Judged before played.
Now quick! Hurry up and make a thread complaining about Starcraft II before someone else beats to you i-awwwwwww.

 

[DazZ.]

I like L4D and I'm getting bored of the same maps over and over. Community maps haven't had enough time to shine through properly, some are showing potential but there is nothing I consider great yet.

I feel I've got my £20 from the first, willing to shell out some more for new stuff. Really don't feel bad about it seeings as the moneys going to the TF2 developers.

 

[Steelfists]

http://store.steampowered.com/news/?filter=updates&appids=500

The last update for L4D was on July the 21st. There have been regular updates for L4D ever since it came out. See thats what bothers me about stupid fucks like you, you don't even bother to research before making ignorant, idiotic statements.

But who cares... certainly not Valve, or anyone who matters. I just think it sucks that they don't get recognition for all their good work.

BTW EA are a publisher.

Also, listen to this: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/06/01/left-4-dead-2-exclusive-podcast-with-chet-faliszek/ it should enlighten you as to why the evil money sucking scum at Valve want to rip off their poor helpless consumers again so soon.

And I object to calling this a 'boycott'. Like it actually matters. Like it has even anywhere near the same significance as something like the Montgomery bus boycott. Fucking ridiculous.

And what point, do tell, are you trying to make with this statement? You're ranting about me explaining my reasoning without actually giving any explanations as to what you disagree with me on, besides the L4D patching.

I think Valve gets plenty of recognition for its good work. It has gleaming reviews for all of its games, and the vast majority of publications, PC Gamer UK for example, revere them as gods. It seems Valve can do no wrong and to speak against them will result in you getting branded a heretic followed by a swift stoning.

And I object with you objecting to calling this a boycott. Perhaps you need to look up the definition of the word, here I did it for you:

r.v. boy·cott·ed, boy·cott·ing, boy·cotts
To abstain from or act together in abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion.

Sounds familiar?

L. Wrex

I don't think it should be called a boycott because it implies you have a significant reason for not wanting to buy it.

Admit it, valve have been supporting L4D ever since it came out, with very regular updates. Don't doge that fact.

I beleive thzt the staff of PC Gamer would not hold back from criticising Valve if they beleived they had made the wrong descision. You are exaggerating and you have not given any examples or facts to support your argument. Yes, the magazine has a generally positive tone towards Valve, but this is because they want to play L4D 2 and do not beleive that it came out too early.

 

[InfectingTheCrypts]

Correction: none of these "boycotters" are at all educated or mature....There's no need to ***** and whine and complain and act like 6-year-olds because Valve said something then decided to change their mind. Boohoo. Would you like some cheese with that whine?

Example of ANYWHERE in my OP where I bitched like a 6-year-old. Do not compare me to the vast majority please, I'm no more representative of them than they are of me.

L. Wrex

If nothing else, your uninformed argument stating EA as "the greedy, money-making developers" when they are in fact PUBLISHERS and, in case you didn't know, we live in a CAPITALIST SOCIETY, where corporations want to MAKE MONEY.

"Boohoo, 'EA' (it should be VALVE here) are being soooo unfaiirrrr by not releasing official DLC and instead releasing a sequel."
"Boohoo, the DLC that Valve actually released 'wasn't good enough'."
"Boohoo, Valve doesn't 'respect' its fanbase enough, despite the fact that it gave out the tools to create your own campaign maps, character skins, 3D models, sound effects, and music and load them into the game."

Stop whining.

 

[Dys]

I will get it when it inevitably have a Steam sale.

I am not going to boycott it. It has potential.

That's probably about where I'm at.

While I do feel a little cheated that there isn't more content for left 4 dead (I paid full price expecting an SDK closer to release and at least 2 or 3 new maps to be release) I can't see myself boycotting the sequal anymore than I can see myself paying full price for it.

How long is it likely to take before they have a steam sale? I'll pick it up when it's 50% off, everybody wins.

 

[Layzor]

I do not care.

 

[persona J]

i refused to buy l4d when it came out because of its shear lack of content and price, after a while a foolish friend bought it for full price and i borrowed it to find i wouldnt have even payed £20 for it it honestly felt like a long demo with realy crap online, or even an arcade title even if they put more in the second one i dont think its worth buying unless they had the l4d in l4d2 with all new upgrades.

 

[megapenguinx]

They never said they were going to stop support for the first one. I think you really have no real reason to not like the game other than it's coming out in a year. Really, a few kids who think they are entitled to something by Valve not buying it isn't going to do much.