Gold Club

[Matt W]

Jay,

I think that the preceding conversation was actually quite clear concerning the desire to see APL do well and the wish that they could have followed through on the announced Western Front Infantry Attacks game in time for the centennial. While I am sure that there are people who WANT WW I there are certainly a number who WANT APL to do well and improve its financial viability in combination with its customer service.

The previous announcement to the Gold Club seemed to indicate that the Western Front IA game was already in (or passing through) development thus the reaction you see. Of course if people want to have more WW I games designing them is a good idea, however, this was not about the lack of a "next" WW I game it is about the retraction of a game that could have taken advantage of a looming anniversary with a greater potential to help APL than the second Korea PG game. This is, of course, speculation, but it is based on things like MMP's publication of Last Chance for Victory, with a pre-order period that opened on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. The game (a huge one at that) hit its preorder requirement before the 250th anniversary of Pickett's Charge. Imagine the possibilities for a Western Front monster IA game that opened for preorders on August 1, 2014. The Games of August, indeed. That would have been awesome! Plus, it could have given APL some financial support to be able to continue to meet its long standing obligations.

Failure to capitalize on this opportunity is just that and nothing more. As Alan suggests, this is part and parcel to APL's MO. The integrity of the company often seems to run up against the reality of the market. I, for one, choose to support a company that exhibits integrity over those that haven't had a chance to exhibit it (or have shown that they don't have it). I wish that APL had taken advantage of the anniversary. I will not stop supporting them because they missed it.