Hello, I finished Cognition recently and I've got a couple of questions.
1) Since all the episodes are now out, is there a bundle, all-inclusive edition of Cognition planned? For example, if you buy the game on GOG now, you have to download 4 installers and 4 separate update files...
I just noticed a Linux version in Unity 4 mentioned in GOG forums. Maybe that'll be the bundle?
Also, GOG doesn't support Linux (yet), how about the Humble Store?
2) the released OST does not include any tracks introduced beyond episode 1. Are there plans to make the sound track complete?
3) Finally, what's your stance on fan localization projects? Do you support them (legally and technically) and if you do, is Unity Pro required to extract the strings?
Let me add that I think you did a terrific job with Cognition, it's been a while since I've played an adventure game this engaging. Can't wait to play Moebius.
Hello & welcome to the forums!
1) No, the game wasn't built that way, and we won't be re-packaging it unless there's a need. As for the Humble Store, we'd love to be there. We'll see what happens when we get the linux version out.
2) We are indeed working on exactly that. :)
3) For localization, we're going with established translators/translation houses. We appreciate the interest & support from fans in doing so, but there's a lot to translate and a lot more involved than JUST translating.
Thanks so much! I'm so glad you liked Cognition and got into it. :) We're excited about Moebius coming out too!
Quote from: KatieHal on January 16, 2014, 10:50:29 AM
Hello & welcome to the forums!
Thanks. I hope you don't mind a follow-up discussion ;)
Quote1) No, the game wasn't built that way, and we won't be re-packaging it unless there's a need.
Well, speaking the GOG release, you cannot buy the game other than what appears to be a bundle on the website. Yet, you get 4 separate entries to your game shelf. Then again, 4 separate installer files are fine as GOG normally splits large installers into smaller volumes. But even without repackiging individual episodes, I see a clear benefit to have the installers in one place rather than four. The universal update could then be bundled to apply on all episodes at once.
Maybe more importantly though, I was basically tricked by the GOG release into thinking that each episode had its separate bonus content, including the soundtrack. That is not the case as there's just one set of it presented at each episode for download, with no indication that the content is identical for each episode. Thus, I found the 1game-4games dichotomy of the GOG release confusing and kind of inconvenient.
I brought this issue up because while investigating it, I saw multiple complaints from other gamers too. It's a minor thing but maybe still worth a consideration...
QuoteAs for the Humble Store, we'd love to be there. We'll see what happens when we get the linux version out.
Cool. This might come in handy: http://support.humblebundle.com/customer/portal/articles/1362814
Quote2) We are indeed working on exactly that. :)
Excellent, here's hoping that the GOG customers will get their bonus material updated on their shelves. I found the score for episode 3 particularly good.
Quote3) For localization, we're going with established translators/translation houses. We appreciate the interest & support from fans in doing so, but there's a lot to translate and a lot more involved than JUST translating.
I don't really know if this means yes or no. Let me rephrase the question.
If a small team of fans got together a with a non-profit project to partially localize (i.e. mostly provide subtitles) Cognition to a language that's not going to be done officially, as a free-to-download mod for the game, would you encourage such a project?
I have quite extensive experience with localization and I know a thing or two about the whole process. I also know that some studios send out cease-and-desist letters in response to fan projects while other provide the community with modding tools. So I was curious where do you stand between these two, let's say, extremes.
Cheers.
There's really no way to mod the built game into having an additional language available for subtitles. It's something that has to be included when the game is assembled, so it isn't really possible for people to do their own modifications for that.
Hm, I snooped around a little and I found it odd that Unity out of all frameworks is not exactly open to fan-made modifications. It seems that all the burden is put on the developer to create the tools - which I suspect is not happening for Cognition at this point. Oh well...
Just wanted to say thanks.
The OST volume 2 with the GOTY edition of the game is excellent. Both Austin and Matthew did a terrific job. Don't let these guys go :).
Hi Charmer,
Thank you for your kind words. I'm very happy to hear you have been enjoying the music from the game!