Amazon PCDD - Important Update New Community Manager Incoming!

[Amazon DVG Deals]

Hey CAGS,

I’ve got some news I’m both excited and sad to share with you at the same time. I’ll be leaving the Digital Video Games team in Mid-March to join the marketing team for Amazon.com’s Loyalty and Rewards program, Amazon Coins. My boss and I have talked extensively about how to maintain and continue our presence here and across the other communities we’ve created in the past couple of years. To that end I’d like to introduce you to Josh, who take over monitoring, updating, and responding to this thread. Josh will be ramping up over the next couple of weeks, he  will be posting shortly to introduce himself.

Now that the “what’s going on” part of the message is out of the way I want to tell you all how much I love CAG and the posters here. This was the first community I joined when I started this job (anyone still remember that first thread?) and all of you have had a huge hand in shaping how we think about and execute Community Development and Management here at Amazon, which has in turn shaped my career these last two and a half years.

I started to write out a section calling out the regular posters and realized the list would be both overly long and incomplete at the same time. Instead I’d like to thank you all again, you all have my deep and sincere gratitude. I’ll still be around and my gaming accounts aren’t going anywhere so feel free to hit me up anytime you want to chat. I’ll probably still hang out in the thread too .

Thanks again everyone, let me or Josh know if you have any questions!

The Indie Store has launched!
Amazon.com is launching a storefront dedicated to supporting and promoting PC/Mac/Web-based Indie Games. Our Digital Video Games team is a small group of passionate gamers and we’re all really excited to help Indie developers reach more customers quickly by providing a quick and simple process for bringing their games to market. Additionally we’ll be supporting the Indie Store with a ton of promotions, both at and after launch. Many of these promotions are designed to give the developer the opportunity to maximize their revenue. For example, Amazon is forfeiting all royalties from bundle sales and passing them along directly to the developer, we’ve also created an “Indie Spotlight” program to help customers learn more about the games and developers they love. We view the Indie developers as some of the most creative in the industry and we want to help them continue to create new and innovative experience for customers.

Why we are doing this:

• Allow customers to discover an entirely new category of games on Amazon.com
• Help developers reach new customers quickly. Our onboarding process is straightforward and we want to sell every Indie game available
• We want to leverage our strengths to support and help the developers who are driving forward innovation and creativity in the games industry

General Information

Hi CAGs,
I'll be posting deals we're running on Digital Games (PC/Mac, Free to Play, Sony/Microsoft Points/Subs).

I'm also here to answer questions you might have, get you closer to the developers by hosting Q&As, setting up podcasts, live streaming gameplay etc. If I don't respond to a question you have in thread please send me a PM. These ping my email address and make it more likely that I will see your question and respond more quickly.

Cheers,
Tony


FYI. EA Games sold by Amazon will not activate on Steam.
F.A.Q.S.:

1. Does the game I'm buying from Amazon Activate on Steam/Origin/Uplay? What DRM does the game use?

There are two places to identify DRM on a digital video game detail page:

At the top of the page, below the title:

In the "Product Description" section:

2. Note on Electronic Arts Games - For the most part, EA games sold on Amazon do not activate on Steam. Most activate on Origin.

3. Note on DRM with limited activations:

Our Policy



4. Sometimes I'll do giveaways.

5. I work with developers and publishers to get fun (or at least what I think is fun) content to share with you all. Here are some examples:

a. Check out the Pax Gameplay videos here: Xcom: Enemy Unknown I played Xcom with Jake, the Creative Director for the game, a few months before the game came out Also, on this page, check out the Q&A, also a community driven event.

b. Check out the interview on this page: Borderlands 2 we did this interview at E3 with Randy Pitchford this year.

c. We've partnered with the ++GoodGames Podcast to feature many of the games we carry. They talk to the developers about the game development process, how the games are conceptualized and managed, all kinds of fun stuff. I'm working on putting together full link list and will update when I have it.

What else do we sell?

Xbox Live Points and Subscriptions:

1600 Microsoft Live Points
4000 Microsoft Live Points
12 Month XBOX Live Subscription
3 Month XBOX Live Subscription]
12 Month + 1 XBOX Live Subscription

PSN+ Subscriptions and PSN Points:

$20 PSN Points
$50 PSN Points
12 Month PSN+ Subscription
3 Month PSN+ Subscription

We also have a Free-2-Play store supported by our GameConnect technology. Gameconnect allows you to link your Amazon.com account with free-2-play and MMO accounts so that you can buy things like in game currency, premium game time/subscriptions, in game items, etc. on Amazon.com using your Amazon.com payment options and have this content delivered directly into your game.

5. Price Matching notes: Generally we do not match international retailers (GMG, Gamersgate, etc) or physical retailers (Best Buy, Newegg.com, etc.)
To check out the Free-2-Play games we offer you can visit our storefront here: Free-2-Play Store

 

[asheskitty]

MySpace? Or Games for Windows Live?

There's little difference, really, so I'm having a hard time figuring out which one you meant.

The date field on GFWL's death certificate is already filled out.

 

[BigShowB3]

*ignores all the regulars*

*no longer sees any deals because only regulars post them and lurkers don't*

*is sad*

 

[WolfmanASTN]

I have a question about The Secret World, what's the combat like? Is it turn based, real time, etc. I got really interested in it from what everyone was saying earlier in the thread, but I didn't really see anything that talked about how the combat worked.

 

[Too Damn High]

*ignores all the regulars*

*no longer sees any deals because only regulars post them and lurkers don't*

*is sad*

Does this do anything for you?

 

[Kanokare]

*ignores all the regulars*

*no longer sees any deals because only regulars post them and lurkers don't*

*is sad*

*Doesn't read*

*Uses a new account to respond*

*Gets ignored*

 

[MrNinjaSquirrel]

I have a question about The Secret World, what's the combat like? Is it turn based, real time, etc. I got really interested in it from what everyone was saying earlier in the thread, but I didn't really see anything that talked about how the combat worked.

Sit back and prepare for a long read: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/301469-old-thread-amazon-pcdd-summer-sale-999-walking-dead-use-gooncave-at-checkout-for-15-off/?view=findpost&p=10869787

 

[TheKbob]

I leave for a bit and this thread takes a hard left... 

I have one whole EC.  Hoping to snag something interesting here soon.  I'd love for a sub $10 deal on the new Metro, all things considered.   I loved the first one outside of some combat frustrations. 

 

[walkonshadows]

I have a question about The Secret World, what's the combat like? Is it turn based, real time, etc. I got really interested in it from what everyone was saying earlier in the thread, but I didn't really see anything that talked about how the combat worked.

Sit back and prepare for a long read: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/301469-old-thread-amazon-pcdd-summer-sale-999-walking-dead-use-gooncave-at-checkout-for-15-off/?view=findpost&p=10869787

Realtime, with cooldowns on certain abilities. Looking up some youtube videos of game play would give you a better idea. or I can send you a 3 days pass for free, and that will give you a better idea....30 gig download though.

 

[Solid-Snake-Eyes]

I've had two WD green fail, avoid!

I don't believe in computer dating... where's that going to lead? ​Computer Marriage?

Nope, cyber sex.

 

[MrNinjaSquirrel]

Realtime, with cooldowns on certain abilities. Looking up some youtube videos of game play would give you a better idea. or I can send you a 3 days pass for free, and that will give you a better idea....30 gig download though.

I was told the other day it's 40GB now

 

[asheskitty]

Realtime, with cooldowns on certain abilities. Looking up some youtube videos of gameplay would give you a better idea. or I can send you a 3 days pass for free, and that will give you a better idea....30 gig doenload though.

Standard MMO, build/consume a resource. There is some FPS type interface, but as caster I haven't toyed with it. I'd also argue it requires movement and positional awareness in good way.

 

[Syntax Error]

I put Tony on ignore.  That guy is cocking up this whole thread.

 

[waabulo]

I was amazed to come home after work to see the 14 or more pages I needed to sift through on this thread to catch up.  (after trying to catch up on steam deals, the single and group buy threads, etc...).

Tony, it is extremely nice for you to drop some codes.  As someone stated (LN I think) enough Defiance codes for those on the thread = cool.  Nevertheless, it is generous of you to think of us at CAG.

I hope the New Year is starting off well for everyone.  I am tired of the Steam Sale and ready to move onto other things ie EC, humble bundle X and an actual worthy humble bundle weekly, etc... By the way, Mooby, I know that everyone is blaming you for the humble bundle not starting, but you are still awesome. 

From the prior posts I have been reading at least people bought some fun games either from Steam, Amazon or other sites.  Hopefully we can enjoy playing them or at least having peace of mind that we are growing our backlog.

Thanks to everybody for keeping CAG lively and fun.

 

[walkonshadows]

I was told the other day it's 40GB now

That's with all the issues (their version of DLC chapters), base game is around 30.

@Tony What's the reason Amazon never got Steam keys for The Secret World?? I would love to buy some cheap copies off the EC list for friends who don't have it. But I'm sure Steam codes would be easier.

 

[asheskitty]

I was told the other day it's 40GB now

Yeah, that was me... that's the size of my Steam-TSW Massive install.

For reference my WoW install is only 25 GB. (largely due to WoW's low res textures/low complexity models, and cartoonish style, I assume)

Edit: My other TSW install is only 37GB.

 

[BigShowB3]

Does this do anything for you?

 

[MysterD]

That's with all the issues (their version of DLC chapters), base game is around 30.

@Tony What's the reason Amazon never got Steam keys for The Secret World?? I would love to buy some cheap copies off the EC list for friends who don't have it. But I'm sure Steam codes would be easier, and some people have made an effort not to use another client (Origin).

TSW does NOT require Origin.

You need a Funcom account for TSW.

 

[walkonshadows]

TSW does NOT require Origin.

You need a Funcom account for TSW.

You are correct, I got confused which version I bought before getting the Steam version. Edited original post, but the question about Steam keys still stands.

 

[pasports31]

Yeah, that was me... that's the size of my Steam-TSW Massive install.

For reference my WoW install is only 25 GB. (largely due to WoW's low res textures/low complexity models, and cartoonish style, I assume)

Edit: My other TSW install is only 37GB.

Oh, well if it's only 37 gigs, that's no biggie, then

 

[asheskitty]

Oh, well if it's only 37 gigs, that's no biggie, then

It'll fit on the SD card in my phone. =)

 

[pasports31]

It'll fit on the SD card in my phone. =)

pffft, that'd be a waste of an SD card...you could maybe fit angry birds on there

 

[WolfmanASTN]

Sit back and prepare for a long read: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/301469-old-thread-amazon-pcdd-summer-sale-999-walking-dead-use-gooncave-at-checkout-for-15-off/?view=findpost&p=10869787

Realtime, with cooldowns on certain abilities. Looking up some youtube videos of game play would give you a better idea. or I can send you a 3 days pass for free, and that will give you a better idea....30 gig download though.

Thanks! no need for the trial, i definitely plan to buy it

 

[Awkward1099]

-----

 

[Correlli]

Kudos to Tony for the codes.  As I'm a long-time lurker but less frequent poster, I'll leave the codes for the regulars.  It's certainly inspiration to try to dig through my own codes to pass out.

 

[CheapLikeAFox]

Kudos to Tony for the codes. As I'm a long-time lurker but less frequent poster, I'll leave the codes for the regulars. It's certainly inspiration to try to dig through my own codes to pass out.

Codes are going to be given out in a random drawing so I'd say enter and see if you win. Most of regs are hoarders with problems. We really don't need anymore games, we just like to complain about lurkers.

 

[Kanokare]

Kudos to Tony for the codes. As I'm a long-time lurker but less frequent poster, I'll leave the codes for the regulars. It's certainly inspiration to try to dig through my own codes to pass out.

Everyone should be welcomed to enter the contest and so should you

 

[Glomerate]

I don't believe in computer dating... where's that going to lead? ​Computer Marriage?

Sounds more like a one night ram to me....hmm, maybe not =P

 

[waabulo]

At the very least I can perform to a larger audience.

Mooby, perform all you want and preach on. You keep us from impulse buying and remembering to truly be a CAG. I did not buy the different iterations of bit trip since you mentioned that it was all going to be in a bundle. In any event, yes more people should come onto this thread (and other CAG threads) to enjoy camaraderie, good humor and games.

Fox, I saw on the news today that WalMart in China had to pull their donkey meat that they were selling as it really was fox meat. I had no idea that foxes were hunted or bred for their meat and a little surprised that China was eating donkey (insert a $$ joke if you want). Next thing you know people will want to eat neck of llama (best Homer Simpson voice- mmmmm Llama).

 

[Detruire]

Not only where there problems with the game but there where a large number of hackers.

I traded 2 TF2 Keys ($5) for a key from a trader.

Hackers? I don't know about that - it was easy enough to get a winning time without hacking.

(And TF2 keys aren't really worth $2.50 - they're worth $2.00-$2.10 Steam wallet to traders.)

The Grid 2 game on facebook was really broken. It would glitch all the time, and a lot of the winners won by exploit. I tried a few times but found it impossible.

Exploit? That's a better description than hackers, but...

It wasn't an exploit, it was just poorly coded. 2 minutes and 39 seconds would always get 1st place, no matter if people were faster. It did really weird things when ranking. Once you knew it was easy to figure out when to click on the last item to get a winning time.

This is the right one.

1 minute to set up a fake account was a lot to deal with for me too

Too right!

 

[Too Damn High]

Codes are going to be given out in a random drawing so I'd say enter and see if you win. Most of regs are hoarders with problems. We really don't need anymore games, we just like to complain about lurkers.

FTFY

 

[2wicked]

I'm ready for my inbox to be spammed with EC coupons!

 

[Detruire]

I will also add that contrary to popular belief, using "green" options to constantly spin the drive up and down does in fact put far more stress on the motor and give rise to a higher failure rate, especially in drives that "park" the head every time.

I thought that was the popular opinion. :???:

Castlevania for $8 is tempting but I've got 10 EC coupons and I'm hoping to pick it up for $5 after coupon.

That would be great, but I can't see that happening. (

 

[scrappler]

Wow...Tony, thanks for the opportunity of the keys! Unless I missed it...this thread blew up today. I need to catch up on at least 12 pages.

 

[MysterD]

I'm ready for my inbox to be spammed with EC coupons!

Who isn't?

{shrug}

 

[TheKbob]

Me.

I have a filter setup for that.  

 

[thepcgameguy]

this feels like the time when Tony went to check with the dev staff and was MIA, either that or he has a really really long commute home.  

Let's hope hes not trapped in the snowmageddon that just passed thru my area!

 

[Sepioth]

this feels like the time when Tony went to check with the dev staff and was MIA, either that or he has a really really long commute home.

Let's hope hes not trapped in the snowmageddon that just passed thru my area!

And now currently passing through mine

 

[TheKbob]

I flew away from all that, enjoy!

 

[LN3000]

Tony's busy playing Skyrim.

 

[Jorbi]

I have a question about The Secret World, what's the combat like? Is it turn based, real time, etc. I got really interested in it from what everyone was saying earlier in the thread, but I didn't really see anything that talked about how the combat worked.

Real time and pretty clunky

 

[WolfmanASTN]

Real time and pretty clunky

I prefer that to slow auto attacking and boring turn based

 

[iSerra]

Hey guys,

I have a bunch of keys to giveaway for Metro Last Light, Dead Island Riptide, and some Double Fine games. I also have Defiance but not on Steam.

I'll be doing the giveaway this evening from home, but if you're interested in any of these I have the following quantity:

Defiance: 122

Double Fine 4 Pack (not sure on the games...SURPRISE!!!): 12

Dead Island Riptide: 15

Metro Last Light: 18

F1 2013: 9

Contrast: 3

Final Exam: 3

Grid 2: 9

I'm going to try and do this differently this time and take suggestions, because it is impossible for me to manage PMs at scale anymore for stuff like this (sorry).

Thoughts on the best way to distribute?

Edit:

Thoughts on doing the "remove a digit from the key" trick and just posting them all at once?

I can set a time so you all can be ready to snag them too if you want.

Cheers,

Tony

Finally caught up with this thread, my speed reading skill just went up another notch. I was wondering why I had 400+ notifications from the Amazon thread. I thought that something big must have happened, probably the EC list is out with some incredible deals.

Thanks for lighting up the New Year with these giveaways, will try my luck for Metro: Last Light.

Riptide or F1 would be great. That's extremely generous of Tony/Amazon to give those away like that!

However it works out, I think LN3000 ought to get his pick of game in acknowledgement of the nice giveaways he's done in the past.

LN3000 =

Many options... in Windows I love SpeedFan but my bias is quiet air-cooled rigs.

My friend is a silent enthusiast, he literally swear by Noctua fans.

Spoiler

 

[Blips]

If I purchase the Bioshock Triple Pack, does Bioshock 2 come with the Minerva's Den DLC?

 

[georgebot84]

I have a question about The Secret World, what's the combat like? Is it turn based, real time, etc. I got really interested in it from what everyone was saying earlier in the thread, but I didn't really see anything that talked about how the combat worked.

Idioteque, RIP, gave some really good reviews.

Anyway, the combat is a lot closer to WoW or Guild Wars rather than Defiance. What makes the game so cool is the story and setting.

 

[BigPopov]

when it was released Minerva's Den was free but it has a price tag now so that must have been a limited time thing. (I redeemed my retail DVD for Bioshock 2 and got MD free when it came out)

 

[Glomerate]

If I purchase the Bioshock Triple Pack, does Bioshock 2 come with the Minerva's Den DLC?

Yea, it does now. They recently made it so that Bioshock 2 comes with the DLC on steam when they took out the the Games for Windows Live DRM recently.

Scratch that, it must've only been when they transferred it to the new steam DRM and you already had the game.

 

[tebowdragon15]

Tony's busy playing Skyrim.

no busy bl2ing

 

[spacejunk]

Idioteque, RIP, gave some really good reviews.

Anyway, the combat is a lot closer to WoW or Guild Wars rather than Defiance. What makes the game so cool is the story and setting.

I agree with this somewhat. I really liked Secret World after the intro area... when you get to Maine. I haven't been beyond that yet. Because there aren't levels per se, it's really difficult (IMO) to see how you match up with mobs/quests in the area. I never really know what I'm supposed to be doing level/gear-wise so I can progress. Still, IMO you'll definitely get at least $10 worth playing.

 

[MysterD]

Idioteque, RIP, gave some really good reviews.

Anyway, the combat is a lot closer to WoW or Guild Wars rather than Defiance. What makes the game so cool is the story and setting.

If you switch to Toggle Combat Mode, you can actually aim directly at enemies like you would in a 3rd-person shooter.

 

[Drabelincoln]

If you switch to Toggle Combat Mode, you can actually aim directly at enemies like you would in a 3rd-person shooter.

and it doesnt even change anything. Tab targeting like in every other MMO works better