EDIT - Game added to existing owners but original question still stands: Why not just add to the existing version?

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ORIGINAL POST



We have the means these days to keep the base version and add 'special edition' extras etc. on top of the base game via DLC and packages etc. Why does this need to be a full separate release?



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EDIT - As requested by zombieworkshop: I've modified the title of the thread so as to remove any confusion to those coming into it after Daedelic have already modified their original stance of removing the old version, adding a new version 'SE' and wanting to charge those who already owned it $5 for the new version.



The original argument still stands as to why they couldn't have replaced the original AppID with the new game, since the old one has no purpose being present in most peoples libraries (as it is generally broken) and the new one is an improvement in every aspect (unlike what happened with the Broken Sword remakes - where it would actually be nice to be able to have both the original and remade versions)..



See below for Daedelic's answer within this thread and my response - this thread can probably be locked now unless others also have anything to say around why the SE couldn't have replaced the original AppID. It's just getting frustrating to have so many 'dead' game entries in our libraries that have been replaced by new or different versions because of a publisher change, or an 'SE' update.. which is not necessary.. we need to stop thinking in outdated 'set and forget' releases.. any updates or modified version(s) can be properly integrated these days.



"Originally posted by stef.daedalic:

Hi all,



we do take your concerns seriously!



All owners of the previous edition will receive an automatic update to the new edition for free from their respective download portals. However, due to the new Visionaire version, old savegames won’t be compatible with the Special Edition."



As the original poster who started this thread, I want to thank you for revising your plans around this. I would have been happy to buy the commentary/soundtrack as a DLC, but it is not right to put bug fixes and/or platform support (achievements, cloud saves etc.) behind a paywall.



I appreciate the fact that you have decided to provide support for those with the older version of the game to be able to continue (allowing some of us to begin enjoying it at all - due to hardware issues etc.) playing a product they purchased. In a world where publishers want us to accept that we are subscribing to software as services in capitulation of our consumer rights, very few seem to be willing to maintain their end of the model and actually provide a service rather than a set and forget product.



I can see why a business would go with the 'special edition' collection version for the physical retail market, but we are now in an area where 'new' and or 'additional' content can be added to the original product quickly, easily and cheaply (from a development point of view). Old outdated business models that encourage a customer 're-purchasing' something they already have is excessive and wasteful.



I hope you take on the feedback from the many in this thread who are sick of being treated as an 'income generating unit' and instead look upon us as people, some of whom have invested substantially in your company through purchase of product/subscriptions/whatever your finance/legal teams wants to call them. You may continue to receive sales from these people where previously you would have definitely burned a few bridges.





