Home Gaming Evolve developer Turtle Rock hits peak PR

Evolve developer Turtle Rock hits peak PR

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EvolvePR

PR often seems like it’s all about saying as little as you can with as many words as possible. If that’s the case, Evolve Developer Turtle Rock has hit peak PR. But first, some context. As you likely know by now, the 4vs1 multiplayer game is perceived by the general populace as a failure, despite 2K’s assurance that it’s not only sold well, but is something that want to keep pursuing.

The game was fun, but one thing that soured its potential was its incongruous stance on DLC. While Turtle Rock made all maps available for free, to keep the player base from fragmenting, the same could not be said of Monsters, or hunter – or the innumerable number of aesthetic items available for the game as DLC. There was so much superfluous DLC for the game that at launch, you could spend more scooping up all of that unnecessary, monetised fluff for more than the game itself cost.

Speaking in a Reddit AMA, Turtle Rock responded to a question about the game’s DLC with an answer that’s the height of Video Game Public Relations.

“In retrospect, how do you feel about the pre-order fiasco? It was a huge mountain of controversy for you guys and you got a ton of bad press. How will this affect future game releases from your team?” Asked on Redditor (Via Destructoid)

It took over two hours, but a response was finally issued:

“Thanks for your question and sorry for the delay. We understand that the pre-order situation was confusing and people were overwhelmed by the promise of upcoming DLC before we launched. We learned a lot from the experience and we’ll continue to adapt as necessary to make great games that our community can feel good about,” said one of the game’s producers.

That’s a whole lot of nothing, said with a whole lot of words. We can’t fault Turtle Rock for the response though, as the DLC policy was likely fashioned by publisher 2K as opposed to the studio.

Last Updated: September 9, 2015

18 Comments

  1. Kromas untamed

    September 9, 2015 at 13:20

    Almost Randy Pitchford-esque. He still rules when it comes to sidestepping the issue.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 9, 2015 at 13:34

      I love how Jim Sterling uses him as his go-to example for dishonesty these days. My favourite line is, “the only way you could be more dishonest is if your name was Randy Pitchford.”

      Reply

      • Raptor Rants

        September 9, 2015 at 13:42

        Or Molly molly?

        Reply

        • Kromas untamed

          September 9, 2015 at 13:55

          Molly does not sidestep. He just plainly said “fuck you and your bs questions” and leaves.

          Reply

          • HvR

            September 9, 2015 at 14:15

            *gives you a cube and leaves

          • Kromas untamed

            September 9, 2015 at 14:21

            I’ll shoves his cube so deep where the sun don’t shine that he will crap out pieces years after the fact.

      • Nick de Bruyne

        September 10, 2015 at 19:26

        But how can we be sure that Randy Pitchford is his real name? TRUST NOTHING

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          September 11, 2015 at 08:14

          HE SPEAKS WITH A PITCHFORKED TONGUE!

          Reply

  2. Jonah Cash

    September 9, 2015 at 13:40

    Mmmmmm… Have never played this, looked like fun but also looked like there might be a complete edition for it in a year or so.

    Reply

  3. Raptor Rants

    September 9, 2015 at 13:42

    Guys! Someone asked a direct question! Quick!!! get out the vague-orometer to give a PR statement that makes us sound caring without saying we will or won’t do it again!!!

    Reply

  4. jGLZA

    September 9, 2015 at 13:42

    All MP-only games should be free-to-play. It should be a rule!

    Reply

  5. Galbedir

    September 9, 2015 at 13:55

    Jeeez, it almost seems like they don’t know why they got bad press…The issues wasnt that “People didnt understand the pre order upcoming DLC” Its that they charged $60 for a game with Minimal content, and then had the nerve to ask for $15 PER FREAKIN CHARACTER! The game itself is actually awesome…but just not worth it. I feel they will make more sales then launch when they release the “Complete DLC package”

    Reply

  6. BurninZ

    September 9, 2015 at 14:13

    Ah man i got burnt by this game! Pre-ordered it, got it on day one, sold it a month later for R250. That’s a huge cash loss! With their PR department seemingly pro’s at avoiding the tough questions i cant see how a sequel could make any money, too much bad press already. If they do, do a sequel it will have to be something amazing to get me to buy it. Like amazing as in a new IP.

    Reply

  7. HvR

    September 9, 2015 at 14:16

    “This DLC and incomplete game is a rip off”

    Jedi hand wave

    “You are feeling overwhelmed and confused”

    Reply

  8. Greylingad[CNFRMD]

    September 9, 2015 at 15:27

    Hahaha! Hoohoo! Heehee…. I got exactly what I was expecting… nothing…

    Reply

  9. Thats_how_I_Troll

    September 9, 2015 at 16:50

    This comment is not meant to be read, but read it will be. I am not saying that I understand the human mind, but I am not saying that I don’t. By this time in the comment you are thinking to yourself, why am I still reading this garbage, yet you would want to read to the end. I am not saying this is wrong, neither correct,but finds a balance, known to man’s subconscious only. In writing this comment, I have learned quite a bit, that the more you want to type on this topic, the less pops into your mind regarding the subject, yet you want to fuel this urge to continue. What I am trying to write is just some mythical nonsense and has keep you mildly entertained in reading this paragraph, just to find out the message I will put at the end. Well you have reach the end and all I wanted to say is: “Have a good evening”

    Reply

    • Nick de Bruyne

      September 10, 2015 at 19:28

      We thank you for furnishing us with this kind comment, we may or may not provide a response in the coming day or year but thank you for your consideration on this matter.

      Reply

  10. Nick de Bruyne

    September 10, 2015 at 19:26

    Oh good grief that’s some PR perfection. Almost as good as an F1 driver in an interview. We will come back stronger, we learned a lot, we continue to strive to…

    Reply

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