Total War Games See Mixed Reception on GOG | Reviews Lag Behind Steam
Edited By
Sofia Wang
A noticeable difference exists between the reception of Total War games on GOG and Steam, with GOG experiencing significantly fewer reviews. Notably, Rome II received just 10 ratings across its versions in comparison to Medieval II and Rome I, while Steam amassed 277 reviews in only the past month alone.
GOG’s Small yet Loyal Base
While GOG holds a reputation for DRM-free gaming, it appears its user base is significantly smaller than Steam's. One comment highlighted, "GOG is just a much smaller store than Steam." The comments underline this sentiment, mentioning that many users on GOG prefer offline installers and may not actively engage in reviews.
Reviews Don’t Reflect Reality
Several users expressed skepticism regarding the importance of reviews on GOG. As one commenter pointed out, "I don’t think reviews really matter. It’s all about sales." This suggests that while the review count is low, it doesn't necessarily reflect the actual interest or sales figures for Total War titles on the platform.
"A shame that it is smaller," noted another player, expressing disappointment but hinting at the positive sales from initial releases of titles like Rome II.
Notable Early Sales but Lingering Concerns
Initially, titles like Medieval II and Rome I thrived in the top sellers following their releases. However, ongoing interest seems to dwindle quickly thereafter. The sales performance suggests that older titles might have more appeal, while newer releases have not yet drawn the attention users expected.
Users Hope for New Releases
Despite the current sales outlook, there’s still hope among GOG gamers for future releases from the Total War series. Specific titles like Empire and Shogun 2 remain on fans' wish lists. As one user suggested, better sales could lead to a more extensive collection available on GOG.
Key Takeaways
△ Only 10 ratings for Rome 2 on GOG, compared to 277 on Steam last month.
▽ A smaller user base affects engagement and review rates on GOG.
※ "Many don’t engage with the site" - User perspective on GOG's nature.
Despite challenges, the commitment to purchasing Total War games indicates a dedicated community, albeit one that may not contribute to reviews as freely as on larger platforms like Steam.
What Lies Ahead for GOG and Total War?
There's a strong chance that GOG will continue to see fluctuations in sales performance for Total War titles as older games capture more interest. Experts estimate that if GOG can expand its library with new releases like Empire and Shogun 2, sales figures could improve significantly, perhaps by 20-30%. Engaging the loyal community with special promotions or discounts may also drive up sales and encourage more feedback. Additionally, as word spreads about GOG's focus on DRM-free gaming, some players from other platforms may migrate, potentially increasing reviews and engagement.
A Historical Echo: The Rise and Fall of the Sega Genesis
This situation resembles the early days of the Sega Genesis, which had a passionate user base but struggled to gain massive traction against larger competitors like Nintendo. Despite limited reviews and visibility, dedicated fans kept the platform alive with loyal purchases. Over time, Sega's focus on unique titles and better engagement led to a resurgence in interest, culminating in beloved franchises being reintroduced. This parallel highlights that while engagement metrics on platforms may not always reflect true market potential, a committed community can significantly influence long-term success.