I preface this with the assumption that there is some truth to the rumors that the Beta is indeed fun, and people are enjoying the new rendition of the game.
Failure is an interesting word. When we analyze the word failure I believe it is prudent to measure success simultaneously...
I said in the topic, the game won't fail in our eyes... so what does that mean? I believe, as a consumer success/failure should be measured by the utility one derives from consuming the product given the alternative of spending one's time performing some other task or presumably, some other form of entertainment i.e. another MMO/Video game for instance. If indeed this game is fun and you are finding enjoyment in playing the game... then from the consumers point of view the game is a success. Regardless of the sales figures.
Now from SEs point of view, they may indeed not reach their projected sales figures at which they determine the investment to be a success. That's not the point though.
I believe too many people are spending time worrying whether or not this game will be a blockbuster hit with millions of subs. Instead they should simply say "I enjoy or dislike this game based on how fun I personally find the game to be." And not on how many other people find the game to be amazing/horrible.
I find that in MMOs particularly there is an odd fascination with how many other people also enjoy the game... and the perceived love/hate for the MMO in the population as a whole often has a direct influence on the individuals own derived utility from the game.
With that long winded explanation I arrive at my point. I believe that this game is going to be amazing, and that many of the XI players and old XIV players will come to the game, however SE is likely not going to reach the stellar number of subs they are hoping for...
What are your thoughts?
Edited, May 13th 2013 12:23pm by je355804