Translation, computer users are ignorant of the use of their equipment. Inference, IGN and Gamespot employees don't know how to use their computers either.
Ok, maybe on the box under recommended requirements it should say "Net+ Certification". So ridiculous to blame the end user (including Gamespot/Ign!!) for not wanting to spend lots of time setting up their equipment when there are plenty of games that work out of box. Yes, they went with peer to peer -- that's not my problem, that's Stardock's problem. I shouldn't even have to know what peer to peer means to get a game of multiplayer Demigod going -- it should be transparent.
Client-server is a horrible system for strategy games
Yes, you're right, Demigod is a shining example of why p2p is so superior. For me, and many people here, p2p is incredibly efficient in that it results in NO data exchange to do NOTHING. 0+0=0. Doesn't get any more slick than that.
Stardock's mistake is not being cynical like Blizzard, who still don't use efficient networking methods and have stuck with client-server because their customers are too stupid to use their hardware.
Blizzard's networking methods just have that one advantage, though. They work for the vast majority of people who try to use them. I'm sure there are people playing a Blizzard game right now thinking to themselves, "Look at us, we're online, effortlessly playing a game...Blizzard is so damn cynical. I can't stand it, I'm going to fire up Demigod and, even though I won't be able to play it, at least I'll know I'm failing to connect using a superior networking method."
I really hope this is just a cause the Stardorks here have taken up and not actually the position of the company: Stardock -- Don't buy our software unless you're prepared to help us fix it.
