Topic: Castlevania Anthologies petition on Change.org

[JoshuaKadmon]

I have an official update from KONAMI regarding an email I sent to them.  A couple days ago, I wrote the following message detailing the reasons for the Castlevania Anthologies petition, and I thought all of you would want to know what kind of response I got.  While it's far from a declaration of victory, it isn't a total rejection of the proposal either.

If you do not wish to read my entire message to them, please scroll past the break to read KONAMI's response.

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By now, I'm sure that your department has probably received a number of emails concerning the current petition on Change.org for Castlevania Anthologies.  As the petition organizer, I assure you that the petition is not meant to be antagonistic, as it is merely a way of demonstrating the widespread desire for such a collection of Castlevania classics.  If you have not yet seen the petition in full, please visit the page here:
 
http://www.change.org/petitions/castlevania-anthologies
 
We firmly believe that the proposed Castlevania Anthologies would be a profitable venture for KONAMI, and it would unite fans both old and new as the franchise moves forward.  With MercurySteam's development of the Lords of Shadow sub-series coming to an end, this seems like the perfect time to rejuvenate the fanbase and bolster series profitability as KONAMI decides on the next step for the brand.
 
We also realize that many of the development decisions on such products are made by KONAMI's Japanese division, but in this regard, we are counting on KONAMI Digital Entertainment of America to be our sounding board, our voice of reason to decision-makers like Koji Igarashi.  Castlevania sells better in America than anywhere else in the world, after all, and our fandom has likely carried the series' success over the last 26 years.  This is not a statement of entitlement.  We just don't understand why KONAMI would ignore a rare opportunity that seems like a sure-fire benefit to both the developer and its fanbase.
 
Here are a few reasons we believe the anthologies would be a compelling venture:
 
1) It would allow long-time fans to revisit the series in its entirety, something that is virtually impossible with releases scattered across a multitude of consoles.  In its current state, a die-hard fan would need to have at least seven different gaming platforms active to enjoy the entire series, even with the availability of Castlevania titles on Wii's Virtual Console, PSN, and XBox Live Marketplace.
 
2) It would provide a reasonable entry point to the series for new fans.  Otherwise, it is nearly impossible for a new Castlevania player to catch up on the entire timeline, thus lessening their commitment to the franchise or eliminating it as an option altogether.  Trying to collect the original games would also cost thousands of dollars, as many still aren't available digitally, and classic games purchased on eBay or Amazon does nothing to benefit KONAMI.  Why not claim those collector funds for yourself by releasing a consolidated anthology?  The rarest Castlevania titles no longer make KONAMI a dime, but this is a way to capitalize on those old products again.
 
3) It would deter players from using emulators to replay Castlevania classics, which in itself is a damaging form of digital piracy.  Most collectors would much prefer playing a legitimate retail release of a game over a glitchy emulated download, and the best fans actually want to support the developer.  However, because so many Castlevania titles are on old hardware and are not offered on newer digital platforms, emulation becomes a last resort.  But emulation is a slippery slope because once a gamer resigns to using them, he or she will often play all games available through emulation [even the one's offered for official purchase] for the sake of convenience and consolidation.  The anthologies would, once again, reclaim the money lost to this form of piracy.
 
4) It would perform better on the mainstream market than individual digital releases ever could.  Compilations appeal to the completionist mentality of long-time fans and collectors, adding significant value to seek out an anthology instead of individual entries. Having many games fragmented over a variety of platforms only leads to spontaneous, unpredictable sales. This is the exact reason why digital bundles perform so well on Steam even at heavily discounted prices.

5) It would allow KONAMI to pull extra mileage out of every Castlevania title, even the worst ones that would be unlikely to sell as individual downloads.  There are many entries in the series, such as the N64 titles and controversial Judgment, that simply don't warrant individual re-release, but by packing them with fan favorites, KONAMI could once again claim profits from those less popular chapters in the series.
 
6) It would be a platform for delivering content that fans have been requesting for years, such as translated radio dramas and novels that never reached the Western market.  These extras would greatly incentivize the anthologies and allow KONAMI to charge full retail price for the collections despite individual games' age.
 
7) It would require less time and money than a new next-generation project.  While current game development requires many millions of dollars for a single game, it is our best estimate that both anthologies could be produced for around $1 million over the course of six months or less.  Not only could KONAMI then spread out their releases between anthologies and across multiple platforms to ensure a steady flow of revenue, but each anthology would only need to sell approximately 33,000 copies retail or 17,000 copies digitally in order to make them profitable.  Considering the DS Castlevanias easily sold hundreds of thousands in the United States and Lords of Shadow exceeded 2 million worldwide, the anthologies seem to be more than a safe bet for high profit.  By limiting the release of retail hardcopies and incentivizing the digital versions of the anthologies [at perhaps $5 less than retail], KONAMI could stand to make fast and relatively easy
profits on the project with a very quick turn rate.
 
It would bolster support for KONAMI and future development decisions.  The anthologies would demonstrate that KONAMI is listening to its fans and giving them something truly special.  KONAMI has lost many of its dedicated fans due to inconsistent decisions on Castlevania, Silent Hill, Metal Gear, and Suikoden franchises, and with both Metal Gear and Castlevania getting new entries over the coming year, regaining fan confidence is absolutely critical to future profitability.  Gamers may be a fickle bunch, but as companies like Atlus can attest, having a loyal following of vocal fans is more powerful than any marketing campaign.
 
9) It would require minimal redesign to satisfy even the most hardcore fans.  Emulation may be a bad thing for developers, but if there is one thing that it has proven in regards to Castlevania, it's that most players like these games to be in their purist, most untouched state.  Many players even prefer to emulate the 8-bit Castlevanias with video filters turned off, in all their jaggy glory.  Still, KONAMI could provide optional filters and scan line overlays to let players enjoy them in their own way.  No "refreshed graphics" or remakes would be necessary, and even some "black box" frame-in is acceptable, perhaps with wallpaper and screen size options similar to The Dracula X Chronicles.  At worst, the DS entries will need to be slightly retooled due to their lack of a second display and without touchscreen capability, but if that's the biggest obstacle, most of the other games should be relatively easy ports.
 
It's too rare that an opportunity like this presents itself, one that could equally benefit both the developer and its players, as fan desire often comes in direct conflict with the profitability that big companies aim to achieve.  But when it does happen, I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to act on it.  Such a project has the potential for gaining unparalleled community support, especially when you consider that Castlevania is one of the industry's oldest and most respected legacies.
 
Please take our efforts on the Castlevania Anthologies petition seriously, as we are acting as true fans of KONAMI's work and not out of disrespect or entitlement.  This is an important cause, one that could lead to 26 years of Castlevania history being preserved and consolidated in a more accessible format.  The petition has only been live for 9 days, yet it has gained signatures from all over the globe, including the United States, Great Britain, France, Spain, Argentina, Canada, New Zealand, and more.  Clearly, the demand for such a collection is widespread, and I have no doubt that it would be a highly celebrated milestone in gaming history if it were released in the Castlevania Anthologies.
 
For your reference, here is the list of requested content for each anthology:
 
CASTLEVANIA ANTHOLOGY I (2D CLASSICS)
 
GAMES
   Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse [1476] NES
   Castlevania: The Adventure [1576] GB
   Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth [1576] WII
   Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge [1591] GB
   Castlevania: Order of Shadows [1600s] MOB
   Castlevania [1691] NES
   Vampire Killer [1691] MSX2
   Haunted Castle [1691] ARC
   Super Castlevania IV [1691] SNES
   Castlevania Chronicles [1691] PSX
   Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest [1698] NES
   Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance [1748] GBA
   Castlevania: Rondo of Blood [1792] PCE
   Castlevania: Dracula X [1792] SNES
   Castlevania: Symphony of the Night [1797] PSX
   Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia [1800s] DS
   Castlevania: Circle of the Moon [1830] GBA
   Castlevania: Bloodlines [1917] GEN
   Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin [1944] DS
   Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow [2035] GBA
   Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow [2036] DS
 
UNLOCKABLES
   Akumajo Special: Boku Dracula-kun [11797] FC
   Kid Dracula [11797] GB
   Akumajyo Dracula Peke [XXXX] PCE
   Castlevania: Legends [1450 alt.] GB
   Castlevania: The Bloodletting [CANCELLED] *production materials*
   Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night [XXXX] *mini-game*
   Castlevania: Harmony of Despair [XXXX] *video montage*
 
EXTRAS
   Art Gallery
   Sound Test
   Music Player
   Complete Beastiary
   Development History
   Interactive Timeline
 
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CASTLEVANIA ANTHOLOGY II (3D CLASSICS)
 
GAMES
   Castlevania: Lament of Innocence [1094] PS2
   Castlevania: Curse of Darkness [1479] PS2
   Castlevania: Dracula X ~Chronicles Version~ [1792] PSP
   Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness [1844] N64
   Castlevania [1852] N64
   Castlevania: Judgment [11th Millennium] WII
 
UNLOCKABLES
   Nocturne in the Moonlight [1798] *subtitled radio drama*
   Dracula: Castlevania Edition [1897] *visual novel*
   The Demon Castle Wars [1997~1999] *visual novel*
   Ricordanza of the God Abyss [2037] *visual novel*
   Pachislot Akumajo Dracula [1476] *mini-game*
   Pachislot Akumajo Dracula II [1476] *mini-game*
   Pachislot Akumajo Dracula III [1476] *mini-game*
   Castlevania: The Medal [1792] *mini-game*
   Castlevania: Resurrection [CANCELLED] *production materials*
   Castlevania: The Arcade [1800s] *video montage*
   Castlevania: Lords of Shadow [1047 alt.] *video montage*
   Castlevania: Lords of Shadow ~Mirror of Fate~ [TBA] *trailers*
   Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 [TBA] *trailers*
 
EXTRAS
   Art Gallery
   Sound Test
   Music Player
   Franchise Trivia
   Developer Interviews
   Character Models
 
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Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.  Also, please note that we, as members of the Castlevania online community, would even be willing to provide assistance in translating Japanese materials for localization, writing a Castlevania version of Bram Stoker's Dracula edited for consistency with the established timeline, or anything else that would help make this project a reality.
 
Sincerely,
 
Joshua Michael French


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Here is KONAMI's official reply, sent to my email only a few minutes ago:


Dear Joshua,

Thank you for contacting Konami Customer Support.

We're really happy that you all are such devoted fans of this game and want to be able to play it on current systems.  We will forward your request and feedback to the appropriate department that makes the decisions regarding this.

Thank you for sharing your opinions.

Best Regards,

Janet
Konami Customer Support

[Dark Nemesis]

I don't want to sound mean, but the respond sounds like a typical respond from a company. It's like when you are going to get a new job, you are giving your CV and they are telling you, interesting CV, we will study it and then call you back, but that 90% never happens.

[JoshuaKadmon]

I don't want to sound mean, but the respond sounds like a typical respond from a company. It's like when you are going to get a new job, you are giving your CV and they are telling you, interesting CV, we will study it and then call you back, but that 90% never happens.

I understand what you mean, but you need to understand the circumstances under which this response was received.  I have personally approached KONAMI about similar ideas in the past, and the only reply I ever got was the basic, "We appreciate your interest, but unfortunately, KONAMI Digital Entertainment cannot accept unsolicited submissions from fans."  I have received similar responses from other companies, as well.  Furthermore, the previous replies often took weeks to get back to me, whereas KONAMI was fairly quick to respond to this one, and I suspect it's because the petition is set up to email them directly each time someone signs it.  In other words, it's been on their radar for more than a week, and even with 49 signatures from a dozen different countries, it probably wouldn't be smart to ignore open dialogue with the petition supporters at this point.

The response may not be much, and it confirms nothing in terms of the petition.  However, I wanted to share what little dialogue has occurred with those involved.  In my email to them, I requested that they forward the message to the appropriate decision makers, and that is precisely what they have done instead of stonewalling us right out the gate.  It's a small step, but a step nonetheless.

[Dark Nemesis]

I want disagree with what you are saying above and i really want to happen, but seeing how Konami has treated the series for their 25 anniversary and similar moves to yours, i have little hopes. Anyway, i wish you the best luck.

[crisis]

Dear Joshua,

Thank you for contacting Konami Customer Support.

We're really happy that you all are such devoted fans of this game and want to be able to play it on current systems.  We will forward your request and feedback to the appropriate department that makes the decisions regarding this.

Thank you for sharing your opinions.

Best Regards,

Janet
Konami Customer Support

Typical automated response from big company if you ask me. You'll probably get a more in-depth response if you just ask Dave Cox via Twitter or e-mail.

[JoshuaKadmon]

Typical automated response from big company if you ask me. You'll probably get a more in-depth response if you just ask Dave Cox via Twitter or e-mail.

No one trusts David Cox to be the final authority on Castlevania any more, not after some of his recent statements.

[crisis]

Dave Cox has been an employee at Konami since at least 1997, and has worked on several Castlevania projects (his name is in the SotN credits), so I'd say he has more credibility than this "Janet" person from Customer Support. But anything is possible, wouldn't hurt to just ask *shrug*

[JoshuaKadmon]

Dave Cox has been an employee at Konami since at least 1997, and has worked on several Castlevania projects (his name is in the SotN credits), so I'd say he has more credibility than this "Janet" person from Customer Support. But anything is possible, wouldn't hurt to just ask *shrug*

Dave Cox also said that he believes that his Castlevania games are the pinnacle of the franchise and that he doesn't want to be in charge of Castlevania since it will inevitably decline after Lords of Shadow 2.  I might like LoS as a "what if..." sub-series, but if someone makes a statement like that, he is obviously not the guy I want to talk to about the Castlevania Anthologies proposal.

I believe Koji Igarashi has more of fans' interest at heart, even if Cox managed to produce the best-selling CV title of all time.  Many fans (and many members of this forum) would say that LoS relies too heavily on typical mainstream action game conventions in order to make it popular, which means that some people just don't think it's a proper Castlevania in the first place.  I think it's good, but it's certainly not the all-time best.

[Shiroi Koumori]

I believe Koji Igarashi has more of fans' interest at heart, even if Cox managed to produce the best-selling CV title of all time. 

The problem is, Koji's out.

[Nagumo]

The problem is, Koji's out.

He was out from 1998 to 2001, too.

Then he came back.

[Shiroi Koumori]

He was out from 1998 to 2001, too.

Then he came back.

Oh right! I forgot /face palm

[Lumi Kløvstad]

All my money for this set.

[Maedhros]

Automated response.

Almost 0 chances of this actually happening.

[BushidoViking]

I for one think that is Is way more then an automated response. They responded to the community. Not just him. Now they may not put out all of those games. But just A small collection would be great. Metal Gear has had multiple collections released. Hell, the HD collection was released on Xbox. I never thought Id see the day. People said that would be impossible. Stop being so depressing and just saying no.

[Shiroi Koumori]

I for one think that is Is way more then an automated response. They responded to the community. Not just him. Now they may not put out all of those games. But just A small collection would be great. Metal Gear has had multiple collections released. Hell, the HD collection was released on Xbox. I never thought Id see the day. People said that would be impossible. Stop being so depressing and just saying no.

Yup! A little something would be great too.
Maybe they can time this for the 30th anniversary?
That will be a really special 30th birthday present for me.