The Ultimate SOMA Discussion Thread

[Paddy™]

Because I know FG and their history of releases. And with SOMA they are taking their time so there is a high chance of delay. Wait, that is not entirely correct, since release date is stated for whole 2015 and thus I can't really say "delay" since we don't have even approximate date, moth or quarter. My guess as much correct as anyone's else.

Regardless if you like or or not, SOMA isn't coming for a year yet.

I'm not saying it's impossible or even unlikely that the game will be delayed for some reason, but you still haven't shown why that's the case now. All of the available evidence seems to suggest that FG are on target, with the vast majority of the game having already been completed (5-hour long Alpha build of an estimated 8-hour game, all dialogue recorded, 3/4 of the game's content built, the PS4 version working as intended, etc.). The idea that they're "taking their time" doesn't seem to jive with the amount of work they've actually done within their allotted time-frame.

It could also be argued that deciding to release the game in 2015 is a kind of pre-emptive delay in itself:

GB: Speaking of which, are you talking at all about a timeframe when you’re hoping to release SOMA?

Grip: It’s gonna be 2015. I would love to release it next year [2014], but with the quality that we’re going for, it’s not possible. So early 2015 sometime it’s going to release.

This makes me think they've learnt from their experiences with the numerous AAMFP expansions and delays by shooting for the most distant deadline they can, knowing that the game they've set out to make demands it. SOMA is their most ambitious project to date, so they're clearly aiming high from the outset.

Also keep in mind that the game has been in development since 2010, so it had already been 3 years in the making before FG gave us their release estimate. Had they given us a release date during the first year of development, I'd be as sceptical as you, but after 3 years I'm inclined to trust in their level of confidence a lot more.

To your second point, every time the 2015 release window is given any kind of specificity, it's always given as "early 2015"; it has never been stated by anyone from FG or the press that the release will occur in the latter half of 2015. Again, I'm not saying it's impossible, just that the current evidence seems to point in the other direction:

Spoiler below!

So early 2015 sometime it’s going to release.

The team is hoping for an early 2015 launch for Soma...

Frictional Game’s ‘SOMA’ Targeting Early 2015 Release for PS4 and PC, No Word on Xbox One Release

[...]

Grip told us SOMA will “be released in 2015, hopefully the early half of that year.

SOMA is still a year or so away from its 2015 release [written in March 2014].

Frictional are aiming for a 2015 release for SOMA, ideally in the first half of the year.

SOMA is aiming for a release on the PC and PlayStation 4 in early 2015.

You have plenty of time for that, Soma will not be released until early 2015...

But we’re here to talk about four SOMA features and what the gaming community should be anticipating for its upcoming release in early 2015.

[Outrigger047]

For the record, my money is on April 14 (aggressive second guess is February 17).

[silfrus]

exactly a year ago (1 October 2013), FG released the first video of SOMA, please launch a new trailer or gameplay, the wait makes us eternal.

[Kein]

All of the available evidence seems to suggest that FG are on target, with the vast majority of the game having already been completed (5-hour long Alpha build of an estimated 8-hour game, all dialogue recorded, 3/4 of the game's content built, the PS4 version working as intended, etc.). The idea that they're "taking their time" doesn't seem to jive with the amount of work they've actually done within their allotted time-frame.

It sounds like you are desperately trying to convince yourself that you are right, rather than me regardless of the effort, you can't really reduce the wait.

GB: Speaking of which, are you talking at all about a timeframe when you’re hoping to release SOMA?

Grip: It’s gonna be 2015. I would love to release it next year [2014], but with the quality that we’re going for, it’s not possible. So early 2015 sometime it’s going to release.

It is a gamedev, it is FG. Half of a year is what I will add to that mystical "early 2015' either way, because often release delays is part of my experience on this field.

You are free to think otherwise, man, as long as it gives you comfort.

[Kreekakon]

Either line of thought is potentially correct. Kein's could be right if FG ends up messing up, and shooting past their estimated release. Paddy's is right if FG has learned how to properly schedule themselves to not overshoot.

Personally I am leaning more towards Paddy's call given that he has multiple sources of the team stating that the game will be out in early 2015. Also with only several months away from the starting half of 2015 it is additionally unlikely that the team would overestimate their capabilities from having too long of a time window to work with (Like 1.5 years+).

It still could happen just like it did with Watch Dogs, but I'm putting my money on the game making early 2015.

Also:

It sounds like you are desperately trying to convince yourself that you are right, rather than me regardless of the effort, you can't really reduce the wait.

I don't see how Paddy was doing anything of the sort "desperately" trying to convince himself. His entire post, and his statements were made on the foundation of information that he has collected. All he was doing was interpreting that information into a proper assumption from such.

[Ashtoreth]

For the record, my money is on April 14 (aggressive second guess is February 17).

I'm going to say 6th of March 2015. Not that this date means anything to me.

Birthday gift, FG... Pretty please? ^_^

[Kein]

Kreekakon
It reminds me of the talk regarding Pigs release date and how people kept pressing on on optimistic predictions regardless. Turned out, pessimistic one won. I'm more than confident it will be a similar situation with SOMA.

For the record, my money is on April 14 (aggressive second guess is February 17).

I'm going to say 6th of March 2015. Not that this date means anything to me. :angel:

Birthday gift, FG... Pretty please? ^_^

Alright then, my guess it september-october. As always, I hope I'm wrong, though :P

[Googolplex]

I hope that every Outlast and Silent Hill enthusiast get scared by SOMA more than ever before.

[Macgyverthehero]

I hope that every Outlast and Silent Hill enthusiast get scared by SOMA more than ever before.

Don't forget Amnesia enthusiasts!

[Googolplex]

Of course. I just thought about everyone outside the FG universe.