KSP marketing: free copy for astronauts

[MennoLente]

We all like to see ksp grow. All those new features, parts, gameplay etc. The more buyers there are, the more money squad gets, the more money can be invested, and the more features can be implemented. So we like to see more players.

I'm Dutch, and both Dutch and non-Dutch know that the Netherlands is not particularly well known for their space-faring capabilities (the Dutch are better at stuff like... certain green plants, and a certain very old profession). So when a Dutch person stays at the ISS for a few months, it is broadcast live on national tv, on the news, etc. It's just as popular as when Holland is in the finals of the European Cup. So if a Dutch astronaut recommends ksp, it might even hit the papers.

tl;dr:

So my idea is that people with a ksp store account can offer a free copy of ksp to anyone who has been above Kármán line.

To prevent abuse, there should be some additional conditions, but it the idea that counts. Might be a good idea, who agrees?

[technicalfool]

Well there's only so many astronauts, cosmonauts and taikonauts in existance. Maybe it'll be a good stunt?

Of course I'm also not the one paying the server bills.

[allmappedout]

It's definitely a good idea, but I reckon Squad would want the game a bit more polished before sending it out. There's nothing worse than sending a promotion out and finding a mistake in it (If anyone watches Frisky Dingo: Welcome to you're "Doom!"), it leads to tons more bad press than good.

[Sirrobert]

Well there's only so many astronauts, cosmonauts and taikonauts in existance. Maybe it'll be a good stunt?

Of course I'm also not the one paying the server bills.

What server? It's an offline game

[MennoLente]

I'm curious what the ksp staff thinks of the idea. And I wonder how many astronauts will be playing ksp in the ISS in the future. Wouldn't that be awesome! Space in space, almost recursive.

[kahlzun]

What server? It's an offline game

They mean the download stress.

[msyblade]

Great idea that would lead to some free marketing. Also, the feedback could be invaluable if there were actually a "user base" in the NASA ranks. Of course, the downside is that the next NASA rocket may be a 13 stage monstrosity. And dont get me started on what the monitors in the control room would look like. "Johnson, do you have a vector for us?" Johnson:"Yes sir!" (Alt-tab, click click) "Ummm I had it a second ago. . ."

[technicalfool]

What server? It's an offline game

I do try not to be too snarky, but on this occasion I have to say, with the best humour I can manage:

What do you think these forums and the download links run on? Scotch Mist?

Edited June 21, 2013 by technicalfool

[allmappedout]

I do try not to be too snarky, but on this occasion I have to say:

What do you think these forums and the download links run on? Scotch Mist?

People, people running on a wheel, non-stop. Promised cake, but the cake is a lie.

[technicalfool]

I'm curious what the ksp staff thinks of the idea. And I wonder how many astronauts will be playing ksp in the ISS in the future. Wouldn't that be awesome! Space in space, almost recursive.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii282/technicalfool/misc/yodawg_iss_zpsed5af7d8.png~original

Edited June 21, 2013 by sal_vager

[ThePyrateCaptain]

Uhm, yeah, like astronauts have nothing to do, and they are all just dying to be a member of the "nerd herd" these guys are like any other working stiff except the job hazards are very real, there are no quick saves. No lag time. No warp. I know, let's give it to the mentally challenged? Oh wait.....

Lol...

[jocax188723]

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii282/technicalfool/misc/yodawg_iss_zpsed5af7d8.png~original

*chuckling facepalm* We really fell into that one, didn't we?

As good an idea as it is, KSP is still in development-granted, having people who actually work in the spaceflight industry contributing to the community would be at the apoapsis of awesome, wouldn't it?

Edited June 21, 2013 by sal_vager

[MennoLente]

You guys made me rofl!

But seriously now, before this thing derails. Indeed, it's not like every astronaut is about to pay $23 for it, I don't come home from work to buy a game in which I work either. And I don't know if those astronauts are very close with each other. It's not like there are many of them. So if a few spread the word among colleagues, and they post about their ksp activity on their blogs and quote it in their interiews, than yeah, free marketing. Could Squad even handle that much costumers?

And if it doesn't bring in more people, perhaps there will stick an astronaut with us, giving the community quite a boost with their knowledge and experience. I think attracting astronauts could only benefit ksp. What is the worst that could happen? That they don't play their free copy?

Oh and I would like to see André Kuipers here for example. I grow tired of the climate issue that he always brings up, but other than that, he has a great sense of humor. Like that time when he was with the prime minister at an university, and a student asked Kuipers if he gets nervous flying a rocket with the government cutting back in education. And very important: great docking skills!

[Sirrobert]

I do try not to be too snarky, but on this occasion I have to say, with the best humour I can manage:

What do you think these forums and the download links run on? Scotch Mist?

Concidering that you can get basicly the same forum on any of the thousand create-a-forum sites for very little, not awhole lot

And the download links, I don't know much about what they run on, but I somehow doubt 10 extra downloads have much effect.

[SpacemanSpiffy]

For some reason this thread makes me think of that Regular Show episode "Grilled Cheese Deluxe"...