Maybe I missed it...but if you start a free character....then decide to go sub. ...Do they transfer your character to the VIP server...?...therefore leaving free players you may have bonded with during your initial time in game?...seems like an odd way to do things.
nvm ..just saw the answer in Kumquats post.
Yeah, had to do more research on it. Their details seem to get better the more they release.
Originally posted by therain93 Originally posted by Hachiro This got to be one of the most laughable F2P/hybrid model yet i understand restriction on archetypes, character slots etc because they got to make money but there should be no restriction on sending and receiving messages and joining super groups. I was really excited about this but i am gonna pass. This is more like extended trial nothing more.
Ya think? The point is to whet the appetite of new players enough that some will opt to become full subscribers, or at least make some sort of purchase thereby become premium consumers (and then get access to the chat communication channels). If you're cheap, you're cheap, but don't expect anything real for free ( ' ;
Perfect example of people not reading and hitting reply button. I clearly said that i understand restriction on arch types, character slots etc and i have no problem buying that stuff from store but what benefit comes from restricting free players socially? and if it is just nothing more than a glorified trial why advertise it as a F2P?
And if i was really that cheap i wouldn't buy character slots,rouge expansion and other stuff from store because that costs lot more than premium subscription. So once again learn to read please.
Heso o kamedomo oyobanu -- Don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
This got to be one of the most laughable F2P/hybrid model yet i understand restriction on archetypes, character slots etc because they got to make money but there should be no restriction on sending and receiving messages and joining super groups. I was really excited about this but i am gonna pass. This is more like extended trial nothing more.
Ya think? The point is to whet the appetite of new players enough that some will opt to become full subscribers, or at least make some sort of purchase thereby become premium consumers (and then get access to the chat communication channels).
If you're cheap, you're cheap, but don't expect anything real for free ( ' ;
Perfect example of people not reading and hitting reply button. I clearly said that i understand restriction on arch types, character slots etc and i have no problem buying that stuff from store but what benefit comes from restricting free players socially? and if it is just nothing more than a glorified trial why advertise it as a F2P?
And if i was really that cheap i wouldn't buy character slots,rouge expansion and other stuff from store because that costs lot more than premium subscription. So once again learn to read please.
Funny, because the way your original message reads, "...but there should be no restriction on sending and receiving messages and joining supergroups. I was really excited about this but I am gonna pass", it sounds like you would be a free player that is whining about not having access to tells and global broadcast. I don't think that's me not reading, but you not appreciating how your message comes across. We can work this out, right? C'mon, still BFFs? No? Okay, how about just a truce?
In any case, to your issue about chat channels, you have to remember that the existing customer-base still has to come first and allowing the spambots/goldsellers to have free acess to those things would compromise the paying customer's enjoyment of the game. At this point, at least those folks spam their goldselling using the local channel in the consignment house and then get ignored quickly by those in there. As for it being F2P, a new player can access a majority of the game with a majority of the archtypes without paying a single cent and still be able to communicate with people through local chats, replies, team chats, and the help channel. As for supergroups, joining them is a perk reserved for paying customers.
The purpose of the freemium model is 3-fold. First, one of the biggest issues with any game is a dwindling playerbase. For the ongoing subscribers, such as myself, having people to play with, even if their new and possibly turnover, is still a good thing. So long as there is a sizable population, it reduces what is essentially the number one reason to leave a game.
The second reason for the freemium model is to accrue money through lots of small microtransactions. The expectation isn't that people will exert no self control and simply bankrupt themselves in the paragon store. But, if 100,000 non-subscribers spend 4 dollars in a given month, that's $400,000 additional dollars that would never have been seen in a subscriber exclusive model.
The third reason is to show off the game and attempt to convert people who would otherwise not have paid up front for the game into subscribers. Note, the trial only goes to level 14 but it really is only just a small taste of the game. City of Heroes actually brags one of the strongest retention rates in the industry, in terms of long-term consumer retention. That is, once people get hooked, they really get hooked and make ridiculous numbers of alts, etc.. That doesn't mean everyone will be captured, but if the door can be opened to more people through the freemium model (by playing more of the game), there is a higher likelihood that they might subscribe to get those extra character slots to play more archtypes and incarnate content, etc.
Paragon's ultimate goal is not to rob their subscribers -- they're treating them like kings. The goal is to convince people that subscribing is a really worthwhile thing to do and reduce the barriers to entry (i.e. eliminate the upfront payment for the game by introducing the freemium model), because, ultimately, a consistent 14.99/month from a subscriber is the most lucrative customer.
Anyway, that's the value of the freemium model in my eyes.
In any case, to your issue about chat channels, you have to remember that the existing customer-base still has to come first and allowing the spambots/goldsellers to have free acess to those things would compromise the paying customer's enjoyment of the game. At this point, at least those folks spam their goldselling using the local channel in the consignment house and then get ignored quickly by those in there.
Exactly. That's why the chat restriction for free players is there. To keep the gold sellers from constantly making free accounts just to constantly spam their advertisements after their prior free accounts were just banned for the same thing.
As to the Supergroup limitation: I would imagine they are doing this to prevent VIP's people from making multiple free accounts to add to their own supergroups for the free prestige.
In any case, to your issue about chat channels, you have to remember that the existing customer-base still has to come first and allowing the spambots/goldsellers to have free acess to those things would compromise the paying customer's enjoyment of the game. At this point, at least those folks spam their goldselling using the local channel in the consignment house and then get ignored quickly by those in there.
Exactly. That's why the chat restriction for free players is there. To keep the gold sellers from constantly making free accounts just to constantly spam their advertisements after their prior free accounts were just banned for the same thing.
As to the Supergroup limitation: I would imagine they are doing this to prevent VIP's people from making multiple free accounts to add to their own supergroups for the free prestige.
Yes, free players are pretty limited, but Premium relaxes a lot of the limitations, and it's not a big problem getting to that. Just pay $5 to buy Paragon Points (I think that'd be the minimum) and you'll be Premium. Plus you'll have 400 PP to spend. I paid $10 for a Silver subscription in EQ2X and I feel it was worth it.
Originally posted by Torvaldr
Freemium doesn't mean 'extended trial'. Freemium means the game has both a F2P/microtransaction and a subscription option to play the game. Turbine offers both with DDO and LoTRO. You can actually play both of those games in either payment mode and get the complete game. You'll spend money either way, but you're not gimped playing F2P or P2P.
The problem with AoC and EQ2X is that Funcom and SoE really want you to subscribe, they don't want you playing as F2P gamer. In order to get a non-gimped experience in either of those games, you must subscribe. That is 'extended or gimped trial' in the guise of Fremium or F2P.
Actually, having playing both DDO and EQ2X to an extent, DDO is a lot more limited in what you get. Most of the content in DDO needs to be bought. You can grind to get some points to buy it, but that's a lot of work. EQ2X, on the other hand, gives you all the content for free (except the latest expansion), and only limits your characters. Paying a one time fee of 1000 SC (equivalent to $10, but can also be gotten for free) lifts a lot of restrictions (like Premium will for CoH). You still might have trouble at high levels due to the limitations, but you get tons more content than DDO until that point. For the casual player who wants to adventure with others in a fantasy world, EQ2X is a lot better than DDO (this is also because of the largely instanced nature of DDO).
It isn't about grinding points to play for free. You are totally missing the point of F2P. F2P isn't free, it's subscription free. The point of F2P is paying money piecemeal and being able to play the whole game without a subscription.
This is an interesting definition and I guess it's valid enough. However I do think that you can play all of EQ2X without a subscription. The only content not available is the latest expansion which is easy to buy, and it's possible to buy unlock packs for spells, equipment and broker, which are usually limited if you don't subscribe. It wasn't so at the start, but I think that at this point in time it's possible to play this way and get to a good high level character.
Still, I won't consider anyone who pays for hundreds of dollars in content a casual player. For players who don't want to pay a lot I think that EQ2X provides a much more complete experience simply because all the quests and the entire world are available without paying.
I think with COH they have made more of an extended trial. It would seem for sure that they are not looking to make money off of an item shop as much as get people to sub. I would expect after some time if they develop more items etc to use in game they will go more in that direction.
Everyone points to LOTRO as a good example. I agree. it is great. . but they had DDO to experiment on for awhile before launching LOTRO as a free/premium model.
I think AOC is another example of a game that got it wrong.
When read the restrictions I relized I would need a sub at the end of the game despite how much I spend. LOTRO keeps me playing and spending a bit of money here and there where AOC I stopped the install half way. . also because I heard that existing characters will lose their gold to the cap if you log them in. . and you only get 2 slots.
As is the case with nearly every Western mmo gone F2P the "free" version is missing essential things that will break your long term gaming experience. Here is what the free version does not have:
1/3 of the power sets
6 of the 14 ATs
Supergroup access
ability to receive tells/whispers
In game mail
Forum access (read only)
A shitload of character slots (you get 2 total vs 12 per server)
A free monthly server transfer
"Limited" auction house use (definitely sucks)
Mission Architect (must be purchased)
Inventions (must be purchased)
Priority queueing for login
VIP server access (those who think free players will add to poulation are mistaken as VIPs will be alone on their "VIP" server)
"Premium" in game customer support
First ward missions
Going Rogue expansion
I probably missed a few but that basically sums it up. BTW I do like the game, just had to tame the unnecessary excitement over the hybrid F2P model...... it's all in the word "hybrid".
The people who never got the game when it was a sub will lack these things. The people who have won't and I think that is a good move. Unlike what Cryptic did with Champions Online, which was f*** over everyone that had supported them on the onset by removing the powersets they built for their characters and giving them crap because they won't pay the premium.
I think with COH they have made more of an extended trial. It would seem for sure that they are not looking to make money off of an item shop as much as get people to sub.
I don't think that's true. They've already been making money off item packs, so an in-game shop is a natural extension of that. What they're giving for free is pretty much equivalent to the game as it was until Going Rogue, which is a complete game which people have enjoyed for many years. In fact they're giving enough that there will probably be a certain percentage of subscribers who drop to Premium status. So sure they would like people to subscribe, and there's some incentive to do that, but I'm sure that they're not counting on that as the only source of income.
Comments
Yeah, had to do more research on it. Their details seem to get better the more they release.
Think they're feeling it out. LoL
Coh like Age of Conan are "Freemium"
Basically a greatly extended free trial. You have a ton of game for free, so I am not sure why anyone would complain. Both games are worth the sub
If you're cheap, you're cheap, but don't expect anything real for free ( ' ;
Perfect example of people not reading and hitting reply button. I clearly said that i understand restriction on arch types, character slots etc and i have no problem buying that stuff from store but what benefit comes from restricting free players socially? and if it is just nothing more than a glorified trial why advertise it as a F2P?
And if i was really that cheap i wouldn't buy character slots,rouge expansion and other stuff from store because that costs lot more than premium subscription. So once again learn to read please.
Heso o kamedomo oyobanu -- Don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
Funny, because the way your original message reads, "...but there should be no restriction on sending and receiving messages and joining supergroups. I was really excited about this but I am gonna pass", it sounds like you would be a free player that is whining about not having access to tells and global broadcast. I don't think that's me not reading, but you not appreciating how your message comes across. We can work this out, right? C'mon, still BFFs? No? Okay, how about just a truce?
In any case, to your issue about chat channels, you have to remember that the existing customer-base still has to come first and allowing the spambots/goldsellers to have free acess to those things would compromise the paying customer's enjoyment of the game. At this point, at least those folks spam their goldselling using the local channel in the consignment house and then get ignored quickly by those in there. As for it being F2P, a new player can access a majority of the game with a majority of the archtypes without paying a single cent and still be able to communicate with people through local chats, replies, team chats, and the help channel. As for supergroups, joining them is a perk reserved for paying customers.
The purpose of the freemium model is 3-fold. First, one of the biggest issues with any game is a dwindling playerbase. For the ongoing subscribers, such as myself, having people to play with, even if their new and possibly turnover, is still a good thing. So long as there is a sizable population, it reduces what is essentially the number one reason to leave a game.
The second reason for the freemium model is to accrue money through lots of small microtransactions. The expectation isn't that people will exert no self control and simply bankrupt themselves in the paragon store. But, if 100,000 non-subscribers spend 4 dollars in a given month, that's $400,000 additional dollars that would never have been seen in a subscriber exclusive model.
The third reason is to show off the game and attempt to convert people who would otherwise not have paid up front for the game into subscribers. Note, the trial only goes to level 14 but it really is only just a small taste of the game. City of Heroes actually brags one of the strongest retention rates in the industry, in terms of long-term consumer retention. That is, once people get hooked, they really get hooked and make ridiculous numbers of alts, etc.. That doesn't mean everyone will be captured, but if the door can be opened to more people through the freemium model (by playing more of the game), there is a higher likelihood that they might subscribe to get those extra character slots to play more archtypes and incarnate content, etc.
Paragon's ultimate goal is not to rob their subscribers -- they're treating them like kings. The goal is to convince people that subscribing is a really worthwhile thing to do and reduce the barriers to entry (i.e. eliminate the upfront payment for the game by introducing the freemium model), because, ultimately, a consistent 14.99/month from a subscriber is the most lucrative customer.
Anyway, that's the value of the freemium model in my eyes.
Exactly. That's why the chat restriction for free players is there. To keep the gold sellers from constantly making free accounts just to constantly spam their advertisements after their prior free accounts were just banned for the same thing.
As to the Supergroup limitation: I would imagine they are doing this to prevent VIP's people from making multiple free accounts to add to their own supergroups for the free prestige.
YEP
Yes, free players are pretty limited, but Premium relaxes a lot of the limitations, and it's not a big problem getting to that. Just pay $5 to buy Paragon Points (I think that'd be the minimum) and you'll be Premium. Plus you'll have 400 PP to spend. I paid $10 for a Silver subscription in EQ2X and I feel it was worth it.
Actually, having playing both DDO and EQ2X to an extent, DDO is a lot more limited in what you get. Most of the content in DDO needs to be bought. You can grind to get some points to buy it, but that's a lot of work. EQ2X, on the other hand, gives you all the content for free (except the latest expansion), and only limits your characters. Paying a one time fee of 1000 SC (equivalent to $10, but can also be gotten for free) lifts a lot of restrictions (like Premium will for CoH). You still might have trouble at high levels due to the limitations, but you get tons more content than DDO until that point. For the casual player who wants to adventure with others in a fantasy world, EQ2X is a lot better than DDO (this is also because of the largely instanced nature of DDO).
This is an interesting definition and I guess it's valid enough. However I do think that you can play all of EQ2X without a subscription. The only content not available is the latest expansion which is easy to buy, and it's possible to buy unlock packs for spells, equipment and broker, which are usually limited if you don't subscribe. It wasn't so at the start, but I think that at this point in time it's possible to play this way and get to a good high level character.
Still, I won't consider anyone who pays for hundreds of dollars in content a casual player. For players who don't want to pay a lot I think that EQ2X provides a much more complete experience simply because all the quests and the entire world are available without paying.
I think with COH they have made more of an extended trial. It would seem for sure that they are not looking to make money off of an item shop as much as get people to sub. I would expect after some time if they develop more items etc to use in game they will go more in that direction.
Everyone points to LOTRO as a good example. I agree. it is great. . but they had DDO to experiment on for awhile before launching LOTRO as a free/premium model.
I think AOC is another example of a game that got it wrong.
When read the restrictions I relized I would need a sub at the end of the game despite how much I spend. LOTRO keeps me playing and spending a bit of money here and there where AOC I stopped the install half way. . also because I heard that existing characters will lose their gold to the cap if you log them in. . and you only get 2 slots.
Wa min God! Se æx on min heafod is!
The people who never got the game when it was a sub will lack these things. The people who have won't and I think that is a good move. Unlike what Cryptic did with Champions Online, which was f*** over everyone that had supported them on the onset by removing the powersets they built for their characters and giving them crap because they won't pay the premium.
This is not a game.
I don't think that's true. They've already been making money off item packs, so an in-game shop is a natural extension of that. What they're giving for free is pretty much equivalent to the game as it was until Going Rogue, which is a complete game which people have enjoyed for many years. In fact they're giving enough that there will probably be a certain percentage of subscribers who drop to Premium status. So sure they would like people to subscribe, and there's some incentive to do that, but I'm sure that they're not counting on that as the only source of income.