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Given Separate Servers Based on Payment Model, Which Server Would You Play On?

ArtificeVenatusArtificeVenatus Member UncommonPosts: 1,236
edited September 2015 in The Pub at MMORPG.COM
We have seen servers separated based on content, such that the servers are separated for PvE or PvP, whereas the PvE servers may also allow limited forms of PvP. What if each server already had both PvE and PvP, instead however, servers would be separated into the following : --- Strictly Subscription without Cash Shop. --- F2P with Cash Shop, with no option of subscription. Which server type would you play on? In addition to the question above for the poll itself, it would also be helpful to detail any issues an MMORPG might have, having separate servers based on payment model. My guess is this sort of separation of servers based on payment model, would not find itself needing to go F2P at any point, as that would be covered from launch. Would that be the case or not do you think?
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Comments

  • FomaldehydeJimFomaldehydeJim Member UncommonPosts: 673
    I would try the game and then reroll if I liked it.  Obviously my decision would depend on the details of each model... there are many different iterations of F2P out there, some I like, and some I loathe. 
  • sunandshadowsunandshadow Member RarePosts: 1,985
    I'd definitely start on the f2p server if there was no free trial on the subscription server.  Which one I went with after deciding I liked the game would depend on the details of how the payment model made gameplay different between the two servers.  Like, if the cash shop items were gorgeous and just didn't exist in the sub server or were brutally rare boss drops, I'd go with the cash server.  But if the cash shop items and currency were all soulbound and overpriced or game-theme-breaking I'd go with the sub server.  Or if the cash shop server required a cash item key to get the loot from each dungeon boss, that would definitely make me prefer the sub server.  But if the cash server had higher per-person caps on property ownership and pet/collectible storage for 1-time purchases rather than 'rent', that would make me seriously consider the cash server.
    I want to help design and develop a PvE-focused, solo-friendly, sandpark MMO which combines crafting, monster hunting, and story.  So PM me if you are starting one.
  • ArtificeVenatusArtificeVenatus Member UncommonPosts: 1,236
    FomaldehydeJim said:
    I would try the game and then reroll if I liked it.  Obviously my decision would depend on the details of each model... there are many different iterations of F2P out there, some I like, and some I loathe. 
    Well, for the purpose of this thread (and to keep it simple), I will leave that open ended. If I were to produce an MMORPG through this separation based on payment model, I would likely implement my P2W Reduction Methods. But who knows, it is possible some MMO-MMORPG companies might consider this separation based on payment type, given how subscription MMO-MMORPGs have recently (and supposedly) had to go F2P.
  • LoktofeitLoktofeit Member RarePosts: 14,247
    edited September 2015
    It would all depend on how either or both business models are being done. For example, I play a lot of F2P MMOs, but when I play Puzzle Pirates I play on the subscription servers because I don't care for how they do the cash shop. 

    The type of business model isn't an issue for me. How that model is being used is. 

    EDIT: Sunandshadow brings up an excellent example of the use of the model making a difference - rent vs permanent is a game changer for a lot of people, myself included. 


    There isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to play, if you want to use a screwdriver to put nails into wood, have at it, simply don't complain when the guy next to you with the hammer is doing it much better and easier. - Allein
    "Graphics are often supplied by Engines that (some) MMORPG's are built in" - Spuffyre

  • krgwynnekrgwynne Member UncommonPosts: 119
    Taking that nearly all free to play models go with the pay to win model is some way and end up costing allot more than a subscription based game if you want to be competitive. ARCHAGE is a prime example of FTP done wrong. If the cash shop is only items which do not progress the power of players in any way than i would go ftp over subscription. mmo,s that have had to go to ftp model is not subscriptions cost caused it has allot to do with bad endgame in nearly all cases, i mean who is going to subscribe when you got nothing to do or poorly done content to do.
  • AeolynAeolyn Member UncommonPosts: 350
    Definitely do the trial first to see if I could live with the pvp, unless you're planning to make it all about choice and offer toggles, in which case I'd prob go straight to the "Subscription without cash shop".
  • DauzqulDauzqul Member RarePosts: 1,982
    This would work with games that don't need unique servers, e.g., PvP Server, PvE Server, etc.

    Black Desert (RU), from what I understand, offer the option to purchase access to a P2P server. This is fantastic. However, I would greatly worry about the population. It could work, however, if it's a game big enough to house 5 or more full F2P servers, so long as they offer only 1 single P2P server.

    I want P2P. I miss showing off my goods due to earning them - not buying / selling crap on the AH that was purchased from the Cash Shop / speeding through content via XP pots etc.
  • ArtificeVenatusArtificeVenatus Member UncommonPosts: 1,236
    DMKano said:
    The only longterm viable option for a new IP MMO in current market is f2p+cash shop. 

    Mixed server models don't work longterm, as players simply abandon P2P servers and move to a F2P over time.
    And "Progressive Servers" (on old games mind you), how do explain them (and the fact that said numbers would be greater if you were talking a newer game)?
  • User836User836 Member UncommonPosts: 117
    Subscription but I don't think it would work well to have different payment options for different servers in the same game. The payment model affects the game design (or vice versa) and also the sub server may end up very poor population because "why pay when you can play for free".
  • CazrielCazriel Member RarePosts: 419
    User836 said:
    Subscription but I don't think it would work well to have different payment options for different servers in the same game. The payment model affects the game design (or vice versa) and also the sub server may end up very poor population because "why pay when you can play for free".
    Empty servers being one of the worst things that can happen to an MMO, there is only one developer who could conceivable do this:  Blizzard.  On one game:  WoW.  If WoW went F2P, I could see this happening.  Otherwise, the MMO is just asking to be labeled a ghost town.   Dividing up the population based on payment model would genuinely create different classes of players.  Then, if there were server mergers, that would create a self-inflicted wound.  But WoW, with its long history could do this simply because it's existing player base would not want to play with F2P players. 
  • MendelMendel Member LegendaryPosts: 5,609
    This poll imposes the idea that payment method is the determining factor in deciding what game to play.  If there was a category for 'It depends entirely on other factors, such as game quality, recommendations from friends, media reviews, reputation of the developer or whatever sparked my interest', I'd have voted for that.  But since that option isn't provided, I didn't vote.

    Logic, my dear, merely enables one to be wrong with great authority.

  • MadimorgaMadimorga Member UncommonPosts: 1,920
    Free to check it out, then sub if I liked it, as long as cash shop warriors weren't allowed to transfer with their items or early level capped characters or mess with the ingame economy on the sub servers in any way.

    image

    I am convinced there is only one way to eliminate these grave evils, namely through the establishment of a socialist economy, accompanied by an educational system which would be oriented toward social goals.

    ~Albert Einstein

  • zaberfangxzaberfangx Member UncommonPosts: 1,796
    edited September 2015
    Subscription games not bad in general but the ones that are there now are grind this much you'll get something ends up grinding alot 90% same as a f2p game grind level, if I'm going grind for something then I should just play free to play is still more of the same but I didn't pay a dime to play it.
  • LyrianLyrian Member UncommonPosts: 412
    TBH I'd prefer a premium subscription at x2-x5 times a regular subscription if it meant a higher quality game and support.
  • Superman0XSuperman0X Member RarePosts: 2,292
    edited September 2015
    DMKano said:
    The only longterm viable option for a new IP MMO in current market is f2p+cash shop. 

    Mixed server models don't work longterm, as players simply abandon P2P servers and move to a F2P over time.




    I disagree. I believe the most common at this time is F2P + Sub + Cash Shop. The F2P/P2P decision is only one choice that needs to be made. Regardless of F2P/P2P, the second decision is to offer sub and/or cash shop.

    P.S. Games do not have to launch with a long term viable option, they can just change as needed to get there.
  • jesteralwaysjesteralways Member RarePosts: 2,560
    It all comes down to the game, if the game is a quality one then i would buy the game and would like to play it for as long as it stays online, no subscription and i will not mind cash shop that does not sell power unobtainable through playing the game. Both subscription and box price to me is as bad as a pure pay2win game that sells ultimate gears in cash shop without any option to get them by playing game. Buy2play with optional subscription that provide couple of convenience perk to subscribers and cash shop that doesn't negatively effect gameplay, that is my ideal business model.

    Boobs are LIFE, Boobs are LOVE, Boobs are JUSTICE, Boobs are mankind's HOPES and DREAMS. People who complain about boobs have lost their humanity.

  • CybersclongCybersclong Member UncommonPosts: 10
    PEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVPPEEEEEEEEEEE
  • LoktofeitLoktofeit Member RarePosts: 14,247
    Cybersclong said:
    PEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVPPEEEEEEEEEEE
    it's h, not c

    There isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to play, if you want to use a screwdriver to put nails into wood, have at it, simply don't complain when the guy next to you with the hammer is doing it much better and easier. - Allein
    "Graphics are often supplied by Engines that (some) MMORPG's are built in" - Spuffyre

  • CybersclongCybersclong Member UncommonPosts: 10
    Apparently some bastage has the H 
  • AxehiltAxehilt Member RarePosts: 10,504
    Obviously F2P. Why as a player would I want a model where I hand over money before I'm sure the product is something I'll enjoy?

    "What is truly revealing is his implication that believing something to be true is the same as it being true. [continue]" -John Oliver

  • VesaviusVesavius Member RarePosts: 7,908
    A free client, robust trial, and then pay a sub to carry on, with no cash shop, is the most sensible pay model. I have been saying this for literally years.

    Anything else anti-gamer and anti consumer.

    Though that's not to say that I love some games enough to give them a break. Hey, we all have weak spots.
  • VesaviusVesavius Member RarePosts: 7,908

    Axehilt said:
    Obviously F2P. Why as a player would I want a model where I hand over money before I'm sure the product is something I'll enjoy?

    erm... Option "F2P as a Trial, Subscription if I liked it" wouldn't ask this of you either. 

    And as a bonus you would be rid of all the shady exploitative smoke'n'mirrors crap of F2P cash shop.
  • rojoArcueidrojoArcueid Member EpicPosts: 10,722
    B2P with a small unintrusive cash shop. No sub, no free to pay, no greedy cash shop.




  • IsilithTehrothIsilithTehroth Member RarePosts: 616
    Sub, but if possible I'd like a trial to decide whether or not I like the game instead of blowing 50-60 dollars then regretting it a month later.

    MurderHerd

  • IselinIselin Member LegendaryPosts: 18,719
    Free trials are always a good thing.
    "Social media gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community ... but now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. It's the invasion of the idiots”

    ― Umberto Eco

    “Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?” 
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