F2P problem to be?

Attackmack · 2012-06-02, 01:06 PM

This might have been discussed and answered but im retarded and cant work out the search ( or maybe im not and do and just lazy).

But without a monthly sub income, how can SOE expect to have the continous funds to pay for the server/staff upkeep for a server and support heavy game like PS2?

Because with all said and done, how long do they think that cosmetics and boosters will generate income? A few months perhaps? And after that, it will be s few purchases here and there.

Im seriously worried about this. I would prefer s monthly sub to secure the stability and conitinued support. The other option is a pay to win option and that is thankfully (hopefully) out of the question.

Thoughts?

Oh yeah, snd TR for all times! Die VS and NC scum!

**Malorn** · 2012-06-02, 01:07 PM

Hats.

JHendy · 2012-06-02, 01:08 PM

MAXs that look like Gundams.

KnightHawk ECID · 2012-06-02, 01:08 PM

Armour and equipment customization /thread

**Malorn** · 2012-06-02, 01:11 PM

For more insight into their business model, watch this video.

NCLynx · 2012-06-02, 01:13 PM

Yea, people stopped buying things for TF2 years ago.

Dartan · 2012-06-02, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by Malorn

For more insight into their business model, watch this video.
Extra Credits: Microtransactions (The Escapist) - YouTube

Great video, everyone involved should watch it.

ITOS · 2012-06-03, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by Malorn

For more insight into their business model, watch this video.
Extra Credits: Microtransactions (The Escapist) - YouTube

This is a great video that address everything concerning F2P except one thing. The greatest threat I see to PS2 being profitable on customization and xp boosters would be the first hurdle a player faces: registering in the store.

This was briefly mentioned in the video but no real method for encouraging people to take that first step was suggested, it was merely hinted that players might eventually get motivated enough to do it. That, to me, isn't good enough. But before I suggest a solution I want to say:

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY
DO NOT FORCE US TO REGISTER A CREDIT CARD TO PLAY

I'm not saying it would be without advantages but it scares away a lot of potential conte... I mean, players. Instead you should "pay" players to register in the store. Give them a free booster for a week. Make sure that there is no reason NOT to register in the store. Once they are in they are much much more likely to spend money, as the video said.

And don't advertise it, that just makes you seem desperate. Make it a "tip of the day" or something.

Dagron · 2012-06-03, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by ITOS

it scares away a lot of potential conte... I mean, players.

So true.

Originally Posted by ITOS

Instead you should "pay" players to register in the store. Give them a free booster for a week. Make sure that there is no reason NOT to register in the store. Once they are in they are much much more likely to spend money, as the video said.

Smart, it's a way to get those of us who are a little agoraphobic to come out of the house.

Mastachief · 2012-06-02, 01:12 PM

Strap on's..

LOL seem to make millions.

MyMeatStick · 2012-06-02, 01:12 PM

They already mentioned there was going to be a paid subscription iirc.

Mastachief · 2012-06-02, 01:13 PM

Also, SOE are not new to f2p

DCUO to name but only one

kaffis · 2012-06-02, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by Mastachief

Also, SOE are not new to f2p

DCUO to name but only one

DCUO, Everquest, Everquest 2, Free Realms, Clone Wars Adventures (I think?), and soon to be Vanguard...

Yeah, SOE has some successful F2P experience, so I wouldn't worry too much about whether they'll be able to capitalize well on a monetization scheme.

cBselfmonkey · 2012-06-02, 01:15 PM

D&D Online, Champions Online, Lord of the Rings Online etc... Were all once sub based and failed to hold onto a large amount of subscribers post launch. When they did make the switch to F2P they not only usually ended up with a large, fairly stable player bases but they actually made more money. Heck the original Guild Wars is a great example of a F2P MMO that was a terrific success.

Not having a sub fee encourages more people to at least try the game. Something that could be especially important for PS2 considering how different it is from most other MMOs.

CutterJohn · 2012-06-02, 01:16 PM

Even if they add pay to win, so what? Its functionally identical to having a subscription, with the exception that you are still able to play if you choose not to pay, even if disadvantaged, instead of being unable to play at all.

The worry about 'pay to win' reaches completely irrational levels.