F2P problem to be? - Page 3

Envenom · 2012-06-02, 10:52 PM

Well, someone posted a video in another thread (GDC Pt. 4... I believe) that showed off a few clips from the in-game store. From the footage shown the prices ranged from 250-550 in station cash. Station cash = 100 points = $1 USD.

So from that model most of the weapons shown in the video were roughly $2.50 -$5.50. That seems reasonable to me.

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.

The Kush · 2012-06-03, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by CutterJohn

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.

I disagree. Money shouldn't be a factor in a competitive game.

Bags · 2012-06-03, 04:28 AM

Originally Posted by The Kush

I disagree. Money shouldn't be a factor in a competitive game.

Well, considering almost every game costs money bar piracy... it kinda is.

Gandhi · 2012-06-03, 04:31 AM

All they need to do is add crates and keys, with a 0.1% chance of a super rare cosmetic item. It worked in TF2, it worked in STO, it worked in DOTA 2, it works everywhere. People go nuts over them crates.

Dreamcast · 2012-06-03, 04:52 AM

I see no problem...Is league of Legends in a MMOFPS.

Their is nothing unbalanced about it league of legends...Im guessing it will be the same for planetside.....Good players could get all the stuff people buy....and Skill is what truly matters, not how much money u spent.

League does $1 million tournaments...They are doing a crapload of money...Im sure Planetside 2, would make a lot of money if people actually get the game and like 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.

Aaramus · 2012-06-03, 06:40 AM

F2P seems to be where the market is heading towards at the moment from what I've seen. There more of an incentive to pay when you are actually going to get something back rather than just access to the game.

I think its safe to say that players would rather pay £10 a month to make their character look unique and get some cool looking skinsm than just pay for the access to the game itself and nothing else.

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.

SKYeXile · 2012-06-03, 06:47 AM

You guys are free to p(l)ay whatever way you like.

Sabot · 2012-06-03, 06:49 AM

I'm not worried... I remember Higby saying that, regarding subscriptions "we don't do that anymore." Which would imply that they really have proof that F2P is more profitable... and the only way it can be more profitable, is they have fair and reasonable micro-trasactions.

Basically.. they look at what EA does, and do the exact opposite. :P

That one noob · 2012-06-03, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by Sledgecrushr

Im willing to spend a lot of money to get my max to look similar to this dude.

Needs more dakka.

CutterJohn · 2012-06-03, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by The Kush

I disagree. Money shouldn't be a factor in a competitive game.

Neither should levels and experience.

And I'm not saying I support it. Just tone down the hyperbole.

Antivide · 2012-06-04, 04:58 AM

If they make certs such a grind to get that you're better off paying money, I'm jumping ship.

Not saying they will, just threatening that I will.

F2P games have burned a lot of people, even those that spend money on them.

Fafnir · 2012-06-04, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by Antivide

If they make certs such a grind to get that you're better off paying money, I'm jumping ship.

Not saying they will, just threatening that I will.

F2P games have burned a lot of people, even those that spend money on them.

The good sign is, that they are looking at League of Legends F2P model. That game really has good balance, when it comes to grinding IP (F2P cash). There were some issues with expensive rune pages and there are issues now with increased initial cost of champions, but no one who is actively playing has any good reason to complain. Hell, they even give refunds, if you don't like what you bought for real money (one time only though).