PS2 does not have similiar F2P model to League of Legends

[Fafnir]

I post this as paying player so please keep discussion about playing the game for free out of this thread.

I've seen Smed comparing Planetside 2 bussines model to what League of Legends has. After SC prices have been revealed, I can't do anything else but disagree with him. Here is why.

We know that League of Legends achieved huge success - it's one of the most popular games now. If it succeeded, it's obvious that its bussiness model must be very good and players are willing to spend money. Why is that? As someone who played LoL for some time, I say that every purchase in that game felt worthwhile. When I bought an freshly released champion for 975 RP (about 7$), I got a character with unique model, unique textures, unique sound set, unique voice pack, unique ability kit and in many cases unique playstyle. Sometimes Riot even had to change game machanics to introduce a champion. All for about 7$. Players are willing to buy new champions and skins for them, because quality/cost ratio is very high

What do I get in Planetside 2 for 7$? A mask for my MAX or a chaingun with the only difference being bigger clip size. This is not what I would call cost-effective purchase.

I already supported SOE - I bought SC during triple sale. However I'm not going to buy any more SC, if they won't increase quality of unlockables or decrease prices to match low quality.

I really hope that Smed one day will be able to say honestly, that Planetside 2 achieved quality of League of Legends thus has similiar F2P model. On that day I will gladly spend 7$ SOE demands for unloackables.

[Mox]

The prices are too high. Make everthing 30% cheaper and it would be a good deal.

[Storn]

Agreed, the prices are to high. The cert cost is way to high (725 certs for a top tier gun, realy!!).

[SturmovikDrakon]

Originally Posted by Fafnir

I post this as paying player so please keep discussion about playing the game for free out of this thread.

I've seen Smed comparing Planetside 2 bussines model to what League of Legends has. After SC prices have been revealed, I can't do anything else but disagree with him. Here is why.

We know that League of Legends achieved huge success - it's one of the most popular games now. If it succeeded, it's obvious that its bussiness model must be very good and players are willing to spend money. Why is that? As someone who played LoL for some time, I say that every purchase in that game felt worthwhile. When I bought an freshly released champion for 975 RP (about 7$), I got a character with unique model, unique textures, unique sound set, unique voice pack, unique ability kit and in many cases unique playstyle. Sometimes Riot even had to change game machanics to introduce a champion. All for about 7$. Players are willing to buy new champions and skins for them, because quality/cost ratio is very high

What do I get in Planetside 2 for 7$? A mask for my MAX or a chaingun with the only difference being bigger clip size. This is not what I would call cost-effective purchase.

I already supported SOE - I bought SC during triple sale. However I'm not going to buy any more SC, if they won't increase quality of unloackables or won't decrease prices to match low quality.

I really hope that Smed one day will be able to say honestly, that Planetside 2 achieved quality of League of Legends thus has similiar F2P model. On that day I will gladly spend 7$ SOE demands for unloackables.

This part so much

The fact that all weapons within their class (LMGs, Rifles) share almost the exact same reload animations make it even less worthwhile. Spice it up a bit

[Jongo]

Pretty much spot on, when you look at the vanu guns that is no difference between any of the side grades at all at least with TR and NC you may get a white line going down the side but with Vanu all the guns are the same just with different stats.

It seems really silly that they are trying to follow the LoL model when you get the same thing for your money with a slightly different stat on it, nothing unique at all.

Then again they could just be launching with higher prices and slowly bring them down, its alot easier to lower prices than it is to raise them still though its currently way to high.

[Beerbeer]

Never played that game, but I agree, the prices (at least where they stand now) are too expensive.

[Crator]

This is spot on, I agree prices should be reduced when you put it like that. Thanks for the comparisons.

Having said the above, what I think SOE is doing is setting prices high at first, then they are going to scale the prices back a while after launch. Probably going to try and hit the sweet spot price.

[Mavvvy]

I agree, it is different but then league of legends is a 5v5 moba or whatever they be calling that style of game these days. I find it difficult to compare cost in that regard. Obviously I'd like to pay as little as possible but at the same time, a little voice in the back of my head reminds me that this needs to be a success for Sony so we get continued development. Then another voice screams if its too pricey who will buy? Then another voice shouts "they will adjust prices based on what sell's"

Damn conflicting interests, I want it all

[Ruffdog]

The prices have been jacked because everyone caned that triple sale.

[Fafnir]

Originally Posted by Mavvvy

I agree, it is different but then league of legends is a 5v5 moba or whatever they be calling that style of game these days. I find it difficult to compare cost in that regard. Obviously I'd like to pay as little as possible but at the same time, a little voice in the back of my head reminds me that this needs to be a success for Sony so we get continued development. Then another voice screams if its too pricey who will buy? Then another voice shouts "they will adjust prices based on what sell's"

Damn conflicting interests, I want it all

It's a different game, but I'm not comparing game mechanics but prices. It won't be a great success to SOE, if they offer us less for the same price. Paying customers need to feel that they got enough for how much they paid. If they don't, they will simply stop buying anything. This is exactly what I did, back when I was playing Tribes: Ascend.

I see what SOE want's to do with Planetside 2 bussines model, at last with visual customization - lots of cheap stuff for average paying customers and exclusive-expensive stuff for those with loads of cash. The problem is, expensive is the only notable feature of such things. On the other hand legendary champion skins in League of Legends are much different than default ones (they even have new voice packs and sound effects) and have unmatched quality as well.

[Mavvvy]

Originally Posted by Fafnir

It's a different game, but I'm not comparing game mechanics but prices. It won't be a great success to SOE, if they offer us less for the same price. Paying customers need to feel that they got enough for how much they paid. If they don't, they will simply stop buying anything. This is exactly what I did, back when I was playing Tribes: Ascend.

I see what SOE want's to do with Planetside 2 bussines model, at last with visual customization - lots of cheap stuff for average paying customers and exclusive-expensive stuff for those with loads of cash. The problem is, expensive is the only notable feature of such things. On the other hand legendary champion skins in League of Legends are much different than default ones (they even have new voice packs and sound effects) and have unmatched quality as well.

Sorry I didn't explain myself properly, with mechanics and technology come different costs,and Im betting development cost was slightly higher for planetside. All things relative technically you could say you get more for less. Please bare in mind I am playing a devils advocate here, as personally I do want more for less

[FireWater]

Here is a theory of why the prices appear to be very high:

1) They don't know what consumers will pay for or not pay for, they have a best guess as to what a tipping point might be, and they are probably trying to price just under that to secure a purchase.

2) Once the price is set, it is always easier to lower the price, rather than raise it. Since they already have done and will continue to do several station cash promotions, they are probably factoring that into the base price as well.

[Mox]

It is the old "price segmentation over time"-approach.
->
Make everthing real expensive at the beginning. The guys who cant wait and the one with loads of money will pay anyway. After christmas when everbody is broken and all the given sc-cards are redeemed they cut the prices or offer a trible/double sc-day. Then Mr. LowBudged can also buy.....

Solution: lets wait a while.....

[Rolfski]

Originally Posted by FireWater

Here is a theory of why the prices appear to be very high:

1) They don't know what consumers will pay for or not pay for, they have a best guess as to what a tipping point might be, and they are probably trying to price just under that to secure a purchase.

2) Once the price is set, it is always easier to lower the price, rather than raise it. Since they already have done and will continue to do several station cash promotions, they are probably factoring that into the base price as well.

Amen to that, they're experimenting atm.

Good argument and excellent post by the OP btw. If you expect people to invest in your in-game items, you have to make it worthwhile for them and give these items character and developer love.

The current guns in PS2 are the perfect example of failing how to do this. No character, lack of specific role, no distinctive sounds, looks, fx, animation, etc. If I would spend my Smedbucks on these, I would just feel depressed.
Even the guns in BF3 have more character and that is pretty shocking when you think of it. Because these are based on real-life models, not some sci-fi setting that allows for unlimited imagination.

[Mordicant]

I think they added new models with the latest patch. I swear the Anchor was a drum magazine before now it's a straight clip. Is it all in my head?