NCsoft.... hopefully not with Guild Wars
slowerpoke
slow news day eh
Buster
Highly doubt this has anything to do with Guild Wars. This business model fits for free to download free to play games such as Exteel. Guild Wars has a completely different business model.
You can't see me
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Loviatar
hi
hairstyle? town clothes? small plastic surgery? earing" a ton of non game breaking things people have been begging for. GOTY WEAPONS IS MICRO TRANSACTION BMP AS WELL these are test runs for GW2 and already work. can be fun things without being maplestory overpowered. custom dye job you choose exact color? 4.88/9.88? hairstyle 4.99 or 3 for 9.99? or what the mass market will accept. let them as they will keep my fee free monthly servers running. |
The BMP isn't an ingame booster. BMP weapons give you no advancement in the game over anyone else. You cannot trade or sell them. You must perform equal work to obtain them as you would for any cheap gold weapon with the same stats. You pay for content in the BMP, not the weapons, and paying for content is nothing new.
As for your fee free servers, I think Arenanet has done a good job running them so far, and I have no doubt they will keep them running for Guild Wars 2 without all these things.
In conclusion, unless Arenanet's head was recently changed to a goldfish that was recovering from a lobotomy, this is purely a common sense issue. It amazes me how many people can't grasp it.
Crom The Pale
Most of us have seen this coming for quite some time, it was even suggested in a post almost 2 years ago if I recall correctly.
Anet(NCsoft) has basically 2 options to keep servers up and running, charge a monthly fee or find new means of earning an income from the games.
Chances are it won't be implimented in GW, but will most certainly be in GW2 to some extent. If they have learned anything from GW they will set up the game so that money has 0 effect on actual game play but only on the astetic apeal of your avatar. Even at that it will likely just be a time saver allowing people faster access to item that can be aquired through gameplay(grinding/farming).
Anet(NCsoft) has basically 2 options to keep servers up and running, charge a monthly fee or find new means of earning an income from the games.
Chances are it won't be implimented in GW, but will most certainly be in GW2 to some extent. If they have learned anything from GW they will set up the game so that money has 0 effect on actual game play but only on the astetic apeal of your avatar. Even at that it will likely just be a time saver allowing people faster access to item that can be aquired through gameplay(grinding/farming).
Malice Black
Oh well.
WTB armbraces 5 dolla!
WTB armbraces 5 dolla!
Lord Feathers
Well NC Soft is the Big Dog. So what exactly does this mean for it's puppies remains to be seen but very very very very bad move on their part. Anyone else like to get a comment from the community relations folks ? I for one would like to hear something.
Guild Wars proved it's business model works and they didn't charge you to pay to play. They have stated that GW2 will also be free but they have not stated anything else besides that and if someone else controls their policy * throws hands up in the air *
Guild Wars proved it's business model works and they didn't charge you to pay to play. They have stated that GW2 will also be free but they have not stated anything else besides that and if someone else controls their policy * throws hands up in the air *
slaximus
"We will, however, work to have NCcoin incorporated in as many of our games as possible."
Meaning, they will most likely force it into the games.
We shall see how GW2 fends this off.
Meaning, they will most likely force it into the games.
We shall see how GW2 fends this off.
Loviatar
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Lord Feathers
Guild Wars proved it's business model works and they didn't charge you to pay to play. They have stated that GW2 will also be free but they have not stated anything else besides that and if someone else controls their policy * throws hands up in the air * |
see chapters in gw2?
see all the people on GW1 who want to pay for a new hairstyle?
add it up
tons of pay for cosmetic options having zero effect on gameplay or those who are happy with the character they have.
Toxage
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by JR
Except it's not an arguement, it's a fact.
Even if I didn't know this, common sense would still have led me to the same conclusion. |
Fact - Noun - A real occurrence; an event; Something demonstrated to exist or known to have existed
This does not fall under the realm of fact because it hasn't happened yet.
I find it interesting that because you came to the conclusion this won't be implemented why won't be implemented?
Are you some higher being that can control what is and what isn't?
Your argument is a failure. You have no evidence to support your claims.
I found a guide to help you avoid random and thoughtless arguments in the future.
http://www.wikihow.com/Argue
Might want to read it over 10-15 times to allow it to sink in.
Let's be honest Guild Wars can't keep pumping out a new expansion every six months to generate revenue. That is an unrealistic goal. Just look at how half-butt Nightfall and Eye Of the North were. You can't produce well polished content that quickly. Arena Net is most likely going to adapt a pay option for enhanced features that have little effect on gameplay. I.E New Skins (Cough Bonus Mission Pack Cough), New Armors , More Customization Options, Etc.
And with that I say GOOD DAY SIR!
Ravi
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Toxage
Let's be honest Guild Wars can't keep pumping out a new expansion every six months to generate revenue. That is an unrealistic goal. Just look at how half-butt Nightfall and Eye Of the North were. You can't produce well polished content that quickly. Arena Net is most likely going to adapt a pay option for enhanced features that have little effect on gameplay. I.E New Skins (Cough Bonus Mission Pack Cough), New Armors , More Customization Options, Etc.
And with that I say GOOD DAY SIR! |
this sir, is were jr's logic is coming from, he just thought you were smart enough to notice.
wilderness
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Toxage
You must have a microscopic vocabulary to misuse the word fact.
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Toxage
Let's be honest Guild Wars can't keep pumping out a new expansion every six months to generate revenue. That is an unrealistic goal. Just look at how half-butt Nightfall and Eye Of the North were. You can't produce well polished content that quickly. Arena Net is most likely going to adapt a pay option for enhanced features that have little effect on gameplay. I.E New Skins (Cough Bonus Mission Pack Cough), New Armors , More Customization Options, Etc.
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by NCsoft from the official NCcoin page
“NCcoin will not be retrofitted in games that have business models that do not work with a micro-transaction system.
|
Mork from Ork
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Toxage
(Cough Bonus Mission Pack Cough)
|
New extra-story missions and you choose which ones you want to play and pay ingame accordingly.
Not sure I like the idea but they have to come up with someway to generate cash.
You can't see me
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Loviatar
the GW business model was a huge fresh cash infusion every 6 months with a new chapter of equal cost of the original game.
see chapters in gw2? see all the people on GW1 who want to pay for a new hairstyle? add it up tons of pay for cosmetic options having zero effect on gameplay or those who are happy with the character they have. |
I'm sorry, but no matter how much hype is on this idea, it doesn't set it in stone, especially from A developer's point of view. The people are always ignorant of the effects of what they ask for, which is why government officials and game developers don't give them everything they want.
Can you show me the business model for Guild Wars 2? No, you cannot.
Can you deny the quote happily placed on the pervious page where this is denied by Arenanet? No, you cannot.
Can you state reliable sources for any of this so called fact? No, you cannot.
Propaganda is a word entirely different from fact. Stop confusing them.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/propaganda
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Toxage
You must have a microscopic vocabulary to misuse the word fact.
Fact - Noun - A real occurrence; an event; Something demonstrated to exist or known to have existed This does not fall under the realm of fact because it hasn't happened yet. I find it interesting that because you came to the conclusion this won't be implemented why won't be implemented? Are you some higher being that can control what is and what isn't? Your argument is a failure. You have no evidence to support your claims. I found a guide to help you avoid random and thoughtless arguments in the future. http://www.wikihow.com/Argue Might want to read it over 10-15 times to allow it to sink in. Let's be honest Guild Wars can't keep pumping out a new expansion every six months to generate revenue. That is an unrealistic goal. Just look at how half-butt Nightfall and Eye Of the North were. You can't produce well polished content that quickly. Arena Net is most likely going to adapt a pay option for enhanced features that have little effect on gameplay. I.E New Skins (Cough Bonus Mission Pack Cough), New Armors , More Customization Options, Etc. And with that I say GOOD DAY SIR! |
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/propaganda
(I get to Ctrl-V this in two places in the same post).
And yes, actually, it has happened. I'll let you in on the secret from the previous page.
Originally Posted by PCGamer Issue 161 Volume 14 Number 5
"For three years, people have been looking for a catch," says Jeff Strain. "There's no catch." Guild Wars 2 will employ the same model as the current Guild Wars game: You buy the boxed game and play the game online as often as you wish, without monthly fees. That's it.
So...what's the catch? Should we expect micro transactions, where players will have to pay for superior in game items? No.
Should we expect any sort of pay-to-play scheme at all? No.
Will there be any, even remote changes--any changes of any sort--to the current Guild Wars business model? No, no, and no, says Mike O'Brien.
Case closed. GTFO.
Naylyn
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Toxage
You must have a microscopic vocabulary to misuse the word fact.
Fact - Noun - A real occurrence; an event; Something demonstrated to exist or known to have existed This does not fall under the realm of fact because it hasn't happened yet. I find it interesting that because you came to the conclusion this won't be implemented why won't be implemented? Are you some higher being that can control what is and what isn't? Your argument is a failure. You have no evidence to support your claims. I found a guide to help you avoid random and thoughtless arguments in the future. http://www.wikihow.com/Argue Might want to read it over 10-15 times to allow it to sink in. Let's be honest Guild Wars can't keep pumping out a new expansion every six months to generate revenue. That is an unrealistic goal. Just look at how half-butt Nightfall and Eye Of the North were. You can't produce well polished content that quickly. Arena Net is most likely going to adapt a pay option for enhanced features that have little effect on gameplay. I.E New Skins (Cough Bonus Mission Pack Cough), New Armors , More Customization Options, Etc. And with that I say GOOD DAY SIR! |
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by wetsparks
Quote:
|
It isn't going to happen, stop freaking out people.
wetsparks
I'm glad to see someone listened to common sense, thank you You Can't See Me, Naylyn and Wilderness.
Reaper of Phear
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Zydonis
That would explain why they want to stomp out trading for real money.
 |
1 up and 2 down
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Jetdoc
Actually, I think you missed the subtle "hint" in the following phrase...
"NCcoin does fit perfect for some of the free-to-play and download games we are developing, and gives players choice on how they want to play these games.” I wonder whether GW2 will be considered either a free-to-play or a download game that they're referring to...  |
Bluefeather
Personally, I am very much excited about this NCCoin.
I am a full-time office worker and I don't have much time like the hardcore players to play this game. But being a video player since I can remember, I still want to have the best things in the game and as much as possible to complete 100% the content of the game. But that is no longer possible for me now. So, if they are offering options like this one, I will be very glad to avail of such option(s).
Probably, NCSoft should also give the players a chance to earn this NCCoin through other means (like if you sell items to NPC, you will earn some points, etc.).
Ofc this is my personal opinion only and I do not wish to argue with anyone else.
I am a full-time office worker and I don't have much time like the hardcore players to play this game. But being a video player since I can remember, I still want to have the best things in the game and as much as possible to complete 100% the content of the game. But that is no longer possible for me now. So, if they are offering options like this one, I will be very glad to avail of such option(s).
Probably, NCSoft should also give the players a chance to earn this NCCoin through other means (like if you sell items to NPC, you will earn some points, etc.).
Ofc this is my personal opinion only and I do not wish to argue with anyone else.
Sorn Xarann
o RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GO no...
alundro
I don't mind honest complaints, but this...? WTF?
1.) The article makes no mention that GW2 will use NCcoin. Why the hell are there complaints?
2.) Online currency like NCcoin is for "middleman" purposes. It will allow NCsoft to sell "game cards" at certain stores for people without credit cards. There was a huge thread of people complaining about the bonus mission pack and how they couldn't even be eligible for it because they didn't have a credit card to buy from the GW shop. Why the hell are there complaints?
3.) Guild Wars has had a cash shop for over a year now. Why the hell are there complaints?
1.) The article makes no mention that GW2 will use NCcoin. Why the hell are there complaints?
2.) Online currency like NCcoin is for "middleman" purposes. It will allow NCsoft to sell "game cards" at certain stores for people without credit cards. There was a huge thread of people complaining about the bonus mission pack and how they couldn't even be eligible for it because they didn't have a credit card to buy from the GW shop. Why the hell are there complaints?
3.) Guild Wars has had a cash shop for over a year now. Why the hell are there complaints?
Feathermoore Rep
This thread is all sorts of fail...
Short Post: NCoin is simply a good business decision. Other companies have/are using it and it works. However, you have to make sure that the items/effects of using NCcoins are balanced with those who play without them.
Long Post: This is nothing new. Its been known they were going to start using NCcoin for awhile. Besides that, its just good business. (Assuming that the game designers keep the games balanced <- Important Assumption - Re-read to make sure you got it.) Because all they do is make more money for doing nothing. They already made the game - so why not make more money by letting hardcore/lazy/rich/<insert adjective of choice here> players take a shortcut. Other companies already do it and easily profit from it. Its just NCsoft keeping up with gaming market.
On the note of Exteel - NCcoin = win is just that simple. However sub-200 ping = win as well. Skill level and time played/pilot development do not have as much importance as they should. The only way to determine better players was in Pinkett only fights (starter mech for those who didn't play). I've played some INTENSE fights in the lvl 1-14 only matches. But after the lvl 14 mark, the advantage of buying items with NCcoin just overshadows potential player skill. Its a decent game. Not a new idea, but an interesting adaptation of in terms of game design. ]
But i digress as this isn't an Exteel discussion - but i'd thought i'd share my two cents as its been brought up.
Short Post: NCoin is simply a good business decision. Other companies have/are using it and it works. However, you have to make sure that the items/effects of using NCcoins are balanced with those who play without them.
Long Post: This is nothing new. Its been known they were going to start using NCcoin for awhile. Besides that, its just good business. (Assuming that the game designers keep the games balanced <- Important Assumption - Re-read to make sure you got it.) Because all they do is make more money for doing nothing. They already made the game - so why not make more money by letting hardcore/lazy/rich/<insert adjective of choice here> players take a shortcut. Other companies already do it and easily profit from it. Its just NCsoft keeping up with gaming market.
On the note of Exteel - NCcoin = win is just that simple. However sub-200 ping = win as well. Skill level and time played/pilot development do not have as much importance as they should. The only way to determine better players was in Pinkett only fights (starter mech for those who didn't play). I've played some INTENSE fights in the lvl 1-14 only matches. But after the lvl 14 mark, the advantage of buying items with NCcoin just overshadows potential player skill. Its a decent game. Not a new idea, but an interesting adaptation of in terms of game design. ]
But i digress as this isn't an Exteel discussion - but i'd thought i'd share my two cents as its been brought up.
wetsparks
alundro, people are complaining because it is the nature of this forum to overreact and complain. never mind that I proved by stating an interview with the people who run ANet that this is not going to happen, but whatever.
Lord Sojar
I hate NCSoft/PlayNC. They are quite possibly the worst company ever to exist. ANET needs to buy their freedom from this oppressive, disfunctional company ASAP and perhaps partner with SCEA, who has the best management they have had since the late 80's.
Drop of Fear
i seriously hope this is just for free games like exteel as an alternative business model.
if there's anything like this in guild wars, goodbye
if there's anything like this in guild wars, goodbye
Surena
90% didn't read the article and believes in GW2 enforcing such a business model while it cleary does not (and has been pointed out already). 99% of them regards others making money (off such business models) as evil as long as they get theirs for free.
Most of Guru's population is <18, lives at home with no income or is a student bum. They fail at accepting that such business models have a playerbase that is willing to pay for virtual items and is strong enough to make the whole thing damn profitable.
GW2 should have monthly fees, it could only be better for the game. More dedicated support, maintenance, diverse events and updates.
Most of Guru's population is <18, lives at home with no income or is a student bum. They fail at accepting that such business models have a playerbase that is willing to pay for virtual items and is strong enough to make the whole thing damn profitable.
GW2 should have monthly fees, it could only be better for the game. More dedicated support, maintenance, diverse events and updates.
Rhedd
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Surena
90% didn't read the article and believes in GW2 enforcing such a business model while it cleary does not (and has been pointed out already). 99% of them regards others making money (off such business models) as evil as long as they get theirs for free.
Most of Guru's population is <18, lives at home with no income or is a student bum. They fail at accepting that such business models have a playerbase that is willing to pay for virtual items and is strong enough to make the whole thing damn profitable. GW2 should have monthly fees, it could only be better for the game. More dedicated support, maintenance, diverse events and updates. |
When a game charges monthly fees, the entire design attitude changes. It becomes about making you, the player, think you'll have fun later if you just keep playing (and paying), and not about having fun now. Allowing you to actually have fun, be satisfied, and go away happy is bad business.
No thank you.
I'm not going to jump on the Armageddon-predicting bandwagon, here, but I will gently point out that while it's been stated that GW2 absolutely will not have a monthly fee, nobody ever said anything about expanding the in-game store to include all sorts of addictive little transactions just like any Asian microtransaction-based game.
I've played some games with this business model, and I agree, it does not belong in the GW franchise, and don't be so sure that it won't happen.
I, myself, have already bought gold-edition weapon skins and skill packs from GWs online shop, and that was fine. However, that's just one step away from making us buy "tokens", and offer things in the shop that you feel stupid for not having.
As soon as I can't have fun without spending money (past the original purchase price), I'm out of here.
This seems like the perfect opportunity for our brand-new community relations lady to jump in and put all our minds to rest. ^_^
escoffier
as sure as i am that anet would not allow something like this to happen to gw2 it would sure be nice for our new crm to jump in just to set aside all possible thoughts that this might occur
Lord Feathers
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Rhedd
I'm 39 years old, a game developer, own my house, and have money to burn, and I couldn't possibly agree with your post less.
When a game charges monthly fees, the entire design attitude changes. It becomes about making you, the player, think you'll have fun later if you just keep playing (and paying), and not about having fun now. Allowing you to actually have fun, be satisfied, and go away happy is bad business. No thank you. I'm not going to jump on the Armageddon-predicting bandwagon, here, but I will gently point out that while it's been stated that GW2 absolutely will not have a monthly fee, nobody ever said anything about expanding the in-game store to include all sorts of addictive little transactions just like any Asian microtransaction-based game. I've played some games with this business model, and I agree, it does not belong in the GW franchise, and don't be so sure that it won't happen. I, myself, have already bought gold-edition weapon skins and skill packs from GWs online shop, and that was fine. However, that's just one step away from making us buy "tokens", and offer things in the shop that you feel stupid for not having. As soon as I can't have fun without spending money (past the original purchase price), I'm out of here. This seems like the perfect opportunity for our brand-new community relations lady to jump in and put all our minds to rest. ^_^ |
That's the entire point of the thread. NCSoft owns Anet and you can't tell me a smaller company can tell their boss NO if it's already been decided to impliment something. So what's happening ? Anyone from ANET wish to comment or is the community relations going to say nothing ?
netniwk
[]WANT
[x] DO NOT WANT
[x] DO NOT WANT
Vinraith
I agree with everything Rhedd said above. Furthermore, let me add my voice to the chorus of "I will never buy or play a game that involves this system." The presence or absence of "Guild Wars" in the title does nothing to change that.
Dr Strangelove
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Surena
90% didn't read the article and believes in GW2 enforcing such a business model while it cleary does not (and has been pointed out already). 99% of them regards others making money (off such business models) as evil as long as they get theirs for free.
Most of Guru's population is <18, lives at home with no income or is a student bum. They fail at accepting that such business models have a playerbase that is willing to pay for virtual items and is strong enough to make the whole thing damn profitable. GW2 should have monthly fees, it could only be better for the game. More dedicated support, maintenance, diverse events and updates. |
I still play games I bought 10 years ago, I want to have the option of doing that with any game I spend my hard-earned money on.
Also, as Rhedd said, subscription-based games have a tendency to add grind, and other ways of dragging out playtime. I'd prefer devs focus on making games fun, not milking me for another monthly fee.
I don't much like microtransaction games either, although I'm less opposed to them than subscriptions. The trouble with that system is the devs focus on annoying the crap out of the free players via gimped weapons, annoying mechanics, and constantly telling players how awesome the game would be if you'd just cough up 10 bucks for fancy stuff.
Games should be fun first, then worry about payment.
Bowman Artemis
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Darcy
Read further down the webpage
ON NCSOFT BUSINESS MODELS: “NCcoin is just one of many elements that make up the variety of business models NCsoft has to offer. We have grown to the point where if you are a MMOG player and you like the traditional subscription-based game, we have those. If you are an MMOG player seeking a free to play and download game with microtransactions, we have that. If you just want to pay for software and have lifetime play, we have that too. The bottom line for NCsoft is that we want to be able to offer a variety of business models to meet the needs of the different customers out there. NCcoin is another way to make it easier for customers to access the kind of game they want to play.” Looks like the ArenaNet business model is safe. |
Guild Wars is Free to Play.
Dungeon Runners is Free to Download and Play.
WoW is Pay to Acquire and Play.
The system they're introducing is pretty much the same as SilkRoad Online has. The game is 100% free but other things can be bought to enhance the player's experience. A completely different business model to the Guild Wars one.
zwei2stein
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by DarkNecrid
“NCcoin will not be retrofitted in games that have business models that do not work with a micro-transaction system. We will, however, work to have NCcoin incorporated in as many of our games as possible, and what role NCcoin will play with our future console offerings have yet to be determined. NCcoin does fit perfect for some of the free-to-play and download games we are developing, and gives players choice on how they want to play these games.”
... snip your leveling of copypaste skills ... |
Its turns out that GW1 model can definitely work with micro transaction system.
Hell, we have items in cash shop right now (GOTY weapons) as well as tiny bits of playable content (BMP). People asked for more weapons, People asked for more mini content, People asked for haircuts and character renames, People asked for freaking minipets.
If you think that it is inconceivable that GW2 wont build up on huge demand for cash-shopesque stuff, think again. By time GW2 is out, gen pop will already be used to cash shop stuff and oldtimers preaching against it in gw2 will have to face ridicule and 2009(10) version of lolcats.
StormDragonZ
Quote:
| NCcoin does fit perfect for some of the free-to-play and download games we are developing, and gives players choice on how they want to play these games.” |
Drop of Fear
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by StormDragonZ
ON WHICH GAMES FIT NCCOIN:
“NCcoin will not be retrofitted in games that have business models that do not work with a micro-transaction system. We will, however, work to have NCcoin incorporated in as many of our games as possible, and what role NCcoin will play with our future console offerings have yet to be determined. NCcoin does fit perfect for some of the free-to-play and download games we are developing, and gives players choice on how they want to play these games.” What I have in bold significantly points to a wonderful assumption GW2 will have this. If so, thanks for GW1... I'll be playing it for a very very long time. |
zwei2stein
Hmm ... where is Regina when we need her?
Rhedd
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Drop of Fear
free to play and download = not guild wars or guild wars 2... u have to pay for the box before u can play...
|
It's pretty simple. Keep this thread on the front page, and give Anet 48 hours. Heck, be generous and give them 72.
If, at the end of that time, nobody from Anet/NCsoft has jumped on to loudly assure everyone that GW2 would absolutely never do such a thing, then assume the worst.
arsie
Micro-payment games are meant for several groups of gamers. Firstly, third world countries where gamers are usually hard pressed to come up with $50 at a go, so essentially micro-payment games allow the players to pay by installment. And we all know about installments, you always end up paying more.
It is also a model is also targeted at school children. The Free to Download and Free to Play part builds a critical mass of users, and the social aspects of the game gets kids paying for stuff. Kids spend parts of their pocket money regularly buying the game cards.
I feel like GW2 is styled and marketed to late teens and adults, who can afford $50 games and $15/month subscription via credit card. Those are definitely methods of sales that are more reliable for bottom line, than to release a free game hoping it gets popular enough for people to spend money on it $1 at a time.
It is also a model is also targeted at school children. The Free to Download and Free to Play part builds a critical mass of users, and the social aspects of the game gets kids paying for stuff. Kids spend parts of their pocket money regularly buying the game cards.
I feel like GW2 is styled and marketed to late teens and adults, who can afford $50 games and $15/month subscription via credit card. Those are definitely methods of sales that are more reliable for bottom line, than to release a free game hoping it gets popular enough for people to spend money on it $1 at a time.
Fril Estelin
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by JR
Except it's not an arguement, it's a fact.
Even if I didn't know this, common sense would still have led me to the same conclusion. |
Kamatsu
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by PCGamer Issue 161 Volume 14 Number 5
"For three years, people have been looking for a catch," says Jeff Strain. "There's no catch." Guild Wars 2 will employ the same model as the current Guild Wars game: You buy the boxed game and play the game online as often as you wish, without monthly fees. That's it.
So...what's the catch? Should we expect micro transactions, where players will have to pay for superior in game items? No. Should we expect any sort of pay-to-play scheme at all? No. Will there be any, even remote changes--any changes of any sort--to the current Guild Wars business model? No, no, and no, says Mike O'Brien. "In Guild Wars 1, the business model was: Buy the game and play it as long as you want with no monthly fees; we'll periodically sell additional content that you can choose to buy or not to buy, and we'll maintain the game so that anyone who plays it ends up getting the free updates. In Guild Wars 2, the business model is exactly the same, Buy the game and play it as long as you want with no monthly fees; we will periodically sell additional content that you can choose to buy or not buy, and and we'll constantly maintain the game so that anyone who plays it ends up getting lots of free updates." How will ArenaNet's no-subscription model offset the costs associated with supporting a persistent world? "We have technology that lets us reduce the costs," Stain says, though he won't elaborate on the ingredients of that secret sauce. "Guild Wars was built from the ground up to be non-subscription. A persistent world doesn't alter that much," he says... |