Challenging, fun, the bugs that are in GW are usually only a minor annoyance and most importantly the balance in the game is the best of any release MMOG I have played.
So what the hell were they thinking not charging us a monthly fee?!? I think this "bad boy" attitude, the "breaking from the pack" mentality is dangerous. Before you know it, everyone will be copying this model of delivering a finished product that customers don't pay to beta test. What have you done?
What were the devs thinking?
Straegen
Manderlock
O no its the end of online gaming as we know it, 
Bu7ch
Is this a question or a statement????
Straegen
Retorical I think. I just haven't posted a "really love your game post" and my pompous rear thought I was important enough to do so.
sybban
It's not free, it will cost more than any game ever made. They said the expansions will be 50 dollars most likely so if 3 come out a year then it will be 150 dollars a year. I know you don't have to buy them but who wouldn't buy an expansion? This way they stand to make more because even those who come later will be charged the full amount instead of just starting a monthly fee. It's not bad, good for them. But these guys definately aren't a charity
FrogDevourer
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Straegen
I just haven't posted a "really love your game post" and my pompous rear thought I was important enough to do so.
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Alex Weekes
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Originally Posted by sybban
It's not free, it will cost more than any game ever made. They said the expansions will be 50 dollars most likely so if 3 come out a year then it will be 150 dollars a year. I know you don't have to buy them but who wouldn't buy an expansion? This way they stand to make more because even those who come later will be charged the full amount instead of just starting a monthly fee. It's not bad, good for them. But these guys definately aren't a charity
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Even *if* (and I stress if, as no official announcements on pricing have been made) it's $50, that is still significantly cheaper than a pay-per-month game. Not to forget that many MMO's are pay-per-month *and* pay for expansions...
If you want to speculate, it's best to do so with official statements in mind rather than something from thin air.
Coffee Despot
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Originally Posted by sybban
It's not free, it will cost more than any game ever made. They said the expansions will be 50 dollars most likely so if 3 come out a year then it will be 150 dollars a year. I know you don't have to buy them but who wouldn't buy an expansion?
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Math isn't my strong suit, but let's do some all the same. Let's even operate under the assumption that they'll churn out three expansions in a year at the price of $50 each.
$50 for Guild Wars and three $50 expansions = $200.
Now, let's assume the average price for a MMO game is $15 per month.
50+(12*15) = $230
This ignores the potential for the pay-per-month game to release their own expansions. Some games do this, some don't.
Sales tax would narrow the margin between the two...unless you purchased them online via PlayNC. I don't think they charge tax on that.
Now, one could argue that you could get a discount on your monthly fee by signing up for six months or a year. You certainly can do this with some of the games out there. However, we can't go down that road. Why? Because the counter-argument is that if an expansion is non-essential then the consumer can simply choose not to purchase it.
Charity? Hardly. More freedom to control how much you spend? Yeah, I'd say so.
Navaros
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Originally Posted by Straegen
Challenging, fun, the bugs that are in GW are usually only a minor annoyance and most importantly the balance in the game is the best of any release MMOG I have played.
So what the hell were they thinking not charging us a monthly fee?!? I think this "bad boy" attitude, the "breaking from the pack" mentality is dangerous. Before you know it, everyone will be copying this model of delivering a finished product that customers don't pay to beta test. What have you done? |
well since Guild Wars is not really a MMOG, they can't really charge a monthly fee for it
as for what they were thinking, this is just speculation but my guess is they were thinking: "hey you know, if we did a spiritual successor to Diablo II, it would probably sell like hotcakes...let's do it!"
Epinephrine
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Originally Posted by Navaros
well since Guild Wars is not really a MMOG, they can't really charge a monthly fee for it
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How does that figure? I pay fees for museum memberships, for my bookstore card, for bulk grocery store membership and so on. How does not being an MMOG have anything to do with fees?
It's a business model choice, and probably a very good one.
Soul Monarch
Wait a second... how did a sarcasm post designed to compliment the game designers turn into a debate on the economic model of the game?
Back to the sarcasm! No logic!
Back to the sarcasm! No logic!
Flatliner
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Originally Posted by sybban
It's not free, it will cost more than any game ever made. They said the expansions will be 50 dollars most likely so if 3 come out a year then it will be 150 dollars a year. I know you don't have to buy them but who wouldn't buy an expansion? This way they stand to make more because even those who come later will be charged the full amount instead of just starting a monthly fee. It's not bad, good for them. But these guys definately aren't a charity
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There will be 2 per year, IF that. As for most expensive, look at EQ2 right now. $50 for the game, $15/month for fees, $10/month for Station Membership, $5/3 months for adventure packs, $50/6 months for expansions.
=$460 / year
How does Guild Wars top this?
kerpow
What's the deal with this "as much usable content as the original game, for the same cost, every 6-9 months"? I expect an MMO to take my $15 a month and nerf the hell out of my class while giving me one or two new areas to explore that are far below my current level.
Badenstein
Coffee Despot
I disagree with your math. Typically expansions cost plus the monthly fee
GW initial = $50 2 expansions per year = $50 each = $150 total
EQ like initial = $50 monthly fee $15 per month 2 expansion $50 each
Total for EQ $50 + $180 + $50 + $50 = $330
more typically it is 1 expansion per year so it would be $280
so $280 as compared with $150 i think that is a more fair math comparison.
Just realize $15 a month for one year is $180 total just in monthly fees.
I disagree with your math. Typically expansions cost plus the monthly fee
GW initial = $50 2 expansions per year = $50 each = $150 total
EQ like initial = $50 monthly fee $15 per month 2 expansion $50 each
Total for EQ $50 + $180 + $50 + $50 = $330
more typically it is 1 expansion per year so it would be $280
so $280 as compared with $150 i think that is a more fair math comparison.
Just realize $15 a month for one year is $180 total just in monthly fees.
JohnCoke
I think Alex already clarified what is going to happen and that nothing is decided on the prices yet. So, all speculation? yes.
sybban
Sorry I meant to add that there will only be 2 this year, so yes it's 150. Yay we know math let's pat ourselves on the back
Regardless, I stated this because I've seen a lot of posts saying that the game was free and they didn't even look into. Even if it's cheaper, who cares. It's just a way to get 100% of the profit. Also if you note I said good for them, it's a great idea. Just commenting on how it was a good amrketing gimmick
Back off I'm tired
Regardless, I stated this because I've seen a lot of posts saying that the game was free and they didn't even look into. Even if it's cheaper, who cares. It's just a way to get 100% of the profit. Also if you note I said good for them, it's a great idea. Just commenting on how it was a good amrketing gimmick
Back off I'm tired
Grim_Grom
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| however during E3 we've set the expected window of release for the next chapter as first half 2006. |
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Mountain Man
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Originally Posted by Alex Weekes
...each chapter we release will include approximately the same amount of new content as the original release.
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Holy moly!
Taphoo
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Originally Posted by Alex Weekes
Each expansion will provide more content than typical for an expansion, as well ... that's why we call them Chapters, because each chapter we release will include approximately the same amount of new content as the original release.
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You realize this will cause me to lose my job, then my car and house, right?!?
Hey, anybody need a freeloading roommate??
Adaria
Eeee, too much sarcasm... I stupidly have a hard time 'seeing' the sarcasm online since people don't really have voices o.o, er so to speak...
Being non sarcastic here for a moment, I love the fact of no fee and I hope they keep it up, cause right now, GW is the only online game I play besides DII, which is now forever locked in my CD case never to be played again unless GW gets boring to me or goes down for extended periods of time...
Being non sarcastic here for a moment, I love the fact of no fee and I hope they keep it up, cause right now, GW is the only online game I play besides DII, which is now forever locked in my CD case never to be played again unless GW gets boring to me or goes down for extended periods of time...
Dazzler
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Originally Posted by Alex Weekes
Each expansion will provide more content than typical for an expansion, as well ... that's why we call them Chapters, because each chapter we release will include approximately the same amount of new content as the original release.
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I've been playing my PvE character for 30 hours already and I am just half-way done with the quests around Yak's Bend! If I ignore the PvP I *may* be able to totally finish the character with all goodies and a second character before the expansion is ready and THEN it starts all over again with that much new content??? OMG./me wonders what new professions will be in these coming expansions...
Soul Monarch
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Originally Posted by Adaria
Eeee, too much sarcasm... I stupidly have a hard time 'seeing' the sarcasm online since people don't really have voices o.o, er so to speak...
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Hence I make extensive use of
and and .Plus... the little smilies are shamefully fun to use.
Deku
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| Sorry I meant to add that there will only be 2 this year, so yes it's 150 |
This means that guild wars this year will be $50 for the year. Next year there will likely be 2 chapters so thats $100 if you chose to buy them, they are optional. Thats $150 for 2 years, which is ecatly the same as I paid out for 2 years of playing Neverwinter nights.
Shadow_Wolf
Quote:
| It's not free, it will cost more than any game ever made. They said the expansions will be 50 dollars most likely so if 3 come out a year then it will be 150 dollars a year. I know you don't have to buy them but who wouldn't buy an expansion? This way they stand to make more because even those who come later will be charged the full amount instead of just starting a monthly fee. It's not bad, good for them. But these guys definately aren't a charity |
you find that out when you noticie how empty your pockets are 1 day. If other companies take the same system up good for them i just hope they keep the expansion price to $50, if they begin to raise it then we got problems, all i ask is for things to be affordable. Not every1 can afford there internet + phonebill and try to buy some overepriced expansion whenever it comes out as it is though i like the current price it seems perfectly fair.
Adaria
Oh so true and I like the eye rolling one. Hee.
I don't care if I have to pay 50 bucks for the expansions, because I know I'll enjoy them, I won't get bored and things will be fine. It wont' be as much as playing monthly fees and I wont' be presured to play daily to get my monthly use out of the money I spent. Because sometimes you just dont' have time to play games and you lose that time and a little more money each time you don't play for a day or two...
I don't care if I have to pay 50 bucks for the expansions, because I know I'll enjoy them, I won't get bored and things will be fine. It wont' be as much as playing monthly fees and I wont' be presured to play daily to get my monthly use out of the money I spent. Because sometimes you just dont' have time to play games and you lose that time and a little more money each time you don't play for a day or two...
Ramus
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Originally Posted by Alex Weekes
Each expansion will provide more content than typical for an expansion, as well ... that's why we call them Chapters, because each chapter we release will include approximately the same amount of new content as the original release.
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If you are level 20, with good armor and weapons... what is the point to playing the new expansions? Im a goal based gamer, and if there is no goal I can work for I have no motivation to play. Am I going to play through the next chapter just for the heck of it? That is assuming that ANet sticks to the level 20, everyone has the same basic armor and weapons, plan.
Maybe im missing something...
Weezer_Blue
Seriously A.Net, wtf are you guys doing? We LOVE paying you money every month!
maximus0402
Uhh I dont know if you guys have checked out the main website for guild wars but they are giving us 2 new areas FOR FREE!!!!!! so there!!!
relientK_fan
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Originally Posted by Ramus
Now the problem comes in...
If you are level 20, with good armor and weapons... what is the point to playing the new expansions? Im a goal based gamer, and if there is no goal I can work for I have no motivation to play. Am I going to play through the next chapter just for the heck of it? That is assuming that ANet sticks to the level 20, everyone has the same basic armor and weapons, plan. Maybe im missing something... |
SpeedMann
Quote:
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Originally Posted by sybban
It's not free, it will cost more than any game ever made. They said the expansions will be 50 dollars most likely so if 3 come out a year then it will be 150 dollars a year. I know you don't have to buy them but who wouldn't buy an expansion? This way they stand to make more because even those who come later will be charged the full amount instead of just starting a monthly fee. It's not bad, good for them. But these guys definately aren't a charity
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Mephala
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Originally Posted by relientK_fan
What he means by content is missions, quests, areas. As much as the original has. What's not to like?
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Khrysyl
Completing missions (and following the story) may not be a goal to some but that does not keep it from being a goal to others.
True, this is a competitive game, but it is also an RPG.
True, this is a competitive game, but it is also an RPG.
Jep
Let's not forget the games motto which says something about skill, not money/level, although it slips from my mind at this current time. So hopefully there'll be new areas which focus more on skills. And I want time travel.
Eet GnomeSmasher
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Originally Posted by Ramus
If you are level 20, with good armor and weapons... what is the point to playing the new expansions?
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But if you're still playing just to get the best armor and highest level, then I guess GW really isn't for you. It's been set in stone that level 20 will be the cap.
BlaineTog
Mario is exactly as powerful when he finally defeats Bowser as when Peach was first stolen.
In other words, yes: playing through the missions just to complete them is a goal in and of itself.
In other words, yes: playing through the missions just to complete them is a goal in and of itself.
Straegen
The thing that has amazed me about this thread... everyone is debating the cost and not the balance, fun and relatively bug free (compared to competition). That is worth a big congrats to the builders in my book.
As for the cost, I am assuming the expansions are optional which would mean that you could continue to enjoy GW for quite a while on your initial 50 bucks. Even if they are not, 100 bucks a year is still below the industry average and as I stated earlier... this feels like a finished game. Every other online rpg I have played is rough out of the box. CoH was pretty good, but once you got into the 20s players rocketed up due to balance issues at the high level.
On the charity comment, they are in business to make money. However, they did build a game that goes against conventional wisdom. They could have easily slapped a 10 buck a month tag on this game and most of us wouldn't have thought twice about shelling it out. They could have even made it 5 dollars and gamers would be championing the lowering of online game costs while they grossed an additional half million or so per month (assuming a subscriber base of 100k which is just a guess).
As for this not being an MMOG, depends on your definition. It is multiplayer, it is online, it is a game. The only debate is the massive part which can be looked at two different ways, but I think instancing will likely be the future of MMOGs. It resolves most of the problems with other MMOGs such as kill stealing and performance. It does walk a fine line, but it is as close to an MMOG as a straight G.
As for the cost, I am assuming the expansions are optional which would mean that you could continue to enjoy GW for quite a while on your initial 50 bucks. Even if they are not, 100 bucks a year is still below the industry average and as I stated earlier... this feels like a finished game. Every other online rpg I have played is rough out of the box. CoH was pretty good, but once you got into the 20s players rocketed up due to balance issues at the high level.
On the charity comment, they are in business to make money. However, they did build a game that goes against conventional wisdom. They could have easily slapped a 10 buck a month tag on this game and most of us wouldn't have thought twice about shelling it out. They could have even made it 5 dollars and gamers would be championing the lowering of online game costs while they grossed an additional half million or so per month (assuming a subscriber base of 100k which is just a guess).
As for this not being an MMOG, depends on your definition. It is multiplayer, it is online, it is a game. The only debate is the massive part which can be looked at two different ways, but I think instancing will likely be the future of MMOGs. It resolves most of the problems with other MMOGs such as kill stealing and performance. It does walk a fine line, but it is as close to an MMOG as a straight G.