.It still is Wucher in Germany and illegal to offer such a deal - it does not even have to be in the real world, this law applies to any kind of world, even a virtual one, because it is about taking advantage of someone by abusing his/her weaknesses.
Makes me wonder if ZOS has consulted local/country laws before coming up with this concept. Because I know other games do exactly the same thing and they're still operating world-wide.
But they do not have their server in germany - this makes a difference, because ZOS has their EU servers in Germany, and so the offer is issued from germany and is under german jurisdiction by that.
Ah, I didn't know that. Hopefully @ZOS_MattFiror and @ZOS_BrianWheeler have looked into the legality issue in Germany.
It is not the only issue which could be brought forward - the RNG concept might as well be a violation of local gambling laws - but I did not even use that, Wucher is not related to gambling at all - it is a general thing about taking advantage of people by abusing their weaknesses for increased business gains - and this is immoral and illegal in Germany.
starkerealm wrote: »Bouldercleave wrote: »You people act like ZoS has a flippin gun to your temple.
So much drama and overreaction about an OPTIONAL feature of the game.
The ONLY one here that I can agree with though is Cazzy. At lease Cazzy had a rational reason for disliking the feature.
Okay, let me explain why this is a problem.
Luckybags make A LOT of money for an MMO. It comes with increased turnover, but these things will keep companies going. Cryptic was pretty open at one point saying that they had players who were spending over 5k a year on keys.
Why does this matter? I mean, more money for the game, right? Actually... not so much.
So, when you're evaluating, as a developer, what to upgrade or fix in your game, you need to evaluate what your ROI is going to be. In a normal MMO, there's a serious incentive to fix issues with the game. That's where your money is coming from, that's what you need to fix.
But, lucky bags exist in, almost total, isolation from that. You have people who will pay to roll the dice endlessly.
This means, for a developer, if they've got a bugged achievement that won't award a cool skin for finishing a dungeon, or a bug that causes the lucky bags to pay out at a higher than intended rate... they're going to fix the bag drop rate right now, because that affects their bottom line. The other issue stays low on the priorities list.
Similarly, if you're looking at developing new content, the stuff that's going into the bag will be worth A LOT more to you, as a developer, so it will get higher priority than actual new content.
Finally, there's a huge incentive to making the bags more attractive to consumers. Initially it's enough to say, "well, just cosmetic stuff," but inevitably you're going to see stuff going into those bags that's more valuable than what you can get in game, just to keep people coming back. Stuff like: unique sets, or consumables that do things you cannot replicate in game. Consider that the XP scrolls are already considerably better than the ambrosia pots you can get in game naturally, simply because they last longer.
Now, initially you can say those unique sets aren't pay to win because they're not better than the ones in game, but the serious temptation will be to go that route. Even when ZOS has said they won't at this point. They also said they wouldn't be sticking luckybags in the game AT ALL, and have now gone back on that promise.
What you're seeing here is, actually, the death of the game. The luckybags will make more money than the normal content, meaning they'll get priority, they'll become more important to the developers than the game itself, simply because it makes them more money.
They're not holding a gun to anyone's head, but the decision to include these will warp and corrupt the entire development pipeline, just like it has for every other MMO that implemented a similar system.
starkerealm wrote: ».It still is Wucher in Germany and illegal to offer such a deal - it does not even have to be in the real world, this law applies to any kind of world, even a virtual one, because it is about taking advantage of someone by abusing his/her weaknesses.
Makes me wonder if ZOS has consulted local/country laws before coming up with this concept. Because I know other games do exactly the same thing and they're still operating world-wide.
But they do not have their server in germany - this makes a difference, because ZOS has their EU servers in Germany, and so the offer is issued from germany and is under german jurisdiction by that.
Ah, I didn't know that. Hopefully @ZOS_MattFiror and @ZOS_BrianWheeler have looked into the legality issue in Germany.
It is not the only issue which could be brought forward - the RNG concept might as well be a violation of local gambling laws - but I did not even use that, Wucher is not related to gambling at all - it is a general thing about taking advantage of people by abusing their weaknesses for increased business gains - and this is immoral and illegal in Germany.
It depends on the nation. Some attach subject matter jurisdiction when your company is offering services in your country, even if your servers aren't physically located there.
I wonder if this will be done like it is in some of the other games that have these kinds of boxes/spin to win wheels...
Every time someone wins something or something of value we all see it...
I want to specify if that *** starts flooding my screen there will be no waiting. I will quit on the spot.
Legally this is not gamblingEncouraging gambling is completely irresponsible, and it is my opinion that ZOS should have to get a Gambling License to implement this feature
This feature, no matter how many other games also implement it, is repugnant.
I agree, but legally it is not gambling because of one fact, you purchase the boxes/RNG items using exclusively the game's own currency which legally as no monetary value except to the company in question, thats how they bypass the laws.
This is the one main reason why online games have their own currency systems for buying virtual items it voids them of all and every consumer law.
The only item that involves a monetary transaction and which is covered by consumer laws worldwide is the purchase of (in this company's case) 'Crowns' and as long as you receive the correct amount of Crowns you agreed to pay for the company as complied with the law, from there on you are on your own and the company can do whatever they want concerning items purchased via Crowns all because as mentioned Crowns are not a legally recognised currency.
I just came across this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UcmPeXG7qQ&feature=youtu.be
Matt Firor says towards the end, that there will be "super-special mounts" in those random boxes, EXCLUSIVE for those boxes. So this basically means, if you want those, you would have to gamble - I am pretty certain that this is illegal gambling in germany, if ZOS is not just making insignificant amounts of money with it.
The reason it is not considered gambling is because you always win a prize. It's stupid, I know, but that is how mmo's get around the "gambling" label. You always have something to show for your money spent, so technically you have conducted a business transaction.
That's why I voted "never", because I know it's just a matter of time before exclusive things are added to these boxes. At that point you can no longer just buy what you want.
Pretty soon after that, new mounts and cosmetics will only ever be offered in gambling boxes. Just watch.
Panda_iMunch wrote: »Gods, the amount of paranoia for this non issue is just ridiculous. Many games have done this before and have been fine. If ZoS was going to make a P2W item or something like that, they would've done that ages ago, but I hate to tell yall that it's still a skill based game.
Even then, the couple of exclusive toys they'll put into the loot table is nothing new, subs got quite a few exclusive items. If you don't like the boxes, just don't buy it. It's a option in the end and will only serve to make more money for the company and improve the game a little more.
Panda_iMunch wrote: »Gods, the amount of paranoia for this non issue is just ridiculous. Many games have done this before and have been fine. If ZoS was going to make a P2W item or something like that, they would've done that ages ago, but I hate to tell yall that it's still a skill based game.
Even then, the couple of exclusive toys they'll put into the loot table is nothing new, subs got quite a few exclusive items. If you don't like the boxes, just don't buy it. It's a option in the end and will only serve to make more money for the company and improve the game a little more.
AntMan100673 wrote: »I'm no legal expert but as there are lots of other games that run similar things with no repercussions I'm guessing legally its not seen as gambling so there's no risk of servers getting shut down or lawsuits. It's probably viewed as a purchase albeit one where you don't know what you'll get. A bit like when your local supermarket sells a tin that the label has fallen off, are you going to get baked beans? peaches? or dog food?
AntMan100673 wrote: »I'm no legal expert but as there are lots of other games that run similar things with no repercussions I'm guessing legally its not seen as gambling so there's no risk of servers getting shut down or lawsuits. It's probably viewed as a purchase albeit one where you don't know what you'll get. A bit like when your local supermarket sells a tin that the label has fallen off, are you going to get baked beans? peaches? or dog food?
Crown Store: There will be "purely cosmetic" Loot Crates for about 400 crowns each. The chance to get items from the crates is based on how expensive/rare the items were/are. So lower chance for rare items and a chance you'll only get crap.
Items (potions/upgrades/xp scrolls etc.)
Costumes/Personalities (currently in the store and old limited time ones)
Mounts and Pets (currently in the store and old limited time ones even the ones that never have been in the crown store on console, they can also have mounts/pets from digital collectors editons. Excluded: Imperial Edition and eso sub reward mount/costume)
(from) Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/comments/4yml68/eso_tavern_update_12_infos_video/
I don't think that should be an issue, at least if it's the way it's phrased right now.
Guess what, some people love gamble. Let them gamble in game - it doesn't seem to affect other players if they choose not to buy those boxes themselves.
Crown Store: There will be "purely cosmetic" Loot Crates for about 400 crowns each. The chance to get items from the crates is based on how expensive/rare the items were/are. So lower chance for rare items and a chance you'll only get crap.
Items (potions/upgrades/xp scrolls etc.)
Costumes/Personalities (currently in the store and old limited time ones)
Mounts and Pets (currently in the store and old limited time ones even the ones that never have been in the crown store on console, they can also have mounts/pets from digital collectors editons. Excluded: Imperial Edition and eso sub reward mount/costume)
(from) Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/comments/4yml68/eso_tavern_update_12_infos_video/
I don't think that should be an issue, at least if it's the way it's phrased right now.
Guess what, some people love gamble. Let them gamble in game - it doesn't seem to affect other players if they choose not to buy those boxes themselves.
starkerealm wrote: »As someone who lived through the implmentation of lockboxes in Star Trek Online, Champions Online, DC Universe Online, and (basically) The Secret World... I can firmly say, *blurk*
If it's only retired crown store items with a mix of random consumables (like XP scrolls, mimic stones, crown pots, and crown food)... okay. I can live with that.
starkerealm wrote: »@NewBlacksmurf, @Dromede is mistaken. There's actual video out of Matt Firor's presentation that contradicts the initial bullet points that got posted to Reddit. Now, it's possible that Firor mispoke... and if that's the case, he needs to clarify it. But, right now? No, there's going to be stuff unique to the bags; unavailable elsewhere.
starkerealm wrote: »@NewBlacksmurf, @Dromede is mistaken. There's actual video out of Matt Firor's presentation that contradicts the initial bullet points that got posted to Reddit. Now, it's possible that Firor mispoke... and if that's the case, he needs to clarify it. But, right now? No, there's going to be stuff unique to the bags; unavailable elsewhere.
starkerealm wrote: »@NewBlacksmurf, @Dromede is mistaken. There's actual video out of Matt Firor's presentation that contradicts the initial bullet points that got posted to Reddit. Now, it's possible that Firor mispoke... and if that's the case, he needs to clarify it. But, right now? No, there's going to be stuff unique to the bags; unavailable elsewhere.
Matt Firor called it "super special mounts" what is exclusive to RNG boxes - it's cash grab behind a gambling wall.
starkerealm wrote: »@NewBlacksmurf, @Dromede is mistaken. There's actual video out of Matt Firor's presentation that contradicts the initial bullet points that got posted to Reddit. Now, it's possible that Firor mispoke... and if that's the case, he needs to clarify it. But, right now? No, there's going to be stuff unique to the bags; unavailable elsewhere.
Matt Firor called it "super special mounts" what is exclusive to RNG boxes - it's cash grab behind a gambling wall.
People need to remember ZOS is a business they are here solely to make money..........nothing else.
Legally what they intend to do with these 'crates' I can guarantee is not breaking any laws, they know exactly what they are doing........this is business........and yes I agree with you all, morally it is wrong and it is a 'form' of gambling and intended to pray on people's weaknesses.
As for people mentioning Casino's and gambling laws, just to clear this up, when you go into a Casino, you exchange your cash for a token/chip etc you then directly gamble with that chip, that chip always has a monetary value so it involves laws.
Here in online games, you also purchase a chip/token, in this case Crowns with cash BUT........now here's the but, you then use that chip to make a further purchase, which is your choice of a varied amount of items available in the company's game shop which also will include RNG crates all of these items have no monetary value at all and were purchased using a chip which also has no real recognised monetary value. thats the big difference and thats is how online game publishers void laws across multiple countries.
Listening to feedback means they listen to feedback. It doesn't mean they will agree with the feedback they have listened to.Points @ZOS_GinaBruno and @ZOS_JessicaFolsom to the poll. ZOS "claims" to listen to our feed back and the major of players are saying "By Oblivion, NO!" This is a good chance for ZOS to prove that they do indeed listen to their players..Indeed @Cazzy, these boxes will not be there in the next few weeks - and the last word about those might not be spoken yet as well. You can still enjoy the game and wait and see - the majority is against it in this poll, maybe ZOS will rethink their stand on this. It might just not be such a good idea as they thought it would be - and maybe they will get this from our reactions.Rohamad_Ali wrote: »Don't be rash and uninstall from game you love . Just don't support monetarily things that are cash grab . Speak out on social media for change and enjoy what you've already purchased . If game goes f2p and gameplay options get locked behind pay wall , then I would uninstall as it is hopeless at that point . Stay vigilant until the time comes my friend .I'm lucky my ESO+ is month by month so I've cancelled. Going to uninstalled tonight, which leaves loads of space for a new game. Might treat myselfWell, it's their loss - it is about 180,000 crowns, which I will not spend on this game per year, and I would have played for long, but so I will leave when my ESO+ runs out in August 2017 and not spend a single US$ on this game until then - it's their loss.KoshkaMurka wrote: »Knowing ZOS history with RNG, I expect the worst.Now, Gina, show that you are honest at ZOS - and give us the chance table for these items - an honest one - this is the only thing to get an acceptance for this and to show that this is not just a blatant cash grab and preying on gambling addicts. Be honest with us and show us, that there is a reasonable chance to get these items, then we might accept it - but if it is like in Archeage with percentages of 0.1%, 0.01% and lower, then this cannot be accepted and some of us will never spend another dime on this game.ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »Thanks for your thoughts on the upcoming Crown Crates, everyone. Just want to clarify a few points -
First, Crown Crates will be available later this year, and will only include cosmetic or convenience items. You'll find things like potions and other consumables, pets, costumes, and - yes - sometimes even mounts. This will give you a chance to try and obtain previous limited time offers, or even some very unique items as Matt mentioned. It will not include things like armor or weapons.
In the event you get an item that you already own, you can exchange it for a currency called Crown Gems which will allow you to buy a different item of your choice.
Not to forget about that bunch of ESO gold edition packs, which I wanted to give as a gift to role play friends around christmas - this will as well not happen now. Nor do I need houses, and I would have bought like 12 of them - if not more - so be it - they do not want my money in a fair deal, they rather go for gamble.
People need to remember ZOS is a business they are here solely to make money..........nothing else.
starkerealm wrote: »@NewBlacksmurf, @Dromede is mistaken. There's actual video out of Matt Firor's presentation that contradicts the initial bullet points that got posted to Reddit. Now, it's possible that Firor mispoke... and if that's the case, he needs to clarify it. But, right now? No, there's going to be stuff unique to the bags; unavailable elsewhere.
Matt Firor called it "super special mounts" what is exclusive to RNG boxes - it's cash grab behind a gambling wall.