I don't *** believe my eyes.

ThePrinceOfBargains

I bought my first four con crates of the season tonight. As in paid actual money for the things that I hate most in this game besides guild traders. I'm sitting here, completely ashamed of myself, thinking "there's no way I'm going to get that damn Plague Husk Horse. I'm just wasting money, like these other guys to a much less extreme degree. Never mind the extremely low odds, there's also the fact that even if I hit the jackpot, I'll get one of the other two ultra-rare lottery mounts." I then proceed to go into a mini-depression over the fact that i actually paid for these and would probably only get crap.

FIRST crate I opened:


I'm sitting here in almost literal shock, mouth open and everything. I'd have taken a picture of the card itself if I wasn't in such disbelief. Now I know what you're thinking, "But Master, what are you doing? This will just convince people that they actually have chance a winning." NO. That is not the point of this. I know some people will probably be upset that I posted a picture, but the hope is to put into perspective how unacceptable this system is. I, a guy that hardly spent anything on these things and finds the system repulsive, gets this ultra-rare mount when other people can spend literally thousands and still never get it? They should AT LEAST make it so that if you get literally everything else in the store, you get to pick from one of the rare mounts. Reward people for spending entire paychecks on this game's micro-transactions.

yodased

well congrats on your luck

starkerealm

Nifty. Enjoy.

SirAndy

I got the Lynx pet from one of the 3 free crates. It was the only one i was even remotely interested in anyways.

Sometimes RNG does work in your favor ...

Cpt_Teemo

Now that guy that bought 1,000 crates really will hate you now good job

anitajoneb17_ESO

If your point was to demonstrate that people shouldn't buy any crates because it's too unfair, I'm afraid you missed it somehow.

All you demonstrated is that the desire for the green horse was higher than your (according to you, already very high aversion towards the crate system).

Which is why crates exist... and you just made them a nice advertisement.

Enjoy the horse, though..

ThePrinceOfBargains

anitajoneb17_ESO wrote: »

If your point was to demonstrate that people shouldn't buy any crates because it's too unfair, I'm afraid you missed it somehow.

All you demonstrated is that the desire for the green horse was higher than your (according to you, already very high aversion towards the crate system).

Which is why crates exist... and you just made them a nice advertisement.

Enjoy the horse, though..

Yes, but I was being an idiot and the stars just happened to align while I was doing so. That’s what everyone should take from this. Don’t be an idiot like me.

Thestephenmcraeub17_ESO

Yeah this is a nice way to make crown crates look more attractive to people. Might want to rethink your protest methods

skywarnmc27

TheMaster wrote: »

I bought my first four con crates of the season tonight. As in paid actual money for the things that I hate most in this game besides guild traders. I'm sitting here, completely ashamed of myself, thinking "there's no way I'm going to get that damn Plague Husk Horse. I'm just wasting money, like these other guys to a much less extreme degree. Never mind the extremely low odds, there's also the fact that even if I hit the jackpot, I'll get one of the other two ultra-rare lottery mounts." I then proceed to go into a mini-depression over the fact that i actually paid for these and would probably only get crap.

FIRST crate I opened:


I'm sitting here in almost literal shock, mouth open and everything. I'd have taken a picture of the card itself if I wasn't in such disbelief. Now I know what you're thinking, "But Master, what are you doing? This will just convince people that they actually have chance a winning." NO. That is not the point of this. I know some people will probably be upset that I posted a picture, but the hope is to put into perspective how unacceptable this system is. I, a guy that hardly spent anything on these things and finds the system repulsive, gets this ultra-rare mount when other people can spend literally thousands and still never get it? They should AT LEAST make it so that if you get literally everything else in the store, you get to pick from one of the rare mounts. Reward people for spending entire paychecks on this game's micro-transactions.

Not to be rude, but you need to get outside more often, or at least take a break from the game. Getting anxiety over something beyond your control sounds like a mental health issue.

SirAxen

Congrats OP.

ThePrinceOfBargains

Thestephenmcraeub17_ESO wrote: »

Yeah this is a nice way to make crown crates look more attractive to people. Might want to rethink your protest methods

I think it’s an abstract protest that works. Just... turn your head to the side a little.

skywarnmc27 wrote: »

TheMaster wrote: »

I bought my first four con crates of the season tonight. As in paid actual money for the things that I hate most in this game besides guild traders. I'm sitting here, completely ashamed of myself, thinking "there's no way I'm going to get that damn Plague Husk Horse. I'm just wasting money, like these other guys to a much less extreme degree. Never mind the extremely low odds, there's also the fact that even if I hit the jackpot, I'll get one of the other two ultra-rare lottery mounts." I then proceed to go into a mini-depression over the fact that i actually paid for these and would probably only get crap.

FIRST crate I opened:


I'm sitting here in almost literal shock, mouth open and everything. I'd have taken a picture of the card itself if I wasn't in such disbelief. Now I know what you're thinking, "But Master, what are you doing? This will just convince people that they actually have chance a winning." NO. That is not the point of this. I know some people will probably be upset that I posted a picture, but the hope is to put into perspective how unacceptable this system is. I, a guy that hardly spent anything on these things and finds the system repulsive, gets this ultra-rare mount when other people can spend literally thousands and still never get it? They should AT LEAST make it so that if you get literally everything else in the store, you get to pick from one of the rare mounts. Reward people for spending entire paychecks on this game's micro-transactions.

Not to be rude, but you need to get outside more often, or at least take a break from the game. Getting anxiety over something beyond your control sounds like a mental health issue.

I mean... that’s actually pretty normal. And the whole point was that I could control myself and chose not to. That was my issue.

Jake1576

Lucky lol

THWIP71

Loot crates = slot machines. What you're suggesting would be the equivalent of a casino owner rewarding someone who sunk dozens of hours and thousands of $$ the "Jackpot", as a courtesy. While that sounds great, from our perspective, from ZOS's , it makes zero sense (ironically, much like everything else they do), from a business perspective.

chaserstorm16909

I wouldn't be surprised if you got the mount because these were the first crates you bought. We really don't know how the rng in these things really work. Maybe since you were a new buyer, you had increased odds of getting the mount to convince you to buy more in the future. Just a thought.

ThePrinceOfBargains

THWIP71 wrote: »

Loot crates = slot machines. What you're suggesting would be the equivalent of a casino owner rewarding someone who sunk dozens of hours and thousands of $$ the "Jackpot", as a courtesy. While that sounds great, from our perspective, from ZOS's , it makes zero sense (ironically, much like everything else they do), from a business perspective.

But they’re not a casino. They shouldn’t be exploiting their most loyal players like they do with this system. Only someone that really loves this game will spend thousands on something so dumb. It wouldn’t kill their business to have a little courtesy for those dedicated players.

DaveMoeDee

I'd say congrats if it wasn't so darn ugly.

DaveMoeDee

chaserstorm16909 wrote: »

I wouldn't be surprised if you got the mount because these were the first crates you bought. We really don't know how the rng in these things really work. Maybe since you were a new buyer, you had increased odds of getting the mount to convince you to buy more in the future. Just a thought.

This is not the reason why you should not be surprised.

anitajoneb17_ESO

TheMaster wrote: »

Only someone that really loves this game will spend thousands on something so dumb.

I beg to differ. Liking the game is NOT related to spending on crown crates. Crown crates spending behaviour, especially the excessive behaviours you are referring to, is triggered by totally different "mechanics" than the game design itself and the enjoyment we get from it. I - like many people - love the game and I don't buy crates. A lot of people complain about ZOS, the game, crates, the price of crowns, the price of crates, the universe and everything else, and buy crates. And of course, many people love the game and buy crates. Or dislike the game and do not buy crates.

TheMaster wrote: »

But they’re not a casino.

And ... ?
A company is entitled to making money with any product or service they see fit. Fashion companies make perfumes, cosmetics companies make shampoos, etc. Video game companies make movies, plush guars, and gambling boxes.
The ultimate decision of a product or service being "ok" or "not ok", "welcome" or "not welcome", belongs to the customers. You bought crates. You expressed your agreement. You voted with your wallet. Which, by the way, is perfectly fine. There's nothing wrong with spending reasonable amounts of money on some fun stuff you enjoy.
What makes less sense is your attitude of being ashamed of it and of trying to twist your good luck into a proof that the system is unfair... ??? Relax and enjoy your green horse, that's all there is to it, really.

chaserstorm16909 wrote: »

I wouldn't be surprised if you got the mount because these were the first crates you bought. We really don't know how the rng in these things really work. Maybe since you were a new buyer, you had increased odds of getting the mount to convince you to buy more in the future. Just a thought.

This very idea crossed my mind when I got the same green horse in my very first free crate.
Nothing tells us that crown crate RNG is "true" RNG. They can use whatever algorithm they see fit to optimize our desire to buy crates... depending on our general spending behaviour in the crown store. They have all the data they need to do that.
And I wouldn't be in the least surprised if they did do that.
At least, a casino's RNG or a lottery's RNG are true RNGs. Crown crates ? Could just as well not be..

Shadzilla

Calling bs, sounds like a setup by ZOS. They probably gave this dude the mount to make this thread. More plebs herd towards the clown store!!!

Malic

Who says gambling doesnt pay?

phairdon

Be a true friend and donate the mount to me.

FloppyTouch

I spent a lot of money last season trying for the rare mount I have not spent a penny this season bc of these rare mounts(I did use the gems to buy mounts motifs)

That aside I'm not upset at all you got it. I'm happy you got a cool mount that not many people will have and a ton want it. I like rare things being in a game but I also like a chance to be able to get them.

I hope they stop this practice of hiding mounts or in the future add a way to buy these mounts somehow with gems or crowns.

Enjoy ur mount you won the lottery!

KingMagaw

Sounds like a ZoS plant advertising Clown crates for sure

FloppyTouch

anitajoneb17_ESO wrote: »

TheMaster wrote: »

Only someone that really loves this game will spend thousands on something so dumb.

I beg to differ. Liking the game is NOT related to spending on crown crates. Crown crates spending behaviour, especially the excessive behaviours you are referring to, is triggered by totally different "mechanics" than the game design itself and the enjoyment we get from it. I - like many people - love the game and I don't buy crates. A lot of people complain about ZOS, the game, crates, the price of crowns, the price of crates, the universe and everything else, and buy crates. And of course, many people love the game and buy crates. Or dislike the game and do not buy crates.

TheMaster wrote: »

But they’re not a casino.

And ... ?
A company is entitled to making money with any product or service they see fit. Fashion companies make perfumes, cosmetics companies make shampoos, etc. Video game companies make movies, plush guars, and gambling boxes.
The ultimate decision of a product or service being "ok" or "not ok", "welcome" or "not welcome", belongs to the customers. You bought crates. You expressed your agreement. You voted with your wallet. Which, by the way, is perfectly fine. There's nothing wrong with spending reasonable amounts of money on some fun stuff you enjoy.
What makes less sense is your attitude of being ashamed of it and of trying to twist your good luck into a proof that the system is unfair... ??? Relax and enjoy your green horse, that's all there is to it, really.

chaserstorm16909 wrote: »

I wouldn't be surprised if you got the mount because these were the first crates you bought. We really don't know how the rng in these things really work. Maybe since you were a new buyer, you had increased odds of getting the mount to convince you to buy more in the future. Just a thought.

This very idea crossed my mind when I got the same green horse in my very first free crate.
Nothing tells us that crown crate RNG is "true" RNG. They can use whatever algorithm they see fit to optimize our desire to buy crates... depending on our general spending behaviour in the crown store. They have all the data they need to do that.
And I wouldn't be in the least surprised if they did do that.
At least, a casino's RNG or a lottery's RNG are true RNGs. Crown crates ? Could just as well not be..

I had this very same thought the first season they did this and gave away the free crates. Almost everyone I ran into that got the rare hidden mounts got them on there first try with the ones they gave away. Now with this season it's the same, I pm the people that I see in game with the mount and ask how they got it 9/10 times it was the 1st one they opened.

Im no tin hat man but I think ZoS is up to some very shady business practices.

Narvuntien

I got a Skeleton Wolf mount in one of my three free crates from the event.

Betsararie

FloppyTouch wrote: »

anitajoneb17_ESO wrote: »

TheMaster wrote: »

Only someone that really loves this game will spend thousands on something so dumb.

I beg to differ. Liking the game is NOT related to spending on crown crates. Crown crates spending behaviour, especially the excessive behaviours you are referring to, is triggered by totally different "mechanics" than the game design itself and the enjoyment we get from it. I - like many people - love the game and I don't buy crates. A lot of people complain about ZOS, the game, crates, the price of crowns, the price of crates, the universe and everything else, and buy crates. And of course, many people love the game and buy crates. Or dislike the game and do not buy crates.

TheMaster wrote: »

But they’re not a casino.

And ... ?
A company is entitled to making money with any product or service they see fit. Fashion companies make perfumes, cosmetics companies make shampoos, etc. Video game companies make movies, plush guars, and gambling boxes.
The ultimate decision of a product or service being "ok" or "not ok", "welcome" or "not welcome", belongs to the customers. You bought crates. You expressed your agreement. You voted with your wallet. Which, by the way, is perfectly fine. There's nothing wrong with spending reasonable amounts of money on some fun stuff you enjoy.
What makes less sense is your attitude of being ashamed of it and of trying to twist your good luck into a proof that the system is unfair... ??? Relax and enjoy your green horse, that's all there is to it, really.

chaserstorm16909 wrote: »

I wouldn't be surprised if you got the mount because these were the first crates you bought. We really don't know how the rng in these things really work. Maybe since you were a new buyer, you had increased odds of getting the mount to convince you to buy more in the future. Just a thought.

This very idea crossed my mind when I got the same green horse in my very first free crate.
Nothing tells us that crown crate RNG is "true" RNG. They can use whatever algorithm they see fit to optimize our desire to buy crates... depending on our general spending behaviour in the crown store. They have all the data they need to do that.
And I wouldn't be in the least surprised if they did do that.
At least, a casino's RNG or a lottery's RNG are true RNGs. Crown crates ? Could just as well not be..

I had this very same thought the first season they did this and gave away the free crates. Almost everyone I ran into that got the rare hidden mounts got them on there first try with the ones they gave away. Now with this season it's the same, I pm the people that I see in game with the mount and ask how they got it 9/10 times it was the 1st one they opened.

Im no tin hat man but I think ZoS is up to some very shady business practices.

I'd have to agree. There's no way so many people are getting apex mounts and even the ultra apex ones on the first try. The odds don't match up.

Safe to say the odds are weighted for certain people and it's rigged against anyone who is a bigger spender so they never get it.

Very typical for ZOS I wish this weren't legal

anitajoneb17_ESO

FloppyTouch wrote: »

I had this very same thought the first season they did this and gave away the free crates. Almost everyone I ran into that got the rare hidden mounts got them on there first try with the ones they gave away. Now with this season it's the same, I pm the people that I see in game with the mount and ask how they got it 9/10 times it was the 1st one they opened.

There could be a bias in this, though.
Depending on country and culture, gambling has a different image, and in many countries it is frowned upon. On these forums, different (often quite extreme) opinions are expressed regarding crown crates. Some people could have bought crates, got something from them, show it in the game, but pretend they got the stuff in their free crates. Look at the mixed feelings in OP's post, between shame and joy. In his situation, many people would have shut up and pretended to have had the horse from the free crates.
Not saying that everyone does that or lies (I don't, I really got the horse from the free crates), but surely a significant percentage of "winners" do lie. So beware the bias here.
I even think that's one of the many reasons ZOS gives us some crates for free : so that people can show their nice stuff in the game without having to admit they spent actual money (and sometimes a lot of it...) on crates.

KRBC

Cool horse think I'll buy a million crates now so I can get one myself

ThePrinceOfBargains

anitajoneb17_ESO wrote: »

TheMaster wrote: »

But they’re not a casino.

And ... ?

“They shouldn’t be exploiting their most loyal players like they do with this system” - The Master, in the sentence immediately after the one you quoted. Being a business /= exploiting your customers and treating them like pay pigs. It is possible to run a highly successful business without doing this. I’m sick of gamers reciting the “it’s a business” excuse for these producers/developers. My personal good fortune doesn’t change the fact that this is a horrible system. In hindsight, this topic was a terrible idea to get the point across and I can’t believe I didn’t talk myself out of doing it. I’m not twisting anything. Just because I won doesn’t mean I should act like this system is okay or has ever been okay.

Sevn

Call me a conspiracy theorists but I do believe it to be a marketing ploy. When they put special mounts in that can't be bought with gems I was totally done with the crates, after buying no less than 3 15 packs every season.

Low and behold upon opening up one of the free crates I got the frost mount on on one account, and another skeleton senche mount on another. Still not buying anymore crates until they reverse such an anti-consumer tactic of hiding mounts unobtainable other than pure rng.

Linaleah

THWIP71 wrote: »

Loot crates = slot machines. What you're suggesting would be the equivalent of a casino owner rewarding someone who sunk dozens of hours and thousands of $$ the "Jackpot", as a courtesy. While that sounds great, from our perspective, from ZOS's , it makes zero sense (ironically, much like everything else they do), from a business perspective.

no, they are not actualy. you are guaranteed exactly zero return from slot machines. you can put in a ton of money and get exactly zero back. not even a penny. loot crates are booster packs. like magic the gathering, or whatever card game you can think of, like baseball cards, heck like hearthstone, up to and including the mechanic that allows you to disintegrate unwanted drops in order to get what you actualy want. eventually. you are guaranteed to get something out of the crates each and every time. yes, it can be cheap filler. but its NOT zero, its NOT nothing.

what does suck about them is existence of items that cannot be bought with gems, a recent addition and IMO something they must stop doing with future packs, going back to original system of every item being purchasable with gems.

but... if you decide that you want this one specific thing from them, a thing that is not guaranteed in any way shape or form - like a particularly rare card? and then you don't get it? you need to adjust your expectations.