NO MORE 6 MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS?!? Buy to Play is on its way!

Kaide · December 2014

TequilaFire wrote: »

Yep all the employees at ZOS voted to work free so you must be right!
/sarcasm

Are you saying Buy 2 Play models for MMORPG's are not successful and those companies do not pay their employees?

Kaide · December 2014

xarguideb17_ESO wrote: »

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

xarguideb17_ESO wrote: »

Those people are super pissed now because they have to automatically pay at least 2 times more often.

@xarguideb17_ESO‌ , yes...half as much??

Checkbook balancing that hard for people?

That was sarcasm anyway. I'm saying, who cares about the 6 month sub. That's why they removed it, people didn't use it. If you want to pay less, then buy 60-day game time codes.
I don't think they'll change payment model.

Yea bro totally...like their business model doesnt need 6 month subs...like totally bro....what business would want to get paid 6 months in advance???? NO ONE BRO! Like business's dont want to be paid 6 months in advance....these people dont have a clue whats going on man. Like only you and i know how to run a real business bro. Pay us monthly or go home...we dont want your cash in advance....no successful company takes money in advance...thats just dumb...like totally

Oh wait bro...like what if....there was a legal reason for them not doing 6 month subs anymore...like what if they cant do that since theyre going B2P....nah man....listen to me i sound like a crazy conspiracy theorists man...you are totally right bro

kolkedieb17_ESO · December 2014

WhiskyBob wrote: »

Next eso live question then:

Zenimax, do you intend to make ESO F2P? And why should we believe any answer you are going to give?

OFC they wont say yes, even if they will do that. There was another MMO, who said one month before F2P, that they wont go F2P and they did LMAO.

Sharee · December 2014

Whether a game has a 6 month subscription option or not has nothing to do with whether the game is going F2P or not.

Just look at SWTOR: it has gone the F2P route yet it is still offering a 6 month subscription.

guybrushtb16_ESO · December 2014

RainfeatherUK wrote: »

The majority complaint I see from people is always the lack of tansparency. Ironically, with all the past repeats and blunders of the genre/industry throughout the years we dont really need it anymore.

I for one tend to think that transparency is hugely overvalued. People cry for it all the time, but they just can't handle it at all, because they are so used to being lied to by everyone else. In business, plans change all the time, but relay that to the internet crowd and you will see "slap in the face" and "how we were being lied to by zeni" threads spring up like mushrooms.

It's the age of the [snip], anyone in business has to lie to the customer, you either accept it or ignore it, but you won't change it.

[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Cursing & Profanity]

Kyotee0071 · December 2014

Man talk about the sky is falling. Free to Play is not the end all if they still offer a sub option, like Star Wars The Old Republic does.

Yes you can go FTP and play the game (SWTOR), and yes those free to play players can spend money to unlock things that come free with subscriptions. But most folks that actually enjoy the game sub to it for all the perks and unlocks, even if they start out as a FTP player at first.

If Zenimax offers a cash store -as long as things offered in the "Zos Store" are cosmetic only, with no effect on actual performance in game, I can live with it.

I'm not saying this game is heading to Free to Play, though I actually predicted back in about May that it would be by Christmas. I failed on that one. That was when bots where running everywhere, hacks galore, gold spammers galore, and innocent folks getting caught up in ban hammers.

All of those issue seem to be under control now, if not completely gone from the game do to ZoS's hard work, and player's staying on top with complaints and reports.

-We have dragon star arena
-We have dyes
-They've been working to buff stamina abilities to be on par with magicka so everyone doesn't have to be in a dress with a stick to compete
-They've been working on balancing vampire and werewolf
-They are adding the champion system
-They are adding the justice system
-They are working on combat animations

-They will be adding a thieves guild
-They will be adding poisons
-And I'm sure they are working on many things that don't have a clue about

This game is still young for a MMORPG. So far, I think they are doing a decent job. This coming from someone that quit 2x since launch do to problems I mentioned earlier in this post. I missed a few months and just returned. I'm liking the game again. And personally, I think the future looks pretty bright for this game.

What ZoS needs is a bit of actual advertisement. The number of Elder Scrolls fans out there are numerous, and many probably have no clue there is an actual MMORPG to be played (Older gamers like myself).

One final note. FTP with sub option can breath fresh life into a game. It's not the end of the world. As long as FTP has limited options, and convinces them to actually sub to unlock the good stuff if they enjoy the game.

RSram · December 2014

They most likely stopped the 6 month subs to make more money. You get a better discount from the six month sub than from the 90 day sub.

nerevarine1138 · December 2014

"[X] happened! Free-to-play is coming! The end is nigh!"

If this sounds familiar, it's because it's been posted on these forums hundreds of times. It's been wrong every single time. So I'm going to take your maxim about history repeating itself and apply it here: you're wrong.

Ziz · December 2014

Interesting theory

Koensol · December 2014

Sharee wrote: »

Whether a game has a 6 month subscription option or not has nothing to do with whether the game is going F2P or not.

Just look at SWTOR: it has gone the F2P route yet it is still offering a 6 month subscription.

Yes it does. Why would they remove an OPTION of getting money from people? There's almost no benefit for ZOS you can think of. The most logical thing to think is that because it disappeared, the game will not offer a subscription somewhere between 3-6 months. For whatever reason that may be. Their argument of "it wasn't popular" is total bs since that has always been in any mmo ever.

The only other option I can think of is ZOS trying to save a little bit of money by removing the 6 month option, including the discount.

Xexpo · December 2014

I'll just add my LOL to the pile

EDIT:

driosketch · December 2014

WhiskyBob wrote: »

Again this?
The amount of posts regarding Sub-Gate is mind-boggling.

Last thread was F2P. This one is speculating B2P. That's progress.

SIN-X · December 2014

Truth is op seems to be correct....Fact is they did take away 6 month subs for no reason at all. Because its not a well used option although probably true would not warrant the removal of it. The only reason they would have to IS legal liability. With the eso 2.0 comment made by eso and the consoles coming out within next 3-5 months plus the fees for ps and xbox live id say op is right on. They seemed to have used us to pay the to beta test a console game and the joke is on us. We could ask them but then they have not been deceptive more than one time and with the steam prices so low right now I wouldn't trust them to tell the truth. Guess we just play it until f2p then find a game that is subs or f2p but worth it which this game would def not be worth wallet dropping in a cash store.

Stealthbr · December 2014

Well, if 3 months from now ZeniMax Online also removes the 3 month sub plan, then you fellas might be on to something here hehehe.

TheBull · December 2014

ESO is like the second highest grossing mmorpg in the world, behind only wow (maple story too but w/e). They made 111 million the first 6 months (super data) why in the world would they say "you guys can now play for free!" That's just ***.

bosmern_ESO · December 2014

I bought the Imperial edition for $80 too, doesn't mean we should get privilege over others, you choose to buy it for that much and no where did it say "You will be more respected by ZoS"

On another note, why would you even do 6 month? Just pay monthly like the rest of us.

KBKB · December 2014

bosmern_ESO wrote: »

I bought the Imperial edition for $80 too, doesn't mean we should get privilege over others, you choose to buy it for that much and no where did it say "You will be more respected by ZoS"

On another note, why would you even do 6 month? Just pay monthly like the rest of us.

dat $2/month saving which over 9 months equates to a six pack

But really it was for loyal customers who were in it for the long haul and they have been slapped int he face much like anyone who leveled to V14 when the champ system hits...

Ourorboros · December 2014

First, there are multiple threads on this topic (too many, use the Search function). So many that ZOS is closing and consolidating the threads.

Second, the last point indicates moderators, at least, are fully aware of community concerns over this issue. Yet, the only response is a pretty thin excuse of 'it's not popular'. I've seen a number of posts from those who use the 6 month option, me included, and forum posters are a very small fraction of total user base. I think that excuse is a red herring, meant to calm nerves, but hide the truth.

Third, the absence of any other clarification from ZOS, especially on an issue generating this kind of player response, is not a good thing. I worked as a corporate manager, and the lack of communication is exactly the behavior indicating there is news that is not being released because it will not make people happy.

ZOS knows we are concerned about this, and their silence is a pretty good indication of news they believe will drive away players is not being released. I can understand that business decision, but as a player, I want to hear the truth. I'm subbed until May, anyway, so I'll play at least that long regardless of what they do.

Kaide · December 2014

SIN-X wrote: »

Truth is op seems to be correct....Fact is they did take away 6 month subs for no reason at all. Because its not a well used option although probably true would not warrant the removal of it. The only reason they would have to IS legal liability. With the eso 2.0 comment made by eso and the consoles coming out within next 3-5 months plus the fees for ps and xbox live id say op is right on. They seemed to have used us to pay the to beta test a console game and the joke is on us. We could ask them but then they have not been deceptive more than one time and with the steam prices so low right now I wouldn't trust them to tell the truth. Guess we just play it until f2p then find a game that is subs or f2p but worth it which this game would def not be worth wallet dropping in a cash store.

You sir have restored my faith in humanity. Hopefully you will have many children to spread your wealth of knowledge to....and may those children rule over everyone else's children.

Valencer · December 2014

Soooo, F2P/B2P in 6 months or less? We'll see soon enough. I'm sure you realize that these doomsday threads have been here since March though.

RainfeatherUK · December 2014

Valencer wrote: »

Soooo, F2P/B2P in 6 months or less? We'll see soon enough. I'm sure you realize that these doomsday threads have been here since March though.

Well to be fair on that front; it does take a long time to prepare your systems for the transition (as well as possibly designing new ones for the same ends.) Who knows maybe the money they've been building up so far is all going on that..

Haha nuuu not trying to add to the rumour mill! Damn you all.

The differences between interpretations on the removal of the 6th month option have actually been quite interesting to watch. Theres credit in both the; 'Past mmo's camp', as well as the 'why now though?' camp. All compunded by the eerie silence.

Overall, it seems like the game is starting to regain subs. Albeit slowly (and most of my evidence on that is word of mouth, although some claim statistical evidence too)

So possibly its as some say - them micromanaging the options for those who might only be returning for a short time; to try/complain about the champion system and then leave again. The future is likely uncertain, as there's a chance the new system might end up being worse. Hopefully not.

Frustratingly - we dont really know. Hence all the threads

Kaide · December 2014

Valencer wrote: »

Soooo, F2P/B2P in 6 months or less? We'll see soon enough. I'm sure you realize that these doomsday threads have been here since March though.

They cancelled 6 month subs in March...???

Now wait der just a second partner...dat don't make no damn sense...

*Starts counting fingers...* "March....April....May...."

Valencer · December 2014

Kaide wrote: »

Valencer wrote: »

Soooo, F2P/B2P in 6 months or less? We'll see soon enough. I'm sure you realize that these doomsday threads have been here since March though.

They cancelled 6 month subs in March...???

Now wait der just a second partner...dat don't make no damn sense...

*Starts counting fingers...* "March....April....May...."

You know what I mean.

Doesn't matter if it's reviews, emptying guilds or a removed 6 month sub option. There's always some kind of supposed evidence being presented.

Iluvrien · December 2014

I wondered if this had anything to do with the console character switch option. After all, if the console version is coming out in 3-5 months (as someone above me posted) then because the server architecture is different and the payment systems are different, doesn't it make sense that they are then shifted across as a fresh sub? Otherwise they might run the risk of having subs on both systems... which wouldn't exactly be popular, I would think.

Anyway, just a thought... it also makes me wonder if we are going to see the same thing happened to the 3 month subs as we get closer to the release date.

Kaide · December 2014

Valencer wrote: »

Kaide wrote: »

Valencer wrote: »

Soooo, F2P/B2P in 6 months or less? We'll see soon enough. I'm sure you realize that these doomsday threads have been here since March though.

They cancelled 6 month subs in March...???

Now wait der just a second partner...dat don't make no damn sense...

*Starts counting fingers...* "March....April....May...."

You know what I mean.

Doesn't matter if it's reviews, emptying guilds or a removed 6 month sub option. There's always some kind of supposed evidence being presented.

It's not "supposed evidence"....when I use the evidence from the official Elder Scrolls Online website.

Kaide · December 2014

Iluvrien wrote: »

I wondered if this had anything to do with the console character switch option. After all, if the console version is coming out in 3-5 months (as someone above me posted) then because the server architecture is different and the payment systems are different, doesn't it make sense that they are then shifted across as a fresh sub? Otherwise they might run the risk of having subs on both systems... which wouldn't exactly be popular, I would think.

Anyway, just a thought... it also makes me wonder if we are going to see the same thing happened to the 3 month subs as we get closer to the release date.

It also looks better to investors if the subs randomly started increasing as opposed to separate subs. I doubt many multi millionaire men in their golden years are paying more attention to the platform the game is played on as opposed to simply just paying attention to the numbers and seeing that the subs increased...WHICH MUST MEN DEM MANAGERS IZ DOIN A GOOD JOB TO TURN THINGS AROUND! *high five*

But honestly I think they will go B2P and not have a subscription. That will allow them to sell more XBOX and Playstation units.

Merlin13KAGL · December 2014

Anyone consider that it's temporarily disabled to make it less of a pain in the *** if people decide to swap over their sub to console versions?

Should be a painless procedure, in theory. Realistically, it may not be that simple.

There are 100 justifiable reasons they could have done this, at least half of which are probably mundane.

Doubt anyone here is psychic, so it's pointless to speculate, and you won't be able to change the outcome regardless.

So what's the point??

eventide03b14a_ESO · December 2014

Clearly the Illuminati is behind it.

Kaide · December 2014

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

Anyone consider that it's temporarily disabled to make it less of a pain in the *** if people decide to swap over their sub to console versions?

Should be a painless procedure, in theory. Realistically, it may not be that simple.

There are 100 justifiable reasons they could have done this, at least half of which are probably mundane.

Doubt anyone here is psychic, so it's pointless to speculate, and you won't be able to change the outcome regardless.

So what's the point??

I've never known a gaming company to give up being paid 6 months in advance so that its less complicated for a SMALL PERCENTAGE of thir customers who "might" switch systems....

I might not be psychic....but I did pass history 101 in school

Elsonso · December 2014

Valencer wrote: »

You know what I mean.

Doesn't matter if it's reviews, emptying guilds or a removed 6 month sub option. There's always some kind of supposed evidence being presented.

Laughing at the "F2P" comments and predictions has been almost a form of entertainment here in the forums for a very long time.

It has been this way long enough that people tend to jump right back into the laughing when it happens.

Sometimes people cry wolf when there is no wolf. Sometimes there is actually something out there in the dark and we can see the glowing eyes in the distance.

Is it wolves? Will they come into the camp? Do we need to be worried?

This is where we are today.

I have no idea whether they are going to go F2P or B2P, or if they are going to try some hybrid *2P-Subscription model. I don't know if there is even a change in the business model hiding behind Door #1. Honestly, if I did know, or even strongly suspected, they were changing plans, I would not be saying it in public here in the ZOS forum.