Will Senche Leopard ever be available again? If not, why limit items to "now or never"

KryptonianJedi · April 2015

Okay, so I missed out on the leopard which I'm kind of bummed about. I made the mistake of reading a post from a game-related website that said the leopard would be "available through April 20th". I took this to mean it would still be available today (until midnight or so, which would be through Monday). Granted I should have probably not relied on an announcement from another site and researched it a bit more, but it is what it is.

So, I'm wondering what 'limited time' means in this instance and if this item will ever be available again?

This got me thinking, why do items have to be for a 'limited time, then never again' -- who does that really benefit? A few players who have an 'I gotta feel more special than others' type of mentality? Or is it the devs? And do they believe that it is really beneficial in having the item available only temporarily?

In addition, I am a student (recently went back to school) and school is expensive, so often times I have limited funds available to spend on games and in-game items. So I may not always have the extra cash available at the time a limited item is released.

Furthermore, as someone that owned an Internet Cafe / Lan Center for a few years, I can attest to the fact that the majority of gamers are not overly wealthy individuals and many of them don't always have extra cash lying around all the time.

So wouldn't it be beneficial to not have items that are only available once?

I'm really hoping that this items is a 'limited time for now' type of thing and will in fact be available again some time in the future.

I can understand the devs having something available for a limited time as long as it's an annual thing or something to that effect, but not limited and then never again type of thing....as that just sucks IMHO!

snackrat · April 2015

They've said in Developer Discussion that it probably will come back again, but not when.
Probably a year.

Gidorick · April 2015

You didn't see the in-game system message?

But to answer your question they said they MIGHT offer it again, but no guarantees. That's how it is with these things!

c.p.garrett1993_ESO · April 2015

I'm sure they will release a re-skin of it down the road.

KryptonianJedi · April 2015

snackrat wrote: »

They've said in Developer Discussion that it probably will come back again, but not when.
Probably a year.

Thanks Snackrat! I really hope it does come back.

Yeah, doesn't make much sense to have the artists waste all that effort on a mount that will only be available 'once and done' anyhow.

vanillexhope · April 2015

KryptonianJedi wrote: »

This got me thinking, why do items have to be for a 'limited time, then never again' -- who does that really benefit?

The company. Offering something for a limited time will ensure extra sales from those who either want the prestige of owning the item, collect items for fun, or are afraid they might regret not getting it later.

KryptonianJedi · April 2015

Gidorick wrote: »

You didn't see the in-game system message?

But to answer your question they said they MIGHT offer it again, but no guarantees. That's how it is with these things!

Unfortunately I'm so busy with work and school that I don't have much time to play these days. I logged in briefly over the weekend, but didn't see the message. I was only on for a minute or two, so perhaps that wasn't long enough to see the in-game message.

Haqikah · April 2015

The senche leopard might come back in the crown store; but it is unknown when. I expect that the exactly colored one will be away for a while, but that another colored one will appear in the shop somewhere this year; as I do not see any reason why ZoS should not do that.

For the 'why making the leopard temporary available?' my guesses are two fold (to increase the chance at least one is true;):

Many players (myself included) gained quite a hoard of crowns due to being subscripted for a long while; the leopard was a means to make us spend a lot of crowns
Temporary availability increases the desirability of the item for impulse buyers as one must decide quickly in order to obtain it. Also it makes the item (at least in the view of some) more desirable as it will be 'not-common' and thus makes you stand out in the crowd

Pappa · April 2015

Nothing that was once exclusive has remained exclusive, it will come on the crown store again once they have cycled through the current Senche reskins, and if you wait 12 - 18 months, I'm sure the Loyalty Senche Tiger will be on the crown store for an inflated price too.
I wouldn't worry too much, there at least 3 more reskins coming.

vanillexhope · April 2015

I am a little puzzled by this post. On one hand, I can see how not offering these things would make those who can't afford them feel better. On the other hand, this is a business. It's designed to generate income. Especially now that is is b2p. As a previous business owner, I would think you would understand this concept well. The item store items are vanity and convenience items. No one is obligated to purchase them. It's just an extra way for ZOS to generate income.

Perhaps like selling snacks at an internet cafe? Some folks can't afford snacks. But why not make them available for those who can and make a few extra bucks?

Unless your concern is simply the limited time offer. Perhaps it would be like offering a limited time deal at the internet cafe. Some folks might be sad they missed it because they didn't have the funds at the time. But it shouldn't keep an owner from doing it.

Sylvyr · April 2015

Gidorick wrote: »

You didn't see the in-game system message?

But to answer your question they said they MIGHT offer it again, but no guarantees. That's how it is with these things!

Correction: That's how it is with ZoS.

I'm sure it will be less than a year, because they are such a hot item all the people that didn't get them and are jelly are ripe for the cash in. If another mount becomes hot they won't want the leopard they will want the new hot mount.

c0rp · April 2015

Theres a "clouded" senche leopard coming soon and it looks better anyway.

WarrioroftheWind_ESO · April 2015

if you've played any other f2p or b2p games these things depend on sales. For example LOTRO occasionally have their 'lifetime sub' for sale once every couple years or so, same with the "Gift of the Valar" that grants instant lvl 50 for new characters. These are usually in limited times over the span of one to two days. the frequency of availability depends on popularity.

Another example I can give you is a fast food chain. Say they offer a special ingredient burger 'for a limited time' then state 'get it before its gone for good" well if its a hit then they'll 'bring it back by popular demand", and then perhaps make it a regular part of their menu. If you missed out now, tough cookies. If you're patient, just save your crowns.

c.p.garrett1993_ESO · April 2015

vanillexhope wrote: »

I am a little puzzled by this post. On one hand, I can see how not offering these things would make those who can't afford them feel better. On the other hand, this is a business. It's designed to generate income. Especially now that is is b2p. As a previous business owner, I would think you would understand this concept well. The item store items are vanity and convenience items. No one is obligated to purchase them. It's just an extra way for ZOS to generate income.

Perhaps like selling snacks at an internet cafe? Some folks can't afford snacks. But why not make them available for those who can and make a few extra bucks?

Unless your concern is simply the limited time offer. Perhaps it would be like offering a limited time deal at the internet cafe. Some folks might be sad they missed it because they didn't have the funds at the time. But it shouldn't keep an owner from doing it.

Many gamers are completionists who want everything they possibly can get, even if they don't need it or won't use it.

Naivefanboi · April 2015

c.p.garrett1993_ESO wrote: »

vanillexhope wrote: »

I am a little puzzled by this post. On one hand, I can see how not offering these things would make those who can't afford them feel better. On the other hand, this is a business. It's designed to generate income. Especially now that is is b2p. As a previous business owner, I would think you would understand this concept well. The item store items are vanity and convenience items. No one is obligated to purchase them. It's just an extra way for ZOS to generate income.

Perhaps like selling snacks at an internet cafe? Some folks can't afford snacks. But why not make them available for those who can and make a few extra bucks?

Unless your concern is simply the limited time offer. Perhaps it would be like offering a limited time deal at the internet cafe. Some folks might be sad they missed it because they didn't have the funds at the time. But it shouldn't keep an owner from doing it.

Many gamers are completionists who want everything they possibly can get, even if they don't need it or won't use it.

Yea until the completionisim starts rewarding poor service.
I wouldnt want a senche tiger, id be embarrassed to ride one. Its like a big neon sign saying, games perfect last 9months was worth every penny!
Lol no thanks.
100$ collectors edition and 6minths of subs was enough good faith from me.

Pappa · April 2015

Naivefanboi wrote: »

c.p.garrett1993_ESO wrote: »

vanillexhope wrote: »

I am a little puzzled by this post. On one hand, I can see how not offering these things would make those who can't afford them feel better. On the other hand, this is a business. It's designed to generate income. Especially now that is is b2p. As a previous business owner, I would think you would understand this concept well. The item store items are vanity and convenience items. No one is obligated to purchase them. It's just an extra way for ZOS to generate income.

Perhaps like selling snacks at an internet cafe? Some folks can't afford snacks. But why not make them available for those who can and make a few extra bucks?

Unless your concern is simply the limited time offer. Perhaps it would be like offering a limited time deal at the internet cafe. Some folks might be sad they missed it because they didn't have the funds at the time. But it shouldn't keep an owner from doing it.

Many gamers are completionists who want everything they possibly can get, even if they don't need it or won't use it.

Yea until the completionisim starts rewarding poor service.
I wouldnt want a senche tiger, id be embarrassed to ride one. Its like a big neon sign saying, games perfect last 9months was worth every penny!
Lol no thanks.
100$ collectors edition and 6minths of subs was enough good faith from me.

Don't forget those gamers who also left the game after a couple of months to come back recently buying as many timecards as needed to ensure they also got the "loyalty" Senche

Gidorick · April 2015

KryptonianJedi wrote: »

Gidorick wrote: »

You didn't see the in-game system message?

But to answer your question they said they MIGHT offer it again, but no guarantees. That's how it is with these things!

Unfortunately I'm so busy with work and school that I don't have much time to play these days. I logged in briefly over the weekend, but didn't see the message. I was only on for a minute or two, so perhaps that wasn't long enough to see the in-game message.

Ahh! Highlighting why we need a MOBILE APP!!!!

Naivefanboi · April 2015

Pappa wrote: »

Naivefanboi wrote: »

c.p.garrett1993_ESO wrote: »

vanillexhope wrote: »

I am a little puzzled by this post. On one hand, I can see how not offering these things would make those who can't afford them feel better. On the other hand, this is a business. It's designed to generate income. Especially now that is is b2p. As a previous business owner, I would think you would understand this concept well. The item store items are vanity and convenience items. No one is obligated to purchase them. It's just an extra way for ZOS to generate income.

Perhaps like selling snacks at an internet cafe? Some folks can't afford snacks. But why not make them available for those who can and make a few extra bucks?

Unless your concern is simply the limited time offer. Perhaps it would be like offering a limited time deal at the internet cafe. Some folks might be sad they missed it because they didn't have the funds at the time. But it shouldn't keep an owner from doing it.

Many gamers are completionists who want everything they possibly can get, even if they don't need it or won't use it.

Yea until the completionisim starts rewarding poor service.
I wouldnt want a senche tiger, id be embarrassed to ride one. Its like a big neon sign saying, games perfect last 9months was worth every penny!
Lol no thanks.
100$ collectors edition and 6minths of subs was enough good faith from me.

Don't forget those gamers who also left the game after a couple of months to come back recently buying as many timecards as needed to ensure they also got the "loyalty" Senche

Yea could have easily done that if i wanted lol, no thanks

winterscrolls229prerb18_ESO · April 2015

... Did they even sell that many? Yes i bought one, and i did see once at least another 2 more on the screen at one time.. but that was it.

Compared to when wow first released the blue sparkle pony, all you could see for miles, hundreds in every direction, was everyone and their new sparkling pony.

Will be interesting to see if Zenimax will start to stretch the bounds of the lore to make them more attractive cash shop purchases.. I personally think they should.

gotgk · April 2015

Haqikah wrote: »

The senche leopard might come back in the crown store; but it is unknown when. I expect that the exactly colored one will be away for a while, but that another colored one will appear in the shop somewhere this year; as I do not see any reason why ZoS should not do that.

For the 'why making the leopard temporary available?' my guesses are two fold (to increase the chance at least one is true;):
Many players (myself included) gained quite a hoard of crowns due to being subscripted for a long while; the leopard was a means to make us spend a lot of crowns

Temporary availability increases the desirability of the item for impulse buyers as one must decide quickly in order to obtain it. Also it makes the item (at least in the view of some) more desirable as it will be 'not-common' and thus makes you stand out in the crowd

That's pretty much it. There were selling the social contract more than anything. Or selling the illusion of affluence as it were.

It's your basic lack of ethics in economics, to wit: artificial inflation of a commodity's scarcity but especially when the resource in question costs zero dollars to reproduce after the initial creation.

Nothing terribly sinister here, however; at least in the states, a passive lack of ethics in economics is expected by the consumer.

Dixa · April 2015

for an answer to this, google 'free to play and impulse buying' for an intriguing article on why companies ultimately make more money from free to play games, and why those free to play games constantly bombard you with ads.

hint: it has to do with free will, and the illusion you are immune to manipulation.

Knootewoot · April 2015

The Senche leopard mount is nothing more then lazy design for quick cash.

It costs $20 and all they had to do was create a new skin. they just took a picture of one of their grandma's curtains and wrapped it around the tiger. Then they sell the mount (which is around 0.00001% of the game) for the same price of the entire game.

the motifs are even worse. It is already in the game which you can buy for $20. but they sell that 0.00001% for $50.

Don't give in to these cash grabs. So it is limited. who cares. Nobody will know you for "that guy that rode the leopard" in a few years anyway. Especially you don't even own the leopard, you rent it.

asteldian · April 2015

The mount will be back. Limited time is just a quick cash influx. Eventually it will be permenant crown store fodder after a few more limited time only appearances.

Troneon · April 2015

Of course it will be back, this is how cash shops work....

Every single game in history says "exclusive" or "limited" or "for this week only"....

Only for the same item to be back a few months later....

It's just BS marketing talk.

Tabbycat · April 2015

I wouldn't worry about it. If you missed out on the leopard, there will probably be another color variety available at some point.

Haxnschwammer · April 2015

Of course it will be back. That it was a limited perod of time has nothing to do with a lot of
long time subbers with plenty of crowns who won't sub any longer. Those 1-year (2*6months)subs will end
in a week or two. So ZO$ gave them a toy to spend those unsused crowns before they leave the game.
I don't know how many will really leave and don't come back. But if they come back again and there
will be finally some DLC worthy to spend money on they will have to buy them with real money.

Of curse the leopard mount they will sell in a future version will be completely different like the adventure pack is
not the explorer pack. Or the beta monkey is not the store monkey. Or the store horses are not the horses in game.
The will have a different color, or a different saddle, or a different eye color, so totaly different. Exclusive to say.

Has anyone seen my tinfoil hat?

olsborg · April 2015

I want the black senche.

bertenburnyb16_ESO · April 2015

cash grab, thats what it has come down to

Jbugz97 · April 2015

i bought the senche know what im wondering is would i have some type of access to it when i switch to console

Zershar_Vemod · April 2015

"Buy Now!," "Limited Time Offer!," etc. strategies to get people to buy items they normally wouldn't get.

It's basic marketing.

KryptonianJedi · April 2015

vanillexhope wrote: »

I am a little puzzled by this post. On one hand, I can see how not offering these things would make those who can't afford them feel better. On the other hand, this is a business. It's designed to generate income. Especially now that is is b2p. As a previous business owner, I would think you would understand this concept well. The item store items are vanity and convenience items. No one is obligated to purchase them. It's just an extra way for ZOS to generate income.

Perhaps like selling snacks at an internet cafe? Some folks can't afford snacks. But why not make them available for those who can and make a few extra bucks?

Unless your concern is simply the limited time offer. Perhaps it would be like offering a limited time deal at the internet cafe. Some folks might be sad they missed it because they didn't have the funds at the time. But it shouldn't keep an owner from doing it.

Don't get why you posted once, then felt the need to repost that you were puzzled? That puzzles me. :P

I completely understand why they would offer items for a limited time, which I stated in my opening post. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough, but the issue I have is with offering an item up only once, then never again. As a small business owner, I would be thinking about the wasted effort by the artist to have them design/create an asset only to be sold for a limited time, once only. Seems like a waste of an asset that can be used to make you money again in the future.

I'd be willing to wager that if you had two items, one sold for a limited time and one that was released annually or every so often, the latter would make you far more money than the former.