Question for the Community: What Do You Define as a "Whale" in ESO?

Mercutio · November 2016

I think we're all familiar with the general parlance: a Whale is someone who spends a lot of money on virtual goods in an online game. At least that is my working definition (let me know in the comments if you have another).

I'll disclose that the most I ever spend on ESO is $200/month. By far most months I do not spend that much, usually around $100, but $200 is my allocated budget for this specific game. I may have gone over that amount once I think, by $20.

I do not think that makes me a Whale. Or does it?

Or am I working off a faulty premise? Is a Whale not defined by how much is spent, but by some other factor?

And do you think Whales are good or bad, generally speaking, for a game's health and overall fun?

Would love to hear the communities' thoughts. As always, I hope this finds each of you well and in good cheer.

Enslaved · November 2016

I don't mind whales as long as they don't start gambling.

SantieClaws · November 2016

Well that King of Wrothgar could lose an inch or two around the waist ...

Wait not that kind of whale yes?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

ItsGlaive · November 2016

I'd say the answer is relative. Whales are the top % spenders for any given game, and it will vary game to game depending on monetisation and pricing.

Ozstryker · November 2016

I'm just wondering what u spend $100 a month on, I know ther is a lot of crap in the store but $100 dollars... Really?
I spend what the cost of the sub is, that is enough for me personally!
My definition of whale after reading this is.... Whale = Sucker

Abeille · November 2016

I heard whales are defined as the top 5% spenders on Free-To-Play games.

If that's so, we would have to know how much the top 5% spenders put on ESO to know who is spending enough to be considered a whale.

I certainly am not one, not on that sense at least. I get by with my sub Crowns since things in the Crown Store are released so slowly.

If it is "someone who will get something without caring for the price tag", then I could be considered a whale, because if I really want something in ESO I will pay whatever it costs (direct purchase only, of course). I paid over twice the price of the Guar Plush (it got to over 50 dollars) because of the international shipping, because I wanted that specific Pony Guar pet for my Dunmer.

Jim_Pipp · November 2016

First of all, massive respect for your honesty. I expect people's definitions of a whale will be very much tied to their own circumstances and beliefs about whether a video game should be considered a hobby. My girlfriend got the game on sale a year ago, we play together a few times every week and she only brought crowns once (reluctantly) because she see's it as a game. If only our other hobbies were as cheap! This year I have spent less on the game than you do in a couple of months, so to me you are a whale, but probably not the biggest.

As to whether whales are good for the game. Yes, they always have been great for the game. You have directly supported the development of a game my partner, friends and I love to play. You should be thanked.

BUT, with the coming of the Crown crates there is a real fear that ZOS will focus on getting money from you through increasingly desirable gamble boxes, so they make more money but the game gets less development (improvements and dlc). It may be that whaling does harm the game in the future, but that has yet to be seen.

Eshelmen · November 2016

Make a second tier for ESO Plus called the "whales only" membership club
aka ESO Premier

$200 a month and you get it all!

-8 free Level 50's with fully upgraded mounts and inventory too!
-unlimited storage on all items! (can stack siege gear too!)
-earn +400% xp and gold find every second you're an active ESO Premier member!
-instant research times!
-all past, present and future DLCS unlocked!
-unlimited name, race and cosmetic changes to all your toons!
-10 free ESO crates per day!
-unlimited access to all mounts and pets
-$1,000,000 gold mailed to you every week for each toon you have!

lardvader · November 2016

As far as I know whales are the top spenders but also people who tend to reqruit others to the game as well. So in those terms I would say whales are good.

Enslaved · November 2016

Eshelmen wrote: »

Make a second tier for ESO Plus called the "whales only" membership club
aka ESO Premier

$200 a month and you get it all!

-8 free Level 50's with fully upgraded mounts and inventory too!
-unlimited storage on all items! (can stack siege gear too!)
-earn +400% xp and gold find every second you're an active ESO Premier member!
-instant research times!
-all past, present and future DLCS unlocked!
-unlimited name, race and cosmetic changes to all your toons!
-10 free ESO crates per day!
-unlimited access to all mounts and pets
-$1,000,000 gold mailed to you every week for each toon you have!

Some things are beyond joke, man. What if someone in headquarters reads this and just be like "Challenge accepted"

Eshelmen · November 2016

Enslaved wrote: »

Eshelmen wrote: »

Make a second tier for ESO Plus called the "whales only" membership club
aka ESO Premier

$200 a month and you get it all!

-8 free Level 50's with fully upgraded mounts and inventory too!
-unlimited storage on all items! (can stack siege gear too!)
-earn +400% xp and gold find every second you're an active ESO Premier member!
-instant research times!
-all past, present and future DLCS unlocked!
-unlimited name, race and cosmetic changes to all your toons!
-10 free ESO crates per day!
-unlimited access to all mounts and pets
-$1,000,000 gold mailed to you every week for each toon you have!

Some things are beyond joke, man. What if someone in headquarters reads this and just be like "Challenge accepted"

Lol, more like "who told them what we're working on?? "

Xundiin · November 2016

Whales are those who spend 200+ on a game per month. They are mostly found in games with Pay to win items in the store. Prime example of this is Archage. In that game no matter how hard you try you will never compete with a whale.

In this game, it's hard to consider anyone being a whale since every thing is utility or cosmetic. Nothing really jumps out at me as a must have to be best DPS, tank, or healer.

I some times spend $50 a month if I have a new character being leveled. Not having at least 20 speed on your mount in Cyrodiil is painful and makes you a target for gankers.

Panth141 · November 2016

Enslaved wrote: »

Eshelmen wrote: »

Make a second tier for ESO Plus called the "whales only" membership club
aka ESO Premier

$200 a month and you get it all!

-8 free Level 50's with fully upgraded mounts and inventory too!
-unlimited storage on all items! (can stack siege gear too!)
-earn +400% xp and gold find every second you're an active ESO Premier member!
-instant research times!
-all past, present and future DLCS unlocked!
-unlimited name, race and cosmetic changes to all your toons!
-10 free ESO crates per day!
-unlimited access to all mounts and pets
-$1,000,000 gold mailed to you every week for each toon you have!

Some things are beyond joke, man. What if someone in headquarters reads this and just be like "Challenge accepted"

*mashes synergy button to resist urge*

deevoh1991 · November 2016

I've spent 0 IRL money on this game besides internet connection, the game dvd and a PSN subscription. If you are loaded/prioritise your passion and loyalty and wanna flaunt, pls enjoy yourself, who wouldn't?

Mercutio · November 2016

Ozstryker wrote: »

I'm just wondering what u spend $100 a month on, I know ther is a lot of crap in the store but $100 dollars... Really?
I spend what the cost of the sub is, that is enough for me personally!
My definition of whale after reading this is.... Whale = Sucker

Well, part of it is that I'm an altaholic. My highest character is 115cp. I also don't have a central crafter - one does heavy armor, another weapons, another medium armor, etc. So I ended up buying the Thieves Guild motif 3 times. And my orc character had to have Ancient Orc, of course

And so it goes.

I have a little over 50 XP scrolls, so that's enough for now, lol.

And I love playing dress up on my virtual dollies. Never know when I might want to create a new ensemble, or what that will entail, so best to buy them all!

I decided I wanted at least one of every race in my stable - that led to a few race change tokens. Had to change the names as well...

Honestly I could spend more if I were so inclined. There are a lot of motifs I don't own (but would if they were shared across the account). But for me the Collection aspect is mainly about cosmetics.

Like most any hobby one can always find ways to spend money. I won't be purchasing the Crown Crates though. I prefer a straight up transaction.

Really, ESO's cash shop, till now, has been the best on the market. Black Desert Online, as just one example, a single costume for a single character (they are not account shared) ran me... I want to say $60. That came with a few bells and whistles, too.

I'm not rich, just comfortable. I worked hard for 30 years, enjoying my retirement.

iAmLife · November 2016

For me calling someone a 'whale' = you're a fat prick (no offence) or a 'your moms a f*king umpla lumpa whale'.. etc mostly mom jokes

P3ZZL3 · November 2016

$100-200 p/mth is definately whale territory in this game.

The vast majority I suspect spend their monthly sub, with the odd purchase here and there on new mounts.

So dumping $1200 - $2400 p/year - where the Sub is circa $180 p/year - yes, your a whale.

Izaki · November 2016

As long as the money you spent in the game doesn't actually ruin anything in life, I really couldn't care less. If it makes you happy then sure!
I spend only as much as the subscription fee and the occasional 25 euros to buy myself some cool looking cosmetics.