Should ESO go back to a subscription only game?
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Katahdin✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭Been there done that. Was changed for reasons.
I suspect if it was done again, the game would be dead in 6 MO to a year.
It will never happen anyway.Beta tester November 20131 -
Iccotak✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭The reason they stopped subscription was because it was not a financially appealing option for console players who already had to pay $15/mo for using internet services.
So no, I don't think they should.2 -
Minyassa✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭It would not affect me in any way, but I know that it would cut off a lot of players who simply can't afford a monthly sub fee. If you're on a tight budget, even the $10 for the base game on sale is kind of a big deal. I used to be in a situation where there just was not much I could afford to spend on anything that wasn't the most basic necessity of life, and even some necessities I had to go without, and it sure doesn't help morale when there's nothing recreational you can afford to do and still eat. So I think it's a happy thing that people have a nice game they can play for ten bucks plus their exhorbitant internet fee which is about to get way worse when net neutrality gets axed.0 -
crjs1✭✭✭✭✭TBH if they switched, it'd be unfair to every player who started because of the B2P model, you all are being extremely selfish.
To which I will rebut, MMOs were never supposed to be F2P to begin with (enough with the B2P bs, I picked this game up for $10.00 thinking I'd never even play it, it's effectively F2P.)
Since MMOs incur ongoing costs to keep the game running, the subscription model made sense because in theory it would pay to keep the game running while also providing adequate profits.
The issue is so many people couldn't grasp why paying an ongoing fee for a game would make sense when there were so many (worse) single player games around that are B2P, therefore B2P MMOs came to be.
They have always been, and always will be worse. That is how we end up with the Crown Store in the state it's in (Crown Crates?) as opposed to having meaningful content in game which gives those items as rewards. MMOs with subscription fees also have much better customer support and stability on average.
So then it's okay for me to be robbed of over $100 because people want a mandatory sub? I paid for a B2P model, unlike you I bought the gold edition for $40, then Morrowind for another $40, then a handful of crown packs for DLCs and two months of ESO +. I tried to hold my fingers (not tongue because ya know) but this is getting out of hand.
I think what's even more interesting is that you're willing to pay 20k crowns for a unicorn, but are worried about $100 over the course of a year.
You wouldn't have had to buy any of that DLC if you would've just subbed to ESO+, and you would also have had massively imrpoved QoL in the game if you would've subbed. I've actually bought all the dlc up to CWC even though I've been subbed essentially since I've started played, and I bought Morrowind at release as well. I'm right there with you, I support the game as well and also buy crowns etc if I so choose.
But what I'm more saying is literally every aspect of the game in terms of performance and gameplay would be improved if we returned to a subscription based model, so I would very much like to see that happen. Your gameplay experience would be greatly improved as well if you'd sub under the current model, or if the game were returned to a subscription based model and you stayed onboard.
There are a great many assumptions being made here that a subscription model will necessarily improve the game. Where is the evidence that it would? Look ESO when it was sub only, it was no better than now.
Plus your point doesn’t change the fact that many many people have bought the game and subsequent DLCs under the B2P model. It would be ridiculous that all of a sudden these people couldn’t play the game they paid for. It won’t happen thankfully.0 -
LittlePinkDot✭✭✭✭✭Alexandrious wrote: »LittlePinkDot wrote: »AzraelKrieg wrote: »MilwaukeeScott wrote: »Back?
ESO on PS4 has never been a sub only game.
Consoles are the reason why it's not a sub only game right now. When it launched on PC in 2014 it was sub only until March because MS and Sony kicked up a fuss.
The game is better on console. No hackers, and no garbage mouse and keyboard to cause carpel tunnel syndrome
Get proper equipment and learn proper routines and ya wont get carpal. Sounds like a money issue in your case. Meh.
Also, cheat engine isnt hacking.....
All The Kek
Well cheating or whatever you want to call it. Theres botting too.
Theres many reasons to prefer console. The keyboard and mouse has to be on a table. I have a big screen tv and a comfy couch that I can sit/lay on in any position I want. A table is only needed to hold my beer/cider.
Like I said, if they want to put a subscription only for pc/mac then thats fine. Console and pc are different servers anyway.0 -
coop500✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭TBH if they switched, it'd be unfair to every player who started because of the B2P model, you all are being extremely selfish.
To which I will rebut, MMOs were never supposed to be F2P to begin with (enough with the B2P bs, I picked this game up for $10.00 thinking I'd never even play it, it's effectively F2P.)
Since MMOs incur ongoing costs to keep the game running, the subscription model made sense because in theory it would pay to keep the game running while also providing adequate profits.
The issue is so many people couldn't grasp why paying an ongoing fee for a game would make sense when there were so many (worse) single player games around that are B2P, therefore B2P MMOs came to be.
They have always been, and always will be worse. That is how we end up with the Crown Store in the state it's in (Crown Crates?) as opposed to having meaningful content in game which gives those items as rewards. MMOs with subscription fees also have much better customer support and stability on average.
So then it's okay for me to be robbed of over $100 because people want a mandatory sub? I paid for a B2P model, unlike you I bought the gold edition for $40, then Morrowind for another $40, then a handful of crown packs for DLCs and two months of ESO +. I tried to hold my fingers (not tongue because ya know) but this is getting out of hand.
I think what's even more interesting is that you're willing to pay 20k crowns for a unicorn, but are worried about $100 over the course of a year.
You wouldn't have had to buy any of that DLC if you would've just subbed to ESO+, and you would also have had massively imrpoved QoL in the game if you would've subbed. I've actually bought all the dlc up to CWC even though I've been subbed essentially since I've started played, and I bought Morrowind at release as well. I'm right there with you, I support the game as well and also buy crowns etc if I so choose.
But what I'm more saying is literally every aspect of the game in terms of performance and gameplay would be improved if we returned to a subscription based model, so I would very much like to see that happen. Your gameplay experience would be greatly improved as well if you'd sub under the current model, or if the game were returned to a subscription based model and you stayed onboard.
ESO+ is renting the DLC. I wanted the DLC anytime I want it.
The rest is just crazy ramblings of someone wanting the world to evolve around them, so not going to bother.Hoping for more playable races0 -
Betsararie✭✭✭✭✭
✭TBH if they switched, it'd be unfair to every player who started because of the B2P model, you all are being extremely selfish.
To which I will rebut, MMOs were never supposed to be F2P to begin with (enough with the B2P bs, I picked this game up for $10.00 thinking I'd never even play it, it's effectively F2P.)
Since MMOs incur ongoing costs to keep the game running, the subscription model made sense because in theory it would pay to keep the game running while also providing adequate profits.
The issue is so many people couldn't grasp why paying an ongoing fee for a game would make sense when there were so many (worse) single player games around that are B2P, therefore B2P MMOs came to be.
They have always been, and always will be worse. That is how we end up with the Crown Store in the state it's in (Crown Crates?) as opposed to having meaningful content in game which gives those items as rewards. MMOs with subscription fees also have much better customer support and stability on average.
So then it's okay for me to be robbed of over $100 because people want a mandatory sub? I paid for a B2P model, unlike you I bought the gold edition for $40, then Morrowind for another $40, then a handful of crown packs for DLCs and two months of ESO +. I tried to hold my fingers (not tongue because ya know) but this is getting out of hand.
I think what's even more interesting is that you're willing to pay 20k crowns for a unicorn, but are worried about $100 over the course of a year.
You wouldn't have had to buy any of that DLC if you would've just subbed to ESO+, and you would also have had massively imrpoved QoL in the game if you would've subbed. I've actually bought all the dlc up to CWC even though I've been subbed essentially since I've started played, and I bought Morrowind at release as well. I'm right there with you, I support the game as well and also buy crowns etc if I so choose.
But what I'm more saying is literally every aspect of the game in terms of performance and gameplay would be improved if we returned to a subscription based model, so I would very much like to see that happen. Your gameplay experience would be greatly improved as well if you'd sub under the current model, or if the game were returned to a subscription based model and you stayed onboard.
ESO+ is renting the DLC. I wanted the DLC anytime I want it.
The rest is just crazy ramblings of someone wanting the world to evolve around them, so not going to bother.
I never said I wanted things to evolve around me. lol. Don't be silly..
As I was saying I already bought the DLC, actually for the same reason you expressed. I prefer to own content that I use.0 -
Doctordarkspawn✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭TBH if they switched, it'd be unfair to every player who started because of the B2P model, you all are being extremely selfish.
To which I will rebut, MMOs were never supposed to be F2P to begin with (enough with the B2P bs, I picked this game up for $10.00 thinking I'd never even play it, it's effectively F2P.)
Since MMOs incur ongoing costs to keep the game running, the subscription model made sense because in theory it would pay to keep the game running while also providing adequate profits.
The issue is so many people couldn't grasp why paying an ongoing fee for a game would make sense when there were so many (worse) single player games around that are B2P, therefore B2P MMOs came to be.
They have always been, and always will be worse. That is how we end up with the Crown Store in the state it's in (Crown Crates?) as opposed to having meaningful content in game which gives those items as rewards. MMOs with subscription fees also have much better customer support and stability on average.
So then it's okay for me to be robbed of over $100 because people want a mandatory sub? I paid for a B2P model, unlike you I bought the gold edition for $40, then Morrowind for another $40, then a handful of crown packs for DLCs and two months of ESO +. I tried to hold my fingers (not tongue because ya know) but this is getting out of hand.
I think what's even more interesting is that you're willing to pay 20k crowns for a unicorn, but are worried about $100 over the course of a year.
You wouldn't have had to buy any of that DLC if you would've just subbed to ESO+, and you would also have had massively imrpoved QoL in the game if you would've subbed. I've actually bought all the dlc up to CWC even though I've been subbed essentially since I've started played, and I bought Morrowind at release as well. I'm right there with you, I support the game as well and also buy crowns etc if I so choose.
But what I'm more saying is literally every aspect of the game in terms of performance and gameplay would be improved if we returned to a subscription based model, so I would very much like to see that happen. Your gameplay experience would be greatly improved as well if you'd sub under the current model, or if the game were returned to a subscription based model and you stayed onboard.
ESO+ is renting the DLC. I wanted the DLC anytime I want it.
The rest is just crazy ramblings of someone wanting the world to evolve around them, so not going to bother.
I never said I wanted things to evolve around me. lol. Don't be silly..
As I was saying I already bought the DLC, actually for the same reason you expressed. I prefer to own content that I use.
Your actions are saying you want the sub model because you like the sub model and do not see any other reason to use any other model.
You dont even give any other point of view a passing glance. You -act- as if the world revovles around you and your desires.
To hell, with sub games. Please, dont kill the game for your own selfishness.0 -
Betsararie✭✭✭✭✭
✭Doctordarkspawn wrote: »TBH if they switched, it'd be unfair to every player who started because of the B2P model, you all are being extremely selfish.
To which I will rebut, MMOs were never supposed to be F2P to begin with (enough with the B2P bs, I picked this game up for $10.00 thinking I'd never even play it, it's effectively F2P.)
Since MMOs incur ongoing costs to keep the game running, the subscription model made sense because in theory it would pay to keep the game running while also providing adequate profits.
The issue is so many people couldn't grasp why paying an ongoing fee for a game would make sense when there were so many (worse) single player games around that are B2P, therefore B2P MMOs came to be.
They have always been, and always will be worse. That is how we end up with the Crown Store in the state it's in (Crown Crates?) as opposed to having meaningful content in game which gives those items as rewards. MMOs with subscription fees also have much better customer support and stability on average.
So then it's okay for me to be robbed of over $100 because people want a mandatory sub? I paid for a B2P model, unlike you I bought the gold edition for $40, then Morrowind for another $40, then a handful of crown packs for DLCs and two months of ESO +. I tried to hold my fingers (not tongue because ya know) but this is getting out of hand.
I think what's even more interesting is that you're willing to pay 20k crowns for a unicorn, but are worried about $100 over the course of a year.
You wouldn't have had to buy any of that DLC if you would've just subbed to ESO+, and you would also have had massively imrpoved QoL in the game if you would've subbed. I've actually bought all the dlc up to CWC even though I've been subbed essentially since I've started played, and I bought Morrowind at release as well. I'm right there with you, I support the game as well and also buy crowns etc if I so choose.
But what I'm more saying is literally every aspect of the game in terms of performance and gameplay would be improved if we returned to a subscription based model, so I would very much like to see that happen. Your gameplay experience would be greatly improved as well if you'd sub under the current model, or if the game were returned to a subscription based model and you stayed onboard.
ESO+ is renting the DLC. I wanted the DLC anytime I want it.
The rest is just crazy ramblings of someone wanting the world to evolve around them, so not going to bother.
I never said I wanted things to evolve around me. lol. Don't be silly..
As I was saying I already bought the DLC, actually for the same reason you expressed. I prefer to own content that I use.
Your actions are saying you want the sub model because you like the sub model and do not see any other reason to use any other model.
You dont even give any other point of view a passing glance. You -act- as if the world revovles around you and your desires.
To hell, with sub games. Please, dont kill the game for your own selfishness.
I certainly don't intend to, I'm merely offering a suggestion.
Others are free to agree or disagree.... But I will stand behind my points because I feel that approach is what is best for the game and for the community as a whole.0 -
Ratzkifal✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭Gonna say it again, because this topic keeps coming up. ESO is a great game and all, but it's not worth the monthly subscription. Sure it improved a lot since the beta, but I came back to this game right away as soon as they had abandoned the subscription model. Before it wasn't worth it, now it's still not worth it. I am playing to enjoy myself. Being forced to pay again and again, would kill all the fun I have while playing.This Bosmer was tortured to death. There is nothing left to be done.2 -
phairdon✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭Tan9oSuccka wrote: »It would probably solve the bot/gold seller Plague.
I’m game.
Guess you were not playing in 2014, when subscriptions were compulsory? Plenty of bots around back then.
Gold sellers in the zone chat too.
The clip is part of a bot train from 2014.Edited by phairdon on November 25, 2017 2:47AMYour immersion is breaking my entitlement. Buff Sorc's. Darkshroud the cremator Death by furRubeus BlackFluffy knight BladesThe Fat PantherPsijic Fungal SausageFlesheater the VileCaspian Rafferty FernsbyArchfiend Warlock PiersThe Black BishopEvil Wizard Lizard (EU)Neberra Vestige Fajeon (EU)Salanis Deathstick (EU)Blood Mage Alchemist (EU)2 -
MinarasLaure✭✭✭✭WrathOfInnos wrote: »I don't think it could go back to sub. Many people bought the game as B2P and their would be (legitimate) outrage if it suddenly required a sub.
That being said, I don't understand how anyone can handle the level of inventory management that is required for non subscribers. I'm basically forced sub at this point, because the game would be more chore than fun without craft bag and double bank space.
Fully upgraded bank is 240 and you have 8 free chars.
Which is pretty much what I have.
Downside is loggin in/out when you need something specific from one char, but that's it0 -
Alexandrious✭✭✭LittlePinkDot wrote: »Alexandrious wrote: »LittlePinkDot wrote: »AzraelKrieg wrote: »MilwaukeeScott wrote: »Back?
ESO on PS4 has never been a sub only game.
Consoles are the reason why it's not a sub only game right now. When it launched on PC in 2014 it was sub only until March because MS and Sony kicked up a fuss.
The game is better on console. No hackers, and no garbage mouse and keyboard to cause carpel tunnel syndrome
Get proper equipment and learn proper routines and ya wont get carpal. Sounds like a money issue in your case. Meh.
Also, cheat engine isnt hacking.....
All The Kek
Well cheating or whatever you want to call it. Theres botting too.
Theres many reasons to prefer console. The keyboard and mouse has to be on a table. I have a big screen tv and a comfy couch that I can sit/lay on in any position I want. A table is only needed to hold my beer/cider.
Like I said, if they want to put a subscription only for pc/mac then thats fine. Console and pc are different servers anyway.
Kb and mouse has to be on table? What law says that?
I play eso at 4k 60 to 144 fps on a 60 inch suhd t.v, sitting in a powered recliner, keyboard either on lap or on left arm tray, and mouse on right arm tray. Lol. Recliner also has built in fridge and beverage holder on both arms. 
Also has heating and massage features.
Gotta be creative. Thats the power of pc master race!
All The KekEdited by Alexandrious on November 25, 2017 3:03AM0 -
Doctordarkspawn✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭Doctordarkspawn wrote: »TBH if they switched, it'd be unfair to every player who started because of the B2P model, you all are being extremely selfish.
To which I will rebut, MMOs were never supposed to be F2P to begin with (enough with the B2P bs, I picked this game up for $10.00 thinking I'd never even play it, it's effectively F2P.)
Since MMOs incur ongoing costs to keep the game running, the subscription model made sense because in theory it would pay to keep the game running while also providing adequate profits.
The issue is so many people couldn't grasp why paying an ongoing fee for a game would make sense when there were so many (worse) single player games around that are B2P, therefore B2P MMOs came to be.
They have always been, and always will be worse. That is how we end up with the Crown Store in the state it's in (Crown Crates?) as opposed to having meaningful content in game which gives those items as rewards. MMOs with subscription fees also have much better customer support and stability on average.
So then it's okay for me to be robbed of over $100 because people want a mandatory sub? I paid for a B2P model, unlike you I bought the gold edition for $40, then Morrowind for another $40, then a handful of crown packs for DLCs and two months of ESO +. I tried to hold my fingers (not tongue because ya know) but this is getting out of hand.
I think what's even more interesting is that you're willing to pay 20k crowns for a unicorn, but are worried about $100 over the course of a year.
You wouldn't have had to buy any of that DLC if you would've just subbed to ESO+, and you would also have had massively imrpoved QoL in the game if you would've subbed. I've actually bought all the dlc up to CWC even though I've been subbed essentially since I've started played, and I bought Morrowind at release as well. I'm right there with you, I support the game as well and also buy crowns etc if I so choose.
But what I'm more saying is literally every aspect of the game in terms of performance and gameplay would be improved if we returned to a subscription based model, so I would very much like to see that happen. Your gameplay experience would be greatly improved as well if you'd sub under the current model, or if the game were returned to a subscription based model and you stayed onboard.
ESO+ is renting the DLC. I wanted the DLC anytime I want it.
The rest is just crazy ramblings of someone wanting the world to evolve around them, so not going to bother.
I never said I wanted things to evolve around me. lol. Don't be silly..
As I was saying I already bought the DLC, actually for the same reason you expressed. I prefer to own content that I use.
Your actions are saying you want the sub model because you like the sub model and do not see any other reason to use any other model.
You dont even give any other point of view a passing glance. You -act- as if the world revovles around you and your desires.
To hell, with sub games. Please, dont kill the game for your own selfishness.
I certainly don't intend to, I'm merely offering a suggestion.
Others are free to agree or disagree.... But I will stand behind my points because I feel that approach is what is best for the game and for the community as a whole.
For what will be left after the massive drop in playerbase, perhaps.0 -
LittlePinkDot✭✭✭✭✭Alexandrious wrote: »LittlePinkDot wrote: »Alexandrious wrote: »LittlePinkDot wrote: »AzraelKrieg wrote: »MilwaukeeScott wrote: »Back?
ESO on PS4 has never been a sub only game.
Consoles are the reason why it's not a sub only game right now. When it launched on PC in 2014 it was sub only until March because MS and Sony kicked up a fuss.
The game is better on console. No hackers, and no garbage mouse and keyboard to cause carpel tunnel syndrome
Get proper equipment and learn proper routines and ya wont get carpal. Sounds like a money issue in your case. Meh.
Also, cheat engine isnt hacking.....
All The Kek
Well cheating or whatever you want to call it. Theres botting too.
Theres many reasons to prefer console. The keyboard and mouse has to be on a table. I have a big screen tv and a comfy couch that I can sit/lay on in any position I want. A table is only needed to hold my beer/cider.
Like I said, if they want to put a subscription only for pc/mac then thats fine. Console and pc are different servers anyway.
Kb and mouse has to be on table? What law says that? I play eso at 4k 60 to 144 fps on a 60 inch suhd t.v, sitting in a powered recliner, keyboard either on lap or on left arm tray, and mouse on right arm tray. Lol. Recliner also has built in fridge and beverage holder on both arms. Also has heating and massage features.
Gotta be creative. Thats the power of pc master race!
All The Kek
I cant stand the controls for the first person view. If it was positioned like diablo so I would only have to use the mouse to control the movement, it wouldnt be that bad. Better yet, if there was a controller that would work.
I use a mac, not a pc. Its a powerful desktop pro but with a workstation gpu. Its for music production. Dont think I can even use the add ons with a mac.
Cant put a recliner in my second room, cant take up my workout space, dont want to get fat ya know lol.0 -
SydneyGrey✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭No, it should not go back to a subscription-only model.
My reasoning is that a lot of people would avoid the game completely and not even try it if they had to pay for the game AND were required to pay a mandatory subscription every month. I was one of those people. The mandatory subscriptions kept me away from the game for a long, long time, because I didn't want to pay all that money for a game AND pay a subscription when I didn't even know if I'd like the game. I finally tried ESO only after they stopped the mandatory subs, and after it went on sale. Now I'm hooked. It would be a HUGE mistake to go back to mandatory subs. HUGE mistake.
I know people like to whine about the Crown Store and crates, but none of that is necessary to play the game.0 -
dday3six✭✭✭✭✭
✭ESO can’t go back to subs even if it wanted to. The majority of the playerbase are causals who would not likely pay each month for ESO. It will be a long time before anything major is done about loot crates in gaming from a legislative stand point. So I’d be more concerned about the creeping decay of quality for ESO regardless of revenue from loot crates more than finding alternatives to recoup monetary gains from losing loot crates. I’d worry more about how online gaming will be effected by net neutrality first and foremost.4 -
Autumnhart✭✭✭✭The djinni doesn't go back in the bottle. But would I play a subscription-forever MMO if it meant no (or very limited) cash store? Yes. I'd also like a deep crafting system, meaningful in-game choices, and large-scale PVP. And I was very good this year, if anybody reading has an in with jolly Saint Nick.
The people who make and maintain MMOs will keep doing whatever maximizes profit and minimizes risk to shareholders. Trends we don't like are based in calculations to those ends.Shadow hide you.1 -
supaskrub✭✭✭✭✭and just how long do you think the quality of the games new content would last if it returned to being a subscribe to play?.. I will answer it for you... it would die rapidly.. The majority of players do not want compulsory subscription to play the game. They have choice now to sub or not to sub to ESO+ which works very well for both the players and Zenimax and they also have choice whether to purchase or not to purchase crowns. Just take a look at ESO's history its never been in a better place and that's partly due to subscription being dropped and crown store introduced. In its present state ESO is a big money maker and investors want to see year on year increases in returns which they would not get with an enforced subscription model.
Going back to a subscription model would be a big step backwards and profitability would suffer, that means less in the development budget, less in the QA tools budget (need i go on?). Worry about Crown Crates or the loss of them when it happens (which it won't and even if it did would take years to become statute), ZOS marketing will be one step ahead of any legal decision and I'm sure they will have other options already in the pipeline for such an eventuality.Edited by supaskrub on November 25, 2017 7:44AM0 -
IcyDeadPeople✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭CaineCarver wrote: »In my opinion, the future of MMOs is not looking stellar unless we convince the player base there is no such thing as a free lunch and the game companies start standing their ground on subscriptions. What do you think?
I'd say this game has improved tremendously since making the subscription optional, attracted many new players who would never plan to pay monthly fee for any game, and even made ESO Plus features and various DLC attractive enough to persuade many of these same players to pay.
In my case I've never been into MMOs, and it seemed a rather strange concept to pay a monthly fee at launch. I did pay at first because I had been in the beta for a long time before launch and wanted to continue participating, helping to find bugs or provide feedback.
However, as soon as it was no longer required, I stopped paying the subscription fee and felt much better about it. Didn't seem to be any noticeable difference, and I also noticed the population increased.
Later I subscribed for one month to get some crowns to buy Race Change token, and found the crafting bag to be so convenient that I remained ESO Plus member since.
The current system is very good - subscription is not required at all, but quite attractive after you've been playing the game for a while and can appreciate the convenience features.
The absolute most important thing for this game to enjoy long term success is the population. We need lots and lots of new players joining constantly, especially for PVP. Mandatory subscription would be a disaster.
It would be much better instead to have free trial weekend events every few months, let anybody try the game on Steam PSN, Xbox Live etc, and sell the base game at heavily discounted price, for example $3.99 or 4.99. IMHO that would be the best way to boost the population.
2 -
Betsararie✭✭✭✭✭
✭CaineCarver wrote: »In my opinion, the future of MMOs is not looking stellar unless we convince the player base there is no such thing as a free lunch and the game companies start standing their ground on subscriptions. What do you think?
This is what intelligent people think and know.
Anyone who disagrees can't understand the way paying for a subscription is beneficial, IMHO.
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LadyDestiny✭✭✭✭✭CaineCarver wrote: »With all the controversy lately surrounding loot boxes in the news and all the players who think they are "evil" Gambling devices I find myself looking at how games are funding themselves and the future of games. With the current free play models, there are several problems that I fear hurt the future of MMOs in particular. With players demanding free to play (even complaining about buy to play products like ESO / Morrowind) game companies find themselves needing to provide hosting for players that may or may not buy content to support needed hardware. One need only experience the holiday server overloads to realize companies are trying to balance huge numbers of extra casual players with costs (this is true in all games buy much more so in free to play products).
In addition to the costs of supporting the extra hardware for free players, companies are forced to race new content to market as they depend on DLC and cosmetic sales for income (some even fall to the temptation of pay to win items). This means they can not afford staff and resources to fix bugs and improve current systems the way they did in the older subscription game days. Overall the free play games are having a hard time keeping quality to the standards of the past.
With all of these struggles, many game studios are hesitant to take on new MMOs. The number of potential games out there in various stages of "go fund me" has skyrocketed in the last few years. Yes, we have more titles to choose from but most of them are just "reskins" over the same engines with only cosmetic and theme changes. Companies try to squeeze more and more out of the work by simply tossing another free to play version on the market. The current marketing play models realize the current gamers as a whole are hopping from one free to play product to the next. Players are spending months instead of years in a game as they chase the easy "high" of learning and leveling "fun" instead of the "grind" needed to max and master end game content. The hope is to catch more casual players that might spend some money on DLCs or cosmetics. Making long-term investments and development a gamble for even the best studios. As a whole, the one and done stand alone and online version box games are much safer investments than MMO persistent games.
In my opinion, the future of MMOs is not looking stellar unless we convince the player base there is no such thing as a free lunch and the game companies start standing their ground on subscriptions. What do you think?
I miss the days of sub based games. Everything is ptp or ptw now and gaming has gone down the toilet. Hope all this crate stuff gets banned everywhere.1 -
code65536✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭There's one question that you should all be asking:
"How many people who currently don't sub will sub when it becomes mandatory?"
Most of the people in support of mandatory subs are people who already sub. We don't matter because mandatory subbing won't wring more revenue out of us. If ZOS were to do mandatory subbing, it would require convincing people who don't currently sub to start subbing.
That is to say, mandatory subbing needs to target people who care about the game enough to keep playing despite a mandatory sub. But people who don't care about the game enough to voluntarily sub. This is a very narrow slice of the game's population. Voluntary subbing, for anyone who play the game somewhat seriously, is de facto mandatory for the craft bag and bank space.
Where exactly are you going to find people who play casually enough to not get the craft bag and inventory space but still serious enough that they'll accept mandatory subbing?
What ZOS has right now is the perfect balance: they've locked away enough key features behind ESO+ that most of the core player base (those that would stay with the game if subbing became mandatory) already see subbing as effectively mandatory. So what's there to be gained from mandatory subbing, aside from driving away the more casual crowd? ZOS needs both the core players and casual players to keep ESO healthy, and the current system caters to both.Edited by code65536 on November 25, 2017 12:55PMNightfighters ― PC/NA and PC/EU
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Akrasjel✭✭✭✭They dropped it for a reason, they couldn't add the amount of contents that would justify players to keep there subs up.[PC][EU][Daggerfall Covenant]
Akrasjel Lanate - Imperial Nightblade | 50 | CP900+
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Houses: Strident Springs Demesne,1 -
coop500✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭CaineCarver wrote: »In my opinion, the future of MMOs is not looking stellar unless we convince the player base there is no such thing as a free lunch and the game companies start standing their ground on subscriptions. What do you think?
This is what intelligent people think and know.
Anyone who disagrees can't understand the way paying for a subscription is beneficial, IMHO.
Wow... yeah this says it all on the opinions here. You just said it's okay to disagree, now you're basically stating anyone that disagrees is dumb.Hoping for more playable races0 -
Stewart1874✭✭✭✭✭ArcVelarian wrote: »WhiteCoatSyndrome wrote: »@Stewart1874 Minor point: Free DLC for subs is already on its way out, witness the introduction of 'Chapters'.
Not to mention Morrowind was extremely overpriced for the amount of content included (I only bought it because I found a $90 gift card under my couch).
Honestly, if they want to charge $40 for a "chapter" they need to include:- 2 or more Trials
- 3 or more dungeons
That's in addition to everything else.
I agree. I was trying to balance my post a bit so it didn't seem entirely negative
Morrowind had a lot of nice content, but if compared with Wrothgar, I don't think the content was relative to the price tbh.
A few other poster have pointed out the massive amount of money being drawn in through subs alone (Estimates). Its kinda hardened my stance on LC's and the ludicrous price of CS items. IMO MMO's (sorry for the volume of abbreviations lmao..***) survive through strong community involvement and I think going the extra mile to include the community in decision making on areas like content and pricing would help strengthen the game overall. Polls and stuff would be an excellent way to gauge subscriber opinion (and further encourage non subs, to sub!).
I'm not suggesting starting some over-democratic cluster-*** with nothing getting done because of polls, analysis of polls etc. but rather just an attempt to show the consumers/subs that their views are being taken on board. Unless they want subs to start voting with their wallets/purses.PS4 - Europe - Aldmeri Dominion0 -
cyx54tc✭✭✭✭They can't now. Cuz they will definitely run into legal issues if they do without refunding every single player who purchased the game first.0
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wenchmore420b14_ESO✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭They dropped it for a reason, they couldn't add the amount of contents that would justify players to keep there subs up.
No, as mentioned many, many times.
ESO dropped the sub requirement so they could get consoles launched.Drakon Koryn~Oryndill, Rogue~Mage,- CP ~Doesn't matter any more
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