Personally, I'd rather pay $20 a month with no RMT. I think most people would agree.

Originally posted by Vagrant_Zero

Personally, I'd rather pay $20 a month with no RMT. I think most people would agree.

I do. I've said so over on their official forums more than once.

Or they could have some instances for subscription players and others for freebie+MTs.

The hybrid subscription + MT mongrel they seem intent on breeding could lose them a lot of potential customers.

Bottom line is, this is bald faced greed, it's not a wave of the future, it's a wave companies hoping we're stupid enough to buy this crap so they have one more avenue to pump money out of us. Even if it is just "cosmetic" there was a time when it was included in the price of the game, now companies trip over themselves to think of ways to charge you more and more as soon as they release; if it's not for CE crap it's for units, art, freaking hats, you name it. These people are developing games, removing content before release and then charging you extra for it at release.

The MMO companies already made a killing charging full game price for the actual initial purchase of the game, then a monthly fee on top, plus extra money for anything they deem too cool for regular players. They can shove this up their ass sideways. Sure it a small bit of cash, but this is crap that is being developed in the BETA phase of the game it should be included in it's initial release. I'm used to greed as The American Way of Life but I'm getting real sick of this extreme greed where companies nickle and dime you for everything they can and then spin the hell out of it.

Also; I hate Bill Roper. I hope they make a special cancer for him and all the suits who pander this crap. Sad thing is as consumers we're so stupid we'll justify this for them and then kiss their ass to buy more. I just hope people start to punish this greed, it's a sickness that has infected every aspect of corp America.

And for the record, D&D Online is trying something new because they failed. It's not like they thought of this stuff for our benifit.

I personally don't have a problem w/ micro transies for cosmetic items as long as it doesn't give anyone an advantage.  If someone wants to spend their money on something that doesn't affect an outcome, so be it. 

Now if it allows people to purchase items to where they have some advantage, I won't subscribe. 

Everyone who starts a business does it to make money and if people are dumb enough to spend money on something not neccessary, then it's the buyer's problem. Don't blame a seller for trying to make a buck. There are suckers born every minute, just look at EBay at some of the stupid crap people buy.

Originally posted by Hendu

I personally don't have a problem w/ micro transies for cosmetic items as long as it doesn't give anyone an advantage.  If someone wants to spend their money on something that doesn't affect an outcome, so be it. 

Now if it allows people to purchase items to where they have some advantage, I won't subscribe. 

Everyone who starts a business does it to make money and if people are dumb enough to spend money on something not neccessary, then it's the buyer's problem. Don't blame a seller for trying to make a buck. There are suckers born every minute, just look at EBay at some of the stupid crap people buy.

Justify it...as I said. There is a distinct difference between making money and trying to milk every cent out of people you can.

Personally I think that all games will be adding RMT systems over time.  I think that many of them will keep the RMT to things that don't have a direct impact on the game or that players don't need to buy to be able to play the game.  I'm thinking it will likely follow the path that SoE has set.  SoE has RMT in eq2 but it is mostly items like appearance equipment, furniture, pets, etc.  Mostly status items.  The only thing they sell that impacts the game are xp potions.  While these let people level up faster I'm not sure I see it as a big deal.  They give out quite a few xp potions and let people get a boost from having multiple 80s.  

The one area that they do give out useful items is in the LON card game.  Thats where they kinda cross the line giving out random useful items.  Again they are mostly cosmetic but some of them have useful abilities.  Things like cool looking mounts, illusions, feather fall, and now an item that lets you repair your gear once per day.

That said I don't really find any of these things have an impact on my playing the game.  The LON thing is kinda cool cause they give out free cards pretty frequently and you have a chance to get items.  I have gotten maybe 5-6 items over time.  It is kinda a nice little surprise.

But the bottom line is the RMT system as it is setup in EQ2 has no impact on game play that leaves people who don't buy things feeling like second class citizens.  As long as RMT system in pay games follow that model I'm ok and frankly I see all companies doing that in time.

This is VERY different then RMT systems in Free to Play games.  In these games they sell items that you must have to really compete or in some cases even be effective in the game.  I agree whole heartedly about any game that requires me to pay should not require me to do RMT to be able to play the game.  That would be crossing the line.

Originally posted by ethion

Personally I think that all games will be adding RMT systems over time.  I think that many of them will keep the RMT to things that don't have a direct impact on the game or that players don't need to buy to be able to play the game.  I'm thinking it will likely follow the path that SoE has set.  SoE has RMT in eq2 but it is mostly items like appearance equipment, furniture, pets, etc.  Mostly status items.  The only thing they sell that impacts the game are xp potions.  While these let people level up faster I'm not sure I see it as a big deal.  They give out quite a few xp potions and let people get a boost from having multiple 80s.  

The one area that they do give out useful items is in the LON card game.  Thats where they kinda cross the line giving out random useful items.  Again they are mostly cosmetic but some of them have useful abilities.  Things like cool looking mounts, illusions, feather fall, and now an item that lets you repair your gear once per day.

That said I don't really find any of these things have an impact on my playing the game.  The LON thing is kinda cool cause they give out free cards pretty frequently and you have a chance to get items.  I have gotten maybe 5-6 items over time.  It is kinda a nice little surprise.

But the bottom line is the RMT system as it is setup in EQ2 has no impact on game play that leaves people who don't buy things feeling like second class citizens.  As long as RMT system in pay games follow that model I'm ok and frankly I see all companies doing that in time.

This is VERY different then RMT systems in Free to Play games.  In these games they sell items that you must have to really compete or in some cases even be effective in the game.  I agree whole heartedly about any game that requires me to pay should not require me to do RMT to be able to play the game.  That would be crossing the line.

the statement in the interview mentioned "anything in-game".  Anything implies more than fluff.

Originally posted by elderotter

Originally posted by ethion

Personally I think that all games will be adding RMT systems over time.  I think that many of them will keep the RMT to things that don't have a direct impact on the game or that players don't need to buy to be able to play the game.  I'm thinking it will likely follow the path that SoE has set.  SoE has RMT in eq2 but it is mostly items like appearance equipment, furniture, pets, etc.  Mostly status items.  The only thing they sell that impacts the game are xp potions.  While these let people level up faster I'm not sure I see it as a big deal.  They give out quite a few xp potions and let people get a boost from having multiple 80s.  

The one area that they do give out useful items is in the LON card game.  Thats where they kinda cross the line giving out random useful items.  Again they are mostly cosmetic but some of them have useful abilities.  Things like cool looking mounts, illusions, feather fall, and now an item that lets you repair your gear once per day.

That said I don't really find any of these things have an impact on my playing the game.  The LON thing is kinda cool cause they give out free cards pretty frequently and you have a chance to get items.  I have gotten maybe 5-6 items over time.  It is kinda a nice little surprise.

But the bottom line is the RMT system as it is setup in EQ2 has no impact on game play that leaves people who don't buy things feeling like second class citizens.  As long as RMT system in pay games follow that model I'm ok and frankly I see all companies doing that in time.

This is VERY different then RMT systems in Free to Play games.  In these games they sell items that you must have to really compete or in some cases even be effective in the game.  I agree whole heartedly about any game that requires me to pay should not require me to do RMT to be able to play the game.  That would be crossing the line.

the statement in the interview mentioned "anything in-game".  Anything implies more than fluff.

I was addressing the more general topic.  I think that most people pretty clearly see that this statement was a bad statement.  I'm 100% certain they will NOT be selling "ANYTHING" in the game.  I think what was really meant was that they will have the ability to sell anything in game as opposed to having to buy things outside the game.  Not a statement that everything in the game will be for sale, that's really pretty absurd don't you think?

Originally posted by ethion

Originally posted by elderotter

Originally posted by ethion

Personally I think that all games will be adding RMT systems over time.  I think that many of them will keep the RMT to things that don't have a direct impact on the game or that players don't need to buy to be able to play the game.  I'm thinking it will likely follow the path that SoE has set.  SoE has RMT in eq2 but it is mostly items like appearance equipment, furniture, pets, etc.  Mostly status items.  The only thing they sell that impacts the game are xp potions.  While these let people level up faster I'm not sure I see it as a big deal.  They give out quite a few xp potions and let people get a boost from having multiple 80s.  

The one area that they do give out useful items is in the LON card game.  Thats where they kinda cross the line giving out random useful items.  Again they are mostly cosmetic but some of them have useful abilities.  Things like cool looking mounts, illusions, feather fall, and now an item that lets you repair your gear once per day.

That said I don't really find any of these things have an impact on my playing the game.  The LON thing is kinda cool cause they give out free cards pretty frequently and you have a chance to get items.  I have gotten maybe 5-6 items over time.  It is kinda a nice little surprise.

But the bottom line is the RMT system as it is setup in EQ2 has no impact on game play that leaves people who don't buy things feeling like second class citizens.  As long as RMT system in pay games follow that model I'm ok and frankly I see all companies doing that in time.

This is VERY different then RMT systems in Free to Play games.  In these games they sell items that you must have to really compete or in some cases even be effective in the game.  I agree whole heartedly about any game that requires me to pay should not require me to do RMT to be able to play the game.  That would be crossing the line.

the statement in the interview mentioned "anything in-game".  Anything implies more than fluff.

I was addressing the more general topic.  I think that most people pretty clearly see that this statement was a bad statement.  I'm 100% certain they will NOT be selling "ANYTHING" in the game.  I think what was really meant was that they will have the ability to sell anything in game as opposed to having to buy things outside the game.  Not a statement that everything in the game will be for sale, that's really pretty absurd don't you think?

 

the extent of corporate greed never surprises me, saddens me yes, but surprises me, no.

Originally posted by Sigilaea

Which brings me to my question for you. Let's say for a moment this game is amazing in every aspect. It surpasses your expectations in every way and it is so much fun, you consider taking some sick time to stay home and play it. Now let's assume this same game has an RMT vendor in one of the cities. Are you saying you would forego all of the fun you were having because of it? Would you stop enjoying your hobby because there is an NPC selling a "Super Mega Bastard" power-up for $5?

 

If I was paying a monthly sub fee and they introduced items that I wanted (whether fluff or progression-related) for additional fees, yes I would stop playing.  That's part of the reason I no longer play CoX, Vanguard, and EQ2 in fact.  Actually the services in Vanguard weren't even items that I wanted, but rather player-to-player sales, but I left over the principle (and I really loved that game, still miss it). 

Let the John Smedleys and Jack Emmerts of the world take a bit of a pay cut if the profit margins are really as tight as they claim.  Somehow I think they'll survive better than the customers they're continually looking to squeeze.

If RMT is going to be in the game, I don't feel like I should be charged monthly.  I have a real problem with the way this industry is bending over backwards to find new ways to charge the customer, and at the same time refusing to offer them anything new or substantially improved enough to warrant the extra cost.  I realize I'm probably in the minority on that, but that's just the way I feel about it.  It sucks that these guys are spending so much time and energy innovating on payment models instead of game mechanics.

Originally posted by veritas_X

Originally posted by Sigilaea

Which brings me to my question for you. Let's say for a moment this game is amazing in every aspect. It surpasses your expectations in every way and it is so much fun, you consider taking some sick time to stay home and play it. Now let's assume this same game has an RMT vendor in one of the cities. Are you saying you would forego all of the fun you were having because of it? Would you stop enjoying your hobby because there is an NPC selling a "Super Mega Bastard" power-up for $5?

 

 

If I was paying a monthly sub fee and they introduced items that I wanted (whether fluff or progression-related) for additional fees, yes I would stop playing.  That's part of the reason I no longer play CoX, Vanguard, and EQ2 in fact.  Actually the services in Vanguard weren't even items that I wanted, but rather player-to-player sales, but I left over the principle (and I really loved that game, still miss it). 

Let the John Smedleys and Jack Emmerts of the world take a bit of a pay cut if the profit margins are really as tight as they claim.  Somehow I think they'll survive better than the customers they're continually looking to squeeze.

If RMT is going to be in the game, I don't feel like I should be charged monthly.  I have a real problem with the way this industry is bending over backwards to find new ways to charge the customer, and at the same time refusing to offer them anything new or substantially improved enough to warrant the extra cost.  I realize I'm probably in the minority on that, but that's just the way I feel about it.  It sucks that these guys are spending so much time and energy innovating on payment models instead of game mechanics.

I'm with you in that minority.

FYI - they've admitted that they haven't decided yet what things players will be able to buy with Cryptic Bucks.

I can tell you that we have not released any sort of finalized pricing structure for the game yet, and that when we do, we'll make sure to let you know. So, if you're concerned that we released any sort of subscription model, or game pricing structure in that interview, please be assured that we didn't. We did talk about what Cryptic Bucks are, and we discussed some of the things that we are considering to be allowed for purchase through their use.

http://forums.champions-online.com/showpost.php?p=560938&postcount=943

Originally posted by gadunk

If it's only for cosmetic items, I won't care much.. I'll just /point and /lol at people I see with $3.99 bat wings..

Haha, that made me chuckle.

Originally posted by Irishoak

Originally posted by Hendu

I personally don't have a problem w/ micro transies for cosmetic items as long as it doesn't give anyone an advantage.  If someone wants to spend their money on something that doesn't affect an outcome, so be it. 

Now if it allows people to purchase items to where they have some advantage, I won't subscribe. 

Everyone who starts a business does it to make money and if people are dumb enough to spend money on something not neccessary, then it's the buyer's problem. Don't blame a seller for trying to make a buck. There are suckers born every minute, just look at EBay at some of the stupid crap people buy.

Justify it...as I said. There is a distinct difference between making money and trying to milk every cent out of people you can.

They don't have to justify anything as long as there's free choice to buy or not.  Like you said before they're hoping we're stupid enough to pay extra money for things.  If you're not stupid enough, you won't buy.  I G  UARANTEE that they will not have many playing if the micros allow advantages.  

Nothing sold that is voluntarily purchased has to be justified because the buyer makes the decision. The company will tick some off but that's all in the risk of business.

I'll be bitching right alongside you if they give advantages to those who pay extra.

Originally posted by veritas_X

Originally posted by Sigilaea

Which brings me to my question for you. Let's say for a moment this game is amazing in every aspect. It surpasses your expectations in every way and it is so much fun, you consider taking some sick time to stay home and play it. Now let's assume this same game has an RMT vendor in one of the cities. Are you saying you would forego all of the fun you were having because of it? Would you stop enjoying your hobby because there is an NPC selling a "Super Mega Bastard" power-up for $5?

 

 

If I was paying a monthly sub fee and they introduced items that I wanted (whether fluff or progression-related) for additional fees, yes I would stop playing.  That's part of the reason I no longer play CoX, Vanguard, and EQ2 in fact.  Actually the services in Vanguard weren't even items that I wanted, but rather player-to-player sales, but I left over the principle (and I really loved that game, still miss it). 

Let the John Smedleys and Jack Emmerts of the world take a bit of a pay cut if the profit margins are really as tight as they claim.  Somehow I think they'll survive better than the customers they're continually looking to squeeze.

If RMT is going to be in the game, I don't feel like I should be charged monthly.  I have a real problem with the way this industry is bending over backwards to find new ways to charge the customer, and at the same time refusing to offer them anything new or substantially improved enough to warrant the extra cost.  I realize I'm probably in the minority on that, but that's just the way I feel about it.  It sucks that these guys are spending so much time and energy innovating on payment models instead of game mechanics.

I think RMT is coming to all games so you can protest but I believe it is inevitable.  So you are no doubt gonna stop playing MMOs with your attitude.  I think the distinction will be how RMT items fit with the rest of the game.  In free games the RMT items will be the games only revenue so they are gonna be heavy handed and make them part of the game.  IE you are gonna need to buy RMT stuff it won't be an option.  In pay games I think the RMT items will be optional and more perk items not required items.

Fact is all these games are businesses and the people running the games want to make as much money as possible.  SoE has clearly shown  that people will buy fluff items and it doesn't really adversely impact the subscriber base.    I know a few vocal people make a lot of fuss over it but generally it isn't having any impact other then to make money.  At the fanfaire they said the amounts of money from RMT was very significant and beyond expectations.

So it is coming and 2-3 years from now all games will have it.

Originally posted by ethion

Originally posted by veritas_X

Originally posted by Sigilaea

Which brings me to my question for you. Let's say for a moment this game is amazing in every aspect. It surpasses your expectations in every way and it is so much fun, you consider taking some sick time to stay home and play it. Now let's assume this same game has an RMT vendor in one of the cities. Are you saying you would forego all of the fun you were having because of it? Would you stop enjoying your hobby because there is an NPC selling a "Super Mega Bastard" power-up for $5?

 

 

If I was paying a monthly sub fee and they introduced items that I wanted (whether fluff or progression-related) for additional fees, yes I would stop playing.  That's part of the reason I no longer play CoX, Vanguard, and EQ2 in fact.  Actually the services in Vanguard weren't even items that I wanted, but rather player-to-player sales, but I left over the principle (and I really loved that game, still miss it). 

Let the John Smedleys and Jack Emmerts of the world take a bit of a pay cut if the profit margins are really as tight as they claim.  Somehow I think they'll survive better than the customers they're continually looking to squeeze.

If RMT is going to be in the game, I don't feel like I should be charged monthly.  I have a real problem with the way this industry is bending over backwards to find new ways to charge the customer, and at the same time refusing to offer them anything new or substantially improved enough to warrant the extra cost.  I realize I'm probably in the minority on that, but that's just the way I feel about it.  It sucks that these guys are spending so much time and energy innovating on payment models instead of game mechanics.

 

I think RMT is coming to all games so you can protest but I believe it is inevitable.  So you are no doubt gonna stop playing MMOs with your attitude.  I think the distinction will be how RMT items fit with the rest of the game.  In free games the RMT items will be the games only revenue so they are gonna be heavy handed and make them part of the game.  IE you are gonna need to buy RMT stuff it won't be an option.  In pay games I think the RMT items will be optional and more perk items not required items.

Fact is all these games are businesses and the people running the games want to make as much money as possible.  SoE has clearly shown  that people will buy fluff items and it doesn't really adversely impact the subscriber base.    I know a few vocal people make a lot of fuss over it but generally it isn't having any impact other then to make money.  At the fanfaire they said the amounts of money from RMT was very significant and beyond expectations.

So it is coming and 2-3 years from now all games will have it.

and the gaming community will be worse off for letting it happen, I learned a long time ago that Humanity is mostly sheep.  You, the average gamer, will let this happen. So sad.

Originally posted by elderotter

Originally posted by ethion

Personally I think that all games will be adding RMT systems over time.  I think that many of them will keep the RMT to things that don't have a direct impact on the game or that players don't need to buy to be able to play the game.  I'm thinking it will likely follow the path that SoE has set.  SoE has RMT in eq2 but it is mostly items like appearance equipment, furniture, pets, etc.  Mostly status items.  The only thing they sell that impacts the game are xp potions.  While these let people level up faster I'm not sure I see it as a big deal.  They give out quite a few xp potions and let people get a boost from having multiple 80s.  

The one area that they do give out useful items is in the LON card game.  Thats where they kinda cross the line giving out random useful items.  Again they are mostly cosmetic but some of them have useful abilities.  Things like cool looking mounts, illusions, feather fall, and now an item that lets you repair your gear once per day.

That said I don't really find any of these things have an impact on my playing the game.  The LON thing is kinda cool cause they give out free cards pretty frequently and you have a chance to get items.  I have gotten maybe 5-6 items over time.  It is kinda a nice little surprise.

But the bottom line is the RMT system as it is setup in EQ2 has no impact on game play that leaves people who don't buy things feeling like second class citizens.  As long as RMT system in pay games follow that model I'm ok and frankly I see all companies doing that in time.

This is VERY different then RMT systems in Free to Play games.  In these games they sell items that you must have to really compete or in some cases even be effective in the game.  I agree whole heartedly about any game that requires me to pay should not require me to do RMT to be able to play the game.  That would be crossing the line.

the statement in the interview mentioned "anything in-game".  Anything implies more than fluff.

There's a new post at the official forums, by Jack Emmert: 

"I know everyone has questions about microtransactions – what are they, how much are they, etc. I’m sorry we didn’t post something earlier; we’re really heads down in development right now. We’re going to release a WHOLE lot of information in the very near future about not just about microtransactions, but pricing in general. That said, here’s some basic principles about microtransactions to at least answer some of your concerns:

1) Microtransactions enable us to have a larger development team
2) Microtransactions are mostly aesthetic (costume pieces, pets, etc.)
3) If a microtransaction does have any sort of in game effect, then it can be also be earned in game.

I promise we'll read this thread, note any questions, and answer them more in depth soon. Heck, I'll try to answer the easy ones today/tomorrow/this week."

Key word: "mostly".

Lame.  SO DAMN LAME.  

Sink or swim without me. As for it's coming so get used to it.

Not for me it's not. Day I pay for a box and a fee and this crap is the day I close down all MMO accounts and start something else. They can make money of an idiot because my mother didn't damn well raise one.

Originally posted by elderotter

Originally posted by veritas_X

Originally posted by Sigilaea

Which brings me to my question for you. Let's say for a moment this game is amazing in every aspect. It surpasses your expectations in every way and it is so much fun, you consider taking some sick time to stay home and play it. Now let's assume this same game has an RMT vendor in one of the cities. Are you saying you would forego all of the fun you were having because of it? Would you stop enjoying your hobby because there is an NPC selling a "Super Mega Bastard" power-up for $5?

 

 

If I was paying a monthly sub fee and they introduced items that I wanted (whether fluff or progression-related) for additional fees, yes I would stop playing.  That's part of the reason I no longer play CoX, Vanguard, and EQ2 in fact.  Actually the services in Vanguard weren't even items that I wanted, but rather player-to-player sales, but I left over the principle (and I really loved that game, still miss it). 

Let the John Smedleys and Jack Emmerts of the world take a bit of a pay cut if the profit margins are really as tight as they claim.  Somehow I think they'll survive better than the customers they're continually looking to squeeze.

If RMT is going to be in the game, I don't feel like I should be charged monthly.  I have a real problem with the way this industry is bending over backwards to find new ways to charge the customer, and at the same time refusing to offer them anything new or substantially improved enough to warrant the extra cost.  I realize I'm probably in the minority on that, but that's just the way I feel about it.  It sucks that these guys are spending so much time and energy innovating on payment models instead of game mechanics.

I'm with you in that minority.

Add me in that minority.

Those who want to be literally scammed for automatically generated virtual items that were supposed to be part of the whole game access, go on.

But there will always be a game suitable for me, and that me is the reasonably justified prices kind.

If you developers want money so badly, do different things like Guild Wars, that charged us for content and not monthly fees, and also gave lots of options like extra storage, character re-customization. I want content and not virtual e-peen with my money, and I don't want to have my fun vision obstructed because of the others huge e-peens.

 Nothing on Amazon.com about this

EDIT ; Nvm i see the 5 cryptic bucks, i just dodnt see the wings item. 

Originally posted by ethion

 

I think RMT is coming to all games so you can protest but I believe it is inevitable.  So you are no doubt gonna stop playing MMOs with your attitude.  I think the distinction will be how RMT items fit with the rest of the game.  In free games the RMT items will be the games only revenue so they are gonna be heavy handed and make them part of the game.  IE you are gonna need to buy RMT stuff it won't be an option.  In pay games I think the RMT items will be optional and more perk items not required items.

Fact is all these games are businesses and the people running the games want to make as much money as possible.  SoE has clearly shown  that people will buy fluff items and it doesn't really adversely impact the subscriber base.    I know a few vocal people make a lot of fuss over it but generally it isn't having any impact other then to make money.  At the fanfaire they said the amounts of money from RMT was very significant and beyond expectations.

So it is coming and 2-3 years from now all games will have it.

Only if the sheeple bend over and take it.  I guarantee if nobody subscribes or people quit games that introduce RMT, companies will take notice.  They aren't monopolies and we don't have to give them our business.  TBH if RMT is limited to fluff, then I probably won't care, but as soon as people can buy the Sword of a Thousand Truths with RMT...I'm out.  I'm not poor or cheap.  I've had 2-4 subs running for the last 4 years.

What Sony game even has a healthy enough subscriber base to form the opinion that RMT doesn't hurt their subs?  When was the last time any SOE game even published their subs?  SOE also said they got positive feedback over NGE (sorry to open that can of worms lol).

Originally posted by tapeworm00

Originally posted by elderotter

Originally posted by ethion

Personally I think that all games will be adding RMT systems over time.  I think that many of them will keep the RMT to things that don't have a direct impact on the game or that players don't need to buy to be able to play the game.  I'm thinking it will likely follow the path that SoE has set.  SoE has RMT in eq2 but it is mostly items like appearance equipment, furniture, pets, etc.  Mostly status items.  The only thing they sell that impacts the game are xp potions.  While these let people level up faster I'm not sure I see it as a big deal.  They give out quite a few xp potions and let people get a boost from having multiple 80s.  

The one area that they do give out useful items is in the LON card game.  Thats where they kinda cross the line giving out random useful items.  Again they are mostly cosmetic but some of them have useful abilities.  Things like cool looking mounts, illusions, feather fall, and now an item that lets you repair your gear once per day.

That said I don't really find any of these things have an impact on my playing the game.  The LON thing is kinda cool cause they give out free cards pretty frequently and you have a chance to get items.  I have gotten maybe 5-6 items over time.  It is kinda a nice little surprise.

But the bottom line is the RMT system as it is setup in EQ2 has no impact on game play that leaves people who don't buy things feeling like second class citizens.  As long as RMT system in pay games follow that model I'm ok and frankly I see all companies doing that in time.

This is VERY different then RMT systems in Free to Play games.  In these games they sell items that you must have to really compete or in some cases even be effective in the game.  I agree whole heartedly about any game that requires me to pay should not require me to do RMT to be able to play the game.  That would be crossing the line.

the statement in the interview mentioned "anything in-game".  Anything implies more than fluff.

 

There's a new post at the official forums, by Jack Emmert: 

"I know everyone has questions about microtransactions – what are they, how much are they, etc. I’m sorry we didn’t post something earlier; we’re really heads down in development right now. We’re going to release a WHOLE lot of information in the very near future about not just about microtransactions, but pricing in general. That said, here’s some basic principles about microtransactions to at least answer some of your concerns:

1) Microtransactions enable us to have a larger development team
2) Microtransactions are mostly aesthetic (costume pieces, pets, etc.)
3) If a microtransaction does have any sort of in game effect, then it can be also be earned in game.

I promise we'll read this thread, note any questions, and answer them more in depth soon. Heck, I'll try to answer the easy ones today/tomorrow/this week."

 

Key word: "mostly".

 

Well now, I guess they heard us.  However, there is the word mostly ... eradicate that word and say only fluff and I will reconsider buying this game.  that is my opinion.

Originally posted by elderotter

Originally posted by tapeworm00

Originally posted by elderotter

Originally posted by ethion

Personally I think that all games will be adding RMT systems over time.  I think that many of them will keep the RMT to things that don't have a direct impact on the game or that players don't need to buy to be able to play the game.  I'm thinking it will likely follow the path that SoE has set.  SoE has RMT in eq2 but it is mostly items like appearance equipment, furniture, pets, etc.  Mostly status items.  The only thing they sell that impacts the game are xp potions.  While these let people level up faster I'm not sure I see it as a big deal.  They give out quite a few xp potions and let people get a boost from having multiple 80s.  

The one area that they do give out useful items is in the LON card game.  Thats where they kinda cross the line giving out random useful items.  Again they are mostly cosmetic but some of them have useful abilities.  Things like cool looking mounts, illusions, feather fall, and now an item that lets you repair your gear once per day.

That said I don't really find any of these things have an impact on my playing the game.  The LON thing is kinda cool cause they give out free cards pretty frequently and you have a chance to get items.  I have gotten maybe 5-6 items over time.  It is kinda a nice little surprise.

But the bottom line is the RMT system as it is setup in EQ2 has no impact on game play that leaves people who don't buy things feeling like second class citizens.  As long as RMT system in pay games follow that model I'm ok and frankly I see all companies doing that in time.

This is VERY different then RMT systems in Free to Play games.  In these games they sell items that you must have to really compete or in some cases even be effective in the game.  I agree whole heartedly about any game that requires me to pay should not require me to do RMT to be able to play the game.  That would be crossing the line.

the statement in the interview mentioned "anything in-game".  Anything implies more than fluff.

 

There's a new post at the official forums, by Jack Emmert: 

"I know everyone has questions about microtransactions – what are they, how much are they, etc. I’m sorry we didn’t post something earlier; we’re really heads down in development right now. We’re going to release a WHOLE lot of information in the very near future about not just about microtransactions, but pricing in general. That said, here’s some basic principles about microtransactions to at least answer some of your concerns:

1) Microtransactions enable us to have a larger development team
2) Microtransactions are mostly aesthetic (costume pieces, pets, etc.)
3) If a microtransaction does have any sort of in game effect, then it can be also be earned in game.

I promise we'll read this thread, note any questions, and answer them more in depth soon. Heck, I'll try to answer the easy ones today/tomorrow/this week."

 

Key word: "mostly".

 

Well now, I guess they heard us.  However, there is the word mostly ... eradicate that word and say only fluff and I will reconsider buying this game.  that is my opinion.

At least number 3 makes it more OK than before. Sure, some people are gonna grind while others just take out their Visas and pay up, but at least it's not required. Even then, it should be entirely cosmetic stuff in the store. Otherwise there's no clear reason why not to go ahead and rush to the end game - missing gear from content? Just buy it. I hope they reverse their decision and make it entirely cosmetic stuff.

Originally posted by Darth_Osor

Originally posted by ethion

 

I think RMT is coming to all games so you can protest but I believe it is inevitable.  So you are no doubt gonna stop playing MMOs with your attitude.  I think the distinction will be how RMT items fit with the rest of the game.  In free games the RMT items will be the games only revenue so they are gonna be heavy handed and make them part of the game.  IE you are gonna need to buy RMT stuff it won't be an option.  In pay games I think the RMT items will be optional and more perk items not required items.

Fact is all these games are businesses and the people running the games want to make as much money as possible.  SoE has clearly shown  that people will buy fluff items and it doesn't really adversely impact the subscriber base.    I know a few vocal people make a lot of fuss over it but generally it isn't having any impact other then to make money.  At the fanfaire they said the amounts of money from RMT was very significant and beyond expectations.

So it is coming and 2-3 years from now all games will have it.

 

Only if the sheeple bend over and take it.  I guarantee if nobody subscribes or people quit games that introduce RMT, companies will take notice.  They aren't monopolies and we don't have to give them our business.  TBH if RMT is limited to fluff, then I probably won't care, but as soon as people can buy the Sword of a Thousand Truths with RMT...I'm out.  I'm not poor or cheap.  I've had 2-4 subs running for the last 4 years.

What Sony game even has a healthy enough subscriber base to form the opinion that RMT doesn't hurt their subs?  When was the last time any SOE game even published their subs?  SOE also said they got positive feedback over NGE (sorry to open that can of worms lol).

It is true that they will only do this if it makes them money without hurting subs.  But as long as they stay with the fluff approach it won't hurt subs and it will generate extra revenue.  So honestly any company not doing this would be running on less revenue.  Now they start selling items that are useful like weapons and armor and stuff that is better then what is in the game or even comparable and I'll be lining up at the door leaving just as quick as possible.

But if they follow the SoE model we see so far in eq2 then I don't care and probably even like it if it adds some revenue which turns into more content.