With the launch of Dungeons and Dragons Unlimited, the F2P version of Turbine's D&D Online, looming on the horizon, Garrett Fuller had a chance to ask a few questions of the game's Executive Producer Fernando Paiz.

MMORPG.com:

Tell us about the choice to make DDO Free-to-Play? How did Turbine come to this decision?

Fernando Paiz:

Turbine has been exploring Free-to-Play and micro-transactions based business models for several years now. We have seen the growing popularity of these models, particularly in the Asian markets, and we've been on the lookout for the right opportunity to bring a compelling offering to the West. We didn't know if that would mean importing and operating a game from another developer, applying the model to a new game, or something else.

About 2 years ago we started to seriously look at the possibility of converting one of our existing franchises to Free-to-Play. As we prepared some analysis on what this would entail for each of our major franchises, we quickly came to see that DDO was a great fit. Although some big design changes were needed to make this work, we found that we were able to make a new model which fit cleanly with the existing core game play mechanics and the game world. Many people have remarked that this also feels like a great fit for the D&D IP. After all, when D&D got started this was the model: you bought the base rule book and then you would buy incremental content and miniatures and other ways to enhance your game play when you were ready.

Read the Unlimited Q&A

Very nice interview, but you missplaced the article into Dungeon fighters online instead :p

Patching up the game right now and cant wait to roll on the new server Cannith, see you in Eberron :)

I'm also ready for this.

The micro payment system does fit this game.  The article's points were very valid. 
I don't know the specifics, but many western gamers don't care for a payment system like this.  Many Americans also don't like things like that in their real life either.  An example of this would be prepaid minutes on cellphones.  Our society somehow wants consistent payment methods even if they are economically bad for households in comparison.
I hope that this feature doesn't turn people off from the game.  It's great and less expensive than the rest. 

Originally posted by dalestaines1

I'm also ready for this.

The micro payment system does fit this game.  The article's points were very valid. 
I don't know the specifics, but many western gamers don't care for a payment system like this.  Many Americans also don't like things like that in their real life either.  An example of this would be prepaid minutes on cellphones.  Our society somehow wants consistent payment methods even if they are economically bad for households in comparison.
I hope that this feature doesn't turn people off from the game.  It's great and less expensive than the rest. 

Fortunately, DDO isn't "just" micropayments, you have the option to choose a regular monthly subscription as well.  Of course though that option pretty much gives you everything in the DDO store leaving it there for nothing more than ingredients and potions.

How is DDO for someone running with his g/f most of the time? Are most areas for groups? Are there other options if you want to run solo for awhile?

The part that always gets me is the statement of how a sub fee is a large barrier to players. I know it's true but it always baffles me. People buy $60 console and $50 computer games non stop, but when the concept of $15 a month comes in they freak out and don't want to do it. I can't think of a cheaper hobby to be honest, every other hobby is far more expensive then $15 a month so why are there so many people who get all wrapped up in that aspect of MMOs?

I guess I'll just never get it, I do prefer sub games and I think it was smart of DDO to offer a sub model along side of the store model. Will be interesting to see the number of players this pulls in.

Originally posted by SnarlingWolf

The part that always gets me is the statement of how a sub fee is a large barrier to players. I know it's true but it always baffles me. People buy $60 console and $50 computer games non stop, but when the concept of $15 a month comes in they freak out and don't want to do it. I can't think of a cheaper hobby to be honest, every other hobby is far more expensive then $15 a month so why are there so many people who get all wrapped up in that aspect of MMOs?

 

I guess I'll just never get it, I do prefer sub games and I think it was smart of DDO to offer a sub model along side of the store model. Will be interesting to see the number of players this pulls in.

Well, it is not just the sub, but also the box price.

In fact, i am never going to play DDO when it is a sub service. I dont have the time to go with more than 1 serious MMO (and that is WOW) .. and when i say serious, i mean playing regularly. I am no where close to the really hardcore.

This actually will allow me to play some DDO when i want a change in my gaming. If i like it enough, i may even buy some modules off their store, if it is not too expenisve.

Originally posted by SnarlingWolf

The part that always gets me is the statement of how a sub fee is a large barrier to players. I know it's true but it always baffles me. People buy $60 console and $50 computer games non stop, but when the concept of $15 a month comes in they freak out and don't want to do it. I can't think of a cheaper hobby to be honest, every other hobby is far more expensive then $15 a month so why are there so many people who get all wrapped up in that aspect of MMOs?

 

I guess I'll just never get it, I do prefer sub games and I think it was smart of DDO to offer a sub model along side of the store model. Will be interesting to see the number of players this pulls in.

Kid Say: Hey dam I brought this game with my Money, but now I cant play it cause I dont have a credit card to pay monthly!!! Dam Shittiy

Mom: What you say!!!!!???  /Spank

Ranks are LvLs?

Is the Game Instanced like Guild Wars?

Have PvP?

Does the game have any large scale PvE fighting for this MMO?

Any Large Scale PvP fighting?

Solo play is in the game right? Or do I need NPC help for soloing like Guild Wars?

Think this is more of a viabilty issue with selling the Turbine Engine suite, not with the proven item mall implementation, it would be one of the first professional mmo creation suites to be a complete product. Big Ups Turbine :D

Originally posted by tro44_1

Originally posted by SnarlingWolf

The part that always gets me is the statement of how a sub fee is a large barrier to players. I know it's true but it always baffles me. People buy $60 console and $50 computer games non stop, but when the concept of $15 a month comes in they freak out and don't want to do it. I can't think of a cheaper hobby to be honest, every other hobby is far more expensive then $15 a month so why are there so many people who get all wrapped up in that aspect of MMOs?

 

I guess I'll just never get it, I do prefer sub games and I think it was smart of DDO to offer a sub model along side of the store model. Will be interesting to see the number of players this pulls in.

 

Kid Say: Hey dam I brought this game with my Money, but now I cant play it cause I dont have a credit card to pay monthly!!! Dam Shittiy

Mom: What you say!!!!!???  /Spank

That's assuming you buy an MMO, as oppossed to wait a few months for the free trial at which point you get 4 months for the same price of buying a console game that you will finish in a week or two.
 

But I was pointing more towards the fact that there's people who will buy a new video game every month to two months, but then they won't play an MMO because of a monthly fee. I understand the people who have no money, but those same people can't afford any games at all anyways. My lack of understanding is the people who have money, spend money regularly on other games but then when the word "subscription" comes up they get all spooked and are afraid to do it.

Originally posted by tro44_1

Ranks are LvLs?

No, there are 20 levels but every level is divided into 5 ranks. At every new rank you get action points to spend on enchentements similar to talents or traits. Every level you get alot of stuff and you can even choose to get levels with other classes. So you could be a lvl 14 warrior, 4 cleric, 2 Wizard (even if its a horrible build :p )

Is the Game Instanced like Guild Wars?

Yes they are similar in the way instances are used.

Have PvP?

There is PvP deatmatches and capture the flag but its a small part of the game and they dont balance classes for PvP (even thou some spells cant be used in PvP).

Does the game have any large scale PvE fighting for this MMO?

Most content is for 6 man groups or 12-man raids. You can start raiding at about level 8 since you get XP from it.

Any Large Scale PvP fighting?

I think 6vs6 is the largest.

Solo play is in the game right? Or do I need NPC help for soloing like Guild Wars?

Soloing is very hard after level 4. With the new "difficulty scaling" its easier solo and for small groups but you need Hirelings like in GW most of the time. Its important to know that DDO is a grouping game even thou soloing can be alot of fun.

Originally posted by SnarlingWolf

Originally posted by tro44_1

Originally posted by SnarlingWolf

The part that always gets me is the statement of how a sub fee is a large barrier to players. I know it's true but it always baffles me. People buy $60 console and $50 computer games non stop, but when the concept of $15 a month comes in they freak out and don't want to do it. I can't think of a cheaper hobby to be honest, every other hobby is far more expensive then $15 a month so why are there so many people who get all wrapped up in that aspect of MMOs?

 

I guess I'll just never get it, I do prefer sub games and I think it was smart of DDO to offer a sub model along side of the store model. Will be interesting to see the number of players this pulls in.

 

Kid Say: Hey dam I brought this game with my Money, but now I cant play it cause I dont have a credit card to pay monthly!!! Dam Shittiy

Mom: What you say!!!!!???  /Spank

That's assuming you buy an MMO, as oppossed to wait a few months for the free trial at which point you get 4 months for the same price of buying a console game that you will finish in a week or two.
 

 

But I was pointing more towards the fact that there's people who will buy a new video game every month to two months, but then they won't play an MMO because of a monthly fee. I understand the people who have no money, but those same people can't afford any games at all anyways. My lack of understanding is the people who have money, spend money regularly on other games but then when the word "subscription" comes up they get all spooked and are afraid to do it.

That wasnt my point. For many people, using a credit card online (If You have one, which a lot of kids wont) is a no no.

I was pointing out that most youth dont have a way to pay for online games without prepaid cards (X-box Live, WoW Cards, War Cards, ext)

Couple of months back, I gave my word to community member Sarr that I'd post giving Turbine some props if they released on time this time around (after the delay). Here I am, giving Turbine props for proving me wrong about delaying release once again :D Now go shake a leg and give this game a try.

For all the questions so far:

PvP: Yes there is PvP, but meaningless and optional. No XP whatsoever, no balance (i.e. never ever mess with a caster or cleric). And not very many people do it.

Instanced: yes. ALL content is instanced.

Grouping: highly encouraged, not absolutely necessary.

F2P or VIP: Simple. Try F2P, By level 4 or so you should know whether you like the game or not. If so, go VIP. F2P will only get you nickel an dimed to death.

Peace.

This to me is some of the best news to come out of mmo's for quite a while Turbine is a company that I'm very comfortable dealing with and after playing the game around it's launch I was dissapointed with it nothing in particular but it was just not my style, now with it going free to play I will definitely give it another try and am even more excited by the fact as they pointed out this is D&D and is a great way for a D&D product to be handled.  Now if only we can convince them to work with Wizards to allow them to create modules for other D&D settings like Ravenloft,Dragonlance or of course Forgotten Realms we couldn't ask for much more.

The end is near! They screwed over their players, "fixed" the stuff that worked and left the broken stuff alone, and added a whole new set of quests based around grinding loot that no one will ever use; it's like the perfect storm of $hitty ideas! It almost makes waiting 2 years for the worst game company on Earth to kill this game worthwhile.

Who will be making the next D&D MMORPG? I heard rumors about a Neverwinter Nights MMO; while I'm not wild about the engine, that could be changed, and at least it would be in Faerun and (presumably) not developed by ham-handed amateurs with control and anger issues. Sony could do a goof job of it, if they went back to their EQ1 ideas and killed anyone who had ever been involved in EQ2 or SWG.

Originally posted by toord

Couple of months back, I gave my word to community member Sarr that I'd post giving Turbine some props if they released on time this time around (after the delay). Here I am, giving Turbine props for proving me wrong about delaying release once again :D Now go shake a leg and give this game a try.

Wow, that's nice from you toord : ). I'm really happy to see you writing such things, so take care pal! Hope you'll be around to play with ; ).

Honestly, I'm surprised - in a positive manner. Kudos.

PS: Codejack is clearly a troll now. Most likely one of those banned for XP exploits this summer. Beware.

Originally posted by tro44_1

Originally posted by SnarlingWolf

Originally posted by tro44_1

Originally posted by SnarlingWolf

The part that always gets me is the statement of how a sub fee is a large barrier to players. I know it's true but it always baffles me. People buy $60 console and $50 computer games non stop, but when the concept of $15 a month comes in they freak out and don't want to do it. I can't think of a cheaper hobby to be honest, every other hobby is far more expensive then $15 a month so why are there so many people who get all wrapped up in that aspect of MMOs?

 

I guess I'll just never get it, I do prefer sub games and I think it was smart of DDO to offer a sub model along side of the store model. Will be interesting to see the number of players this pulls in.

 

Kid Say: Hey dam I brought this game with my Money, but now I cant play it cause I dont have a credit card to pay monthly!!! Dam Shittiy

Mom: What you say!!!!!???  /Spank

That's assuming you buy an MMO, as oppossed to wait a few months for the free trial at which point you get 4 months for the same price of buying a console game that you will finish in a week or two.
 

 

But I was pointing more towards the fact that there's people who will buy a new video game every month to two months, but then they won't play an MMO because of a monthly fee. I understand the people who have no money, but those same people can't afford any games at all anyways. My lack of understanding is the people who have money, spend money regularly on other games but then when the word "subscription" comes up they get all spooked and are afraid to do it.

 

That wasnt my point. For many people, using a credit card online (If You have one, which a lot of kids wont) is a no no.

I was pointing out that most youth dont have a way to pay for online games without prepaid cards (X-box Live, WoW Cards, War Cards, ext)

I dunno, I've always felt that I've HAD to play a subscription game to get my money's worth. Some games I've played for multiple months before, but most I've played for about a month and quit because I did not think I was getting my money's worth.

With this new model, D&D IS like, in many ways, the old-school Pen and Paper days, but not only that, I wouldn't feel like I HAD to play. I feel like going further in the game? I just buy a module. They will make plenty of money that way, and I will not feel RUSHED. Not everybody has money to burn on something they can't dedicate their time to like their were living in mommy's garage. :D

Originally posted by Bleakmage

Originally posted by tro44_1

That wasnt my point. For many people, using a credit card online (If You have one, which a lot of kids wont) is a no no.

I was pointing out that most youth dont have a way to pay for online games without prepaid cards (X-box Live, WoW Cards, War Cards, ext)

 

I dunno, I've always felt that I've HAD to play a subscription game to get my money's worth. Some games I've played for multiple months before, but most I've played for about a month and quit because I did not think I was getting my money's worth.

 

With this new model, D&D IS like, in many ways, the old-school Pen and Paper days, but not only that, I wouldn't feel like I HAD to play. I feel like going further in the game? I just buy a module. They will make plenty of money that way, and I will not feel RUSHED. Not everybody has money to burn on something they can't dedicate their time to like their were living in mommy's garage. :D

That's how I feel as well. And I was playing and paying my sub in DDO before this F2P. F2P is going to make it a lot better experience to me.

I remember how I felt whan I've just paid my sub in advance for months, just to realize I won't have much time to play because of some "unpredictible event" or business matters. I felt like a fool, to say the least. Such times make you so angry, that you don't like to even think about paying a sub later.

I think I'm not alone here. Many people have pretty unpredictible or mobile life styles, so they want to have control. Even if F2P won't make me pay less, there's no stress in this model, so that's a good deal.

For comparisons subs vs. single player games. Yes, if you're sure you'll have the time and will like to play whole months, subs are very attractive. But if you happend to play a game and grow tired of it, but still have 6th months of time paid in advance, that's not a good deal. I'd rather buy some new game instead, but heck, I've paid my sub already!

So DDO F2P satisfies both parties. Subbers and those who need better control. Genius idea.

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Originally posted by Sarr

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Originally posted by toord

Couple of months back, I gave my word to community member Sarr that I'd post giving Turbine some props if they released on time this time around (after the delay). Here I am, giving Turbine props for proving me wrong about delaying release once again :D Now go shake a leg and give this game a try.

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Wow, that's nice from you toord : ). I'm really happy to see you writing such things, so take care pal! Hope you'll be around to play with ; ).
Honestly, I'm surprised - in a positive manner. Kudos.

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Told ya mate, I keep my word.
 

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PS: Codejack is clearly a troll now. Most likely one of those banned for XP exploits this summer. Beware.

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Peace.