I really think Wonderstruck (@james and the wonderful crew) Should really consider making this game FTP on the whole. I think it would do the game so much good. Here are a few things I’ve brainstormed while thinking about it.
Perhaps give access to a set amount of planets as part of the FTP version of the game, for example a set core of 3 from each Server… Anyone that hasn’t upgraded to the full game isn’t allowed access through other portals outside of these planets
If the above doesn’t appeal, make access to exo planets exclusive to PTP player’s.
Restrict use of certain features in the game exclusive to PTP players (ie crafting of certain blocks or use of certain machines) “Please upgrade to the full version of the game to use these features” sort of bs
Restrict the sale of in game items to PTP players, that’s way FTP players encouraged to upgrade?
I really think it would the game a world of good. Not only massively increase the player base, but also massively increase revenue for the studio. Also, it would help the whole economy in the game… More people selling more people buying etc etc… I’m pretty sure this would have probably been thought of by the dev team, but are there particular reasons as to why you haven’t taken this route? Perhaps server instability worries, more time needed by the studio then focusing on this one game etc etc? Would love to get some feedback.
Edit: Existing player base would just be as they are, no changes to their permissions etc.
Ylands did become FTP after leaving EA. it had survival and creative mode, all for about 20 coin. they made a powerful editor, made it FTP, but only creative, editor and player made content. survival mode still costs 20c. in EA, survival was the main thing about the game. so all who bought it then would pay the 20c now right? small change, pretty reasonable… it was a poo storm… so much complaining, so many hurt feelings for almost nothing
EDIT: instead of FTP make a demo version. severely limited, but enough to at least try how it runs
But that would be on the FTP players to upgrade to the PTP version. I think people would get a good idea and feel for the game enough to want to upgrade… well imo
I came with the intention of no-ing it but i cant see a reason to do that now. Aside from point #1, the rest seems reasonable. Only issue with that point is those planets where ftp players can go will be filled with temporary and annoying beacons.
I can see some of us players who paid getting mad about this but if enough critical restrictions are placed, those ftp players wont be essentially enjoying the game like you. Plus, you got 2 years-ish of gaming time ahead of them.
Idk though man. This idea needs a lot of thinking and preferrably a thorough observation of how previous games that went ftp performed. Did they succeed or fail, their players responses, etc. Once you go ftp going back is close to impossible i believe. No harm in discussing though. This is what forums are for.
THIS IS ALL RANDOM DISCUSSION AND IDEAS-THROWING BY OP AND US. DON’T MAKE DRAMA OVER THIS BECAUSE 99.9% IT MIGHT NEVER HAPPEN
I absolutely agree with @DKPuncherello’s model. It would be the same kind of model used in Rainbow Six where you get the basic game without the extra operators. Here you would get limited characters and no skill pages. I would also personally like more cosmetics perhaps via a different currency that you have to pay to buy. Cubits are easily earned therefore the studio won’t benefit from extra cosmetics via cubit currency, so a new currency even if it’s £ or $ etc for purely cosmetic non P2W items shouldn’t cause too much of an outcry.
There definitely shouldn’t be f2p players plotting on the existing worlds. That was a disaster. But if they spawned a planet or two and let f2p access any planets but only plot on the free planets that would be ok I think.
The devs need money though I think. I still think they should add a premium currency for some cosmetics. I just spent $10 to buy the alien Zarya skin on overwatch haha.
I LOVE in game cosmetics. I spent 100’s on Black Desert Online for things like Mount Costumes, Character Costumes, Pets, Wagons for my horses etc etc. They’re just a cool addition that have absolutely no impact on the gameplay but just make you feel good.
I want a wildstoke mount, if they add new races/ character models it will probably be free when making a new character and will probably have some exclusive for gleamclub.
I say that basic mob mounts should be free (maybe you need to grind for the saddle and tame the mob) and then make the elemental skins a premium feature.
now that I would pay $20 for.