FA Discussion => Non-VR Games => Topic started by: Mharz on July 31, 2012, 04:27:03 pm
Title: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Mharz on July 31, 2012, 04:27:03 pm
Coming this fall..
http://www.swtor.com/free/features
http://www.swtor.com/support/helpcenter/6449
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Surah on July 31, 2012, 04:52:33 pm
Yeah, I saw it earlier while at work. Was curious when they'd discuss the elephant in the room. All sorts of speculation floating about, thought it appears subs have dropped somewhere between 1 million and 500k. Quite a large range, but most likely somewhere in the 750k to 850k range. I remember (maybe delusion though) reading an article where EA stated they needed 1 million subs to maintain SWTOR's profits, though some have put the number closer to 500k.
Either way, it's pretty frustrating. The result of launching too soon, and then pulling some key elements after stating they'd be arriving. I still think it could mean good things for the game long term though. F2P more or less saved Age of Conan from being shuttered, and if they can get this "Cartel Coin" system to be worthwhile, they could definitely see an influx of cash. Above all, hopefully F2P paired with content updates would mean a huge surge in subscriptions.
That more than anything could breathe some much needed life into the game and keep EA interested in promoting SWTOR long term.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Mharz on July 31, 2012, 05:24:05 pm
Honestly I'm torn about the F2P model.
To me it really matters very little. In fact I think they'll end up getting more money from me. Those Cartel Coins will be a money sink for me. I see that coming already. Day 1 I'll buy 10,000 of them and get everything I want. I won't run dailies unless I have to but I'll work an extra couple hours a week to buy goodies. Go figure.
I guess the upside is everyone and anyone can level to 50 and get entry level PvE and PvP gear. The carrot then becomes how competitive do you want to be and if you want to be on the cutting edge you'll have to get a sub. I have mixed feelings about adding things to the game that enhance performance. I won't hesitate, not an instant to plunk down $100 to get immunity to stun in warzones... just saying. Actually I'd pay more than that.
I guess its just wait and see for now and hope BW is smart about how they make the transition.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Zipperqueen on July 31, 2012, 05:24:42 pm
I REALLY did not want this to happen. Somehow I get the feeling that the quality of content is going to go seriously downhill.
If it does, I'm unsubbing for sure.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Surah on July 31, 2012, 05:40:19 pm
I too am often caught by the trap that is the item mall. I don't want to think about how much money I spent in Star Trek Online -_- It can be a good thing for the game, but I really hope it's not game breaking mechanical advantages that you can purchase. I don't think I've heard of a situation where that turned out well for a game. I'm very interested to see how they will sell actual 'content' in terms of missions or whatever. I never really got a chance to see how Funcom did that with Age of Conan, but I'm guessing that Bioware and EA will adopt a similar model.
Bottom line: If the item mall is done right, micro-transactions > subscription money by a large margin I'm betting. So if they get a decent portion of people subscribing still, on top of all the new money coming in from microtransactions, suddenly SWTOR is doing well again.
All I have to do is think back to my last roommate and the hundreds of dollars he dropped on League of Legends It could work for SWTOR, but as you said, we have to wait and see.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Sared on July 31, 2012, 06:44:25 pm
League of Legends, SMITE and Tribes Ascend are the only games that I've played in recent memory with F2P systems in place that I admired. In my opinion, I think they are done very well, and would not mind that sort of functionality being added to the game.
I'll admit, I haven't played a F2P MMO at end-game to really be able to make a judgement call one way or the other. My biggest concern is their continued offerings in the CC store, and that someone in management will be able to finely balance the development dollars going to continue those offerings, and the development dollars going into core development.
As it stands, I want to see more being offered in the CC store than what they've alluded to thus far, then I'll lean a little more on the optimistic side.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: ZephixLeer (Zephic) on July 31, 2012, 08:23:47 pm
No access to operations unless you pay 2 play? Ouch.
Personally, were I still a hardcore member of the SW:TOR community, I'd see this as a grab for my own wallet. It's their way of hoping to continue to score pay to play fees from those who already play. I'd see that as a good reason to quit, myself. But I'm also kind of jaded to the MMO market and the constant grab for cash that leads to the death of some of my favorite games. (I'm looking at you SWG. And, I guess any game that forced a sub and pay-for expansion.) Frustrating to see new players who haven't established themselves getting to play free up until they reach operations, while I've paid to play up until that point and receive nothing extra.
Then agian, maybe I've missed something and they'll give current/past subscribers and those who've paid for the boxed/digital download copy something extra?
Anyway, I suppose I should butt out since SW:TOR lost me ages ago. I'm probably too much a negative nancy and the last person who should be trying to contribute to this conversation. lol :P
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Subb on August 01, 2012, 04:43:51 am
I've always seen F2P as a big fuck you to hardcore gamers, who are competitive enough to sink more and more money into the game, despite already being loyal subscribers. They should have a lot more perks/loyalty gifts or whatever.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Manic Velocity on August 01, 2012, 10:00:11 am
Staff layoffs and a steady decline in subs. Hellen Keller could have seen this coming. I'm just surprised it happened this soon.
They made the main selling point of the game free (but limited in playable races), which means they really need to work to make the end-game worth the money, and that's not going to be easy with reduced staff.
They're going to be banking hard on that cash shop. It's a lot cheaper to design a dancing Tauntaun pet or whatever and sell it for $20, than it is to design and balance a new warzone or operation and sell it for $15.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Sared on August 01, 2012, 10:51:30 am
So, apparently Bioware is making a new Ultima MMO. Paranoia setting in, and I can now conclude where money is going to be going.
Fuckers.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Sared on August 01, 2012, 11:02:34 am
Also, after some talking with a friend, I've come to the conclusion that the new F2P model is a good idea for attracting new players. Level characters all you want, get an enjoyable storyline and some PVP action, then pay the 15$ a month for end-game content.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Tbone on August 01, 2012, 11:41:05 am
I go on vacation and the sky starts falling. What'll upset me is if I pay $15/month but still will be expected to buy stuff from the item mall to get the newest gear or nicest perk.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Tecknik on August 01, 2012, 12:45:35 pm
The more I think about this, the more I realize nothing is really changing.
Everyone who was paying $14.99/month to play the game, will continue paying $14.99/month to play the same game we have been for the past however many months.
They're only adding an option for people who can't and/or don't want to pay $14.99/month to still be able to play through the story mode of the game, with limited access to warzones, flashpoints and no access to operations.
I haven't played any F2P games other than DCUO, and from what I'm reading so far, this seems very similar to their F2P option.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: NoCry on August 01, 2012, 01:35:19 pm
No big deal in my view.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Tbone on August 02, 2012, 12:25:45 am
It does mean that, even if you are on a subscription, you'll have to use "Cartel coins" to buy certain items. As a subscriber, it looks like you'll be getting a certain number of tokens each month, but still, you won't be able to buy anything and there won't be an option to use credits as far as I can tell.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Mharz on August 02, 2012, 12:49:46 am
I do think you'll be able to purchase the Cartel Coins with cash straight up. Which of course I'll do day 1. And then probably go deep into financial debt pimping all my alts out in the newest swag. Somehow this sounds like me spending more money..
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Tecknik on August 02, 2012, 06:02:02 am
Anyone who bought the Collector's Edition gets 1000 cartel coins.
Everyone who's been a subscriber since before July 31st gets 150 cartel coins per paid month. If you've been playing since the beginning, that should be 7 months, so another 1050 coins.
Everyone who is still a subscriber after August 1st gets 200 cartel coins per paid month until free-to-play launches.
Every active player at the launch of free-to-play gets 250 cartel coins.
So most of us are looking at about 2500 cartel coins at least, right off the bat.
That being said, the three items announced so far aren't even game-improving items. A pet, a chair and a mask. Whoopdeedoo?
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Subb on August 02, 2012, 06:29:25 am
The Nihlus mask looks freaking awesome though.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Saint on August 02, 2012, 12:32:13 pm
Time for us migrate to Plantetside 2 and/or Guild wars 2 ;)
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Balance on August 02, 2012, 01:30:38 pm
Quote from: "Saint"
Time for us migrate to Plantetside 2 and/or Guild wars 2 ;)
and/or The Secret World ;)
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Sared on August 02, 2012, 02:53:07 pm
Quote from: "Saint"
Time for us migrate to Plantetside 2 and/or Guild wars 2 ;)
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Mharz on August 02, 2012, 03:41:31 pm
Quote from: "Balance"
and/or The Secret World ;)
Not happening for this guy. Ever.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Ketamininja on August 02, 2012, 04:16:50 pm
Quote from: "Balance"
Quote from: "Saint"
Time for us migrate to Plantetside 2 and/or Guild wars 2 ;)
and/or The Secret World ;)
Currenly have my eye on http://elderscrollsonline.com/en/
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Manic Velocity on August 02, 2012, 06:03:46 pm
Quote from: "Mharz"
Quote from: "Balance"
and/or The Secret World ;)
Not happening for this guy. Ever.
It's a shame, really. I think you would love the dungeons.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Anamodiel on August 02, 2012, 06:10:21 pm
Quote from: "Balance"
Quote from: "Saint"
Time for us migrate to Plantetside 2 and/or Guild wars 2 ;)
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Broin on August 02, 2012, 09:35:28 pm
Quote from: "Balance"
Quote from: "Saint"
Time for us migrate to Plantetside 2 and/or Guild wars 2 ;)
and/or The Secret World ;)
I have to be honest I think I like TSW as much as I did MXO.... Though I am not sure of the pvp
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: ZephixLeer (Zephic) on August 02, 2012, 09:51:42 pm
Quote from: "Broin"
Quote from: "Balance"
Quote from: "Saint"
Time for us migrate to Plantetside 2 and/or Guild wars 2 ;)
and/or The Secret World ;)
I have to be honest I think I like TSW as much as I did MXO.... Though I am not sure of the pvp
The PvP needs some love, but in my opinion it should be easily fixed. The developers have already discussed some possible solutions to the minor issues people've discussed in Fusang Projects. I haven't tried the others yet. Fusang is where it's at so far! :)
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Zipperqueen on August 02, 2012, 11:08:30 pm
Quote from: "Balance"
Quote from: "Saint"
Time for us migrate to Plantetside 2 and/or Guild wars 2 ;)
and/or The Secret World ;)
Played the TSW beta, enjoyed the story, hated the combat. Reminded me of Age of Conan before the expansion (and free-to-play, ironically enough.) I also couldn't run it above medium settings without some serious CPU/GPU lag.
As far as migration goes.... Shadowrun Online, anyone? http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1964352341/shadowrun-online Reminds me of Fallout 1/2/Tactics...
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: ZephixLeer (Zephic) on August 03, 2012, 01:10:27 am
Just curious, what about it was like AoC? I didn't get that vibe myself, but it makes sense... same engine and all.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Anamodiel on August 03, 2012, 07:00:56 am
SWTOR is going F2P. Nothing is changing with FA and SWTOR anytime soon. So stop with the doom and gloom, and definitely get the TSW crap out of here. I understand you guys like it. Congratulations. I like SWTOR. You guys have your own forum for discussion of TSW.
Link to an interview from mmorpg.com. You can read it all directly on SWTOR.com
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Tecknik on August 03, 2012, 08:35:43 am
Quote
Essentially, Cartel Coins will buy a few things: actual in-game content (beyond the 1-50 experience that comes with the game now), vanity items, and convenience items (bank slots, bag slots, character slots, etc). There will be nothing you can buy with CC that will give you an advantage over other players in a competitive arena.
Tecknik wins.
There is also this:
Quote
One of the chief things Jeff and Matt expect folks to spend money on if they're not subscribed (subscribers will always receive every bit of new content, regardless of CC) are content updates.
Like I said, nothing is really changing for any of us who have been paying our subscription. We will not have to spend any more money than we already do.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Zipperqueen on August 03, 2012, 06:30:45 pm
Quote from: "Zephic"
Just curious, what about it was like AoC? I didn't get that vibe myself, but it makes sense... same engine and all.
I think the similarities really had more to do with the graphics than the combat. Same look, no auto-attack (that really threw me for a loop back then,) and the combo system was practically useless in PvP (to me, at least.) Even back then, I had trouble playing the game at medium settings on a much weaker computer.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Zipperqueen on August 03, 2012, 06:33:10 pm
Quote
One of the chief things Jeff and Matt expect folks to spend money on if they're not subscribed (subscribers will always receive every bit of new content, regardless of CC) are content updates.
That part actually pissed me off a lot until I read it again. Still, a lot of free-to-play people are not going to like having to pay to access new content.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: ZephixLeer (Zephic) on August 03, 2012, 07:53:29 pm
Quote from: "Zipperqueen"
I think the similarities really had more to do with the graphics than the combat. Same look, no auto-attack (that really threw me for a loop back then,) and the combo system was practically useless in PvP (to me, at least.) Even back then, I had trouble playing the game at medium settings on a much weaker computer.
Gotcha. Check out TSW section about patch 1.1, it may surprise you on performance now and weekend free trial this weekend, starting today if I'm not mistaken.
I won't go into more details here. I don't want to derail the thread again and offend Anamodiel. :) <3 you Ana!
As to stay somewhat on topic, I wanted to say that I'm happy to see them providing those cartel coins for paying customers. I think it's only right and it makes a lot more sense than paying per month only for the last bit of the content that others played for free to get up to. A bit of love each month to show the subscribers are appreciated goes a long way in my book.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Mharz on August 03, 2012, 10:26:17 pm
Okay I'm going to nicely be "that guy" and post this.
This is not a TSW THREAD.
You have your own area of the boards, numerous threads to divide the guild. Please post there.
Thanks
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: Tecknik on August 04, 2012, 01:38:38 am
Quote from: "Zipperqueen"
Quote
One of the chief things Jeff and Matt expect folks to spend money on if they're not subscribed (subscribers will always receive every bit of new content, regardless of CC) are content updates.
That part actually pissed me off a lot until I read it again. Still, a lot of free-to-play people are not going to like having to pay to access new content.
That's how DCUO does it, and it seems to work for them.
Title: Re: SWTOR is going Free to Play
Post by: ZephixLeer (Zephic) on August 04, 2012, 05:56:48 am
Quote from: "Mharz"
Okay I'm going to nicely be "that guy" and post this.
This is not a TSW THREAD.
You have your own area of the boards, numerous threads to divide the guild. Please post there.
Thanks
My apologies. I must say... I've always seen this as a place to talk, have fun, share opinions, and "hang out" with friends. When I hang out with friends, I tend to discuss my current favorite game a lot. Never meant to offend or poke at a sore spot.
Not trying to "divide the guild" by any stretch of the imagination. Sorry if it came across that way. The topic came up just like planetside 2 and guildwars 2 did as well.
I didn't see it how you or others saw it... but I understand where things are now and I won't mention it again in any part of the forums but the assigned area.