Should FD Sell the Ships in a Shop?

[Dym]

The people who voted yes are money for fd, as we all know fd needs money to pay bills. I m ok with it. Most of us have regular jobs and family and dont have time to play ed 24/7 like some of you guys. If fd would do it maybe this ships for money will only be available in solo play so there will be no pay2win.

 

[Chip Patton]

the people who voted yes are money for fd, as we all know fd needs money to pay bills i m ok with it. most of us have regular jobs and family and dont have time to play ed 24/7 like some of you guys. if fd would do it maybe this ships for money will only be available in solo play to there would be no pay2win.

I'd rather pay a $30.00/mo sub before playing a p2w game. True story.

 

[CMDR Holycow]

Terrible idea. Then it truly would become a "pay to win" game. The beauty of this game is that you don't NEED the best ship to experience the entire game, or do well at any one aspect of it. You can hunt, pirate, trade, fight, explore, all the way down to the beginner ships. If FD wants to increase revenue from this game, they need to get on-the-ball with other non-advantage type items that we can buy from their store. Here are some ideas.

1. More paintjobs, and paintjobs that you can move from ship to ship. Who is going to buy a paintjob for a sidewinder they will likely never really fly again? Nobody
2. Quality die-cast model toys of the ships. I would totally rock a 4 or 5" nice diecast cobra right here on my monitor.
3. More customized ship interiors. Use your imagination, the sky is the limit. People have already said they would pay real money for a bobble head. How much would they pay for custom colored lighting? Nicer seat? an over-all upgrade? you guys can come up with better ideas than me for sure
4. Custom exterior lights? running lights? LEDs? other exterior aesthetic mods? You know, the kinds of things that you would actually do to your spaceship, if you had one (like the things we do to our cars).

There is a LOT of money making potential in things like this, without having a monthly fee or having a PTW game (which I would never play, btw).

 

[Katkon]

A couple of months ago I would have said no - leave the shop for cosmetic items. Now, I'd say: sure - why not, but with a caveat.

I've changed my mind largely because ship progression is not at all skill-based - purely based on time investment, and willingness to grind as a trader which many don't enjoy. And as credits don't mean much to many people (myself included), it's the fun you're having in a ship that counts. Some have fun in small ships; some enjoy big ships.

Also, there is no "winning" in this game - and so I am not bothered by what others fly around in. Doesn't impact my fun one bit at all.

So I'd offer ships for sale BUT to continue to incentivize in-game progression I'd making them lesser versions of the current ships, and perhaps leave the biggest ships (e.g. Ananconda) out of the shop completely. So instead of offering a regular in-game Python for sale in the shop, FD could offer a Python 2 for sale. The Python 2 would have slightly lesser stats (think shield/hull strength and possibly one less utility slot, for example) than an in-game credit-earned stats, and be visible as such when targeted. This will ensure that those that have earned their Pythons via gameplay/effort still feel rewarded, while giving instant access to bigger (and slightly inferior) ships for those with less time on their hands.

 

[Conestoga]

its easily done to lock purchased items in a solo mode. So if it can be done where is the issue ?

It is not easily done. There is no mechanism for separating solo mode and the other modes at this time, even if they wanted to, which they do not. It would not be a trivial change to add, either. So I ask again: You are not only proposing that they add ships to the cash store, but that they spend significant development time to make it possible?

 

[Chip Patton]

A couple of months ago I would have said no - leave the shop for cosmetic items. Now, I'd say: sure - why not, but with a caveat.

I've changed my mind largely because ship progression is not at all skill-based - purely based on time investment, and willingness to grind as a trader which many don't enjoy. And as credits don't mean much to many people (myself included), it's the fun you're having in a ship that counts. Some have fun in small ships; some enjoy big ships.

Also, there is no "winning" in this game - and so I am not bothered by what others fly around in. Doesn't impact my fun one bit at all.

So I'd offer ships for sale BUT to continue to incentivize in-game progression I'd making them lesser versions of the current ships, and perhaps leave the biggest ships (e.g. Ananconda) out of the shop completely. So instead of offering a regular in-game Python for sale in the shop, FD could offer a Python 2 for sale. The Python 2 would have slightly lesser stats (think shield/hull strength and possibly one less utility slot, for example) than an in-game credit-earned stats, and be visible as such when targeted. This will ensure that those that have earned their Pythons via gameplay/effort still feel rewarded, while giving instant access to bigger (and slightly inferior) ships for those with less time on their hands.

You're agreeing to a solution that has nothing to do with the problem. You find it a lot simpler and fair to address issues by direct solutions to problem - not by looking for radical and permanent changes to the game. The devs have already stated that they are actively working to balance trade with combat and tweak the ship prices. Your solution is the equivalent of trying to drop a nuke on a burning oil well.

 

[Nagual]

its easily done to lock purchased items in a solo mode. So if it can be done where is the issue ?

Ah! You must be FDev in disguise, knowing how easy it is to do something.. Since all game modes are affecting the same metaverse, the only way currently for this to work with no impact on anyones elses game (no matter how small) would be for Solo to have it's own save game, and it's own universe to play in.

 

[jmg]

heck yes!!!!
If people want to grind, let 'em grind. If you want to buy a ship, buy it.
MWO has a very similar model -- 'mechs are available for c-bills (paid for currency) or currency earned in-game. The prices for both are attainable, with some "special" mechs having special paint schemes ONLY avialble for money, otherwise everyone gets a shot at the same euipqment.
IT works great... those that want to role play a stiener mech warrior working his way up the ranks can. Those that want to jump into 'crab with dual guass guns can as well. IT hasn't thrown off game play, and still just as many low-level variants.

different people get different things from this game. If you like grinding, then go for it. I have a job, a family, and a life outside of ED and don't have hours a day to devote to a video game. Yet I do get some enjoyment out of this game. but iF the model doesn't change, I'll probably have to end up dropping this game.

I say, go for it. It'll make the game a heck of a lot better, far less of a Farmville like experience. To all the neigh sayers on this -- in the end, if they implement this, it'll be just like every other game that has done this -- the vast majority of the people will be those that spend no money, or very little money. There will be a few that buy the gibbest and the best ships, but they're the ones that will hardly play anyway.

 

[Nagual]

On second thoughts, I have no problems with a Sidewinder being for sale in the shop....

 

[Conestoga]

heck yes!!!!
If people want to grind, let 'em grind. If you want to buy a ship, buy it.
MWO has a very similar model -- 'mechs are available for c-bills (paid for currency) or currency earned in-game. The prices for both are attainable, with some "special" mechs having special paint schemes ONLY avialble for money, otherwise everyone gets a shot at the same euipqment.
IT works great... those that want to role play a stiener mech warrior working his way up the ranks can. Those that want to jump into 'crab with dual guass guns can as well. IT hasn't thrown off game play, and still just as many low-level variants.

I say, go for it. It'll make the game a heck of a lot better, far less of a Farmville like experience.

Do you think they should add the ability to buy Elite status in the cash store?

 

[Nagual]

I say, go for it. It'll make the game a heck of a lot better, far less of a Farmville like experience.

Surely you mean you want Elite to become more FarmVille like, with the introduction of buying stuff for real money?

 

[Chip Patton]

heck yes!!!!
If people want to grind, let 'em grind. If you want to buy a ship, buy it.
MWO has a very similar model -- 'mechs are available for c-bills (paid for currency) or currency earned in-game. The prices for both are attainable, with some "special" mechs having special paint schemes ONLY avialble for money, otherwise everyone gets a shot at the same euipqment.
IT works great... those that want to role play a stiener mech warrior working his way up the ranks can. Those that want to jump into 'crab with dual guass guns can as well. IT hasn't thrown off game play, and still just as many low-level variants.

I say, go for it. It'll make the game a heck of a lot better, far less of a Farmville like experience.

Better as in, "Phil Rockefeller just joined that guild we're at war with; we either surrender or quit the game"? Surely something is wrong with your line of thinking.

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On second thoughts, I have no problems with a Sidewinder being for sale in the shop....

lol I second this.

 

[jmg]

Do you think they should add the ability to buy Elite status in the cash store?

Not sure I understand your point. We're talking ships, no?

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Surely you mean you want Elite to become more FarmVille like, with the introduction of buying stuff for real money?

nope. That's not what I meant. I was comparing the grind of ED as currently implemented to the grind of Farmville.
Admittedly, I haven't played Farmville, so I'm making a comparison I thought would be clear. Since you clearly have played Farmville, I'll defer to you on that

Anyway, the grind is just that -- a grind. If people get joy out of the game without the grind, why not? How on earth would that detract from anyone else's joy?

 

[Chip Patton]

Not sure I understand your point. We're talking ships, no?

The point was if you can buy ships what's next? The rank grind is just as much of a grind as getting a ship. To what end? Do you want a "Pay All" button that takes you instantly to Elite Status, End-game with the best ship and 999999999999 credits? In single player games these are called "CHEATS". What is the point of playing? To make your manhood feel bigger by bullying around all the poor people in the game? Funny how society as digressed to calling it "RMT".

 

[Steve50]

Surely you mean you want Elite to become more FarmVille like, with the introduction of buying stuff for real money?

I guess that's what they want, yeah.

 

[jmg]

The point was if you can buy ships what's next? The rank grind is just as much of a grind as getting a ship. To what end? Do you want a "Pay All" button that takes you instantly to Elite Status, End-game with the best ship and 999999999999 credits? In single player games these are called "CHEATS". Funny how society as digressed to calling it "RMT".

well, I guess I just don't agree with your analogy. There are plenty of games -- the vast majority of online games that have paid elements -- that also have a earned element, like rank. STO, MWO, and the defunct SWO, to name just a few. So, I don't get how one naturally begets the other. There's a balance, and I see nothing inherent in this game that precludes a paid-for element.

 

[Conestoga]

Not sure I understand your point. We're talking ships, no?

I'm genuinely curious, not trying to prove a point. I guess what I'm getting at is: How can one be for having ships in the cash store, while being against selling Elite status in the cash store? I would find that position hard to justify.

I view them both as sides to the same coin.

 

[jmg]

I guess that's what they want, yeah.

like I said, you guys seem to have played farmvile, so, I'll have to defer to your judgment on that. I know the premise of the game, but never played it. The grind as currently implemented in SD seems very similar to the grind I've heard others characterize Farmville as.

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I'm genuinely curious, not trying to prove a point. I guess what I'm getting at is: How can one be for having ships in the cash store, while being against selling Elite status in the cash store? I would find that position hard to justify.

I view them both as sides to the same coin.

see my previous response. There are pleanty of games that strike a balance. It's not a slippery slope.

 

[Nagual]

Not sure I understand your point. We're talking ships, no?

One of the elements for wanting to be able to buy other ships was due to time constraints. With the title of Elite also being gameplay locked ie it takes considerable time to achieve these ranks, then the argument can logically be extended to Ranks too. Since being Elite gives a little discount on stuff in game - and in the future special missions. I can see people asking for this as well, as it would be fair if we are arguing on the basis of time being available or not.

 

[Chip Patton]

well, I guess I just don't agree with your analogy. There are plenty of games -- the vast majority of online games that have paid elements -- that also have a earned element, like rank. STO, MWO, and the defunct SWO, to name just a few. So, I don't get how one naturally begets the other. There's a balance, and I see nothing inherent in this game that precludes a paid-for element.

No its not. And that is the point you seem to be blinded to by your lust to use this game to make up for some sort of personal or social inadequacy. You see, when you use those elements in those p2w games, while they don't directly say "gives you rank" it does. You see without those items that rank would be exponentially more difficult to EARN, but being you bought the item you get an easy button that many others won't have access to. That is the point. In no p2w game on the market is anything in the game untainted by its paid elements.

Let me give you an example. It takes most people a few days to grind up to "Merchant". Being able to buy the best hauler with real money, TWICE (so I can sell the second one for operating capital), I instantly get Merchant, and can get Tycoon in just a few days, not weeks. The point being, again a point you obviously missed, if you can just buy ships (in effect buy credits), why not just have a "Buy All" Button that gives you admin-stuff?

What you seem to be completely forgoing in your thought process is risk. This game, like most other non-p2w games aren't just about grind or time, its about risk vs reward, your grind includes a tremendous amount of risk, the experience of playing the game, that is instantly nulled the moment you pay money to subvert it.