ED free-to-play console only 2023?

Yokunedo

Y
First of all i truly respect all of you for all the usefull info, idea's and feedback. Just going to throw in a suggestion concerning the console version of Elite: Dangerous to see what the response is.

While Elite continues to evolve on PC could the halted PS4, Xbox, etc. version become free to play? console server only no ps plus (or gold) required so even financially struggling cmdr's can join wing after a crisis, and a one-time-only CR bonus compensation for everyone who already bought the console version maybe enough to buy 1 Carrier?

Just a thought, it would be a great loss if the console server eventually gets shut down when enough cmdr's lose interest.
 

Fizzatron

Fizzatron
That's a tough one. I like the idea overall but for Frontier, they would have to look at all possible unintended consequences. On the plus side, it could draw a good amount of players to the game, on the negative it could also hamper efforts to further develop Elite by offering a free default tier that could garner a static userbase not paying for anything and using up server resources and costing the company money to run with no gain beyond legacy.

The theoretical answer to that problem would be for Frontier to find a workable way use the freely available base game to funnel users to the latest PC version - and that would be difficult to do effectively in a general manner. This would also go against the idea that you are promoting, that is, to keep the legacy game alive on console. It would also likely force Frontier to keep inserting nudges everywhere to upgrade to Odyssey etc.. by way of splash screens on every start up / exit etc.. which would likely become annoying. Though maybe if Arx on the legacy servers could be accrued in game that could be applied to a PC copy of the latest game, and/or a discount on a GeForce now subscription to be able to play the PC version the console, that might be a path, but again, going against what you are suggesting.
 

Yokunedo

Y
Elite Dangerous Legacy.. does have a nice ring to it could even bring back attention to the story line started in the novel to connect it all or at least create interest in the epic continuation of the story/lore on PC, im sure FD can get properly creative with it and with the earning, buying, redeeming of ARX
 

varonica

varonica
metatheurgist said:
Certainly no motive for Sony and MS to hand out free access to their networks which is what the OP is asking for.
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Also a backdoor to a free PC account, open a free console account, apply for trasfer to free PC account. What would happen is FDEV would end the free transfer for existing console players (when they finally restart it) due to issues with free users getting free accounts. It would be nice and maybe encourage some players to buy a PC account, but would the negatives outweigh the positives?
 

Yokunedo

Y
A while ago on ps4 i played a 100% free 2 play sci fi shooter (no ps plus or gold), they added alot of good optional skins/customization also created/suggested by players to buy with real money for characters, ships, vehicles and weapons, many players will pay for unique skins, i did.

A idea for Elite is to focus on Odyssey first adding alot more to the ARX store/livery; external, internal, weapon skins/customization, bobbleheads and show the exact same in the f2p Legacy store/livery on console, next to what is available for console advertise character, weapon, scorpion skins/customization locked as Odyssey Exclusives, complete sets in a sale with huge discounts like a unique Guardian or Thargoid Medusa skin/customization for everything from ship to handgun will help advertise Odyssey, seeing what your character and weapon would look like if you had a PC, no splash screen needed.

F2P Legacy cmdr's could bank their extra ARX in a shopping-cart system for Odyssey items, saving up for when they can access the store on PC redeeming their ARX + purchases, setting ARX aside for a item makes you feel like you already own it tempting console to go PC and allowing PC cmdr's to change their mind later when better items are on sale as long as they didn't press purchase. Until then your banked ARX amount below shopping-cart is redeemable.

Sony and MS motive for allowing completely free gaming was i guess to draw or keep players coming to console where they will also buy other games.

Alot of explaining a general idea sorry really need help with the details if this is a good idea at all, im just worried Elite is slowly disappearing first on console where it still has no rival and how long will it last on PC? where will PC get enough new cmdr's from with all the competing and upcoming PC titels.
 

Yokunedo

Y
varonica said:
Also a backdoor to a free PC account, open a free console account, apply for trasfer to free PC account. What would happen is FDEV would end the free transfer for existing console players (when they finally restart it) due to issues with free users getting free accounts. It would be nice and maybe encourage some players to buy a PC account, but would the negatives outweigh the positives?
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Question, would it make sense to make the PC account free also since the price already reached only 6,- alot and just keep a good/full price on the Odyssey update?
 

GraphiteGB

GraphiteGB
True free to play titles are excluded from PS+ usage fees to the user to access multiplayer...

Publishers have to agree different DLC and loot box % sharing rates dependent on the likely user numbers for their titles...

Games don't get free access to networks they are gambling on player base numbers and those players paying for DLC...
 
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Demonlord79

Demonlord79
Yokunedo said:
First of all i truly respect all of you for all the usefull info, idea's and feedback. Just going to throw in a suggestion concerning the console version of Elite: Dangerous to see what the response is.

While Elite continues to evolve on PC could the halted PS4, Xbox, etc. version become free to play? console server only no ps plus (or gold) required so even financially struggling cmdr's can join wing after a crisis, and a one-time-only CR bonus compensation for everyone who already bought the console version maybe enough to buy 1 Carrier?

Just a thought, it would be a great loss if the console server eventually gets shut down when enough cmdr's lose interest.
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Sorry Commander. I truly do not believe for one second that Frontier Development cares in the least about Elite at all. The Odyssey Massacre pretty much destroyed the title for anything but a higher end platform with no VR or Console support within Odyssey as there are now more bugs than fixes.
They are reaching by adding simple aspects to the title but completely ignoring the small "game breakers", so to speak. Getting the most out of the title before it dies out just like all of their older titles.
Look at their pattern and timeline in all of their previous titles and you'll see it.
Truly saddening because Elite Dangerous is completely dependent on an on-line server instead of a stand-alone program.
It would be nice for Consoles to get their game back, but that door has already been closed and "repaid". That and they have already openly announced they wouldn't work on two server types to accommodate both PC and Console platforms.

I'm not a Frontier Dev., employee, or even a critic, and it's just my opinion, but I have invested in all of their products and even giving Odyssey the benefit of the doubt, but Frontier Development is specialized in "Simulators" and Odyssey was just out of their genre. An amazing company but reached too far and not to reliable anymore.
 
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metatheurgist

metatheurgist
Interesting angle. 🤔 Like the Mandela Effect instead people imagine promises that didn't exist? Not very catchy though, maybe a bit obscure.
 

Yokunedo

Y
Thanks helpfull cmdr's for the response and feedback, didn't really trust going on a forum but there are alot of good players here. o7
 
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