Paying real money for
early access to a ship? Hmm, not really a fan, but better than
only being able to get it with real money. I guess how many early-access Python Mk II's FDev actually sell will determine whether this is a good idea for them or not. I won't be paying a penny, sorry guys. I backed the game at a level that means it would have been far cheaper for me to buy things as they released. I'm fine with that, I wanted ED to be made back in the day - as I did Star Citizen - so I stumped up premium AAA+ game title levels of money for it. I'm good with that.
Are FDev trying to utilise FOMO here? Many of us are "desperate" (aka, ameniable to the idea) of new ships after a very long drought in that regard. Will that translate to many being prepared to pay real money for it? How much is the Python II early access in real money? I don't even know how much ARX cost. £5? I can see people happily dropping that on a new ship, that will give them many hours of content outfitting it etc. that's before they start using it in anger. £10? Some will likely pay more than that for Coffee a day, a trivial amount to some. £15? Hmm, that's approaching full indy game money there, just for a ship... that'll be free in three months.
Talk of pre-configured ships for certain roles - with or without Engineering. That's a great idea. Were those needing real money too though, or were they a regular credits purchase? A fully-engineered and outfitted ship available for £££, the very definition of pay to "win", where "win" is get stuff without actually having to play, giving you a potential advantage over those who didn't. I think open might get a bit more salty as a result...
I will watch with interest how this goes. Good luck to FDev raising some dosh to keep the game going. As long as people perceive value in getting things early, it's all good.
You know, you do you FDev, if this works and means I get free stuff (eventually) in ED, ships, features etc. then I'm ok with it. I'll be a bit salty seeing a Python Mk II when I can't buy one (yet) so I will shoot you* - I might even shoot you in my Cobra Mk IV....
* Kidding