Quote:
fook me run'n|
Originally Posted by Celestial_Lord
City of Heroes is going free to play.
So, the game is officially going free to play. There will be a subscriber only server, and more micro transactions. Anyone not see this coming? Edit: Some new information here and here. Looks like I'll be kissing Champion good bye and move off to whatever the subscriber only server is. |
gdit
According to Zwillinger, the new VIP only server will be a brand new server, not any of the existing ones. All of the existing servers will be open to free to play players. Yep, definitely leaving Champion for this new VIP only server. 
@Celestial Lord and @Celestial Lord Too
i had to laugh when they said this:
Quote:
| By making the transition now, we're putting our stake in the ground as a leader in the industry, helping to define the future of the MMO gaming space |
Hi, another game did the same thing over a year ago...
just sayin'
I'm not sure what to do. 1/2 of me wants to play with "established" characters and players, but the other half will be glad to see old friends back who will be using the F2P model.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Celestial_Lord
Looks like I'll be kissing Champion good bye and move off to whatever the subscriber only server is.
|
Now we know the real reason behind the freedom servers stress test during the last event...
vip server= name loss, possible sg name loss, possible @global loss
VIP = Pay to Lag
Quote:
I very much doubt @globals will be changing. There's the possibility of name loss and SG name loss, but since it'll be a brand new server, you can also potentially finally get those names you wanted.|
Originally Posted by Cherry Cupcakes
Now we know the real reason behind the freedom servers stress test during the last event...
vip server= name loss, possible sg name loss, possible @global loss |
I'll be sad to leave Champion, but I'd much rather play on a server with people that are invested in the game.
@Celestial Lord and @Celestial Lord Too
oh and also...
VIP = Pay so others play for free....
f t s
My sub expires July 13th ... guess I get to stick around after all?
Very interesting.
Not entirely unexpected, given how the devs have realized how much money is in mictrotransactions.
Colour me cautiously optimistic. I am however very interested to see the playerbase reaction to all of this, it's pretty interesting psychologically.
Support Guides for all Corruptor secondaries and Fortunatas
The Melee Teaming Guide for Melee Mans
The Melee Teaming Guide for Melee Mans
Quote:
Over-react much? |
Originally Posted by Celestial_Lord
According to Zwillinger, the new VIP only server will be a brand new server, not any of the existing ones. All of the existing servers will be open to free to play players. Yep, definitely leaving Champion for this new VIP only server.
|
Serious question - not trying to be a dick - if you're used to teaming via the usual channels like BMT, etc ..., why wouldn't you continue to use those channels, and team with the same old gang?
Quote:
Because I've seen what going free-to-play did to another MMOG, and watched as their version of zone chat became overrun by free players that never left high school. No thanks. I'll just take my ball and move over to the VIP server.
|
Originally Posted by Rad_Avenger
Over-react much?
Serious question - not trying to be a dick - if you're used to teaming via the usual channels like BMT, etc ..., why wouldn't you continue to use those channels, and team with the same old gang? |
@Celestial Lord and @Celestial Lord Too
Quote:
You still use Broadcast? Going to a VIP server sounds like a lot more work than judicious use of the "Edit Tab" and "/ignore" commands.|
Originally Posted by Celestial_Lord
Because I've seen what going free-to-play did to another MMOG, and watched as their version of zone chat became overrun by free players that never left high school. No thanks. I'll just take my ball and move over to the VIP server.
|
Seriously, this sounds like a massive overreaction to something which could have a lot of upside. So many friends gone ...
Maybe someone else understands this better than I do, but looking at the comparison and listing of information of the official CoH pages; the big reason for people like me to go VIP is to keep all of the toons I've been working on for the last several years as F2P looks to be limited to two toons, total. And the wording of the VIP seems to indicate that you are not limited to only the VIP server, but that the VIP server is an additional one that opens to those players but they still have access to all other servers (the monthly server transfer, the 12 toons "per server"). I already have more than 12 on Champion, so I'd like to know if I can keep them on Champion, or if I have to pick a top 12 and move the rest.
I would like to know more about the possible changing of fees, and will seek that out immediately. I welcome any direction or information from anyone who understands this better than I do, I'm sure there are plenty that do.
If you actually read what abilities the F2P players get, you'll notice they don't have access to mail servers, or any channels for that matter other than teaming and local chat.
So I don't think you have to worry about the broadcast channels being blown up by spam. Nor your e-mail inbox.
I agree with Rad and Talon, I think most of you guys are over-reacting and not reading the fine print that tells you the details of this change.
Quote:
It isn't exact the "access" that worries people. It is the type of player it attracts. I'm sorry to say that, but it is true (at least my experience). I can tell you now, even with /ignore features and etc. it will be difficult to avoid such players without going to the VIP server.|
Originally Posted by Healer_Bot_9000
I agree with Rad and Talon, I think most of you guys are over-reacting and not reading the fine print that tells you the details of this change. |
HOWEVER.... the idea that the VIP server will be paradise with only intelligent players and perfectly elegant English in broadcast is never going to happen. There has been subscription up to this point and STILL we've had some serious retards playing the game.
Quote:
No, the new VIP server won't be paradise, but it'll be better than the F2P servers.|
Originally Posted by Dinah Might
It isn't exact the "access" that worries people. It is the type of player it attracts. I'm sorry to say that, but it is true (at least my experience). I can tell you now, even with /ignore features and etc. it will be difficult to avoid such players without going to the VIP server.
HOWEVER.... the idea that the VIP server will be paradise with only intelligent players and perfectly elegant English in broadcast is never going to happen. There has been subscription up to this point and STILL we've had some serious retards playing the game. |
Also, there's a new interview up.
Quote:
| Speaking about new items and costume pieces Brand Manager Hosin Lee said: One of the most popular items is going to be something called an enhancement unslotter. Right now when you do a respect in City of Heroes you have to do the entire character, you cant do one power at a time, were going to give players the ability to basically do respecs a la carte. Were also granting players new costume parts. Its got some great features players have been asking for once again such as glowing energy wings to make you look more angelic, you can leave a trail of fire behind you when youre running, things like that. As well as other consumables such as double xp boosts, ability summons, temporary pets and a lot more than that. |
Wow. They really are copying Champions Online' hybrid model to a tee. :\
@Celestial Lord and @Celestial Lord Too
I found the Side-by-Side Comparison helpful in understanding the changes. Overall, I still have mixed emotions and am trying to review the details before making any decisions.
Quote:
I understand why you would be concerned after having a bad experience with another game. I also share some of that concern. However, like others have said, F2Pers are limited to Local and Team chat. They can't send mail and they can't join global channels. It appears that they can't even use Broadcast. It looks like it would be entirely possible to go about business as usual. Worst case scenario, you could take Local out of your chat tab. It's not like it is used that often anyways. | Because I've seen what going free-to-play did to another MMOG, and watched as their version of zone chat became overrun by free players that never left high school. No thanks. I'll just take my ball and move over to the VIP server. |
I also have to wonder why they didn't just make a new server for the F2P players instead of one VIP server for vets across all servers. It seems like that would be less of a hassle.
I guess the real question for me is how many Champion players plan on heading for the VIP server. I love this server, but that is because of the people/community on it. If that is gone, well, then it's just another server and I would consider moving. Conversely, if the majority of the vets from all the servers merge onto one VIP server, the level of potential lag on that server would discourage me from playing there. Sure, you would be able to avoid the F2P crowd, but there could be an entire host of other clashes between veterans.
Looks like there will be no way to know for sure until the changes take place. Since there's nothing I can see that prevents people from trying out the VIP server while keeping some characters on their home server, might as well do that and see how it goes.
Leader of Renaissance de la Veritas
Moderator of ChampioNexus
Amygdala's Guide to the Cathedral of Pain Trial
I gotta agree with Rad on this...and Amy as well...
I can understand the concern and previous MMO experience causing a bad taste in people's mouth but let's not be rash...
Chances are the F2P players will see the Freedom traffic and go there first like paid subscribers do...Thats why Freedom is a day care...Server identity shapes itself out and players learn it as they learn to play the game. Typically the get the idea of what the server is like and choose to stay or not.
The VIP server is an option. I'm not leaving Champion or the friends I've teamed with so long and love like family...Sorry I'm not letting this ruin my hardwork and investment into this game and this server.
Modir vid Braije lvl 50 DM/SD scrap
Sinny-Redux lvl 50 fire/regen scrap
Sinny Sonancy lvl 50 rad/sonic fender
"Greatness is fleeting! but Obscurity is FOREVER!!" Napolean Bonaparte
Quote:
I don't think that is the worst case scenario. You still might get these people in PUGs.|
Originally Posted by Amygdala
Worst case scenario, you could take Local out of your chat tab. It's not like it is used that often anyways
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Amygdala
I also have to wonder why they didn't just make a new server for the F2P players instead of one VIP server for vets across all servers. It seems like that would be less of a hassle. |
Just Kidding. Or am I?
Quote:
Yep, there is that possibility. I also had to ask myself how I generally find teams. Usually I start with my SG then move onto BMT. If I really need to, I'll use Search. When I use Search, I send out tells before inviting. Seeing as the F2Pers can't join global channels, they won't be in BMT or whatever your global channel of choice is. If they can't accept tells, it'll be pretty easy to tell if they are on a free account if you send them one. The only way you might end up on team with them is if they send you a blind invite and you accept it or if your team leader has sent them a blind invite. From my personal practices alone, it doesn't seem very likely I'll be interacting with them at all if I choose not to. Of course, this may vary for others.
|
Originally Posted by Dinah Might
I don't think that is the worst case scenario. You still might get these people in PUGs.
|
Leader of Renaissance de la Veritas
Moderator of ChampioNexus
Amygdala's Guide to the Cathedral of Pain Trial
Quote:
Really though, how often do people PUG on Champion? Just doesn't happen any more.
|
Originally Posted by Dinah Might
I don't think that is the worst case scenario. You still might get these people in PUGs.
|
Over-reacting to this change isn't really a good idea. The Free model is very restrictive for new players:
-2 slots TOTAL (not two per server)
-No side-switching
-only 8 ATs (no VEATS, HEATS, MMs or Controllers) to pick from
-no AE access
-very limited market access, and no IOs
-only local, team, and Help chat
-no access to SGs or global channels.
-no Email
-no forum writing
-some zones, TFs, Trials, that they can't access at all.
-limited costume choices (no access to booster pack stuff, Vet costume stuff, etc)
There really won't be many people making use of this as so many are predicting. In fact, their status makes it easier for Mods and GMs to pinpoint them when they're abusing the system or griefing.
This system is great for people that had to let their subs lapse. When they come back, they'll still have access to everything they've paid to unlock or gained by Vet reward, plus they'll have more access (by buying and spending Paragon Points) to SGs, global channels, costumes, market access, etc. They won't have any characters deleted, just locked until they pay to unlock them again, or they can just resub and become VIPs again.
The real thing to watch for concerning the VIP only server is the content that will only be available there, as hinted at by the announcements. If it's not worth moving (by the way, every VIP player gets one free server transfer per month) to go play, stay where you're at, and play exactly as you've been doing the whole time. Everyone who stays still gets to play with all the Free Issue content, plus you'll be able to interact with returning players, and you'll have all your characters unlocked and available at any time.
Loose --> not tight.
Lose --> Did not win, misplace, cannot find, subtract.
One extra 'o' makes a big difference.
City of Heroes is going free to play.
The longstanding Veteran Rewards system will be getting overhauled into a new Paragon Rewards system, which will offer all of the extant rewards along with a huge number of additional bonuses on a monthly basis. Subscribers will be upgraded to VIP Players, gaining access not only to priority queues and a special VIP-only server but to an exclusive signature story arc every month, allowing characters to experience ongoing stories alongside the important lore characters of Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. VIP players will also be gaining a free monthly stipend of Paragon Points for the game's new cash store, which will allow players access to new costumes, new power sets, and even new weapon and usage styles for existing sets. City of Heroes players should take a look at the official site and get ready for the newest upgrade to the game -- a solid dose of old-school freedom.
Anyone not see this coming?
Edit: Some new information here and here.
Looks like I'll be kissing Champion good bye and move off to whatever the subscriber only server is.
@Celestial Lord and @Celestial Lord Too