VIP server = one consolidated server
By
Adeon Hawkwood,
Posted on: 2011-06-21 10:11 in CoH and CoV General Discussions
Not so much Doom as...well I think it will split the playerbase.
Free to play games and Free to play gamers do have something of a reputation, since the game is free most assume they'll have a 'why give a [censored] attitude' thats quite pervasive.
I wouldn't be surprised if you saw half of the current player base go "Screw this noise, going VIP to avoid the F2P griefers" and the other half going "I'll stay, they're not going to be all that bad.."
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A real showstopper!
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The VIP server is optional and like hell I'm moving.
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Originally Posted by Darej
Not about to read through 29+ pages of the other thread so if its been discussed sorry.
Why does it feel like the VIP server is just a sneaky way to get consolidate the server lists without actually merging them all into one? Next step is to eventually remove the old non VIP servers. And you have one left. Then its all gone. Doom? |
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Then why not split it the other way around and create new F2P servers where VIPers can go if they prefer more active/crowded playingfields? Some players love to start out from square one on an unexplored server, after all.
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Originally Posted by Dr_MechanoEU
Not so much Doom as...well I think it will split the playerbase.
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/this.|
Originally Posted by TrueGentleman
Then why not split it the other way around and create new F2P servers where VIPers can go if they prefer more active/crowded playingfields? Some players love to start out from square one on an unexplored server, after all.
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If I want to get away, where do I put my 300+ characters? That's not even getting started on name conflicts for different versions of the same character.
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The part of me that falls into that latter category completely agrees with you, despite that I am reserving full judgment until this actually happens and we see what change it brings to the player base.|
Originally Posted by TrueGentleman
Then why not split it the other way around and create new F2P servers where VIPers can go if they prefer more active/crowded playingfields? Some players love to start out from square one on an unexplored server, after all.
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However, from a marketing standpoint, they are doing the smart thing. The end goal is obviously to interest prospective players with a free model, but get them hooked into becoming paying customers by letting them see all the cool things they could have if they pay a subscription fee. The best way to show them all of that cool stuff is to let them play on the same servers as the VIPs who have all the good stuff. Then as justification (and a pretty good one, if you ask me) they open a special VIP server, for those who cannot stand to be around any of the "newbs."
@Winter. Because I'm Winter. Period.
I am a blaster first, and an alt-oholic second.
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I can see a few reasons for doing it the way they are.|
Originally Posted by TrueGentleman
Then why not split it the other way around and create new F2P servers where VIPers can go if they prefer more active/crowded playingfields? Some players love to start out from square one on an unexplored server, after all.
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The BIG one is a desire to avoid encouraging a F2P/VIP segregation. Free to play players are more likely to stay and become subscribers if they feel that there is already a decent community of subscribers. If the devs set up separate F2P servers those servers will end up populated primarily by F2P players since VIP players are unlikely to actively transfer over. This in turn makes it harder to retain F2P players since it gives the impression that the game is primarily populated by non-subscribers.
Setting up a separate VIP Server is a way to provide an exclusive playground for those who desire such a thing but requiring VIPers to actively transfer to it in turn helps encourage VIPers to stay on their own servers. This helps to encourage F2Pers to integrate into the community instead of feeling like second class citizens and, as such, they are more likely to subscribe/spend money.
No matter what decision Paragon makes with regard to server access for F2Pers they are going to end up upsetting some portion of their player base. Given that I think the decision they have made is probably the best option from a business point of view.
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Setting up an "exclusive playground" is still encouraging a F2P/VIP segregation... it's saying "pay us money and you can get away from the unwashed F2P masses and be with the cool kids"... it's a "screwed if you do, screwed if you don't" situation for Paragon Studios and much QQ will come of it on both sides of the argument.|
Originally Posted by Adeon Hawkwood
I can see a few reasons for doing it the way they are.
The BIG one is a desire to avoid encouraging a F2P/VIP segregation. Free to play players are more likely to stay and become subscribers if they feel that there is already a decent community of subscribers. If the devs set up separate F2P servers those servers will end up populated primarily by F2P players since VIP players are unlikely to actively transfer over. This in turn makes it harder to retain F2P players since it gives the impression that the game is primarily populated by non-subscribers. Setting up a separate VIP Server is a way to provide an exclusive playground for those who desire such a thing but requiring VIPers to actively transfer to it in turn helps encourage VIPers to stay on their own servers. This helps to encourage F2Pers to integrate into the community instead of feeling like second class citizens and, as such, they are more likely to subscribe/spend money. No matter what decision Paragon makes with regard to server access for F2Pers they are going to end up upsetting some portion of their player base. Given that I think the decision they have made is probably the best option from a business point of view. |
Ashes to ashes,
Pheonyx
The Cape Radio
"It's good to have friends. Wish I did." - Troy Hickman
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Indeed, someone will QQ no matter what. However, by making the segregation opt-in instead of opt-out you decrease how much segregation there is which in turn hopefully leads to a better experience for the F2Pers who will hopefully upgrade to Premium or VIP accounts which at the end of the day is the main point of the entire setup.
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Originally Posted by Pheonyx
Setting up an "exclusive playground" is still encouraging a F2P/VIP segregation... it's saying "pay us money and you can get away from the unwashed F2P masses and be with the cool kids"... it's a "screwed if you do, screwed if you don't" situation for Paragon Studios and much QQ will come of it on both sides of the argument.
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True... not going to change much for me, since I will still subscribe... but since they're switching to this model, I hope that there will be a Lifetime Subscription option as well, because even after all these years, I'd still pony up that cash for that.|
Originally Posted by Adeon Hawkwood
Indeed, someone will QQ no matter what. However, by making the segregation opt-in instead of opt-out you decrease how much segregation there is which in turn hopefully leads to a better experience for the F2Pers who will hopefully upgrade to Premium or VIP accounts which at the end of the day is the main point of the entire setup.
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Ashes to ashes,
Pheonyx
The Cape Radio
"It's good to have friends. Wish I did." - Troy Hickman
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Precisely. And I'm not sure how I feel about being expected to apply a positive kind of peer pressure to entice F2Pers into paying money to Paragon.|
Originally Posted by Adeon Hawkwood
Free to play players are more likely to stay and become subscribers if they feel that there is already a decent community of subscribers.
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Honestly, if the upshot of the conversion to an F2P hybrid is turning VIPers into covert recruiters, could we get some updated benefits for promoting enrollment?
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I think we are getting them - between the free server tranfers (1/month) and the 400 points to spend in the in game store, which sounds like it will have all the booster pack options and a bunch of other stuff, it sounds like those who keep their subscription will already get a bonus. Yes, much of that bonus might be wasted on those of us who purchase every booster pack as it comes out (guilty!!) but I would expect them to add more things to the in game store that are not already there.|
Originally Posted by TrueGentleman
Precisely. And I'm not sure how I feel about being expected to apply a positive kind of peer pressure to entice F2Pers into paying money to Paragon.
Honestly, if the upshot of the conversion to an F2P hybrid is turning VIPers into covert recruiters, could we get some updated benefits for promoting enrollment? |
The way the intro pages talked about changing the veteran rewards make me wonder if they might make them selectable now through the VIP system - so those who don't have 5,6 or 7 years but want to stay VIP can get some of the later rewards. Certainly somethign to ask about if they have any live/streamed Q&A's.
Globals: @Midnight Mystique/@Magik13
The 'VIP' servers, to my mind, are the escape for all the Elitists and down-their-nose lookers who would just alienate genuine nice players and others and stop them adding to the game.
Good riddance, I say. I'll be waiting on Union to welcome the next batch of RPers.
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Originally Posted by Zwillinger
GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.
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Originally Posted by Captain_Photon
NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.
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Only 36 will be able to escape to the paradise of the new VIP server - you'll have to abandon the rest to the sub-human horde |
Originally Posted by Memphis_Bill
/this.
If I want to get away, where do I put my 300+ characters? That's not even getting started on name conflicts for different versions of the same character. |
@Golden Girl
City of Heroes comics and artwork
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You can still do that in Galaxy City - that's where a lot of the new people will be showing up |
Originally Posted by Techbot Alpha
Good riddance, I say. I'll be waiting on Union to welcome the next batch of RPers.
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@Golden Girl
City of Heroes comics and artwork
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No, I'm talking about recruitment bonuses. If our pleasant and helpful in-game manners convinces an F2Per to become a VIP member, perhaps the devs could throw us a few Paragon Points? (Come to think of it, this might convince some VIPers to adopt pleasant and helpful in-game manners.)
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Originally Posted by EricHough
I think we are getting them - between the free server tranfers (1/month) and the 400 points to spend in the in game store, which sounds like it will have all the booster pack options and a bunch of other stuff, it sounds like those who keep their subscription will already get a bonus.
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for once, we are in agreement. just got home from work, so just digesting the details, but im staying put. the vip server will only be used if i start to feel all alt-y again.
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Originally Posted by Techbot Alpha
The 'VIP' servers, to my mind, are the escape for all the Elitists and down-their-nose lookers who would just alienate genuine nice players and others and stop them adding to the game.
Good riddance, I say. I'll be waiting on Union to welcome the next batch of RPers. |
To be honest I initially misunderstood what they were proposing and thought we were moving to only two servers. One free and one VIP. So my concerns were that I'd rather move everything to the VIP server.
After realizing that wasn't the case and that the VIP server will be a new 16th server, I'm meh on the uproar. I'll move some alts there for the peace and quiet but that's about it.
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What in the world is this all about?
Someone please give me a link?
http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-anim.php
Can't come up with a name? Click the link!
Can't come up with a name? Click the link!
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The extent of the "positive peer pressure" and "recruitment" that you're talking about is to play with people on F2P accounts, have fun, and not be an ******* to them. Is that such a challenge? Nobody is telling you to pester F2P players to go VIP. Nobody expects VIP players to engage in any behaviour other than to play the game and be nice. Why is this such a terrible future? Why is it so awful to have more players to play with, some of whom might choose to convert to VIP? You're just being petulant.|
Originally Posted by TrueGentleman
Precisely. And I'm not sure how I feel about being expected to apply a positive kind of peer pressure to entice F2Pers into paying money to Paragon.
Honestly, if the upshot of the conversion to an F2P hybrid is turning VIPers into covert recruiters, could we get some updated benefits for promoting enrollment? |
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Originally Posted by Techbot Alpha
The 'VIP' servers, to my mind, are the escape for all the Elitists and down-their-nose lookers who would just alienate genuine nice players and others and stop them adding to the game.
Good riddance, I say. I'll be waiting on Union to welcome the next batch of RPers. |
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Originally Posted by Nightphall
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What in the world is this all about? Someone please give me a link? |
I applaud Paragon Studios for giving existing players the option to have a walled off playground if they insist on sequestering themselves.
For my part, I have no intention of moving my characters to an exclusive server and I really can't see any good reason for anyone else to do so.
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Ummm... |
Originally Posted by TrueGentleman
Precisely. And I'm not sure how I feel about being expected to apply a positive kind of peer pressure to entice F2Pers into paying money to Paragon.
Honestly, if the upshot of the conversion to an F2P hybrid is turning VIPers into covert recruiters, could we get some updated benefits for promoting enrollment? |
I'm not even sure how to respond to that except to ask, "Where did you come up with an idea like that?"
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Go here and be amazed:|
Originally Posted by Nightphall
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What in the world is this all about? Someone please give me a link? |
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=263587
@Golden Girl
City of Heroes comics and artwork
<Kinda QR, read first 15 or so posts>
Here's my take on the whole VIP server thing.
I might be a little naive, but I honestly think that the VIP server is going to be considerably less crowded than the rest of the servers, even with VIPs. I think it will be booming for the first few weeks or even a couple of months, but once the novelty wears off, people will be going back to their old homes and playing there.
I know that for my main supergroups, there's exactly zero chance in hell that I'll be abandoning them to go play on the VIP server. I'll be doing what I suspect most people will do: create a few alts on the new server, poke around, meet some new friends that have always played on different servers, but spend the lion's share of my time on my "home" servers.
There is one advantage of the VIP server that I can think of that will make it attractive to some people. Since everyone there has pretty much open access to everything, you won't have to deal with, for example, sending a tell to someone to join in some gated content just to get back a bunch of replies saying, "I can't, I don't have access to that." Honestly, though, this is one of my main concerns about the whole change, and I'm hoping that the devs are baking the system as to minimize or eliminate the possibility of such. Still, on the VIP server, that will never be an issue.
One thing that I'll be intensely interested in is to see how the new VIP server community develops over time. We've never had a single server spring into existence like this from scratch. There will be representatives from all the other servers, some of whom have been playing for years but never actually met in-game, finally being part of the same groups. Everyone there will be new, something that hasn't happened since the European launch in 2005. I seriously doubt that it will be made up only of elitist snobs, any more than any of the servers are today; it will be just average schmoes who have been playing all along and want somewhere new to try out. I'm pretty sure they have no intention of letting people move supergroups and/or bases over to the VIP server, that they will be forcing everyone who wants to play there to start from scratch. I really like that idea, because we'll all be starting from scratch, and I think it will be really fresh and interesting to see how it plays out.
We've been saving Paragon City for eight and a half years. It's time to do it one more time.
(If you love this game as much as I do, please read that post.)
You could swap out the term VIP server with low pop server and it would be the same tired old argument.
Not about to read through 29+ pages of the other thread so if its been discussed sorry.
Why does it feel like the VIP server is just a sneaky way to get consolidate the server lists without actually merging them all into one? Next step is to eventually remove the old non VIP servers. And you have one left. Then its all gone.
Doom?