What is the value of the VIP Server?
What exclusive events are you talking about?
![](http://www.awarddriven.com/c/spacer.png)
![](http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8333/colepimpbanner.png)
At this point, I'm pretty sure that whether or not the developers intend to have Exalted access and Exalted-exclusive events as a significant part of the value of VIP has already long since been decided. I just wanted to say that I have reasons to hope that they have chosen not to make Exalted any more than one more server among many.
|
Free Accounts are objectively inferior to a Premium Account. (Free Accounts are more limited than Premium Accounts.) Premium Accounts are objectively inferior to a VIP Account. (Premium Accounts are more limited than VIP Accounts.) Encouraging Free Accounts to become Premium Accounts and Premium Accounts to become VIP Accounts is something that they should be doing (as a corporation that desires to increase its' profits).
Making this pointedly clear by emphasizing the benefits of being VIP (over the alternatives) is something to be encouraged. Want the new shiny? Subscribe.
This, as well.
most likely the costume contests, in game giveaways and low level invasions.
And to answer the question "What is the value of the VIP Server?":
As it exists (or at least will exist) I´d say it´s value is 1
@Redcap
![](http://i40.tinypic.com/259bvcg.jpg)
ANARCHY = A Society that does not need government
114. Ahrouns do not appreciate my particular brand of humour, so I should stop bleaching bulls-eyes in their fur.
From this announcement:
And for the first week ONLY, you'll be able to get:
In Game Giveaways Members of the Paragon Studios Community team will be giving away in game items randomly on the Exalted server during the first week! All you need to do is be on Exalted and you may be one of the lucky winners! Play the new Sewer Trial and Underground Incarnate Trial with the Team Throughout the day during the first week of the VIP Head Start, members of the Paragon Studios Development and Community teams will be jumping onto the Exalted server to team up with randomly selected players and play through the brand new Sewer Trial and the Underground Incarnate Trial! For the latter, make sure your Level 50 characters are up for the challenge and show us your worth! Costume Contests Join us on Exalted for Costume Contests judged by the Paragon Studios team and showcase your creativity by crafting a costume corresponding to a different theme each day!* (...) Exalted Low Level Invasion! Only on September 15 and 16, create brand a new character on Exalted and join us in a low level fight for survival in Atlas Park and Mercy Island! |
@SPTrashcan
Avatar by Toxic_Shia
Why MA ratings should be changed from stars to "like" or "dislike"
A better algorithm for ordering MA arcs
I restate my prior caveat that I am reacting to a hypothetical only, but it was a hypothetical that I had not even realized was possible until this announcement.
|
Sounds nice, I'll have to add those things to my calendar so I don't forget to show up. They should do stuff like that every week on the VIP server (only).
Ah.
Sounds nice, I'll have to add those things to my calendar so I don't forget to show up. They should do stuff like that every week on the VIP server (only). |
I am aware that my personal preference will not influence Paragon Studios' decision one way or another. I am merely conveying my thoughts.
@SPTrashcan
Avatar by Toxic_Shia
Why MA ratings should be changed from stars to "like" or "dislike"
A better algorithm for ordering MA arcs
-snip-
...Making this pointedly clear by emphasizing the benefits of being VIP (over the alternatives) is something to be encouraged. Want the new shiny? Subscribe. This, as well. |
However what I don't fully understand about that stance is the why a VIP playing on a "standard" server should be treated differently than a VIP on Exalted. I take no issue with there being Exalted-exclusive events mind, I'm just not sure it's logically consistent that two VIPs who pay the same subscription fees might be treated rather differently just because one elected to move/reroll on Exalted.
While I can't exactly say I'm concerned about this either way, there's one this about that general idea I'm not sure I fully understand. Whether I agree or not; I get what you're saying about Free vs. Premium vs. VIP and so fourth.
However what I don't fully understand about that stance is the why a VIP playing on a "standard" server should be treated differently than a VIP on Exalted. I take no issue with there being Exalted-exclusive events mind, I'm just not sure it's logically consistent that two VIPs who pay the same subscription fees might be treated rather differently just because one elected to move/reroll on Exalted. |
I don't believe we have the tech to effectively remove entire swathes of players and do the "you're not special enough" blocking. Maybe if they made VIP-only instances of every world zone in the game along with a no-recharge-required VIP-only power used to switch between VIP-only and Accessible-to-all instances?
Well; provided that the Exalted events to some degree award global/account tied things when they do have rewards, that would probably be reasonable enough to a lot of people.
Still as far as separation mechanics go, access to First Ward content is something that isn't entirely accessible without being a VIP or having bought into it. Not sure that's really functionally useful in regards to an event, but it may not be that far off the map either.
Well; provided that the Exalted events to some degree award global/account tied things when they do have rewards, that would probably be reasonable enough to a lot of people.
Still as far as separation mechanics go, access to First Ward content is something that isn't entirely accessible without being a VIP or having bought into it. Not sure that's really functionally useful in regards to an event, but it may not be that far off the map either. |
It is probably just an early incentive for people to move there.
Replace 'event' with 'zombie invasion' or 'rikti invasion', and note that the non-VIP shouldn't even be able to see the event happening let alone participate in or benefit from it. I suppose they could use the phasing tech involved in the new starter zones as a base to build on, but I don't know how scalable that is.
|
Unless the intent of the designers and so on is to have most or all of the VIPs move to Exalted and leave the other servers to the free/premiums entirely. Then it is what it is. *shrug* Still, I imagine what focus there is/will be on Exalted in the beginning will probably be more common/'heavy' as it launches and then be more 'here and there' thus making all of this largely moot.
I agree, there are plenty of visible incentives to get players to go VIP.
The value of the VIP server is the voluntary self-segregation of players who are too good to play with just anyone, and their replacement with scads of new players who have yet to develop such personality defects.
I respectfully disagree, and have elucidated my reasons why to the best of my ability. I understand that more Exalted-exclusive events increase the value of VIP, both in absolute terms and relative to Premium and Free. However, having to choose between participating in VIP-exclusive events and playing with friends reduces my personal enjoyment of the game as a whole.
|
But it is a bit worrying.
No offense to the devs but you've attended dev events before, yes? If you've beaten up a hundred giant monsters in an hour once, you've beaten up a hundred giant monsters in an hour enough times.
I think the Devs are (understandably) concerned that Exalted is going to be a ghost server and want to encourage people to move there.
I mean seriously does anyone even know someone that is planning on playing there full time?
On the other hand, I am going to make an alt to play there to pick up one of those prizes. I figure considering there wil only be one or two other people there (including the Devs hosting the events) I have a pretty good chance of picking something up.
Exalted is one of only three things I dislike about Freedom. However, I'm fully confident it will be a ghost town server several months from now as this is an MMO and people want to play where the people are, and when Freedom opens to everyone, the people will be on the full-featured servers we all know and love.
The best comics are still 10�!
My City of Heroes Blog Freedom Feature Article: "Going Rageless?"
If you only read one guide this year, make it this one.
Super Reflexes: the Golden Fox of power sets!
![Cool](images/smilies/cool.gif)
WARNING: I bold names.
![Big Grin](images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Actually, Exalted server probably will feature a lot of teaming opportunities 50+. But on the other servers 1-50 will be lively, so I am inclined to stay on the other servers. But I will give the Exalted server a shot.
This is a low level event, with rewards that are basically global.
So, you switch to Exalted for the event, and then go back to your regular server for regular game play.
BrandX Future Staff Fighter
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
The BrandX Collection
Paragon Wiki: http://www.paragonwiki.com
City Info Terminal: http://cit.cohtitan.com
Mids Hero Designer: http://www.cohplanner.com
I've been aware of the forthcoming existence of a server exclusive to VIP players for a while now. It was my initial impression that this would be a minor perk (hey, another server to roll silly alts on), combined with a backstop against complaints from long-time subscribers that the unwashed masses have ruined the game (oh, just take yourself on over to the exclusive server and leave us alone). I have personally not planned to make much use of this feature, and I was fine with that.
However, with the announcement of the VIP headstart has come word of a number of events exclusive to the Exalted server. This may be just a headstart PR event, but it may also be the first of many such events that are intended to make Exalted access a meaningful and substantial perk. And while I'm admittedly reacting early to concerns not in evidence, I'm not sure how I would feel about that.
There are two reasons why I wouldn't want exclusive Exalted events to become a major portion of the VIP value proposition.
1. I have been rolling characters on other servers, notably Virtue, for many years now. I am more attached to those characters than I am to fresh alts, and I would prefer to play them in the new content. Moving them over would take a fair bit of time even with the monthly free server transfers.
2. I'm not sure I want to spend a lot of my time on Exalted and away from free and premium players. I can think of several people I know who either play now or have indicated interest in starting soon who would be playing as free or premium players. I don't want to have to make a choice between getting the most out of VIP status and playing with my friends.
At this point, I'm pretty sure that whether or not the developers intend to have Exalted access and Exalted-exclusive events as a significant part of the value of VIP has already long since been decided. I just wanted to say that I have reasons to hope that they have chosen not to make Exalted any more than one more server among many.
@SPTrashcan
Avatar by Toxic_Shia
Why MA ratings should be changed from stars to "like" or "dislike"
A better algorithm for ordering MA arcs