What is the value of the VIP Server?

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.

What exclusive events are you talking about?

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

From this announcement:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avatea And for the first week ONLY, you'll be able to get: 6 Character Transfers for 480 Paragon Points or $6! (one time purchase) 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

WARNING: I bold names.

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.