Discussion: Happy Holidays from Paragon Studios - A Message from Brian Clayton
By
Aggelakis,
Posted on: 2011-12-02 10:59 in News, Events and Announcement Discussion
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I like how the Veteran Reward System was reworked so that new players wouldn't despair of being forever 7 years behind and, at the same time, you found ways to reward long-time players.|
Originally Posted by Zwillinger
We wanted to know, what have you liked most about Freedom? What havent you liked? What can we do to add even more value to our VIP subscription? Hearing your thoughtful insights truly helps us to shape the City of Heroes experience.
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I like how you still cater to subs with VIP rewards.
I like how you still invest heavily in development and are very communicative with the players in most ways.
However...
I had doubts that you could actually produce something *new* every single week of the year, and my doubts are being confirmed with repackaged goods defined as *new* and other assets seemingly rushed. Putting aside the gender issue of Gunslinger, have you seen the reports of bugs from that set? Way too much for a item for sale for real money. You need to back off of "something new every week" in favor of quality.
I don't like how the microtransactions have almost no microtransactions. So many price points are $5 and up. I don't like the resistance to regular sales and deep sales. I don't see the retail savvy that you should be having in your Store. You're guarding price points like they were subscription costs and not consumable goods. You do know that if people buy enough one-offs, that they're more likely to subscribe and stay subscribed, right? So, why make them so dear?
I don't like how some of the microtransactions are geared to VIPs. You have our subscription money. You produced more stuff for sale than our stipend can buy. And then, on top of that, you look to sell 'hard core' items like ATOs and a costume set through Super Packs. I'm glad you're backing down on the exclusivity of those things in the Packs, and that the price point isn't that bad. But initially, it looked like you weren't looking to monetize the Freemiums, but the VIPs. The VIPs are already monetized. Look toward stuff Freebies would buy, in large quantities, cheaply.
I don't like the haphazard way IOs are being sold in the Store. This mainly has to do with the availability of IOs restricted by some very arbitrary ranges. It's still unconscionable for you to sell Attuned IOs that are in the 10-20 Level range. Anyone who knows anything about the game views them as useless, even if Attuned. So, it's OK with you to gouge clueless newbies with those sales? With Attuned IOs in mind, the Powers Team needs to address level ranges and make previously worthless IO Set worthwhile to use Attuned or Not. Then it would be a good deal to buy them as slot-and-forget Attuned IOs. I know I'd pay good money for that.
I don't like how the Celestial Set was broken down into three Tokens. I would have been royally ticked if I didn't have the 3 Tokens to spend and could only get 1/3 of the Set per month.
Speeding Through New DA Repeatables || Spreadsheet o' Enhancements || Zombie Skins: better skins for these forums || Guide to Guides
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-That my daughters can finally have their own accounts (granted they're under my master account) and it's not breaking the bank for them to play.|
Originally Posted by Zwillinger
We wanted to know, what have you liked most about Freedom?
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-It's also a great way to reward them for chores and whatnot, because I can add points to their accounts for them to have fun with.
-The fact that I can pick and chose what I buy in costume packs
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| What haven’t you liked? |
-That it's luck of the draw what hair length you get with your hats
-That by the time I get up to my Tier 9 rewards, the armour I want will be gone, unless I drop at least 100 MORE dollar into the market.
EDIT: Did the math, needing 11 tokens to get the full set (so 8 more to get the full tier 8 and my last tier 7 and then 3 for the set) Last I checked, one gets a free token once a month, as well as for every 1200 points spent.
Let's say it takes me a month to scrounge up the money, so one token is out of the way, leaving me with 10 more to go.
10x1200=12,000 points.
At the costs shown at the market, I would have to spend 150.00 to get my armours. (This does not make The Firemoth a happy puppy.)
I've already dropped 100.00 in there, plus my subscription fees for each month...this is not making me feel like a VIP
-The prices on the Paragon market essentially make it so I, as a VIP, have to go and purchase more points over my monthly stipend to get anything decent.
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| What can we do to add even more value to our VIP subscription? |
-Either raise our monthly point stipend, or lower the costs in the market for VIP players. (Like our own permanent mini sale!) I don't like that it would be cheaper for me to go premium and buy points at will than to stay a VIP. I'm only staying VIP because of that stubborn hope that I'm going to hit tier 9 eventually.
-Let me be a closed beta tester?
(wishful thinking, I know)~Firemoth
Anyone have a larger version of the retro image?
I think that's just about the coolest damned thing ever. "So here guys, put a bunch of players in a room, ask them some pie in the sky ideas for what they'd like to see in a costume pack... They spend a couple hours throwing out ideas, we sketch it and yeah... Put that in the game.."
I'm not sure if other game companies have actually done something like that (outside of strict focus groups or something) but honestly, wow, I think that's a really cool thing to do, it doesn't get much more studio-player interactive than that!
And I think the pack would be cool as hell..
"Where does he get those wonderful toys?" - The Joker
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This so hard. Or at least release the Celestial Armor way later for 800 points or something after a new VIP set is released so I don't feel pressured to nab it right away. |
Originally Posted by Firemoth
EDIT: Did the math, needing 11 tokens to get the full set (so 8 more to get the full tier 8 and my last tier 7 and then 3 for the set) Last I checked, one gets a free token once a month, as well as for every 1200 points spent.
Let's say it takes me a month to scrounge up the money, so one token is out of the way, leaving me with 10 more to go. 10x1200=12,000 points. At the costs shown at the market, I would have to spend 150.00 to get my armours. (This does not make The Firemoth a happy puppy.) I've already dropped 100.00 in there, plus my subscription fees for each month...this is not making me feel like a VIP |
Also http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=232906
As long as you're VIP you can play beta.
http://www.virtueverse.net/wiki/Shadow_Mokadara
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This is an excellent list.|
Originally Posted by Snow Globe
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I'd like to add: confused and inconsistent information from customer service regarding VIP account rewards. Also, not allowing VIP to buy items in anticipation of going Premium (which means that can't take advantage of sale prices for some items).
Arc#314490: Zombie Ninja Pirates!
Defiant @Grouchybeast
Death is part of my attack chain.
I'm really hoping that the spacesuit and helmet are available for each gender when it's released. Past history makes me mildly concerned even at this very early stage even if female character are only 10-20% of the new characters I make.
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Noble Savage has said that both genders will get all the main parts, specifically the helmet and spacesuit, with only a few incidental gender based add-ons.
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Originally Posted by Darkscar
I'm really hoping that the spacesuit and helmet are available for each gender when it's released. Past history makes me mildly concerned even at this very early stage even if female character are only 10-20% of the new characters I make.
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Speeding Through New DA Repeatables || Spreadsheet o' Enhancements || Zombie Skins: better skins for these forums || Guide to Guides
The biggest difference psychologically for me since Freedom has been how I now feel like I have to guard my money from the people running this game.
Before, I had a recurring sub and if I wanted a pack I bought it. Now, everything seems to costs extra, and if I don't stay on top of things, I won't get the stuff that I should be getting with my sub.
There is no way to track ANYTHING that has to do with money. If I was a newcomer to this game, that alone would make me not bother giving you my card number.
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Yeah, I'm off and on the open beta all the time. |
Originally Posted by ShadowMoka
Also http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=232906
As long as you're VIP you can play beta. |
What I'm really wanting is the closed beta (wishful thinking, I know).
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When this business model was introduced, I was under the impression that the idea was to bring in more money, which would allow for more staff, frequent improvements, overall better quality of life.|
Originally Posted by bromley
The biggest difference psychologically for me since Freedom has been how I now feel like I have to guard my money from the people running this game.
Before, I had a recurring sub and if I wanted a pack I bought it. Now, everything seems to costs extra, and if I don't stay on top of things, I won't get the stuff that I should be getting with my sub. There is no way to track ANYTHING that has to do with money. If I was a newcomer to this game, that alone would make me not bother giving you my card number. |
I'm seeing this level of quality that we are getting, and now... I'm beginning to wonder if it was a good idea...
Ignoring anyone is a mistake. You might miss something viral to your cause.
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Would be nice. Perhaps something for Tier 8/9 VIPs. Though that's excluding myself from that. Boo : (.
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Originally Posted by Firemoth
Yeah, I'm off and on the open beta all the time.
What I'm really wanting is the closed beta (wishful thinking, I know). |
http://www.virtueverse.net/wiki/Shadow_Mokadara
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Same here |
Originally Posted by ShadowMoka
Would be nice. Perhaps something for Tier 8/9 VIPs. Though that's excluding myself from that. Boo : (.
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And a joyous Yuletide to everyone at Paragon from me.
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I'm glad that this is a question being asked because I honestly do not feel like much of a VIP these days. I could go into a long list of things that I have disliked since Freedom launched but apparently, that's 'entitlement' according to some posters. On the whole, Freedom has been positive but as a tier 9 veteran, there is little I would lose from dropping to Premium. Access to the dire Incarnate system (although I am hoping the revamped DA will fix some of the issues I have with it, despite it still being stupidly complicated) and the Tier 9 armour (which, being pre-tinted, I have little interest in) is all I think. |
Originally Posted by Zwillinger
What can we do to add even more value to our VIP subscription?
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What bothers me most is how VIPs are treated exactly the same as other players when it comes to purchases. I have no problem with buying costume packs and powersets but there seems little benefit to being a VIP when doing so. As much as I despise the proposed Super Packs, the idea was announced with no concessions for VIPs. Surely as a VIP, I shouldn't be forced to gamble like the rest of the playerbase to get these exclusive items? Although I welcome the proposed changes, this was a place crying out for VIPs to get better treatment.
The same goes for Titan Weapons. This set is going out with a tiny amout of options so that you can charge us more for further options. Instead, how about VIPs get all the skins thrown in for free, just because we're VIPs?
It's this kind of thing that's frustrating to me. There are not enough places where it seems that being a VIP carries any perks. Sure, we get a whole server to ourselves and if you're lower down the reward tree, it's more apparent and I won't deny, £5 worth of points is nice every month. But there needs to be more places where being a VIP has apparent and obvious rewards. If you're looking to convert more Free and Premium players to VIP accounts, those rewards need to be more obvious and ongoing.
For each new marketing initiative you guys come up with, consider how VIPs could be treated differently. You've already got our money, stop trying to squeeze more out of us by treating us the same as everyone else.
Have a great holiday season.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
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If that turns out to be true then fantastic, it'll be great to say grats for getting it right. |
Originally Posted by Zombie Man
Noble Savage has said that both genders will get all the main parts, specifically the helmet and spacesuit, with only a few incidental gender based add-ons.
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Sadly at this point i'll remain cautiously hopeful until it's been delivered as the track record to date has been less than promising. I just wish they'd show some sense and revisit all the exisiting packs that folks clearly showed interest in by purchasing previously and flesh them out. Even just throwing a piece or two out here and there and fixing all the exisiting stuff that is broken would be a step in the right direction toward a happier playerbase.
Continuously rushing out new, buggy stuff seems to be making few happy.
At this point i'm actually glad that i'm having a few months of enforced down time (motherboard developing a problem before Christmas means I spend the money first on my kid and wife before saving up enough for a new or even a good, used computer).
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Originally Posted by Dante
And a joyous Yuletide to everyone at Paragon from me.
I'm glad that this is a question being asked because I honestly do not feel like much of a VIP these days. I could go into a long list of things that I have disliked since Freedom launched but apparently, that's 'entitlement' according to some posters. On the whole, Freedom has been positive but as a tier 9 veteran, there is little I would lose from dropping to Premium. Access to the dire Incarnate system (although I am hoping the revamped DA will fix some of the issues I have with it, despite it still being stupidly complicated) and the Tier 9 armour (which, being pre-tinted, I have little interest in) is all I think. What bothers me most is how VIPs are treated exactly the same as other players when it comes to purchases. I have no problem with buying costume packs and powersets but there seems little benefit to being a VIP when doing so. As much as I despise the proposed Super Packs, the idea was announced with no concessions for VIPs. Surely as a VIP, I shouldn't be forced to gamble like the rest of the playerbase to get these exclusive items? Although I welcome the proposed changes, this was a place crying out for VIPs to get better treatment. The same goes for Titan Weapons. This set is going out with a tiny amout of options so that you can charge us more for further options. Instead, how about VIPs get all the skins thrown in for free, just because we're VIPs? It's this kind of thing that's frustrating to me. There are not enough places where it seems that being a VIP carries any perks. Sure, we get a whole server to ourselves and if you're lower down the reward tree, it's more apparent and I won't deny, £5 worth of points is nice every month. But there needs to be more places where being a VIP has apparent and obvious rewards. If you're looking to convert more Free and Premium players to VIP accounts, those rewards need to be more obvious and ongoing. For each new marketing initiative you guys come up with, consider how VIPs could be treated differently. You've already got our money, stop trying to squeeze more out of us by treating us the same as everyone else. Have a great holiday season. |
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This. If the whole deal with getting reward tokens for multi-month sub plans worked as it was intended then this wouldn't be a problem.
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Originally Posted by Firemoth
-That by the time I get up to my Tier 9 rewards, the armour I want will be gone, unless I drop at least 100 MORE dollar into the market.
EDIT: Did the math, needing 11 tokens to get the full set (so 8 more to get the full tier 8 and my last tier 7 and then 3 for the set) Last I checked, one gets a free token once a month, as well as for every 1200 points spent. Let's say it takes me a month to scrounge up the money, so one token is out of the way, leaving me with 10 more to go. 10x1200=12,000 points. At the costs shown at the market, I would have to spend 150.00 to get my armours. (This does not make The Firemoth a happy puppy.) I've already dropped 100.00 in there, plus my subscription fees for each month...this is not making me feel like a VIP |
Retro Space suit set needs a space monkey pet.
--------
Prediction on Retro Space Suit:
Males/Huge will look like Neil Armstrong.
Females will look like Barbarella.
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There's already a rikti monkey VIP pet.
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Originally Posted by GPBunny
Retro Space suit set needs a space monkey pet.
-------- Prediction on Retro Space Suit: Males/Huge will look like Neil Armstrong. Females will look like Barbarella. |
http://www.virtueverse.net/wiki/Shadow_Mokadara
More this type.
http://www.brainfuel.tv/heroic-space-monkey
Rikti =/= space aliens
Rikti are from another dimension.
Thanks for posting this Zwill and I hope everyone at Paragon has a great holiday season.
Now onto the meat of the issues. I rarely post on the forums since reading them is entertainment enough but I thought this was a great invitation to voice some concerns. Firstly, I am a tier 9 vet (purchased enough points to qualify after starting as a tier 8) and I have spent probably $250 on points and items in the store.
That being said, I am fortunate enough to be in a position to do that and not suffer greatly. However, as time has worn on, i wonder why I am spending so much when several of these services were included in my subscription price several years ago. New powersets, new IO's, new costumes (not costume sets or boosters packs but once upon a time new costumes were something we all looked forward to with issue releases), and even new systems were all included in my subscription.
Now I am paying a subscription for. . . Hmmmm, my incarnate abilities that I utilize on 4 or 5 of my 50 characters (still wondering why some incarnate items are not global unlocks or why we cant share salvage across accounts). And, other than that, I cant think what else my subscription buys me. I have a year subscription on my main and 6 month on my second account and I am letting the second account lapse after the 1st of the year because I just dont see the point in paying. I am wondering why I am paying for my 1st account even some days.
What you could do? Well, as many have stated how about making us VIP's feel like, you know, VIP's? Yes, I appreciate access to the beta server and previews of upcoming issues, powersets, items, trials, and so on but then I have to pay for some of this when it is released?!??! What?!?!? Huh?!?! How am I VIP if I have the same restrictions as everyone else?
Ok, i am getting way to long winded here so here is a synopsis of things I would like to see to keep me as a VIP for a long time to come:
1) bug fixes getting addressed quicker instead of at some point
2) Allow VIP's of tier 7,8 or 9 (or whatever arbitrary level you want) to be able to share incarnate salvage across an account. And I dont mean with a ridiculous conversion rate through Astrals or Emps!
3) Include either powersets, powerset skins, or costumes with issue updates like you used to do 3,4 or 5 years ago.
4) Either increase the points we receive as a VIP, increase our token rewards, or. . .
5) Give VIP's a discount for in store purchases! Seriously, in my business I give my higher tiered members an extra 10 or 20 percent off their purchases and you know what. . .They keep coming back for more and more. It incentivizes my other customers to look into upgrading their memberships and thereby brings me more overall revenue.
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I think that is what the extra 150 points are for being a Tier 9 VIP. They are an additional discount on purchases.
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Originally Posted by thedarkeone
5) Give VIP's a discount for in store purchases! Seriously, in my business I give my higher tiered members an extra 10 or 20 percent off their purchases and you know what. . .They keep coming back for more and more. It incentivizes my other customers to look into upgrading their memberships and thereby brings me more overall revenue.
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Triumph: White Succubus: 50 Ill/Emp/PF Snow Globe: 50 Ice/FF/Ice Strobe: 50 PB Shi Otomi: 50 Ninja/Ninjistu/GW Stalker My other characters
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So you're saying that Tier 9 VIP are indeed Very Important Persons and anyone under tier 8 is a second-class Very Insignificant Poodle? I can only imagine how new VIPs will feel reading that. Even with my tier 6 I resent the implications.|
Originally Posted by Snow Globe
I think that is what the extra 150 points are for being a Tier 9 VIP. They are an additional discount on purchases.
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Personally, I'm loving most of what Freedom brought us, except for two things :
A) If keeping your promised schedule of new stuff all the time means lowering quality so much, then by all means, drop back to once every two weeks or once a month. I'd rather have flawless goodies come out each time I get my VIP stipend than questionable bundles or expendable stuff every week. Plus, that way, I wouldn't hoard it week to week in case the next bundle is even better... Then feel shafted because it's worse I should have bought the previous one.
B) When Going Rogue came out, it cost, if I remember correctly, about $30 right? For this price we had 6 new zones, a new morality/alignment system, several power sets, new story arcs out the wazzo, and so on and so forth. Now $30 worth of points will buy me at most a powerset and a costume pack. Even the old Super Packs introduced emotes, costumes, extra powers and in the case of Super Science, a system improvement to the tailor - for $10, maybe $15 ! The prices have gone THROUGH THE ROOF with the Paragon Market, and even the measly 400 points a month VIP bonus does NOT compensate. Either review your PM pricing policy or treble our stipend before you turn us into Very Impoverished Players. Please.
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I understand your argument here SG but i spend or would spend way more money than that 150 or even my current stipend. Heck, I would be fine if they suspended my monthly stipend and gave me a blanket discount of 10-15% off every item in store as a VIP. That way I feel like I am actually worth something in their eyes.
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Originally Posted by Snow Globe
I think that is what the extra 150 points are for being a Tier 9 VIP. They are an additional discount on purchases.
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[*]Quality of new packs way below level as more then half of the parts have some clipping issues.
[*]No fix on the MA interface yet at all. The search options and rating system are phenominal bad.
[*]Isn't it high time something was given to base builders/options?
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