Will DDO new RMT model leave other F2P MMOs vacant

Dedthom

Do you think that once the new DDOs RMT F2P/P2P model goes public that other RMT F2P MMOs will be abandoned?

I know there are some popular RMT MMOs out there but will the new DDO finally find its niche and dominate or will most players stick with the tried and true game play of current F2P games over DDOs unique game mechanics?

Dr.Rock

I would very much doubt it, DDO will probably raise the F2P bar, but it will still contain elements like twitch combat, instances, group and PvE focus that some people will hate on sight. 

I tend to believe the variety from lots of different MMOs is much better than any one dominating generally, on in any particular niche.

Sarr

It's very hard to answer at this point.

There are some things one thinking about DDO dominating the F2P scene must consider.

 

1. Instances

Firstly, it's not the same type of game most F2P players are used to play. It's not 100% open world, or in other words, you can't quest in public "open-world" areas. You go to instances all the time. But, actually, the most fun parts of WoW to me... are instances. They're just done way better in DDO, so that can mean lots of players.

Of course, not all instances in DDO are so good. You can find simple WoW-likes. But most of them - yes, unmatched, original, epic.

2. Challenge

Well, but ok. Instanced F2P MMOs are getting numerous now. For example, Warrior Epic. All questing is instanced in WE, though let me tell you, comparing those 2 games is like comparing Porsche (DDO) to children bicycle with 2 additional wheels (WE)...

Having said that, some people like it that way! A portion of people like and will like to play games which are so basic as WE is. And so pink-pony-happy and colored, just with some boobs on top of that for male audience.

Those people will get into DDO only if they need something more involving, something like "real MMO" to play for a change. Otherwise, they will go trolling on DDO forums and write how DDO is stupid, just because they're not used to thinking or being cautious while playing.

D&D Online Unlimited, even though its Korthos Island is easy as those other F2P games, isn't an easy game. D&D Online is a challenging game. So if one is not in for a challenge, I think we'll say "farewell" to him around 3-6 level . I mean, first jaw drop in DDO is usually getting killed in 2-5 seconds of a fight, when you've made some big mistake or took too difficult quest just because you though you're Uber enough.

This it the time when you either fall in love with DDO, or feel ashamed and leave. But that's good if you ask me. That's why DDO isn't full of idiots like most other MMOs are, and won't be anytime soon or ever.

3. Maturity.

No, not that naked boobs "maturity". People playing this game like to have a lot of fun, but usually they're pretty intelligent folks. And they're usually more friendly than AoC players, though unlike in AoC, being rude etc. isn't much tolerated. You'll get ignored, ridiculed or even reported.

Yeah, another good thing about DDO. But then just look at the Internet - how many people are mature and want to behave well? Not everyone for sure.

4. Learning curve.

Basically, if you've never played Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, NwN or NwN II, or any other D&D games - you'll need some help. We have exceptionally helpful community in DDO. And I really meant exceptionally helpful. Just use /advice channel...

But not everyone likes to ask. People can complain that not everything is explained in details in game, and won't like to go here:

compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Compendium_Home

I can't say they won't have some good points. As a D&D pnp veteran I can say honestly that Turbine should make more "tutorial-like" quests to get new people even more familiar with DDO. Especially, quests which will teach you how to read game mechanics, how to use some skills, and how to find a group. Don't ask me how can they do it, they should!

Of course D&D pen & paper veterans will feel in DDO like fish in the water. But those have so many preferences and tend to be so stubborn, that every little deviation from D&D pnp rules may make them leave and bash DDO for years. Or even things like that may make them leave:

"Why ist's not Forgotten Realms? What it's not Ravenloft? Why it's not Dragonlance, Mystara, Greyhawk or my own setting!? Why is there mana!?"

While that's absolutely silly (I'm a D&D pnp vet too, so I have an opinion), many D&D players are like that. Immature? Yes, immature!

5. Free to play? With DDO in game Store? Are kidding me?

Many new people think "Free to play" means everything is free. No, it's not. It's not a 100% free game. Of course, you can earn those Turbine Points for DDO Store in game while questing, but many people, when they see any "STORE" in game think that they are screwed up already. And will run away shouting: "it was called free to play! Liars! I hate Turbine!"

Another wave of trolls pretty is pretty much granted. Well, unless MMO folks will mature somewhat in coming months. But this can be good as well! Controversy is always going to promote anything you can think of. Look at Darkfall... I want to try this game out myself!

6. There is only one D&D Online.

 Pretty self explanatory. That alone can give DDO huge popularity. I doubt anyone can create another D&D MMO until Turbine says "D&D Online: U is closed!".

 

So, I won't answer yet. I think DDO: Eberron Unlimited can be pretty huge indeed, but it's not a game for some of those people types I've mentioned above.

Check my new DDO gameplay video:

www.youtube.com/watch

saturn1234

No, this game has been out for several years, and has had a free trial for several years as well.  Most people interested in MMORPGs, free to play or Pay to play, will have already tried this game, at least for the trial.

 

I think this will mainly be my secondary game.  I will probably play World of Warcraft mainly for the PvP, a little side raiding.  And when I am bored of that I can now just switch to Dungeons and Dragons Online.  It is free so I see no reason to uninstall the game ever (500 gig harddrive ftw).  I anticipate many people will do the same.

 

So basically I dont think the free to play crowd will be flocking to this game.  I do think that alot of players that used to play this game will move back to it, at least part time, because it is free to play now.  As someone above me said, this game is easy for like... one level.  After that point you need to really pay attention and think about what you are doing, both in gameplay, and while advancing your characters.  If you look at other free to play games out there, none of them require much of any thought (Aside from a few rare exceptions).  Also they are usually very straight-forward about advancing your character, like you picked mage, intelligence is your stat.  DDO characters take planning and sometimes even creative thinking to make an interesting build, etc.

Papadam

No most Free2play game seems very simple and thats why people play them, DDO is very challening compared to most MMOs (F2P or P2P)

The lack of PvP is also a big factor why DDO wont have much impact on other "Free" games.

I actually think DDO will steal most players from subscription games maybe as a second MMO. I know I will play DDO next to LotrO (which I dont pay sub to either thanks to lifetime sub).

Kyleran

Since its going to be free, I'll probably give it another go. (I tried it the first month it was out and unsubbed).

But it wont stop me from playing Aion, EVE and I suspect it won't change the gaming habits of those who play F2P games regularly either.

One big thing it lacks is PVP, which many F2P's have and the players thrive on.

It will draw some nice numbers, but there's not enough grinding or levels to satisfy much of the F2P crowd. 

Papadam

Originally posted by Kyleran


Since its going to be free, I'll probably give it another go. (I tried it the first month it was out and unsubbed).
But it wont stop me from playing Aion, EVE and I suspect it won't change the gaming habits of those who play F2P games regularly either.
One big thing it lacks is PVP, which many F2P's have and the players thrive on.
It will draw some nice numbers, but there's not enough grinding or levels to satisfy much of the F2P crowd. 

 

Well people who play for free (not buying anything) will have to do ALOT of grinding

Isnt the highest slayer quest on korthos island 750 mobs?

ThomasN7

Originally posted by Papadam


No most Free2play game seems very simple and thats why people play them, DDO is very challening compared to most MMOs (F2P or P2P)
The lack of PvP is also a big factor why DDO wont have much impact on other "Free" games.
I actually think DDO will steal most players from subscription games maybe as a second MMO. I know I will play DDO next to LotrO (which I dont pay sub to either thanks to lifetime sub).

 

A lack of pvp would be one of the best reasons to try this game. Players don't won't have to worry about their characters being nerfed  when the pvp community cries foul.

seabass2003

 I don't know what the percentage was of people who tried the game and really liked it but said they wouldn't pay to play an instanced world but it was really high. I have a feeling all of those people will be coming back now that it is free 2 play. What this game will pickup is a people waiting for the next big thing. People who want a backup game but don't want the subscription among other types of players. I don't think it will have much impact on the f2p crowd (this game is too in depth for most of those types of players) but it will have a slight impact on the p2p crowd.