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WoW Pricing for Unproven Product?

13

Comments

  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by Banquetto

    Originally posted by Quicksand

    Any and All MMOs cost $50 buck at launch and they all charge $15 a month, I still cant figure out what the point of this thread is, you are complaining that an MMO is launching with the exact same pricing that every MMO launches with....

    Just keep on living in the past and keep on ignoring the posts about the free-2-play MMORPGs which are hitting the western market these days, most or all of which are of vastly higher quality than Alganon and it's "standard" $50 + $15/month price tag...

     

    Sure they are... Whose PR department do you work for? Much of the F2P Asian imports I've played over the last year have pretty much been cookie cutter clones.  Heavy on the cash shops and VERY heavy on the grind.  They also continue the typical Asian obsession with poorly designed PvP. Which of course doesn't do all that well in the west.  Talk about people who just don't get it...

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806

    Yes..DDO was so much of a "success" that it had to go F2P in an attempt to salvage what they could. If that doesn't work, look for it to be closed like Asherons Call 2 was.

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • PhelimReaghPhelimReagh Member UncommonPosts: 682
    Originally posted by Wraithone


    Yes..DDO was so much of a "success" that it had to go F2P in an attempt to salvage what they could. If that doesn't work, look for it to be closed like Asherons Call 2 was.

     

    Changing their pricing model and going F2P was the point, had you dared to read.

     

    They're now growing by leaps and bounds. They've recently stated that they've had 40% of the folks who joined F2P convert over to subscriptions.

     

    The creative, non-standardized pricing model saved a game that was, at best, ignored and assumed to be on the ash heap of MMO history.

     

    That is the lesson for MMOs trying to break into the market. DDO was a good game that no one played because it originally followed the WoW model. Now that it's free, there are enough people seeing how the game is and they like it. They like it so much that suddenly DDO is financially successful.

     

    The problem was not DDO the game. It was it's pricing model. A good game will stay obscure if not enough of a community exists to make the game fun, and to spread the word.

  • GestankfaustGestankfaust Member UncommonPosts: 1,989

    The fact that you wrote an essay and continue to debate here is ironic to me since you don't appear to like the game.

     

    Reminds me of some one else I see do this a lot on another game's forum....

    "This may hurt a little, but it's something you'll get used to. Relax....."

  • Cochran1Cochran1 Member Posts: 456

    I've seen a bit of misinformation posted here, read here before you say things like "only 1 race" or " only four classes"

    http://www.alganon.com/features

    copied from the link for those who don't want to go there......

    Races & Classes

    ALGANON focuses on quality rather than quantity. The game will ship with a total of two races and four classes; however, there are so many variations in skills, abilities, and specializations that the results guarantee no two characters will be alike. The first expansion of ALGANON will include 4 new races and 2 new classes, and the second 2 new races.

    Action, Ability, Skill and Study Systems

    Character Progression in ALGANON is based on four core system. Actions are what characters carry out during game play, such as a special attack or a tradeskill, etc. Abilities represent a point-based distribution system allowing the character to focus on specific class-based specialties. Skills are the underlying methods of growth in utilizing certain areas of class-based focus, such as a character's skill in swords, or a specific profession. Studies are the core support base for all other systems, allowing characters to grow over time at the same rate as all other players.

    Enhanced Appearance

    During the character creation process, the player can choose from a number of predefined facial structures and appearance adjustments based on selected race. The number of unique combinations is great. A character's appearance is directly affected not only by the weapons and armor, but their actions and power. For example, the more powerful a Kujix becomes, the darker their eyes will be, and the more powerful an Asharr becomes, the more their eyes will glow.

     

    As for mechanics and logistics, unless you have participated in the beta "a buggy game" is just speculation.

  • Gabby-airGabby-air Member UncommonPosts: 3,440

    Well there is only one race per side and four classes so i dont get what your point is?

  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by PhelimReagh

    Originally posted by Wraithone


    Yes..DDO was so much of a "success" that it had to go F2P in an attempt to salvage what they could. If that doesn't work, look for it to be closed like Asherons Call 2 was.

     

    Changing their pricing model and going F2P was the point, had you dared to read.

     

    They're now growing by leaps and bounds. They've recently stated that they've had 40% of the folks who joined F2P convert over to subscriptions.

     

    The creative, non-standardized pricing model saved a game that was, at best, ignored and assumed to be on the ash heap of MMO history.

     

    That is the lesson for MMOs trying to break into the market. DDO was a good game that no one played because it originally followed the WoW model. Now that it's free, there are enough people seeing how the game is and they like it. They like it so much that suddenly DDO is financially successful.

     

    The problem was not DDO the game. It was it's pricing model. A good game will stay obscure if not enough of a community exists to make the game fun, and to spread the word.

     

    No. The major problem with the original DDO was its forced grouping. Having been in at launch(original) I can tell you that for a fact.  Having to spend a good part of ones limited play time Looking For Group was what kept it a niche game.  That is obviously one of the lessons you missed in this parable.  It had very little to do with the price, and MUCH to to do with the forced grouping.

    As for the new version, I'd not know. You see I'm one of those who can't run it due to constant BSOD 116 errors. Its a conflict with one of Nvidias sub driver modules. Its been that way for months and months.  That and LOTRO(also Turbine) are the only games that do not run on my system. If you check the forums and other such, I'm hardly the only one with that problem.  Having reported it multiple times, and received no support, I simply shrugged and moved on.

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • BanquettoBanquetto Member UncommonPosts: 1,037
    Originally posted by Wraithone 
    Sure they are... Whose PR department do you work for? Much of the F2P Asian imports I've played over the last year have pretty much been cookie cutter clones.

     

    People in glass houses shouldn't throw comments about "clones". Runes of Magic, for instance, was panned as a WoW clone, but it is far far more distinct from WoW than Alganon is.

  • DelanorDelanor Member Posts: 659
    Originally posted by PhelimReagh


    If Alganon is a success, bully for them. But in my opinion a more creative pricing model could have increased their chances dramatically.



     

    I doubt a different pricing model will help them. The niche market they are aiming for is hardly influenced by the price of the product. They need to make their product more outstanding IMO. Signs at the moment are not looking good. However, when they change the pricing model now, it will be seen as a defeat and an indication for the fact that they do no longer believe in their own product.

    --
    Delanor

  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by Banquetto

    Originally posted by Wraithone 
    Sure they are... Whose PR department do you work for? Much of the F2P Asian imports I've played over the last year have pretty much been cookie cutter clones.

     

    People in glass houses shouldn't throw comments about "clones". Runes of Magic, for instance, was panned as a WoW clone, but it is far far more distinct from WoW than Alganon is.

     

    I've played RoM. Its dual class system is interesting(warrior/knight), but I REALLY did not like the boss class mobs that roam through outside quest areas, with long aggro ranges, which can one to two shot players in that areas level range. 

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • SynthetickSynthetick Member Posts: 977
    Originally posted by Cochran1


    I've seen a bit of misinformation posted here, read here before you say things like "only 1 race" or " only four classes"
    http://www.alganon.com/features
    copied from the link for those who don't want to go there......
    Races & Classes

    ALGANON focuses on quality rather than quantity. The game will ship with a total of two races and four classes; however, there are so many variations in skills, abilities, and specializations that the results guarantee no two characters will be alike. The first expansion of ALGANON will include 4 new races and 2 new classes, and the second 2 new races.
    Action, Ability, Skill and Study Systems

    Character Progression in ALGANON is based on four core system. Actions are what characters carry out during game play, such as a special attack or a tradeskill, etc. Abilities represent a point-based distribution system allowing the character to focus on specific class-based specialties. Skills are the underlying methods of growth in utilizing certain areas of class-based focus, such as a character's skill in swords, or a specific profession. Studies are the core support base for all other systems, allowing characters to grow over time at the same rate as all other players.
    Enhanced Appearance

    During the character creation process, the player can choose from a number of predefined facial structures and appearance adjustments based on selected race. The number of unique combinations is great. A character's appearance is directly affected not only by the weapons and armor, but their actions and power. For example, the more powerful a Kujix becomes, the darker their eyes will be, and the more powerful an Asharr becomes, the more their eyes will glow.



    The only one being misleading is that website, and you for posting it here. It's been stated over and over and over and over again that none of those features will be in at launch, or within the immediate timeframe after launch other than studies. That's probably why the website removed the "other featured" races and classes from the website. ;)

    image

  • RednecksithRednecksith Member Posts: 1,238

    I had high hopes for this game, but after playing the beta for a while I've realized that it really, really is not anywhere near ready for release. Furthermore, I honestly don't see how the developers could possibly think that it's worth anything close to a full retail price at this point. In 6 months to a year, when things are more polished and features implemented, sure. But right now it's just a clone of a WoW clone with almost nothing to set it apart from the masses.

    To those whom choose to support it out of the gate, I honestly do wish you the best of luck. The game does have potential, and if you've got the money to spare, it might be worth it in the long run. I for one don't have the luxury of spending money on potential, I need a good, solid product right out of the gate, and Alganon just doesn't deliver that. In my opinion, of course.

  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by Rednecksith


    I had high hopes for this game, but after playing the beta for a while I've realized that it really, really is not anywhere near ready for release. Furthermore, I honestly don't see how the developers could possibly think that it's worth anything close to a full retail price at this point. In 6 months to a year, when things are more polished and features implemented, sure. But right now it's just a clone of a WoW clone with almost nothing to set it apart from the masses.
    To those whom choose to support it out of the gate, I honestly do wish you the best of luck. The game does have potential, and if you've got the money to spare, it might be worth it in the long run. I for one don't have the luxury of spending money on potential, I need a good, solid product right out of the gate, and Alganon just doesn't deliver that. In my opinion, of course.

     

    Then by that definition, you should be playing WoW or some such. Very few MMO's are "good solid" right at launch. Its simply the nature of the beast(shrug). I have Alganon pre ordered. I believe in supporting companies like QO, as thats the only way we are ever going to get different options.

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • jawalijawali Member UncommonPosts: 195

    According to developers, this game should be "unique"...At current stage it is just another WoW like game. The aspects, which should make this game special are not implemented and there are some f2p games, which are just better.  The pricing of this game is too high in compare to current content. For me it doesn' t  matter who makes this game. I want quality for money I pay.

    image
  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by jawali


    According to developers, this game should be "unique"...At current stage it is just another WoW like game. The aspects, which should make this game special are not implemented and there are some f2p games, which are just better.  The pricing of this game is too high in compare to current content. For me it doesn' t  matter who makes this game. I want quality for money I pay.

     

    Then resign yourself to the same old, same old. Because if enough people take your approach, thats all we are going to see.

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • jawalijawali Member UncommonPosts: 195
    Originally posted by Wraithone

    Originally posted by jawali


    According to developers, this game should be "unique"...At current stage it is just another WoW like game. The aspects, which should make this game special are not implemented and there are some f2p games, which are just better.  The pricing of this game is too high in compare to current content. For me it doesn' t  matter who makes this game. I want quality for money I pay.

     

    Then resign yourself to the same old, same old. Because if enough people take your approach, thats all we are going to see.

     

    I see that you are just Alganons fanboy/ fangirl...It is really hard talk to such people using arguments... I wrote that I am disappointed int his game cause of content and pricing (cause of lack of many features) and that game is not "unique" asi is should be...Which of things I wrote are not true?

    image
  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by jawali

    Originally posted by Wraithone

    Originally posted by jawali


    According to developers, this game should be "unique"...At current stage it is just another WoW like game. The aspects, which should make this game special are not implemented and there are some f2p games, which are just better.  The pricing of this game is too high in compare to current content. For me it doesn' t  matter who makes this game. I want quality for money I pay.

     

    Then resign yourself to the same old, same old. Because if enough people take your approach, thats all we are going to see.

     

    I see that you are just Alganons fanboy/ fangirl...It is really hard talk to such people using arguments... I wrote that I am disappointed int his game cause of content and pricing (cause of lack of many features) and that game is not "unique" asi is should be...Which of things I wrote are not true?

     

    If you simply must troll, at least make an attempt to be subtle... I'm not at all interested in "unique" games. They tend to be ill conceived and implimented poorly.  Just about anyone who saw the original design of Dave Allens first game(before he was back stabbed) would be a "fan kiddie" as you so charmingly phrase it.  The foundation of the game is well laid out. I'm curious to see how far he can expand it from there. I'm more than willing to support QO while they are in that process.  Anyone who expects WoW's current polish and feature set from a new company is unrealistic, and bound to be endlessly disappointed by just about any game.

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • BanquettoBanquetto Member UncommonPosts: 1,037

    But if they don't aspire to do something unique, and they don't aspire to do the familiar better than the people who are already doing it - what are they aspiring to do, that I should be willing to buy?

  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by Banquetto


    But if they don't aspire to do something unique, and they don't aspire to do the familiar better than the people who are already doing it - what are they aspiring to do, that I should be willing to buy?

     

    Better takes time/money. WoW didn't launch with almost 12 million players,  two expansions and 5 years of content.  Who said they don't aspire to do the familiar better?

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • SilokSilok Member UncommonPosts: 732
    Originally posted by Wraithone

    Originally posted by Banquetto


    But if they don't aspire to do something unique, and they don't aspire to do the familiar better than the people who are already doing it - what are they aspiring to do, that I should be willing to buy?

     

    Better takes time/money. WoW didn't launch with almost 12 million players,  two expansions and 5 years of content.  Who said they don't aspire to do the familiar better?

     

    No wow didnt launch with 12 millions acounts, and it had serious server issues, but the game itself was polish and fluid. Something Alganon dosent have, at least for now. People can flame against blizzard but for what i know blizzard always polish they game before release it.

  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by Silok

    Originally posted by Wraithone

    Originally posted by Banquetto


    But if they don't aspire to do something unique, and they don't aspire to do the familiar better than the people who are already doing it - what are they aspiring to do, that I should be willing to buy?

     

    Better takes time/money. WoW didn't launch with almost 12 million players,  two expansions and 5 years of content.  Who said they don't aspire to do the familiar better?

     

    No wow didnt launch with 12 millions acounts, and it had serious server issues, but the game itself was polish and fluid. Something Alganon dosent have, at least for now. People can flame against blizzard but for what i know blizzard always polish they game before release it.

     

    I started WoW in late beta. I'm painfully aware of the issues you mention in the first year. But all things considered it was a good launch, and WoW is a good game, all the way up to level cap. But keep in mind that at WoWs launch, Blizzard had already had the experience from all of the warcraft games, starcraft and diablo. They also had a *huge* amount of money behind them.  That allows a degree of polish thats unrealistic to expect from new companies.  I'm willing to give QO a chance to see how they do going forward.

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • haratuharatu Member UncommonPosts: 409
    Originally posted by Wraithone
    I started WoW in late beta. I'm painfully aware of the issues you mention in the first year. But all things considered it was a good launch, and WoW is a good game, all the way up to level cap. But keep in mind that at WoWs launch, Blizzard had already had the experience from all of the warcraft games, starcraft and diablo. They also had a *huge* amount of money behind them.  That allows a degree of polish thats unrealistic to expect from new companies.  I'm willing to give QO a chance to see how they do going forward.

    Considering that Blizzard delayed their launch for over a year then their product was not finished on time... saying that much of its success was due to this delay and producing a more polished game. Perhaps other games such as Alganon might want to learn from this.

     

    Alganon has many qualities that are promising, but I would prefer to see a few more months put into ironing out any bugs before releasing, especially if they are going to charge their subscription.

  • Gabby-airGabby-air Member UncommonPosts: 3,440
    Originally posted by haratu



    Alganon has many qualities that are promising, but I would prefer to see a few more months put into ironing out any bugs before releasing, especially if they are going to charge their subscription.

     

    My thoughts exactly, people who are buying the game right now are well aware of the fact that there going to be paying for a beta. But when a company dosen't even tell you that alot of features won't be in at launch and asks for money for pre orders where also giving huge bonuses to 1 year players, something unethical is going on.

  • WraithoneWraithone Member RarePosts: 3,806
    Originally posted by Gabby-air

    Originally posted by haratu



    Alganon has many qualities that are promising, but I would prefer to see a few more months put into ironing out any bugs before releasing, especially if they are going to charge their subscription.

     

    My thoughts exactly, people who are buying the game right now are well aware of the fact that there going to be paying for a beta. But when a company dosen't even tell you that alot of features won't be in at launch and asks for money for pre orders where also giving huge bonuses to 1 year players, something unethical is going on.

     

    Not in the least. Anyone who has any experience in dealing with MMO's should know by this late stage of the game what is involved.  MMO's are some of the most complex software suites in existence. NO ONE does it all right the first time out.  There WILL be problems, and there will be delays in adding features.  One of the major initial problems is that everything takes longer to impliment properly than it looked like going in. Also keep in mind that time very much is money. Companies that aren't sitting on huge piles of money like Blizzard and some of the other major corporation backed games can't afford to add everything at launch that they would have liked to. It all comes down to a matter of belief, and what one wants from a game.  I believe in Dave Allen's vision for the game.  I also believe that he will do his very best to make the game conform to that vision.   I'm willing to invest my money in the game to give him the time to do so. I want to be in at the start of something that could well turn out to be a source of continuing entertainment for years and years to come. Many of us who are supporting him feel the same way.  In return, those who do support him and his efforts are receiving some reward. There is nothing unethical in the least about that.

    "If you can't kill it, don't make it mad."
  • BanquettoBanquetto Member UncommonPosts: 1,037
    Originally posted by Wraithone


    Not in the least. Anyone who has any experience in dealing with MMO's should know by this late stage of the game what is involved.  MMO's are some of the most complex software suites in existence. NO ONE does it all right the first time out.  There WILL be problems, and there will be delays in adding features.

     http://www.alganon.com/about-alganon and http://www.alganon.com/features both very strongly give the impression that a great many features are in the game when they quite simply are not. It borders on false advertising.

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