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End of first month: Major Success or Major Upset
maskedweasel
Member LegendaryPosts: 12,195
So its obvious that there are some very mixed feelings about this game on these boards, and even some of the writers at IGN are getting some mixed in house discussion over it. For those that know me, you know that I enjoy the game immensely, and for the most part a lot of the articles here on MMORPG.com have been Pro-DCUO.
So before we get to the poll, a quick backstory of why I made this thread. One of my very good friends got back from a long trip and had only really played the game a few days but enjoyed it quite a bit. As a surprise I went to buy him a copy. I went to 3 gamestops, the first two were sold out, the last had 1 copy left on reserve. Luckily the reserve was past a waiting period and I was able to buy it, but they told me the game wasn't staying on the shelves at all and that most stores in the area had sold out.
(PS3 apparently had 3 copies left, don't know how many the store had originally)
This got me to thinking, there are going to be a ton of players that just won't like the game at all, and even more that probably won't end up subbing after the first month.
However, coming up on a week or so after launch I'm waiting in a 100 person queue just to play on Public Enemies, and thats not even the most populated PvP server, a friend on D&G said they've had over 200 person queues, even after the new PvP server opened.
SO, knowing that the game is selling so well I thought I'd present a poll asking the community what they thought, although I already know the majority answer, I want some comments about what the high population will mean for the game in the long run. Will we see players returning with new content updates? Will they play the first month and forget about the game? Will reviews on the game be good leading to more growth in the second month? Leave your comments below on what you think.
Comments
Didn't vote (I avoid these types of polls, serves no purpose) but you need more options to pull it off properly.
To limited in choices.
ED: I have seen EXTENSIVE publicity on this game. Major newspapers, magazines and ESPN.
That should answer why it sold so well. Known IP and saturation of major outlets. Pro marketing job, better than anything other than WoW so far.
I think most people buying this think its just a console like most of the others they have seen being sold on T.V. like CoD4 and Halo 3.
When they find out about the $15, I'm sure things are gonna change in a hurry.
"TO MICHAEL!"
I knew I would get that, I had a poll with 5 options, but cut it down because middle ground is so blase. I live my life in the middle ground, lets get some hard answers Popinjay
Fair enough, you made the poll as you like. Won't argue with that.
Btw; edited as to why you guys were unable to find copies. Pretty plain to me, but we disagree on that point so...
"TO MICHAEL!"
Another option is possible, and to me, more likely:
The PS3 servers will do fine, the game seems built for the PS3 anyway, and they don't (or do they?) have the same monthly sub fee as PC players, so players are more likely to stay with it longer.
On the PC side, because it is lacking many features many MMO customers are accustomed by now, and the sub fee, and the lousy UI for comp players without a game controller, I think the PC servers will see more serious declines, faster.
Even the most ardent supporter can not claim that this gme will have much long lasting appeal past a few months, and with other anticipated MMOs on the horizen, the PC numbers will get hit even harder.
Overall, PS3 results ok, PC ones not so good.
I geared the poll with the idea that I would get a number of negative responses, as strange as that sounds, its actually what I believe too, although I think people will return from time to time, I think there will be a major drop off of players, and many of them not because the game is bad, just because they were likely misled on what they thought they were buying -- a traditional MMO.
As much as I love the game, and as happy as I am that it is doing well right now, I think that I would have been happier if people knew more about the game instead of buying blindly. Thats how we get so many disgruntled players, not necessarily because all the games are bad, but that games don't live up to their expectations based on what they've known before it.
While the thread was about DCUO it kind of had a subsequent point here about success based on misapprehensions. While the game is touted as being an Action MMO, what do you think that will mean to the WoW generation? WoW with more action? Sounds like a dream! Very misleading.
SoE didn't communicate this game right to the console players who don't know about MMOs, I think. They think they are playing Arkham Asylum as a standalone type that's free.
They have this game that has Batman/Superman on the cover like countless other number of console games on the shelf. They put it in places like Gamestop and anywhere else consoles are mainly sold. The game says "PS3" on it (least that's what the customer sees who owns a PS3). He's seen the commercials just like he saw the Dragon Age, CoD, etc on the T.V. but this guy never even HEARD of a MMO in his life.
So he picks it off the shelf, spins it around and says "Cool.. I'll give it a try" and goes to play. The sales schmuck of a employee DOESN'T tell him it's a "MMO" and there's a monthly fee of $15/mo (cause that's not his job) and the guy buys it takes it home and plugs it into his PS3.
Credit card necessary... this is where it gets tricky. He either sees the 15 fee and thinks its a one time yearly fee (because no Batman/Superman PS3 game ever costs that much to play each month) or it's some clueless kid's parents with a CC that isn't reading anything either. They gave the kid the number to punch in on a piece of paper because they are watching "Housewives of Beverly Hills" thinking the same thing; one time fee.
The first month is free so the servers are jammed and people love the game. (it's addictive fun early) and they like it.
The thing is.. when the bill for next month shows on the C.C., does the kid's parents freak and cancel and the guy says "Hell No, I got a cellphone bill to pay" or do they both keep subbing.
That is the question. People on these boards and in the industry know what type of game it is so they aren't shellshocked by a $15/mo. We pay that easily for the most part or even sub TWO mmos.
I think it's going to be funny when people start calling SoE next month complaining that their console game no longer works and they want an exchange or a refund.
(I was halfway serious and halfway joking so I hope you don't take offense here, but I think that's a funny scenario)
"TO MICHAEL!"
It all depends if they can keep their promised monthly content updates.
There is about same amount of end game content or even more than most mmos, but game itself is very short to get max level. Most people dont wanna play same raids over and over again.
I'm not sure how the game will do in the future. I hope, though, that it's a success. It's fun and very immersive if you're into the whole universe. I wasn't sure how I would like the whole "Fighting with heroes/villains" thing, but it turned out pretty nice in my opinion. If you don't like the combat, though, you won't like any of the rest for the game as most of the end game right now is PvP. Not all, though, and the legendaries that are there are very fun. There just aren't a ton of them.
Once more content is added to the end of the game, it will be even better.
Popinjay - I think you also should add in the effect of PS3 players trying to take the game back to GameStop to trade it in for credit, only to find that GameStop won't let them.
I think DCUO is going to see massive drop off on the servers after the first month - people are loving the first week (and DCUO is a fun game on your first character) but when they've been at lvl 30 for the next 3 weeks and SOE announces a cash shop and power changes, I think the mood may change.
I can't really say what the outcome will be. My friend bought me a copy and I've been playing for a few days. At first it was a little boring, but now with more skills it's pretty fun. I don't think this game was mad for hardcore play, and I definitely haven't been playing it like a regular MMO. I have been enjoying it in short bursts, though.
One thing that's really been annoying in PvP is the targetting. Another thing that bothers me is getting to potions. I still have free space on my hotbar right now, so it's not a problem. I can see it being annoying when the whole bar is full and you would have to open the inventory. This might be easier for people using the keyboard, but damn are the menus annoying with the controller.
I'm not sure this game deserves $15 a month at this point. It doesn't seem like there is much to do other than the real basics of a MMO. I do have to give them credit for trying to be different in this genre. It definitely is action style, just not on par with a single player game. I can definitely see this game being around and improving. I just don't know if it will stay as popular as it is now.
Good to hear you've been having fun. Regarding the lack of hotbar space for potions, the game reservers one spot for a clickable and one spot for potions. This means that you will only ever have six skills on your hotbar.
Popinjay - I think we're in a time where most people are aware of MMOs. Even if they don't play, they most likely know someone who does. Some people who I know are playing, and they have never played a MMO before and they knew it had a sub fee. It also says 30 Day Subscription Free on the front.
I think they could have made their tiny disclaimer on the back a bit bigger, though. I can see how console gamers or even single player games might get confused. Btw I'm not sure what the PS3 box looks like. A friend bought me my PC copy.
Thanks. That's good to know. I was worried about having to open up the inventory every time lol.
Surprisingly (to me anyway), the IP seems to be working for SOE and drawing in DC fans that have limited MMO experience. And from my anecdotal observations, these folks seem more concerned about things like only having 16 character slots and Catwoman's costume being poorly done than the stuff this site is worried about.
With them and the MMO-ers like myself who find the good outweighs the bad at the moment, it'll be okay for a month or two. And if they don't drop the ball on adding new content, it will be at least mildly popular for the foreseeable future.
Even if it's not your cup of tea, the game is stable, pretty and fun. That puts it head and shoulders above anything else that's released in the past year and a half, as far as I'm concerned.
Playing: FFXIV, EVE
And his employee, Chris Cao, DCUOs director at Sony Online Entertainment, would respectfully disagree with his boss:
Not sure how the President and the Director of the same game both target different audiences and claim the game is really made for the other one, but this is what I mean about them not explaining things properly.
These statements were given several DAYS apart after launch. Kind of makes you wonder if they are lying (misrepresenting?) what the game is NOW, what does that say for their promises about what's coming in the game LATER?
"TO MICHAEL!"
From what I hear sales were/are pretty good. Like most games, population will probably drop after those initial subs run out, then steady for a while. whether its a major success or major failure i don't know. But at the start mark, I would say its a success.
I self identify as a monkey.
out of all the MMO companies I would say SOE has the best chance to actually keep adding montly content updates. Say what you will about SOE but you can't deny creating new content is something they are great at. Just look at all the expansions for EQ and EQ2.
I look forward for what is in store for this game.
1. Average console gamer is over 25 years old. I don't know why people somehow assume pc gamers are adults and console ones kids. I play pc games a ton and find many "kids" under 18 on all the mmos, FPS and mobas, etc that I play. The average age for a gamer is about the same nowadays for pc and console.
2. I would bet that at least 90% of console gamers have a PC and know what an MMO is. You could be right some people will buy the console version and not know it is an MMO with a monthly fee, but it will be a very few number of people like that and I guarantee it would most likely be an older gamer that never has played online before, not a kid.
3. "Kids" grew up on PCs & the internet. They know about MMOs and are not as stupid as you try to make them seem in this post.
BTW I am not a kid, I play both PC and console(more PC), just wanted to point out I think you are really wrong in your assumptions.
ON topic, I think most people will quit after 1-2 months because of lack of content and depth to the gameplay.
GAME TIL YOU DIE!!!!
Well apparently you can reach level 30 (cap) in 20-25 hours only. What would peoples do after the first month if they already have 1, 2 or even 3 maxed out characters ?
Older gamers are much more comfortable using PCs than consoles and can easily pay for both without blinking in many cases, although some people own both (I do). But most adults I've met over 30 play PC MMOs, and use consoles sepeartely to play console games.
2. You would bet wrong. But since you and I can't prove what the statistics of console gamers who know what a traditional MMO is, we'll just have differing opinions.
There are plenty of people who play nothing but console games but never tried or heard of a MMO. It might shock you to know that there are millions of console players who *gasp* never heard of even WoW. But it's true, I assure you despite what you think.
3. No one is saying kids are dumb. See point 2. You assume because you heard of MMOs, everyone has. Even kids. How about 12 year old kids who have Arkham Asylum? You think they all heard of MMOs too? Or Halo? Sorry if you took offense but no one claimed all kids playing consoles are stupid. And the internets have nothing to do with this. There are plenty of kids who have internet access via computer and don't know what MMOs are. Some even have *gasp* internet access and NO computer and NO console! Holy Cow!
"TO MICHAEL!"
This game is solid. It has fun PvE and fun PvP. I haven't had this much fun in PvP in an MMO in... well, I don't think I've ever enjoyed PvP this much in an MMO. Hell, even the PvE is fun and challenging.
The idea of focusing mainly on end-game is something I've been a fan of for a long time. There is a large amount of stuff to do at end-game considering this is a brand new title, and hopefully they will be able to produce more content at a good rate.
I was pretty critical of the lack of leveling content while in beta. But I'm pretty confident that its a non-issue w/ the way the end-game and PvP is set up.
Having said all that. I think the console will end up a ghost town. Console gamers won't want to pay a sub and stick w/ a single game for any length of time. But I think the PC platform will do great things.
I don't think the game will be either a massive success or failure at the end of the first month. I think it will take a little longer to sort out the longevity of this game, but I think overall it will go down and not up.
Console players are not used to monthly access fees and they are notorious for consuming a games content, trading the game in for credit and grabbing the next hot new release. DCU somewhat compares to co-op console games so I don't see what will keep players hooked on this game long term after they eat all the content in the first month or two. Maybe it becomes a pitstop for players between major title releases, who knows. There are just to many new games that will draw players away all the time, unlike the PC mmo market. That might make long standing communities difficult to establish.
The success of the PC side is going to be hampered by the console design of the game and the shallowness of the overall game in comparison to other mmos. Content is consumed far to quickly for a game that has been in development for 5 years.
A lot of people are counting on the monthly updates to be the saving grace of this game, but I suspect that after a few months the same basic formula is going to appear. Reskin a few instances with the same basic formula as current mission storylines and a few small city blocks being repopulated with a new NPC threat for players to interact with and maybe collect some items from. They story advancing will be cool, but the size of the city is really going to limit how much creative room can be used without interfering with the game already or redoing the same theme over and over.
We keep getting these polls...balls to the wall or balls in your shorts. How about one ball hanging out of the bottom of the shorts when in sitting position?
I think the game will be a success. It will start out good and gain over time as new stuff is added. I don't see it as a failure, atleast not yet because it does have some cool things in it that set it apart from other mmo.
For instance, collecting clothing/armor appearances, being able to switch them out on the fly and change colors and stuff...that is huge for role players and people who just like to fiddle endlessly with their appearances.
The turth is many people who peruse this site are too hidebound to give the game a real evaluation.
On the other hand the game really is somewhat second rate in its action mechanics. Since its an MMO perhaps that is somewhat forgivable I guess it depends on the person.
It can succeed just fine and its fun, but its not excellent in either the action category or the MMO category. It may be good enough when you combine the two. It has some pretty good atmosphere, its decently fun plays decently. I am hoping they improve a few thing in the next patchs.
Wow, that is a whole lot of specuulation and elitism there. I am pretty sure most people who have already bought this game know what it is. PS3 or not. Believe it or not, folks outside of this community do read about games before they're released. I'd gues that people who own it right now, which pretty mch what this post is about, knew what type of game they were getting. Plus the sub fee thing......It's printed right on the back of the box there is a sub fee.
I don't know how well it ill do after a month. I do know that I am having a lot of fun playing it. It pretty much was my last stop for mmos. There is nothing that excites me betond this game. Rift=WoW, Bio-Ware games bore me to tears. DCUO doesn't feel like a wow clone to me, which is fine by me.