Except that a part of those "lost subscribers" are people who never would have liked the game anyways. How many posts have I read on these forums with people leveling criticism at the "story aspects" of the game but yet indicated they would subscribe for a bit ans see where ti goes?
How many people enjoyed the game but found that, once at cap there wasn't much to do that was of interest? I know i fall under that category and fully intended to subscribe again once they put more content into the game?
How many people just bought the game just to try it out? Quite a few.
How many "WoW players" were, once again, looking for WoW 2.0 only to once again not find it? How many people played it because of the pvp? I saw several posts where people complained about the pvp (and with good reason) but then made the statment that it was a pvp game? REally? A pvp game?
This game, especially with the IP, was the type of game that spoke to many different demographics but because of the way it was built was just not going to satisfy everyone who bought it hoping it was going to be somethign that it was not.
The game is exactly what they said it would be. It plays exactly like they said it would. But because of that it has a hard time fulfilling the MMO part of the equation. I suppose it literally is KoTOR in mmo form.
It makes sense that it lost those subs as it is a bit of a niche game. Not what EA or Bioware wants to hear (and I do think there was a bit of arrogance on their part when making the game) but the game "is what it is".
You are engaging in theorycrafting here. I don't really know the answers to your questions. And thankfully, I don't need to.
I myself am taking an intentionally broad approach. In 7 months, this game, for a variety of reasons, lost 75% of its subscriber base. A game that had one of the largest budgets in gaming history (certainly PC gaming), and was put out by a thought to be gold-plated AAA company. That's worth discussion, and it's worth a lot of it.
For those like myself who like discussing the wider trends of MMOs, this is pure trafficbait.
Except that a part of those "lost subscribers" are people who never would have liked the game anyways. How many posts have I read on these forums with people leveling criticism at the "story aspects" of the game but yet indicated they would subscribe for a bit ans see where ti goes?
How many people enjoyed the game but found that, once at cap there wasn't much to do that was of interest? I know i fall under that category and fully intended to subscribe again once they put more content into the game?
How many people just bought the game just to try it out? Quite a few.
How many "WoW players" were, once again, looking for WoW 2.0 only to once again not find it? How many people played it because of the pvp? I saw several posts where people complained about the pvp (and with good reason) but then made the statment that it was a pvp game? REally? A pvp game?
This game, especially with the IP, was the type of game that spoke to many different demographics but because of the way it was built was just not going to satisfy everyone who bought it hoping it was going to be somethign that it was not.
The game is exactly what they said it would be. It plays exactly like they said it would. But because of that it has a hard time fulfilling the MMO part of the equation. I suppose it literally is KoTOR in mmo form.
It makes sense that it lost those subs as it is a bit of a niche game. Not what EA or Bioware wants to hear (and I do think there was a bit of arrogance on their part when making the game) but the game "is what it is".
You are engaging in theorycrafting here. I don't really know the answers to your questions. And thankfully, I don't need to.
I myself am taking an intentionally broad approach. In 7 months, this game, for a variety of reasons, lost 75% of its subscriber base. A game that had one of the largest budgets in gaming history (certainly PC gaming), and was put out by a thought to be gold-plated AAA company. That's worth discussion, and it's worth a lot of it.
For those like myself who like discussing the wider trends of MMOs, this is pure trafficbait.
I think there's something a bit more relevant for Mr. Bitton. Do it in his next column, since he does tend to write about KOTOR an awful lot.
Given the loss in subscriptions, the switch to F2P, and the general bad press, how does he feel his original review of a snapshot of the intro to KOTOR stands up to the game as he has played it 7 months?
I think there's something a bit more relevant for Mr. Bitton. Do it in his next column, since he does tend to write about KOTOR an awful lot.
Given the loss in subscriptions, the switch to F2P, and the general bad press, how does he feel his original review of a snapshot of the intro to KOTOR stands up to the game as he has played it 7 months?
I think there's something a bit more relevant for Mr. Bitton. Do it in his next column, since he does tend to write about KOTOR an awful lot.
Given the loss in subscriptions, the switch to F2P, and the general bad press, how does he feel his original review of a snapshot of the intro to KOTOR stands up to the game as he has played it 7 months?
I think you mean SWTOR? You have to understand this site and any Curse affiliated site are WOW centric. That is why any WOW clone gets rave reviews no matter how great and terrible it is. EVE on its first review and second, had barely over a 7, it took years for them to give it the current score it has now. They have already given Secret World an 8.5 which is high for a game with no pvp options and dull combat, very dull combat and dated graphics. Probably just because it is a gear grind and exites GW2 haters who want to raid, fair enough, but then again, I fully expect this site to DOG GW2 with a horrible rating, something under 8 maybe. They tend to try and engineer public opinion by their preference rather than actually reviewing the game. Which is why they have to lick their wounds and review the game once or twice more after the first one, to give to illusion of credibility. They even have their own fake Gamer girl on youtube, I believe Pokket has about 2 hits on her website in the last 5 or so months mainly because her reviews are so, so bad. I mean god SWTOR still has an 8.7 rating and its one of the worst games this DECADE hands down. Just go up and down their review list the ones that say RE review are screw ups they have had to fix. I mean get this they think SWTOR is better than L2, Lineage 2 one of the most successful and popular games on the market with STILL a huge following they give a 7.4.. and an 8.7 to SWTOR. I mean come on. They gave WIZARD 101 a higher score than L2, DAOC, City of Heroes,City of Villains etc. RIGHT
Reviews anymore from anyone are a joke.. Rather it be movie reviews, restaurants, or even games.. If you are a professional reviewer and wish NOT to get a reputation of being critical, you better watch what you say.. Especially in games.. If you want to get those exclusive interviews for articles, or first hand inviites to beta's etc etc.. DON'T piss off the gaming companies.. It really is just that simple and corrupt.. It's all about circulation, web hits and advertising.. Just follow the money..
Unfortunately, one sort of comment has been nagging at me for going on two years now and I really can’t ignore it (or the subject) any longer. It goes something like this:
“Star Wars: The Old Republic is a singleplayer RPG.
Man...this thread is crazy lol. I just had a few questions about it...
1. Why are we calling MikeB "Mr. Bitton?" It sounds like he's in court or something...which is I'm sure what a lot of posters are going for.
2. Why is it okay to go on a witch hunt for some guy, ANY guy, for expressing his opinion? I disagree with a lot of opinions expressed on this site, including MikeB's column, but I don't start a thread asking for them to cease and desist whenever they post something I disagree with. If you disagree with someone, then just argue against their opinion...that's how it's supposed to work.
3. Aren't we exaggerating SWTOR's "failure?" I mean, I think the game basically has been a disappointment to EA in a commercial sense, but you have to realize that it still has a sizeable player base, and many of those folks actually enjoy the game. A lot of posters here act like anyone enjoying the game is an idiot or a hyprocrit.
Originally posted by MikeB Actually, I didn't lock it. One of my moderators did. I simply decided to give you guys the benefit of the doubt and re-open it and see how it goes.
Ah I know what you're doing here, got the popcorn and cola?
Man...this thread is crazy lol. I just had a few questions about it...
1. Why are we calling MikeB "Mr. Bitton?" It sounds like he's in court or something...which is I'm sure what a lot of posters are going for.
2. Why is it okay to go on a witch hunt for some guy, ANY guy, for expressing his opinion? I disagree with a lot of opinions expressed on this site, including MikeB's column, but I don't start a thread asking for them to cease and desist whenever they post something I disagree with. If you disagree with someone, then just argue against their opinion...that's how it's supposed to work.
3. Aren't we exaggerating SWTOR's "failure?" I mean, I think the game basically has been a disappointment to EA in a commercial sense, but you have to realize that it still has a sizeable player base, and many of those folks actually enjoy the game. A lot of posters here act like anyone enjoying the game is an idiot or a hyprocrit.
1. Who knows...didn't even notice.
2. I agree to a point. I think it is worth discussing especially considering how over the top the media was in relation to this game but it does get old when some start accusing every article as being a marketing piece for ad revenue.
3. No...not really. What is happening with this game is pretty historical from a gaming perspective when you consider the company, ip, dropoff compared to initial sales, and budget spent on the game. I mean it has even made multiple news media outlets that could normally give a flying fuck about the gaming industry for goodness sake.
Nor do I think commenting on that somehow equates to calling those enjoying the game as an idiot or hypocrite. Not sure how the hell you even get that conclusion. The one has nothing to do with the other.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
Man...this thread is crazy lol. I just had a few questions about it...
1. Why are we calling MikeB "Mr. Bitton?" It sounds like he's in court or something...which is I'm sure what a lot of posters are going for.
2. Why is it okay to go on a witch hunt for some guy, ANY guy, for expressing his opinion? I disagree with a lot of opinions expressed on this site, including MikeB's column, but I don't start a thread asking for them to cease and desist whenever they post something I disagree with. If you disagree with someone, then just argue against their opinion...that's how it's supposed to work.
3. Aren't we exaggerating SWTOR's "failure?" I mean, I think the game basically has been a disappointment to EA in a commercial sense, but you have to realize that it still has a sizeable player base, and many of those folks actually enjoy the game. A lot of posters here act like anyone enjoying the game is an idiot or a hyprocrit.
I need to distinguish my feelings for the players of SWTOR from the opinions I have of the developers. I am happy there are people who still play that game. Choosing to play a game is a harmless act.
I loathe the Dilberts who directed the efforts of the programmers, artists, etc. They are responsible for the relative failure that is SWTOR. The official forums are beginning to show the realization of the playerbase that dreams X,Y, and Z are not forthcoming. The fuel this game runs on is hope because it is not a complete MMO, so the players are always hoping that next week that door in the spaceport will open, or I will get some new armor options, or maybe even a live event.
Don't underestimate the disappointment this game has produced in so many Cres. Having said that, I do agree that players should not be beating each other up over the game, and I am guilty of that.
Originally posted by Caldrin ***********************************************************
Unfortunately, one sort of comment has been nagging at me for going on two years now and I really can’t ignore it (or the subject) any longer. It goes something like this:
“Star Wars: The Old Republic is a singleplayer RPG.
Comments
You are engaging in theorycrafting here. I don't really know the answers to your questions. And thankfully, I don't need to.
I myself am taking an intentionally broad approach. In 7 months, this game, for a variety of reasons, lost 75% of its subscriber base. A game that had one of the largest budgets in gaming history (certainly PC gaming), and was put out by a thought to be gold-plated AAA company. That's worth discussion, and it's worth a lot of it.
For those like myself who like discussing the wider trends of MMOs, this is pure trafficbait.
Agreed.
I think there's something a bit more relevant for Mr. Bitton. Do it in his next column, since he does tend to write about KOTOR an awful lot.
Given the loss in subscriptions, the switch to F2P, and the general bad press, how does he feel his original review of a snapshot of the intro to KOTOR stands up to the game as he has played it 7 months?
What?
I think you mean SWTOR? You have to understand this site and any Curse affiliated site are WOW centric. That is why any WOW clone gets rave reviews no matter how great and terrible it is. EVE on its first review and second, had barely over a 7, it took years for them to give it the current score it has now. They have already given Secret World an 8.5 which is high for a game with no pvp options and dull combat, very dull combat and dated graphics. Probably just because it is a gear grind and exites GW2 haters who want to raid, fair enough, but then again, I fully expect this site to DOG GW2 with a horrible rating, something under 8 maybe. They tend to try and engineer public opinion by their preference rather than actually reviewing the game. Which is why they have to lick their wounds and review the game once or twice more after the first one, to give to illusion of credibility. They even have their own fake Gamer girl on youtube, I believe Pokket has about 2 hits on her website in the last 5 or so months mainly because her reviews are so, so bad. I mean god SWTOR still has an 8.7 rating and its one of the worst games this DECADE hands down. Just go up and down their review list the ones that say RE review are screw ups they have had to fix. I mean get this they think SWTOR is better than L2, Lineage 2 one of the most successful and popular games on the market with STILL a huge following they give a 7.4.. and an 8.7 to SWTOR. I mean come on. They gave WIZARD 101 a higher score than L2, DAOC, City of Heroes,City of Villains etc. RIGHT
Reviews anymore from anyone are a joke.. Rather it be movie reviews, restaurants, or even games.. If you are a professional reviewer and wish NOT to get a reputation of being critical, you better watch what you say.. Especially in games.. If you want to get those exclusive interviews for articles, or first hand inviites to beta's etc etc.. DON'T piss off the gaming companies.. It really is just that simple and corrupt.. It's all about circulation, web hits and advertising.. Just follow the money..
Oh well..
Unfortunately, one sort of comment has been nagging at me for going on two years now and I really can’t ignore it (or the subject) any longer. It goes something like this:
“Star Wars: The Old Republic is a singleplayer RPG.
***********************************************************
Has SWTOR already been out for two years ?
Man...this thread is crazy lol. I just had a few questions about it...
1. Why are we calling MikeB "Mr. Bitton?" It sounds like he's in court or something...which is I'm sure what a lot of posters are going for.
2. Why is it okay to go on a witch hunt for some guy, ANY guy, for expressing his opinion? I disagree with a lot of opinions expressed on this site, including MikeB's column, but I don't start a thread asking for them to cease and desist whenever they post something I disagree with. If you disagree with someone, then just argue against their opinion...that's how it's supposed to work.
3. Aren't we exaggerating SWTOR's "failure?" I mean, I think the game basically has been a disappointment to EA in a commercial sense, but you have to realize that it still has a sizeable player base, and many of those folks actually enjoy the game. A lot of posters here act like anyone enjoying the game is an idiot or a hyprocrit.
Are you team Azeroth, team Tyria, or team Jacob?
1. Who knows...didn't even notice.
2. I agree to a point. I think it is worth discussing especially considering how over the top the media was in relation to this game but it does get old when some start accusing every article as being a marketing piece for ad revenue.
3. No...not really. What is happening with this game is pretty historical from a gaming perspective when you consider the company, ip, dropoff compared to initial sales, and budget spent on the game. I mean it has even made multiple news media outlets that could normally give a flying fuck about the gaming industry for goodness sake.
Nor do I think commenting on that somehow equates to calling those enjoying the game as an idiot or hypocrite. Not sure how the hell you even get that conclusion. The one has nothing to do with the other.
1. For god's sake mmo gamers, enough with the analogies. They're unnecessary and your comparisons are terrible, dissimilar, and illogical.
2. To posters feeling the need to state how f2p really isn't f2p: Players understand the concept. You aren't privy to some secret the rest are missing. You're embarrassing yourself.
3. Yes, Cpt. Obvious, we're not industry experts. Now run along and let the big people use the forums for their purpose.
I need to distinguish my feelings for the players of SWTOR from the opinions I have of the developers. I am happy there are people who still play that game. Choosing to play a game is a harmless act.
I loathe the Dilberts who directed the efforts of the programmers, artists, etc. They are responsible for the relative failure that is SWTOR. The official forums are beginning to show the realization of the playerbase that dreams X,Y, and Z are not forthcoming. The fuel this game runs on is hope because it is not a complete MMO, so the players are always hoping that next week that door in the spaceport will open, or I will get some new armor options, or maybe even a live event.
Don't underestimate the disappointment this game has produced in so many Cres. Having said that, I do agree that players should not be beating each other up over the game, and I am guilty of that.
Survivor of the great MMORPG Famine of 2011
Read the rest of the article and you'll understand.