Can SBFord or one of the other "B2P" advocates explain to me what the perceived difference is between B2P with Item Mall and a F2P game?
B2P has an initial purchase, which will make people think twice about their account. With a F2P account, you don't have to worry about the repercussions as much, since you could create multiple accounts. B2P keeps the trolls at a minimum, and it also keeps gold spammers at a minimum, although they will still continue to hack people's accounts. Multiple f2p accounts can hurt a game, just look at archeage.
As for the Item Malls, it really depends on the company. All models use different methods. Just take WoW for an example. It's B2P, subscription, shop, and f2p (up to 20). Rift is f2p w/ shop and premium subscription service. FFXIV is b2p, sub, cash shop (?). GW2 is b2p, shop.
Most of these sell convenience items, cosmetics, etc. Subscription tiered models give convenience bonuses to xp, etc. In WoW's case, you can even buy a level 90 character outright, and i believe AoC now sells high level characters.
Your question isn't relevant, because you think a f2p item mall is somehow different than a b2p model or a subscription model, which it isn't. Each one is different with different items. Perhaps, you are thinking of item malls pre-2007, as found in asian mmo's such as perfect world where they sell p2w items. Your concern of item malls is irrelevant. B2P is about access to the game, not it's cash shops.
Observer.... now there's a great name for you! However, I'm wondering what you're observing, because it surely isn't the posts in this thread and definitely not any of the posting that has happened the entire time you've been here, Observer. Instead of pretending you know what someone thinks, try just reading their posts. In this particular case, you'd see how silly that assessment was.
And yet, you haven't rebutted any points i've made. Oh, i'll wait for your next witty reply, but i'll doubt you'll respond.
Again, your question is irrelevant since both models, including subscription models, varies as to what each shop offers. There isn't any pure subscription game anymore, unless you want to include MMO's pre-2007.
edit: You're trying to look for a distinction between cash shops in a f2p and b2p model, when it's irrelevant. B2P simply gives access to the servers, all while keeping the game relatively free of gold sellers and hackers, unlike a F2P game. That is the clear distinction between the two, and the cash shops have nothing to do with the upfront cost. It also depends on the company, which might give bonuses and extra items with a collector's edition, or standard payment, for purchasing their product.
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And yet, you haven't rebutted any points i've made. Oh, i'll wait for your next witty reply, but i'll doubt you'll respond.
Again, your question is irrelevant since both models, including subscription models, varies as to what each shop offers. There isn't any pure subscription game anymore, unless you want to include MMO's pre-2007.
edit: You're trying to look for a distinction between cash shops in a f2p and b2p model, when it's irrelevant. B2P simply gives access to the servers, all while keeping the game relatively free of gold sellers and hackers, unlike a F2P game. That is the clear distinction between the two, and the cash shops have nothing to do with the upfront cost. It also depends on the company, which might give bonuses and extra items with a collector's edition, or standard payment, for purchasing their product.