you guys are forgetting that a lot of people quit in the first few days / weeks / month of a game. Yes it's reasonable for a player to play for 900 hours if they LIKE THE GAME, but guess what? not everyone will like AoC, and some people will leave shortly after trying out the game.
Yes that is true but they don't design there game for the people that will quit in the 1st week or so they design it for the people who will like it and stay with it and when they make statements about the length of the content in game it is intend to keep the people who like the game busy if they only put in enough to last as long as the ones who don't like it will play the game will fail shortly thereafter due to there being no content int the game. Really man stop trolling.
How on earth can they figure out that the average AoC player will play 900 hours? Even if the game is a success, an average of 900 hours is a massive number for any MMO. The 900 hours comment was made during the gamespot E3 stage show.
900 per year isn't much.
I'm married with a son. After dinner there isn't much to do. My son pretty much dominates the TV with Discovery, Science channel etc. I watch tv, color, build planes or whatever with him, he goes to bed at 9. I game til midnight or later, and on weekends when we aren't at the zoo, doing soccer or swimming.
I game a lot rofl. About the only time I don't is when I'm mixing music for my musician buddies, which is maybe 20 hours a month at the most. I game when most people are watching prime time TV. I couldn't tell you what shows are on TV, let alone what's going on in them if you held a loaded gun to my head.
I basically game when normal people are watching TV. I haven't watched a prime time tv show in over 5 years, including HBO etc.
How on earth can they figure out that the average AoC player will play 900 hours? Even if the game is a success, an average of 900 hours is a massive number for any MMO. The 900 hours comment was made during the gamespot E3 stage show.
900 per year isn't much.
-Viz
I never said that 900 per year is a lot, I said that an average of 900 for all players, during whatever amount of time they played be it a year or an hour, is highly unlikely for most games.
How on earth can they figure out that the average AoC player will play 900 hours? Even if the game is a success, an average of 900 hours is a massive number for any MMO. The 900 hours comment was made during the gamespot E3 stage show.
900 per year isn't much.
-Viz
I never said that 900 per year is a lot, I said that an average of 900 for all players, during whatever amount of time they played be it a year or an hour, is highly unlikely for most games.
Instead of continuing an inane argument, would you care to present us with some facts that support your position? Something like the average amount of hours played per WoW account, EQ2 account, things like that. Or are we taking it that your comment about being "highly unlikely" is based on what you want to believe as opposed to what you have factual evidence to support?
If you dont actually have fact, then you could re-name this post about cockiness and point the finger right at yourself now couldnt you? Kinda cocky to make a bold statement with no evidence to back it up isnt it? Well, maybe cocky isnt the right word, ignorant or dumb, can we vote on it?
FYI....and I have no desire to search for the info myself, and I'm rather surprised that someone so astue would not have linked some article, survey, or study early on to refute people who disagreed, or to strenghten your own opinion? Any reason you just made a lame argument with no evidence to support it initially?
you guys are forgetting that a lot of people quit in the first few days / weeks / month of a game. Yes it's reasonable for a player to play for 900 hours if they LIKE THE GAME, but guess what? not everyone will like AoC, and some people will leave shortly after trying out the game.
Why the hell do you keep focusing on the people who will quit?
Because a couple people don't like it, or will leave for whatever reason, Funcom should not make as long of a game?
What the hell is your point, outside of trolling and making no sense?
Why haven't I posted any studies to prove them wrong? Simply because there are none at the moment.
Here is how they likely did their math: They took the average mmo playtime per week (ranging from ~20-24 hours per week depending on the study you look at), and somehow came up with the idea that the average player will play AoC for 10 months, thus giving us around 900 hours.
Here are the two main for why this is flawed:
1) The methodology in many of the studies that have researched MMO users is flawed.
-These studies often contain data gathered through online surveys which were posted on various forums and fansites, which are likely to contain more hardcore / high playtime users and fewer casual gamers. Gamers that have played the game for a few hours and then decide to leave are very unlikely to be included in such surveys.
2) WoW.
-Almost any research into MMO users today will be heavily influenced by the 800 pound guerilla that is WoW, and it's highly unlikely that any game will equal or surpass WoWs popularity in the near future. So if the average WoW sub lasts for 10 months, that doesn't mean the average AoC sub will last 10 months.
-------
If anyone cares to argue that 900 is an accurate amount of playtime for the average MMO gamer, feel free to respond.
A few notes:
-This has nothing to do with the idea that FunCom has said they are desining a game to have around 900 hours worth of content.
-There is really no sense posting whether or not you are likely to play 900 hours, or whether you have done so before.
-Fanboyism or trolling do not help anyone.
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by deaddeath
Why haven't I posted any studies to prove them wrong? Simply because there are none at the moment. Here is how they likely did their math: They took the average mmo playtime per week (ranging from ~20-24 hours per week depending on the study you look at), and somehow came up with the idea that the average player will play AoC for 10 months, thus giving us around 900 hours. Here are the two main for why this is flawed: 1) The methodology in many of the studies that have researched MMO users is flawed. -These studies often contain data gathered through online surveys which were posted on various forums and fansites, which are likely to contain more hardcore / high playtime users and fewer casual gamers. Gamers that have played the game for a few hours and then decide to leave are very unlikely to be included in such surveys. 2) WoW. -Almost any research into MMO users today will be heavily influenced by the 800 pound guerilla that is WoW, and it's highly unlikely that any game will equal or surpass WoWs popularity in the near future. So if the average WoW sub lasts for 10 months, that doesn't mean the average AoC sub will last 10 months. ------- If anyone cares to argue that 900 is an accurate amount of playtime for the average MMO gamer, feel free to respond. A few notes: -This has nothing to do with the idea that FunCom has said they are desining a game to have around 900 hours worth of content. -There is really no sense posting whether or not you are likely to play 900 hours, or whether you have done so before. -Fanboyism or trolling do not help anyone.
To be honest I think you have over looked the fact they made AO and have a pretty good idea of statistics and data from that. They have been making MMO's since 1995. Richard Garriott (Tabula Rasa, UO) has also stated that the average time a player spends in an MMO "before churning out or leaving is about 6-12 months"
Unless you specialise in MMO gamer market research for a living, I don't see how this simple figure is flawed.
900 hours of gameplay. Now, Funcom style the way they did AO would be this: We have 112 hours of content. What do we do? Easy. Double the respawn time. Or Double the hitpoints. Half the player speed. With the change of a couple of constants 112 hours just became 900 hours.
Another question is, will the 900 hours be uniqe? Or is it including 20 camps on the same variation? Unless the camp/npc lair is interesting enough to do multiple times without getting (too) bored.
Did Funcom learn that MMO actually have more then 1 player this time? Or will there be 550 little Conanz all gangbanging the same 900 hours of content?
I've burnt on this company before, its a long time now, so I most definetly want my beta-key to check if they learnt from previous sessions of player griefing. Won my key some months ago, but still havent heard anything about the invite...
Originally posted by deaddeath Why haven't I posted any studies to prove them wrong? Simply because there are none at the moment. Here is how they likely did their math: They took the average mmo playtime per week (ranging from ~20-24 hours per week depending on the study you look at), and somehow came up with the idea that the average player will play AoC for 10 months, thus giving us around 900 hours. Here are the two main for why this is flawed: 1) The methodology in many of the studies that have researched MMO users is flawed. -These studies often contain data gathered through online surveys which were posted on various forums and fansites, which are likely to contain more hardcore / high playtime users and fewer casual gamers. Gamers that have played the game for a few hours and then decide to leave are very unlikely to be included in such surveys. 2) WoW. -Almost any research into MMO users today will be heavily influenced by the 800 pound guerilla that is WoW, and it's highly unlikely that any game will equal or surpass WoWs popularity in the near future. So if the average WoW sub lasts for 10 months, that doesn't mean the average AoC sub will last 10 months. ------- If anyone cares to argue that 900 is an accurate amount of playtime for the average MMO gamer, feel free to respond. A few notes: -This has nothing to do with the idea that FunCom has said they are desining a game to have around 900 hours worth of content. -There is really no sense posting whether or not you are likely to play 900 hours, or whether you have done so before. -Fanboyism or trolling do not help anyone.
So what you are saying simply is that you have no information that supports your opinion, and that you are basing your opinion on your GUESS on how you feel that Funcom did their math huh?
Sorry, no reason to bother trying to argue something with you. Your argument is weak, without foundation or support, what's to argue? When you have a fact, drop back and discuss it, until then, I'll stick with the opinion that instead of Funcom being cocky with that number, that this argument in general is just stupidity taken to a new level. If you know trolling doesnt help anyone, why are you doing it? This isnt a fanboi response either, I'd be laughing my ass off no matter where you posted it, with the expectation that we take your baseless speculation seriously.
So what you are saying simply is that you have no information that supports your opinion, and that you are basing your opinion on your GUESS on how you feel that Funcom did their math huh?
How did is my math a guess? They have said that they expect the average player to play 10 months, and 900 hours, do the math. And what I'm doing is raising doubt about their numbers, which as far as we know have no factual basis either.
Originally posted by deaddeath Originally posted by Baikal
So what you are saying simply is that you have no information that supports your opinion, and that you are basing your opinion on your GUESS on how you feel that Funcom did their math huh?
How did is my math a guess? They have said that they expect the average player to play 10 months, and 900 hours, do the math. And what I'm doing is raising doubt about their numbers, which as far as we know have no factual basis either.
Let's see, you have zero citation, you have no idea how long the average player will play.
Funcom has 6 years of experience running AO, they can easily pull information on time played, length of subscription and so on. However you dont think that they have any factual basis for making the assumption that the average player will play for 900 hours or 10 months. What would you call that data from AO then? Perhaps it's more likely that they have a much better idea how long a subscriber sticks around than you would have? Maybe?
Get some facts on how long people play, then maybe someone should take your post seriously. I'm still laughing my ass off that you would suggest to know more than a company who has hard data available from running an MMO for 6 years. What's more funny, is that you'll continue to try to suggest that you are right. Funcom cocky? Not if they are basing their content on their experience of running an MMO for 6 years. Your statement stupid? Yep, especially since you dont have fact ONE to stand on. Why should anyone take your opinion to be worth the time it takes to read it, I'm curious. Zero fact, zero credibility.
Wow, 900 hours is a long time indeed, even with games I loved I have never come close to that, 100 - 150 hours is the most time I have put into any game. Guess that means if I play AoC, then I won't see but a 9th of the game, estimated that is.
Don't you worry little buddy. You're dealing with a man of honor. However, honor requires a higher percentage of profit
To be honest I think you have over looked the fact they made AO and have a pretty good idea of statistics and data from that. They have been making MMO's since 1995.
Right there is the bottom line. From past experience they know what to expect. Heck, to be frank, i'll bet that is a low estimate. Funcom needs to have a ball park figure in order to anticipate the amount of income they are going to be generating. By anticipating a lower number, they are safer in their estimates of income vs. overhead costs. And as mentioned by others previously, funcom would be foolish to focus on those that don't like the game and don't hang out. They aren't the long term source of revenue. It's the avid subscribers who stay "addicted," keep logging on, and keep paying that subscription that keep the game going.
I think 900 hours is an awesome number, but I hope at least half of that is end-game content.
I have a feeling PvP won't be as spectacular until I reach max level, and all I really care about is the PvP. So the sooner the good PvP starts, the better the game for me.
That is only 2.5 hours a day in a year or 17.5 a week. I would think that the "casual" gamer plays 10-20 hours a week. So it might take a year for many people to get their 900 hours in and some might take more like 18 months. I do not see this being that big of a deal.
Comments
you guys are forgetting that a lot of people quit in the first few days / weeks / month of a game. Yes it's reasonable for a player to play for 900 hours if they LIKE THE GAME, but guess what? not everyone will like AoC, and some people will leave shortly after trying out the game.
Yes that is true but they don't design there game for the people that will quit in the 1st week or so they design it for the people who will like it and stay with it and when they make statements about the length of the content in game it is intend to keep the people who like the game busy if they only put in enough to last as long as the ones who don't like it will play the game will fail shortly thereafter due to there being no content int the game. Really man stop trolling.
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900 thats it? if an mmo's any good people spend much more time then that... aka my sig 1200+ hours in wow in 7 months, albeit it was a long time ago.
Either way who ever buys the game (if a p2p game which more then anything else it prolly is) is getting a month to TRY the game out.
So in regards to the guy who keeps saying people are going to quit the first day/week this is what I say to that
"You guys are idiots for wasting money on a game you dont like"
If you dont like something, DONT BUY IT.
If your complaining about a GAME that is not out yet, DONT BUY IT
Seems all these game bashers have nothing to do but to troll a forum
although my post is nothing about AOC, this is for the idiots who bashed on this thread so far
I'm married with a son. After dinner there isn't much to do. My son pretty much dominates the TV with Discovery, Science channel etc. I watch tv, color, build planes or whatever with him, he goes to bed at 9. I game til midnight or later, and on weekends when we aren't at the zoo, doing soccer or swimming.
I game a lot rofl. About the only time I don't is when I'm mixing music for my musician buddies, which is maybe 20 hours a month at the most. I game when most people are watching prime time TV. I couldn't tell you what shows are on TV, let alone what's going on in them if you held a loaded gun to my head.
I basically game when normal people are watching TV. I haven't watched a prime time tv show in over 5 years, including HBO etc.
-Viz
-Viz
I never said that 900 per year is a lot, I said that an average of 900 for all players, during whatever amount of time they played be it a year or an hour, is highly unlikely for most games.
Instead of continuing an inane argument, would you care to present us with some facts that support your position? Something like the average amount of hours played per WoW account, EQ2 account, things like that. Or are we taking it that your comment about being "highly unlikely" is based on what you want to believe as opposed to what you have factual evidence to support?
If you dont actually have fact, then you could re-name this post about cockiness and point the finger right at yourself now couldnt you? Kinda cocky to make a bold statement with no evidence to back it up isnt it? Well, maybe cocky isnt the right word, ignorant or dumb, can we vote on it?
FYI....and I have no desire to search for the info myself, and I'm rather surprised that someone so astue would not have linked some article, survey, or study early on to refute people who disagreed, or to strenghten your own opinion? Any reason you just made a lame argument with no evidence to support it initially?
I'll be playing a lot more than 900hours......bring it on. AoC FTW
------------------------------
Because a couple people don't like it, or will leave for whatever reason, Funcom should not make as long of a game?
What the hell is your point, outside of trolling and making no sense?
Why haven't I posted any studies to prove them wrong? Simply because there are none at the moment.
Here is how they likely did their math: They took the average mmo playtime per week (ranging from ~20-24 hours per week depending on the study you look at), and somehow came up with the idea that the average player will play AoC for 10 months, thus giving us around 900 hours.
Here are the two main for why this is flawed:
1) The methodology in many of the studies that have researched MMO users is flawed.
-These studies often contain data gathered through online surveys which were posted on various forums and fansites, which are likely to contain more hardcore / high playtime users and fewer casual gamers. Gamers that have played the game for a few hours and then decide to leave are very unlikely to be included in such surveys.
2) WoW.
-Almost any research into MMO users today will be heavily influenced by the 800 pound guerilla that is WoW, and it's highly unlikely that any game will equal or surpass WoWs popularity in the near future. So if the average WoW sub lasts for 10 months, that doesn't mean the average AoC sub will last 10 months.
-------
If anyone cares to argue that 900 is an accurate amount of playtime for the average MMO gamer, feel free to respond.
A few notes:
-This has nothing to do with the idea that FunCom has said they are desining a game to have around 900 hours worth of content.
-There is really no sense posting whether or not you are likely to play 900 hours, or whether you have done so before.
-Fanboyism or trolling do not help anyone.
To be honest I think you have over looked the fact they made AO and have a pretty good idea of statistics and data from that. They have been making MMO's since 1995. Richard Garriott (Tabula Rasa, UO) has also stated that the average time a player spends in an MMO "before churning out or leaving is about 6-12 months"
Unless you specialise in MMO gamer market research for a living, I don't see how this simple figure is flawed.
Oh, this do bring out the cynic in me...
900 hours of gameplay. Now, Funcom style the way they did AO would be this: We have 112 hours of content. What do we do? Easy. Double the respawn time. Or Double the hitpoints. Half the player speed. With the change of a couple of constants 112 hours just became 900 hours.
Another question is, will the 900 hours be uniqe? Or is it including 20 camps on the same variation? Unless the camp/npc lair is interesting enough to do multiple times without getting (too) bored.
Did Funcom learn that MMO actually have more then 1 player this time? Or will there be 550 little Conanz all gangbanging the same 900 hours of content?
I've burnt on this company before, its a long time now, so I most definetly want my beta-key to check if they learnt from previous sessions of player griefing. Won my key some months ago, but still havent heard anything about the invite...
So what you are saying simply is that you have no information that supports your opinion, and that you are basing your opinion on your GUESS on how you feel that Funcom did their math huh?
Sorry, no reason to bother trying to argue something with you. Your argument is weak, without foundation or support, what's to argue? When you have a fact, drop back and discuss it, until then, I'll stick with the opinion that instead of Funcom being cocky with that number, that this argument in general is just stupidity taken to a new level. If you know trolling doesnt help anyone, why are you doing it? This isnt a fanboi response either, I'd be laughing my ass off no matter where you posted it, with the expectation that we take your baseless speculation seriously.
How did is my math a guess? They have said that they expect the average player to play 10 months, and 900 hours, do the math. And what I'm doing is raising doubt about their numbers, which as far as we know have no factual basis either.
Let's see, you have zero citation, you have no idea how long the average player will play.
Funcom has 6 years of experience running AO, they can easily pull information on time played, length of subscription and so on. However you dont think that they have any factual basis for making the assumption that the average player will play for 900 hours or 10 months. What would you call that data from AO then? Perhaps it's more likely that they have a much better idea how long a subscriber sticks around than you would have? Maybe?
Get some facts on how long people play, then maybe someone should take your post seriously. I'm still laughing my ass off that you would suggest to know more than a company who has hard data available from running an MMO for 6 years. What's more funny, is that you'll continue to try to suggest that you are right. Funcom cocky? Not if they are basing their content on their experience of running an MMO for 6 years. Your statement stupid? Yep, especially since you dont have fact ONE to stand on. Why should anyone take your opinion to be worth the time it takes to read it, I'm curious. Zero fact, zero credibility.
Wow, 900 hours is a long time indeed, even with games I loved I have never come close to that, 100 - 150 hours is the most time I have put into any game. Guess that means if I play AoC, then I won't see but a 9th of the game, estimated that is.
Don't you worry little buddy. You're dealing with a man of honor. However, honor requires a higher percentage of profit
Right there is the bottom line. From past experience they know what to expect. Heck, to be frank, i'll bet that is a low estimate. Funcom needs to have a ball park figure in order to anticipate the amount of income they are going to be generating. By anticipating a lower number, they are safer in their estimates of income vs. overhead costs. And as mentioned by others previously, funcom would be foolish to focus on those that don't like the game and don't hang out. They aren't the long term source of revenue. It's the avid subscribers who stay "addicted," keep logging on, and keep paying that subscription that keep the game going.
I think 900 hours is an awesome number, but I hope at least half of that is end-game content.
I have a feeling PvP won't be as spectacular until I reach max level, and all I really care about is the PvP. So the sooner the good PvP starts, the better the game for me.
dude he said that that average mmo player plays 900 hours not the average aoc player.
That is only 2.5 hours a day in a year or 17.5 a week. I would think that the "casual" gamer plays 10-20 hours a week. So it might take a year for many people to get their 900 hours in and some might take more like 18 months. I do not see this being that big of a deal.