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To anyone wanting a buddy key...
TsukieU
Member Posts: 559
It appears that buddy keys aren't even being given up until 'the first wave of subscribers has settled'.
So I'm not sure exactly how long that'll be. And to be honest this is the first time I've heard of a MMO releasing without buddy keys in-box. But asking for a buddy key for now is pointless sadly.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
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Comments
So the game was probably ready for launch, as close to it as most mmo's , FC was not ready. ridiculous.
I believe it has been over a year from launch till Wow offered free trials. I never expect a mmo to have buddy keys/free trials from day one. It is a business after all and milking the hype is a standard practice.
Oh no we aren't talking about free trials here. Almost every MMO to date has released buddy keys in-box. Infact the box states that every copy of standard comes with one buddy key, and each CE comes with five.
It's been pretty accepted as S.O.P. for American MMOs. But Funcom is a Norwegian(I think) company so they may not adhere to American standards.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
Yea, some of my friends with the game have been trying to give me a buddy pass but you have to go on the website to get them., and they aren't able to get them yet. The game just comes with a little piece of paper saying go to the website to get your code.
I guess I can understand why they wouldn't want people using trial accounts bogging down the servers for people that actually bought the game, but at the same time it is a bit disappointing because I wanted to try the game before buying because I am very low on cash.
I guess I can't complain too much though, the game does look pretty good.
Oh no we aren't talking about free trials here. Almost every MMO to date has released buddy keys in-box. Infact the box states that every copy of standard comes with one buddy key, and each CE comes with five.
It's been pretty accepted as S.O.P. for American MMOs. But Funcom is a Norwegian(I think) company so they may not adhere to American standards.
Yea, when I got WoW at launch my copy came with two buddy passes.
Yeah lol, big difference. I was relying on those buddy keys, you see im one of the morons that ordered from gogamers and they didnt ship until this morning, 7-10 days for delivery. "Buddy" of mine was going to send me his key so I could get started anyways... DAMN IT ALL!!!
You know, I actually thought about this for a minute, and these string of events...it's brilliant. They're trying to squeeze out as many box sales as they can.
Think about it.
They limited closed beta to an incredibly low pool, like single digit thousands. They made the 'Open Beta' so annoying to get, that anyone that actually got it, is going to buy it anyway. Now they are forcing people to make a decision, wait an indeterminate amount of time. Could be days, could be months. Or buy the game. It doesn't matter how many subscribers they actually retain, as long as it's enough to operate the game, if they've already recouped in box sales. So they are pandering to the addicted market, by forcing them to either play or don't play, no free taste.
Brilliant.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
Aye, Brilliant...
Until you run into people, like myself, that have been burned by games like Vanguard and DnL, etc. that promise everything and give nothing.
This time around i think I'll throw $50 in the toilet instead and see how that feels.
I love all the conspiracy Theories out there. Here, I'm throwing you a non-conspiracy one:
They learned from WoW's launch, which was ridiculously bogged down. I couldn#t even register my account for the first three days much less play very much for the following week due to server-crashes, log-in waiting and pings in the 4digit range.
So instead of having the same mess, they decided to control launch and -NOT- bog down servers more than needed. FYI, the RPPVP Server Cimmeria already had a small waiting line for a while tonight. Now imagine all those players giving out Buddy Keys, some one, some even 5. And now imagine the people who bought the game hollering on the forums that they can't play the game they paid for. Not a pretty picture, eh?
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
Sadly for every person like you and I, that simply waits. There is at least 10 others who will run out and buys the game ravenous for something new and slightly different. So, it is a wise business move, even if it does alienate us.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
I love all the conspiracy Theories out there. Here, I'm throwing you a non-conspiracy one:
They learned from WoW's launch, which was ridiculously bogged down. I couldn#t even register my account for the first three days much less play very much for the following week due to server-crashes, log-in waiting and pings in the 4digit range.
So instead of having the same mess, they decided to control launch and -NOT- bog down servers more than needed. FYI, the RPPVP Server Cimmeria already had a small waiting line for a while tonight. Now imagine all those players giving out Buddy Keys, some one, some even 5. And now imagine the people who bought the game hollering on the forums that they can't play the game they paid for. Not a pretty picture, eh?
The Closed Beta numbers were released when the NDA was lifted. I forgot the specific number offhand but I remember it was particularly low, considering games like WAR have numbers in 5 and 6 digits of Closed Beta testers.
But yeah, I can see how the bogging down thing can explain some of it. But the other things can't really be explained by that. To me, I see a string of events, that if put together make my idea plausible. If I string together the events and put your counter, that they don't want to bog down their servers for paying customers, it doesn't hold up.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
Which is why I point to FC's ridiculous PR devision time and again. If anything, their PR Department hurts thisgame the most. The decisions made by them have constantly caused more and more annoyance in the way information was released and given to fans.
And I'd very much like a link to those closed Beta numbers please. Not that I doubt you, but I'm a curious person by nature.
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
I could give you the link, but it wouldn't do much good as they are on the official forums. That is assuming they didn't wipe the forums after they locked out the public.
Another interesting marketing move, private forums.
Anyway, I'll agree with you that there have been quite a few bad marketing moves. But I think they were done with the intention of getting the most sales, and creating the most hype. I don't think they were considering Public Relations at all, except the ones that directly affected their bottom line.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
umm the pre order box i got yesterday came with a buddy key in box ...... dunn about the non preorder versions though ...... I didnt even know there was a difference
Playing: EVE Online
Favorite MMOs: WoW, SWG Pre-cu, Lineage 2, UO, EQ, EVE online
Looking forward to: Archeage, Kingdom Under Fire 2
KUF2's Official Website - http://www.kufii.com/ENG/ -
As for the Marketing Decisions. Yeah well....I frankly don't understand it. From my point of view, it was not needed. The game is good. It has it's bugs and problems, I'll be the first to admit (heck, just a bit ago, I was running -through- some stone-work instead of over), but in the majority it is not game-breaking and from what I hear, that's what the -majority- of people experience.
The game could have spoken for itself, instead, the PR Devision made moves that can only be interpreted the way you and many others see it, which is sad, because I believe the Developers of the game have done a great job and deserve some credit for what they did and still do. However it is all overshadowed by the stupid marketing moves made.
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
Anyhow, to be quite honest, myself and quite a few of my friends. Would be more inclined to buy the game, if it just wasn't so bloody hard to access. The accessibility of the game is what will make or break it eventually, as Vanguard found out, and as WoW enjoys.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
Anyhow, to be quite honest, myself and quite a few of my friends. Would be more inclined to buy the game, if it just wasn't so bloody hard to access. The accessibility of the game is what will make or break it eventually, as Vanguard found out, and as WoW enjoys.
If you need a buddy-key, I still have some to spare...once they are given out of course. XDAnyway, it's a good thing you want to see it with your own eyes. Keeping an open mind is always a good thing and while some of us decided to take the risk of pre-ordering (or buying on the first day), that does not mean that's the way everyone should do it.
The game won't run away and with any luck, you'll find an even -more- polished game than I did when I first logged into EA.
Cheers!
Which Final Fantasy Character Are You?
Final Fantasy 7
I appreciate the sentiment, but I have a buddy pass waiting for me when they decide to give them out. Thanks though.
This was mostly just idle musings from me as I really have nothing better to do. I could be doing something you know...productive, but that totally smacks of effort.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
I could use a buddy key if u have one to spare.
Its not a consipracy its good business, they did this on purpose because at the end of the day they will make more money this way. Their hype machine and all those little tricks paid off and I bet they've sold or will sell enough boxes to call it a financial success, the 15 a month is just icing on the cake.
This is also a sign of a company that doesnt have much faith in their product, as any good game doesnt have problems giving out free trials because the game sells itself, but they dont have the best game, they know it, in which case they're doing the right thing squeezing every penny from you before you leave.
This is why I see less and less reason to pay a monthly fee, for what actually? server fees? just charge me whatever it cost you to develop the game i bought at the store, and Ill pay more if you make more but hoping to get free content down the road to justify a monthly fee is just stupid.... Theres more servesr in BF2 right now, dont tell me it costs $15 a month to run servers. MMO's arent any different from any other normal game in the stores right now, all they have to do is sell enough boxes and theyre in the clear, just like any other game, the only difference is they somehow convinced you to pay $15 a month for online multplayer which has been in every game since doom for free.
Free trial? no way, its like when doom3 came out, they're not going to put out a game with a trial because it will kill their sales, obviousley they dont care for you to keep on subbing monthly otherwise they'd include buddy keys, seems getting you to buy the box is enough for them, which further proves my point thats is all they need and the $15 a month is just icing on the cake.
This is also a sign of a company that doesnt have much faith in their product, as any good game doesnt have problems giving out free trials because the game sells itself, but they dont have the best game, they know it, in which case they're doing the right thing squeezing every penny from you before you leave.
This is why I see less and less reason to pay a monthly fee, for what actually? server fees? just charge me whatever it cost you to develop the game i bought at the store, and Ill pay more if you make more but hoping to get free content down the road to justify a monthly fee is just stupid.... Theres more servesr in BF2 right now, dont tell me it costs $15 a month to run servers. MMO's arent any different from any other normal game in the stores right now, all they have to do is sell enough boxes and theyre in the clear, just like any other game, the only difference is they somehow convinced you to pay $15 a month for multplayer option which has been in every game since doom for free.
Free trial? no way, its like when doom3 came out, they're not going to put out a game with a trial because it will kill their sales, obviousley they dont care for you to keep on subbing monthly otherwise they'd include buddy keys, seems getting you to buy the box is enough for them, which further proves my point thats is all they need and the $15 a month is just icing on the cake.
You know,. I was with you up until the third paragraph. It started well, insightful albeit a bit zealous thoughts. Then...
Then you just had to degenerate into the whole monthly fee thing. There is more to running a MMO than just keeping a server alive, if that were the case, every tom, dick, and harry could have their own MMO for 1,000-5,000 dollars.
I wish you weren't on my side. ~_~
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
Its not a consipracy its good business, they did this on purpose because at the end of the day they will make more money this way. Their hype machine and all those little tricks paid off and I bet they've sold or will sell enough boxes to call it a financial success, the 15 a month is just icing on the cake.
This is also a sign of a company that doesnt have much faith in their product, as any good game doesnt have problems giving out free trials because the game sells itself, but they dont have the best game, they know it, in which case they're doing the right thing squeezing every penny from you before you leave.
This is why I see less and less reason to pay a monthly fee, for what actually? server fees? just charge me whatever it cost you to develop the game i bought at the store, and Ill pay more if you make more but hoping to get free content down the road to justify a monthly fee is just stupid.... Theres more servesr in BF2 right now, dont tell me it costs $15 a month to run servers. MMO's arent any different from any other normal game in the stores right now, all they have to do is sell enough boxes and theyre in the clear, just like any other game, the only difference is they somehow convinced you to pay $15 a month for online multplayer which has been in every game since doom for free.
Free trial? no way, its like when doom3 came out, they're not going to put out a game with a trial because it will kill their sales, obviousley they dont care for you to keep on subbing monthly otherwise they'd include buddy keys, seems getting you to buy the box is enough for them, which further proves my point thats is all they need and the $15 a month is just icing on the cake.
Funcom has spent more than 5 years on this game, most of the time with a staff of a bout a hundred. No the box price alone do NOT pay the cost of developing and distribution, not even half of it.For example WoW took 6 years of development which amounted to about £90 million to 100 million in costs. Most of the box cost don't go to the developer btw. Some is eaten up by taxes, the stores want their share for providing shelf space, the game needs to be marketed as well or no one will buy it so part of the box price goes to that. I don't think more than $15 (probably less)goes back to the developer. 1 million times $15 = 15 millions, that would be a loss of $75 to 85 millions if they let everyone play forever for free after buying the box. Now I know WoW has sold more than a million copies but that's the exception so far in the MMO industry so maybe just maybe they actually made a profit from just the game boxes. But that profit is eaten up by server costs, development costs, an MMO is never done, new content is always in development and the programmers, designers and artists do need to get paid.
You can't host millions of characters on just one little PC you know and that's not all that's stored on the servers, basically the only thing that is kept on your pc is the textures and sounds etc, the rest are being run on the servers.
And the servers need an internet connection and I don't think the one you have at home would be enough for Funcom or Blizzard. They don't measure network traffic in megabits per second they need terabits at least, and no ISP is gonna give them that for $20 a month..
It actually takes most mmo's 2 years or more to turn a profit.
Yeah, I was thinking about this. Even though they managed to sell 700,000 boxes, and 110,00 CE's that's only what? 45 million dollars? Woah, crap...nevermind. I think I see the strategy here.
Yeah keep people in the dark, be as vague as possible, only release pre-recorded media. Delay buddy keys. Lock official forums. Yeah I think I see the plan here. Make a killing on box sales, and ride the few dedicated subscribers that they retain.
Mne eto nado kak zuby v zadnitse.
Its not a consipracy its good business, they did this on purpose because at the end of the day they will make more money this way. Their hype machine and all those little tricks paid off and I bet they've sold or will sell enough boxes to call it a financial success, the 15 a month is just icing on the cake.
This is also a sign of a company that doesnt have much faith in their product, as any good game doesnt have problems giving out free trials because the game sells itself, but they dont have the best game, they know it, in which case they're doing the right thing squeezing every penny from you before you leave.
This is why I see less and less reason to pay a monthly fee, for what actually? server fees? just charge me whatever it cost you to develop the game i bought at the store, and Ill pay more if you make more but hoping to get free content down the road to justify a monthly fee is just stupid.... Theres more servesr in BF2 right now, dont tell me it costs $15 a month to run servers. MMO's arent any different from any other normal game in the stores right now, all they have to do is sell enough boxes and theyre in the clear, just like any other game, the only difference is they somehow convinced you to pay $15 a month for online multplayer which has been in every game since doom for free.
Free trial? no way, its like when doom3 came out, they're not going to put out a game with a trial because it will kill their sales, obviousley they dont care for you to keep on subbing monthly otherwise they'd include buddy keys, seems getting you to buy the box is enough for them, which further proves my point thats is all they need and the $15 a month is just icing on the cake.
Funcom has spent more than 5 years on this game, most of the time with a staff of a bout a hundred. No the box price alone do NOT pay the cost of developing and distribution, not even half of it.For example WoW took 6 years of development which amounted to about £90 million to 100 million in costs. Most of the box cost don't go to the developer btw. Some is eaten up by taxes, the stores want their share for providing shelf space, the game needs to be marketed as well or no one will buy it so part of the box price goes to that. I don't think more than $15 (probably less)goes back to the developer. 1 million times $15 = 15 millions, that would be a loss of $75 to 85 millions if they let everyone play forever for free after buying the box. Now I know WoW has sold more than a million copies but that's the exception so far in the MMO industry so maybe just maybe they actually made a profit from just the game boxes. But that profit is eaten up by server costs, development costs, an MMO is never done, new content is always in development and the programmers, designers and artists do need to get paid.
You can't host millions of characters on just one little PC you know and that's not all that's stored on the servers, basically the only thing that is kept on your pc is the textures and sounds etc, the rest are being run on the servers.
And the servers need an internet connection and I don't think the one you have at home would be enough for Funcom or Blizzard. They don't measure network traffic in megabits per second they need terabits at least, and no ISP is gonna give them that for $20 a month..
It actually takes most mmo's 2 years or more to turn a profit.
Im sure it costs a lot of money to get these things going, but thats the investors fault. The market is so saturated with mmo's right now theres no way that games with monthly fees will survive in the future.
WoW was able to get away with it because it was the first to bring this kind of game to the masses, and all the greedy devs made clones hoping to get rich quick and lots did, but its not going to last for ever not with monthly fees. Maybe when a better more inovated genre comes out they will get away with chargin fees again but right now with this same old WoW formula you can only do if for so long before people get tired or even worse!! before a competitor does it just as good or better WITHOUT monthly fees, and they already have - Guild Wars.
Im subbed to 2 mmo's right now and I can justify paying a monthly sub because they offer something that no other games do, but how about the wow clones? They'll never make it, maybe im giving funcom to much credit here but if they're that dependant on monthly fees to make a profit then all I can say is they're going down. Wait until Guild Wars 2 comes out with no monthly fees with a persistant sandbox environment, that will be the end of the MMORPG get rich quick era of monthly fees. Mark my words. This idea was a blip on the radar screen and fortunately when all these failures die the stronger better ones will emerge.
edit:
but i dont think funcom is that stupid, i think they aimed at having the boxe sales to recoup their costs like any other high budget single player games do and the monthly fees bit is just to milk this fad of all its worth before its over.
You didn't get a buddy key, you have to go online to get the actual key.
1) Purposefully leaving "the chance to get early access" on ads to milk more pre-order sales even though it's clear they knew the spots were gone.
2) Hyping DX10 as a surprise feature up until days before launch only to pull a bait and switch the night before.
Did they miss any other box sales milking tactics?