I'm not sure what CCP has done to EVE to make it so terrible now. I get the feeling they did some sort of NGE?
All this rage can't be over a cash shop, so I must assume there is something else. What is drawing in Farmville fans or idiots? Not sure how those two are related. I'm sure there are idiot Farmville fans, and I'm sure there are idiot EVE fans.
One thing I do have to agree with is that the community did make CCP who they are today. Let's not forget where CCP was in 2003, and where they would be without the subscribers who got them to this point. Kinda like how SOE forgot about the people that made EQ king back in the day. Look at them now.
If this is all about a cash shop, then clearly this is an overreaction by fans who thought they were too "smart" and "edgy" for a cash shop. For some reason they thought EVE was immune towards planning to ensure their future as a company remains intact. If CCP has done great things for over 7 years I think they will continue that trend despite a cash shop.
I'm not sure what CCP has done to EVE to make it so terrible now. I get the feeling they did some sort of NGE?
All this rage can't be over a cash shop, so I must assume there is something else. What is drawing in Farmville fans or idiots? Not sure how those two are related. I'm sure there are idiot Farmville fans, and I'm sure there are idiot EVE fans.
One thing I do have to agree with is that the community did make CCP who they are today. Let's not forget where CCP was in 2003, and where they would be without the subscribers who got them to this point. Kinda like how SOE forgot about the people that made EQ king back in the day. Look at them now.
If this is all about a cash shop, then clearly this is an overreaction by fans who thought they were too "smart" and "edgy" for a cash shop. For some reason they thought EVE was immune towards planning to ensure their future as a company remains intact. If CCP has done great things for over 7 years I think they will continue that trend despite a cash shop.
Just my 2 cents, but I think it's the fear that Items that effect gameplay will be added, and that will destroy the player driven economy. You could argue, that in a game where you grind for isk instead of skills, that would be fairly major.
I haven't been following FE for too much, but weren't they basically taken over?
I can fully understand if previous promises are broken because the people calling the shots are changed out.
In a way, the same happened to CCP. The willingly gave themselves into the hands of venture capitalists and even hired a manager from citibank.
Correct. I forgot to point out that they said that they want to be a indie company so that a larger company like EA will not call the shots on how to run their game. But now they are with gamersfirst and going to a free to play/sub hybrid. Icarus Studios said that gamersfirst will not be handeling the game it will still be Icarus Studios calling the shots, but that could always change. It might not but you never know.
While that does suck, I take it they weren't doing so well financially. I'm a lot more tolerable for MT and similar if the game behind it is struggling for survival or would if it weren't for the new approach. I mean, I'll be playing FE, probably. I'm playing wurm now. It's not that I categorically deny the validity of MT if done well and there's a good reason for it.
Going f2p in a try to draw in more people and making profit through MT, for example, I can fully understand.
MT and subscriptions, however, is just trying to rip people off.
Depends on the type of MT they are offering. For example I play Star Trek Online and have bought stuff from the shop. Even though I have a lifetime sub to the game I still bought some items. I did not have to buy them, I made my own choice to make the purchase. Same with Champions Online. I don't feel ripped off since I made a personal choice, MMOs are my hobby so I have no issue spending money on something I like.
As long as a game that has both a sub and a MT shop does not make the items OP and keep shoving them into your face then I am fine with it. If the company is trying to force people into buying stuff then yes they are trying to rip people off.
As for FE I always thought they were doing fine. It seemd to me that the game has a lot more people than before. And back when they stated they were staying as an indie company and be a sub only they did not have as many players as they do now. But since I do not work for them and can't see the numbers I can only guess. But still I will be subbing to FE and it might be the only game that I will have an active sub with, my other games I have a lifetime membership.
Note: And I just want to note that I am not trying to argue or pick on you "batolemaeus" I am just saying what my views and opinions are on the matter. So if you feel that I am attacking you on the subject I apologize.
Games playing: Lotro,Fallen Earth,Star Trek Online. Games playing casually: CoX,Guild Wars,FFXIV,Champions Online,DDO. Games Played: WoW,DR,L2,RoM,FFXI,Earthrise,EQ2,DAoC,WAR,Rift,Alganon,EVE,G&H Rome Rising. Waiting for: Guild Wars 2 and Star Wars: The Old Republic. PC Specs: Intel i7 990x 3.5ghz, 6gb ddr3 Ram,EVGA GTX 570 SC FTW,EVGA x58 Classified 4-way SLI MB, 2TB HDD 7200rpm, 60GB Intel SSD: OS Drive, Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit, Westinghouse 21 in. 1680x1050.
I'm not sure what CCP has done to EVE to make it so terrible now. I get the feeling they did some sort of NGE?
All this rage can't be over a cash shop, so I must assume there is something else. What is drawing in Farmville fans or idiots? Not sure how those two are related. I'm sure there are idiot Farmville fans, and I'm sure there are idiot EVE fans.
One thing I do have to agree with is that the community did make CCP who they are today. Let's not forget where CCP was in 2003, and where they would be without the subscribers who got them to this point. Kinda like how SOE forgot about the people that made EQ king back in the day. Look at them now.
If this is all about a cash shop, then clearly this is an overreaction by fans who thought they were too "smart" and "edgy" for a cash shop. For some reason they thought EVE was immune towards planning to ensure their future as a company remains intact. If CCP has done great things for over 7 years I think they will continue that trend despite a cash shop.
Just my 2 cents, but I think it's the fear that Items that effect gameplay will be added, and that will destroy the player driven economy. You could argue, that in a game where you grind for isk instead of skills, that would be fairly major.
You'd have a point if CCP had not already been selling ISK for some time now. I bet there there was outrage then, and now is no different. BTW, I understand people would be concerned, but people should wait until changes are at least announced before diving off the deep end. Rage quitting and crying all over the place due to speculation is probably what a lot of EVE fans expect out of another popular MMO, no?
I'm not sure what CCP has done to EVE to make it so terrible now. I get the feeling they did some sort of NGE?
All this rage can't be over a cash shop, so I must assume there is something else. What is drawing in Farmville fans or idiots? Not sure how those two are related. I'm sure there are idiot Farmville fans, and I'm sure there are idiot EVE fans.
One thing I do have to agree with is that the community did make CCP who they are today. Let's not forget where CCP was in 2003, and where they would be without the subscribers who got them to this point. Kinda like how SOE forgot about the people that made EQ king back in the day. Look at them now.
If this is all about a cash shop, then clearly this is an overreaction by fans who thought they were too "smart" and "edgy" for a cash shop. For some reason they thought EVE was immune towards planning to ensure their future as a company remains intact. If CCP has done great things for over 7 years I think they will continue that trend despite a cash shop.
Just my 2 cents, but I think it's the fear that Items that effect gameplay will be added, and that will destroy the player driven economy. You could argue, that in a game where you grind for isk instead of skills, that would be fairly major.
A valid fear since they continue to evade the issue. The whole thing would just go away if they simply said flat out, 'No, we have no intentions of adding gameplay items in the MT shop', but they refuse to do so. I agree that there's some overreacting going on, but I can't blame people for being upset.
It'll be such a shame if this causes EVE to tank, CCP had such a great vision for the future of the game.
I'm not sure what CCP has done to EVE to make it so terrible now. I get the feeling they did some sort of NGE?
All this rage can't be over a cash shop, so I must assume there is something else. What is drawing in Farmville fans or idiots? Not sure how those two are related. I'm sure there are idiot Farmville fans, and I'm sure there are idiot EVE fans.
One thing I do have to agree with is that the community did make CCP who they are today. Let's not forget where CCP was in 2003, and where they would be without the subscribers who got them to this point. Kinda like how SOE forgot about the people that made EQ king back in the day. Look at them now.
If this is all about a cash shop, then clearly this is an overreaction by fans who thought they were too "smart" and "edgy" for a cash shop. For some reason they thought EVE was immune towards planning to ensure their future as a company remains intact. If CCP has done great things for over 7 years I think they will continue that trend despite a cash shop.
Just my 2 cents, but I think it's the fear that Items that effect gameplay will be added, and that will destroy the player driven economy. You could argue, that in a game where you grind for isk instead of skills, that would be fairly major.
A valid fear since they continue to evade the issue. The whole thing would just go away if they simply said flat out, 'No, we have no intentions of adding gameplay items in the MT shop', but they refuse to do so. I agree that there's some overreacting going on, but I can't blame people for being upset.
It'll be such a shame if this causes EVE to tank, CCP had such a great vision for the future of the game.
[quote]Originally posted by Thomas2006Because the internal newsletter that was used for brainstorming is entirely set in stone and is the word of god and can NEVER change.
Heavens forbid a company where hundreds of people WORK want to make money to pay there employees and finance future projects.[/b][/quote] First--you actually believe that spin? You notice that in Zulu's blog he misrepresents the leaked letter's title, adding a question mark, making it appear more tenative than all of the wording in the entire document lends one to believe. Second--CCP is completely welcome to pay pathetic salaries to their employees (50-70% industry standard). But maybe the better thing to do would be to stop production on DUST 514 or their WoD game??
glassdoor "Several years now CCP has predicated insane subscriber goals that cannot be met. Naturally this is met with scepticism by the employees but it falls on deaf ears. The result is that the company is suffering because we cannot sustain the development of EVE, DUST and WOD. EVE is not creating enough revenue which means that solutions are sought, solutions that CCP was vehemently against a few years ago."
[quote]Originally posted by MMO.Maverick [b][quote] Yes, but is it game update that's set in stone or are they just exploring possible ventures? I mean, isn't it a bit early to conclude the worst even before things are even presented as real updates? [/b][/quote] But they had already promised not to. If they were a US company, I'd suggest sueing, as I am sure there are many players who would have quit back then and saved the $180/yr.
You seem to be unfamiliar with how these things work, so I'll enlighten you.
If you want to discuss, or even just convey, a controversial matter, it is common practice to use an argument between two sides to illustrate the matter.
In such a discussion, the two people taking sides do not have to be of the same opinion, they're there to present a point of identification. In fact, if done in meatspace, it is beneficial if the two people representing the opposing sides to not actually share the opinion they're supposed to represent. It helps understanding and brings with it a reduction in emotionality.
So no, you're wrong. It's not one person's opinion. This is CCP informing their employees that MT and pay2win are going to happen and trying to tell them that it's the way it's supposed to be.
Scrolling down to the employee satisfaction survey results is all the more hilarious considering the content that comes before it.
Actually very rarely does this happen in a work place memo/newletter styled like this. I have created and participated in several newsletters just like this for 2 fortune 500 companies. One of my articles specifically mentioned physically damaging customer property on installs to prevent Trouble calls from user stupidity. I didn't present another side nor was I asked too. I was told to write an article displaying a radically detrimental customer service policy in order to help get techs discussing better ways to prevent the orignal problem. We got several very good ideas back from the reqional hubs, and some of them were implimented.
Maverick, CCP started this whole shebang with the assurance that only vanity items would be sold in the cash shop.
Actually, just a year ago CCP was vocal about there never being any MT ever in their subscription based cash cow.
That's a good point. I had forgotten about that.
WHat about their statement long ago about being a dinosaur? Basically saying they may have to travel that avenue.
I do not recall that one, and it certainly doesn't sound like much of a statement. Link?
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
"Virtual goods sales in EVE Online will evolve through sales of vanity items, first in Incarna but later in-space features. The scope will be (and there‘s no design has been done around this, we‘re just talking strategy now) that anything that doesn‘t affect gameplay directly can be, potentially, sold for PLEX or other means. Ideas that have come up include Incarna clothing and furniture, logos on spaceships and swapping out portraits. This is by no means a comprehensive list, nor is it a commitment that said items will be available for sale, I mention these as an example for what type of items we‘re thinking about."
Just for comparison purposes how about a link to where they stated they will never add MT? Did they say never, or did they say they have no plans to at that time?
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
If they had, the game would've already spiraled out of control more than it already has with the plex catalyst.
When did they drop PLEX? According to their website you can still buy timecards from others using ISK.
Plex is much more then an isk service only, plex is probably the most well tought out rmt service you will ever see in an mmo. Not only does the buyer and ccp benefit from this but old timers get free game time witch i bet they cherish even more then the plex buyer themself. They have even taken the economy into consideration as no new isk is added, it just change hands.
I dont play eve but i cant help to give ccp credit for a well thought out rmt service
Adding a cash shop to anything simply cheapens it in many ways, especially if it isn't done right.
From what I've seen CCP is screwing up big time on this one. The cash shop could have been an innocuous part of the game that had very little impact on the average player, but instead greed got the better of them and they've decided that they'd rather monetize the crap out of the game over keeping it a fun, hassle free experience.
It's really too bad too, because I think that CCP could have made the cash shop model work quite well. Too bad they've been infected with such obvious greed.
Though the author is an elitist jerkwad (who the fuck has the audacity to call another human being a cretin for enjoying a game like Farmville?), he brings up some good points. CCP was not prepared for what they wanted to do with EVE, leaving the game's future open to external influences, mainly what the competition is doing. Is it any surprise that the genre is slipping into the realm of Microtransactions one company at a time? Some dip their toes in the pool while others dive right in. CCP's made a fatal mistake here; not necessarily with the Noble Exchange itself, but with the combination of the introduction of Microtransactions after multiple gameplay changes that, for the most part, have not been well received. Unless they can do a quick 180 (which I doubt they can, seeing the strange mix of unprofessionalism and arrogance that has gripped them), the game will suffer greatly.
Once I see in the patch notes that they are doing this then I will quit. Until then I will not worry about it.
If anyone did read the entire thing it said that the items that he is proposing is HIS OWN OPINION. Note that it is ONE PERSON'S OPINION. Not CCP as a whole, just one employee. Until CCP says yes this is what we have planned then yes I will not be playing EVE Online anymore. Since these micro transactions will mess up the economy and cause other problems.
This sounds to me like the more sensible approach, the 'let's hear the 2 sides of the story' before the auto-concluding begins. If it was truly what CCP intended to do, then you'll see it automatically in one of the updates. Furthermore, it sounds to me that it's a matter of waiting what the company as a whole has to say about it all.
I don't think you have enough information to make such assertions nor assements.
3 years ago CCP said no RMT in EVE - ever. About a year ago, they said they were putting it in "vanity only". "You LIED!!!"
Common reaction but most went "meh... who cares if someone wants to fly a pink ship or wear a fancy hat for $$$".
Shortly there after CCP introduced on the test server "PLEX for Remaps" - remapping your character's learning attributes for PLEX which is bought with $$$ and is used to extend a gamers subscription - reapplied to a $$$ for "in game advantages". A "functional change" to the game via RMT. A fire-storm on the forums and they reversed the decision.
With the release of Incarna, they REMOVED the ability to quickly dock in stations to change over to different ammo and fittings, so you have to walk in the stations and, pretty much, the ONLY thing functionally added that requires CQ is a clothing store. The graphic assets are minimal for the old station interiors and they already exist and worked - until they pulled the plug on them and replaced the entering with Captain's Quarters.
Why? "Ad-ware" - a glitzy front-end to the new RMT store. If the player's don't see what CCP wants to sell, they won't buy so we need to FORCE them into our stores... Will it be extended? Count on it - towards more store and longer walks that will offer even more $$$ for "pixle art" options. I don't care about vanity. Nor do most other players. Lines are crossed when the vanity crap is force-fed on everyone and "functional game advantages" are discussed, by those who already tried it in the past but were slapped down.
This CQ change is lore-breaking for the RP types. For other players, it adds a hell of a lot of graphical overhead. The current 'work around' is to disable loading of the graphics engine so you get a colored screen with the word "LOADING" in the middle when you dock up. This will be removed, CCP has said so, it's a temporary "patch" to allow a work around incase of critical problems on initial deployment of incarna. Not "optional" but forced on the community and not for any reason other than to get people into a store/shopping environment.
I have nothing against vanity but they said "vainty only" then tried a functional change and now they WILL NOT restate "vanity only". This internal news letter states that the developers want to put in much more "convenience" and "functional" effects in the store along with items - so the "crafting" side of the game takes a hit along with the in-game market/economy.
So, let's sum some of this up:
- "won't happen" changes.
- "Vanity only" and they already tried to slip in "functional changes".
- A news letter showing that a lead developer really wants to push "functional" into the store but that the community won't take it - yet...
- No denial that it will go functional with the bulk of posts asking for this 1 question to be answered repeatedly.
-----------
Just a bit more info for you to try and "pass judgement" with...
PS: Yes, CCP is trying to dismiss the letter. No, they are not trying to answer the single most pressing question: "will the store stop at vanity?" - a single sentence blog and this entire topic would blow over - "The store will only sell vanity items." If they won't say that - what conclusion would YOU draw?
- "Vanity only" and they already tried to slip in "functional changes".
- A news letter showing that a lead developer really wants to push "functional" into the store but that the community won't take it - yet...
- No denial that it will go functional with the bulk of posts asking for this 1 question to be answered repeatedly.
-----------
Just a bit more info for you to try and "pass judgement" with...
PS: Yes, CCP is trying to dismiss the letter. No, they are not trying to answer the single most pressing question: "will the store stop at vanity?" - a single sentence blog and this entire topic would blow over - "The store will only sell vanity items." If they won't say that - what conclusion would YOU draw?
What they said three years ago, really has no relation to now. Profits and company earnings are more important to a company than a statement made to appease players at a certain time.
Do I like a company going back on their word, (I'd like to see the actual statement and the circumstances of it, as well as context)? No
However I do not know how their company is performing financially. If things don't look good and other development projects need funds, they have one way to make those funds internally, that's with EVE. They could always sell out to a company like EA, but I'd much prefer a company make money their own way than sell themselves to a big corp.
People talk of greed yet seemingly fail to see how much a company spends on developing games, especially when multiple projects are on the table. Not to mention a large addition to a pre-existing game.
Also I think it was a mistake backing down as they did with additions to plex income, now players will have the idea they can control the future financial focus of the company as a whole. We're seeing that at play now, with these protests and the highly vocal forum banter.
I'm not looking at this from a players perspective, I'm looking at it from that of a business. If they need funding they need to increase profits, it's as simple as that.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
Though the author is an elitist jerkwad (who the fuck has the audacity to call another human being a cretin for enjoying a game like Farmville?), he brings up some good points. CCP was not prepared for what they wanted to do with EVE, leaving the game's future open to external influences, mainly what the competition is doing. Is it any surprise that the genre is slipping into the realm of Microtransactions one company at a time? Some dip their toes in the pool while others dive right in. CCP's made a fatal mistake here; not necessarily with the Noble Exchange itself, but with the combination of the introduction of Microtransactions after multiple gameplay changes that, for the most part, have not been well received. Unless they can do a quick 180 (which I doubt they can, seeing the strange mix of unprofessionalism and arrogance that has gripped them), the game will suffer greatly.
Elitist or just honest? From what I've seen Farmville is just this side of compulsive rearrangement of your sock drawer.
Eve has had it's ups and downs over the years, but there has never been anything even CLOSE to it in terms of challenge, complexity, and pure enjoyment in the gaming world. It is essentially a living artwork, and the author of this letter (albeit in a very humorous fashion) comes very close to capturing the way I feel about the game and recent events.
I've been playing since 2004, with four accounts during most of that time. I've been able to cover most of my subs with PLEX/GTC during that time. It really is a brilliant system, and the EVE economy is simply incredible.
I cancelled all of my subscriptions today. In the "reason you are leaving" box I just said that I wouldn't pay another cent until MT of any kind were removed from the game forever. EVE is one of those rare phenomena that come along maybe once every 20 years... where synergy and serendipity create something more amazing than anyone could have predicted. Those of you that really know the game already understand this, and you also understand instinctively that MT will kill everything that makes EVE what it is. If CCP continues down this path and actually DOES sell out it will be a sin.
I still hold out hope that they will realize what a huge mistake they are making and get back on track. I sincerely hope they will fire the people responsible for trying to retool the game to accomodate the lowest common denominator.
- "Vanity only" and they already tried to slip in "functional changes".
- A news letter showing that a lead developer really wants to push "functional" into the store but that the community won't take it - yet...
- No denial that it will go functional with the bulk of posts asking for this 1 question to be answered repeatedly.
-----------
Just a bit more info for you to try and "pass judgement" with...
PS: Yes, CCP is trying to dismiss the letter. No, they are not trying to answer the single most pressing question: "will the store stop at vanity?" - a single sentence blog and this entire topic would blow over - "The store will only sell vanity items." If they won't say that - what conclusion would YOU draw?
What they said three years ago, really has no relation to now. Profits and company earnings are more important to a company than a statement made to appease players at a certain time.
Do I like a company going back on their word, (I'd like to see the actual statement and the circumstances of it, as well as context)? No
However I do not know how their company is performing financially. If things don't look good and other development projects need funds, they have one way to make those funds internally, that's with EVE. They could always sell out to a company like EA, but I'd much prefer a company make money their own way than sell themselves to a big corp.
People talk of greed yet seemingly fail to see how much a company spends on developing games, especially when multiple projects are on the table. Not to mention a large addition to a pre-existing game.
Also I think it was a mistake backing down as they did with additions to plex income, now players will have the idea they can control the future financial focus of the company as a whole. We're seeing that at play now, with these protests and the highly vocal forum banter.
I'm not looking at this from a players perspective, I'm looking at it from that of a business. If they need funding they need to increase profits, it's as simple as that.
which is exactly why players are starting to bail, because they keep going back on their word.
And you know what, you're right, CCP has every right to explore new revenue options.
Then again, customers are completely within their right to take their money elsewhere if they're no longer content with the product, service, or the company that produces it.
Comments
I'm not sure what CCP has done to EVE to make it so terrible now. I get the feeling they did some sort of NGE?
All this rage can't be over a cash shop, so I must assume there is something else. What is drawing in Farmville fans or idiots? Not sure how those two are related. I'm sure there are idiot Farmville fans, and I'm sure there are idiot EVE fans.
One thing I do have to agree with is that the community did make CCP who they are today. Let's not forget where CCP was in 2003, and where they would be without the subscribers who got them to this point. Kinda like how SOE forgot about the people that made EQ king back in the day. Look at them now.
If this is all about a cash shop, then clearly this is an overreaction by fans who thought they were too "smart" and "edgy" for a cash shop. For some reason they thought EVE was immune towards planning to ensure their future as a company remains intact. If CCP has done great things for over 7 years I think they will continue that trend despite a cash shop.
Just my 2 cents, but I think it's the fear that Items that effect gameplay will be added, and that will destroy the player driven economy. You could argue, that in a game where you grind for isk instead of skills, that would be fairly major.
Depends on the type of MT they are offering. For example I play Star Trek Online and have bought stuff from the shop. Even though I have a lifetime sub to the game I still bought some items. I did not have to buy them, I made my own choice to make the purchase. Same with Champions Online. I don't feel ripped off since I made a personal choice, MMOs are my hobby so I have no issue spending money on something I like.
As long as a game that has both a sub and a MT shop does not make the items OP and keep shoving them into your face then I am fine with it. If the company is trying to force people into buying stuff then yes they are trying to rip people off.
As for FE I always thought they were doing fine. It seemd to me that the game has a lot more people than before. And back when they stated they were staying as an indie company and be a sub only they did not have as many players as they do now. But since I do not work for them and can't see the numbers I can only guess. But still I will be subbing to FE and it might be the only game that I will have an active sub with, my other games I have a lifetime membership.
Note: And I just want to note that I am not trying to argue or pick on you "batolemaeus" I am just saying what my views and opinions are on the matter. So if you feel that I am attacking you on the subject I apologize.
Games playing: Lotro,Fallen Earth,Star Trek Online.
Games playing casually: CoX,Guild Wars,FFXIV,Champions Online,DDO.
Games Played: WoW,DR,L2,RoM,FFXI,Earthrise,EQ2,DAoC,WAR,Rift,Alganon,EVE,G&H Rome Rising.
Waiting for: Guild Wars 2 and Star Wars: The Old Republic.
PC Specs: Intel i7 990x 3.5ghz, 6gb ddr3 Ram,EVGA GTX 570 SC FTW,EVGA x58 Classified 4-way SLI MB, 2TB HDD 7200rpm, 60GB Intel SSD: OS Drive, Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit, Westinghouse 21 in. 1680x1050.
If I felt attacked by someone explaining a different viewpoint, I'd have to grow a thicker skin, tbh.
That said, I'm very offended by that insinuation.
You'd have a point if CCP had not already been selling ISK for some time now. I bet there there was outrage then, and now is no different. BTW, I understand people would be concerned, but people should wait until changes are at least announced before diving off the deep end. Rage quitting and crying all over the place due to speculation is probably what a lot of EVE fans expect out of another popular MMO, no?
CCP has not been selling isk.
If they had, the game would've already spiraled out of control more than it already has with the plex catalyst.
A valid fear since they continue to evade the issue. The whole thing would just go away if they simply said flat out, 'No, we have no intentions of adding gameplay items in the MT shop', but they refuse to do so. I agree that there's some overreacting going on, but I can't blame people for being upset.
It'll be such a shame if this causes EVE to tank, CCP had such a great vision for the future of the game.
WHat about their statement long ago about being a dinosaur? Basically saying they may have to travel that avenue.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
You sir see this exactly as I do
When did they drop PLEX? According to their website you can still buy timecards from others using ISK.
[quote]Originally posted by Thomas2006Because the internal newsletter that was used for brainstorming is entirely set in stone and is the word of god and can NEVER change.
Heavens forbid a company where hundreds of people WORK want to make money to pay there employees and finance future projects.[/b][/quote]
First--you actually believe that spin? You notice that in Zulu's blog he misrepresents the leaked letter's title, adding a question mark, making it appear more tenative than all of the wording in the entire document lends one to believe.
Second--CCP is completely welcome to pay pathetic salaries to their employees (50-70% industry standard). But maybe the better thing to do would be to stop production on DUST 514 or their WoD game??
glassdoor
"Several years now CCP has predicated insane subscriber goals that cannot be met. Naturally this is met with scepticism by the employees but it falls on deaf ears. The result is that the company is suffering because we cannot sustain the development of EVE, DUST and WOD. EVE is not creating enough revenue which means that solutions are sought, solutions that CCP was vehemently against a few years ago."
If u really want to know what is happening and why people are mad read this, was in the eve forums:
http://eve.beyondreality.se/NeXCQResponse.html
Thanks o7
[quote]Originally posted by MMO.Maverick
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Yes, but is it game update that's set in stone or are they just exploring possible ventures? I mean, isn't it a bit early to conclude the worst even before things are even presented as real updates?
[/b][/quote]
But they had already promised not to. If they were a US company, I'd suggest sueing, as I am sure there are many players who would have quit back then and saved the $180/yr.
That's very impressive !
Actually very rarely does this happen in a work place memo/newletter styled like this. I have created and participated in several newsletters just like this for 2 fortune 500 companies. One of my articles specifically mentioned physically damaging customer property on installs to prevent Trouble calls from user stupidity. I didn't present another side nor was I asked too. I was told to write an article displaying a radically detrimental customer service policy in order to help get techs discussing better ways to prevent the orignal problem. We got several very good ideas back from the reqional hubs, and some of them were implimented.
I do not recall that one, and it certainly doesn't sound like much of a statement. Link?
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
Now I Wonder if I can Get "Night Elf Mohawk Grenades" from the Cash Shop Finally?
http://www.eveonline.com/devblog.asp?a=blog&bid=815&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=update&utm_content=devblog&utm_campaign=eveonline
Note the date: 2010.11.22
"Virtual goods sales in EVE Online will evolve through sales of vanity items, first in Incarna but later in-space features. The scope will be (and there‘s no design has been done around this, we‘re just talking strategy now) that anything that doesn‘t affect gameplay directly can be, potentially, sold for PLEX or other means. Ideas that have come up include Incarna clothing and furniture, logos on spaceships and swapping out portraits. This is by no means a comprehensive list, nor is it a commitment that said items will be available for sale, I mention these as an example for what type of items we‘re thinking about."
Just for comparison purposes how about a link to where they stated they will never add MT? Did they say never, or did they say they have no plans to at that time?
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
Plex is much more then an isk service only, plex is probably the most well tought out rmt service you will ever see in an mmo. Not only does the buyer and ccp benefit from this but old timers get free game time witch i bet they cherish even more then the plex buyer themself. They have even taken the economy into consideration as no new isk is added, it just change hands.
I dont play eve but i cant help to give ccp credit for a well thought out rmt service
Adding a cash shop to anything simply cheapens it in many ways, especially if it isn't done right.
From what I've seen CCP is screwing up big time on this one. The cash shop could have been an innocuous part of the game that had very little impact on the average player, but instead greed got the better of them and they've decided that they'd rather monetize the crap out of the game over keeping it a fun, hassle free experience.
It's really too bad too, because I think that CCP could have made the cash shop model work quite well. Too bad they've been infected with such obvious greed.
Though the author is an elitist jerkwad (who the fuck has the audacity to call another human being a cretin for enjoying a game like Farmville?), he brings up some good points. CCP was not prepared for what they wanted to do with EVE, leaving the game's future open to external influences, mainly what the competition is doing. Is it any surprise that the genre is slipping into the realm of Microtransactions one company at a time? Some dip their toes in the pool while others dive right in. CCP's made a fatal mistake here; not necessarily with the Noble Exchange itself, but with the combination of the introduction of Microtransactions after multiple gameplay changes that, for the most part, have not been well received. Unless they can do a quick 180 (which I doubt they can, seeing the strange mix of unprofessionalism and arrogance that has gripped them), the game will suffer greatly.
I don't think you have enough information to make such assertions nor assements.
3 years ago CCP said no RMT in EVE - ever. About a year ago, they said they were putting it in "vanity only". "You LIED!!!"
Common reaction but most went "meh... who cares if someone wants to fly a pink ship or wear a fancy hat for $$$".
Shortly there after CCP introduced on the test server "PLEX for Remaps" - remapping your character's learning attributes for PLEX which is bought with $$$ and is used to extend a gamers subscription - reapplied to a $$$ for "in game advantages". A "functional change" to the game via RMT. A fire-storm on the forums and they reversed the decision.
With the release of Incarna, they REMOVED the ability to quickly dock in stations to change over to different ammo and fittings, so you have to walk in the stations and, pretty much, the ONLY thing functionally added that requires CQ is a clothing store. The graphic assets are minimal for the old station interiors and they already exist and worked - until they pulled the plug on them and replaced the entering with Captain's Quarters.
Why? "Ad-ware" - a glitzy front-end to the new RMT store. If the player's don't see what CCP wants to sell, they won't buy so we need to FORCE them into our stores... Will it be extended? Count on it - towards more store and longer walks that will offer even more $$$ for "pixle art" options. I don't care about vanity. Nor do most other players. Lines are crossed when the vanity crap is force-fed on everyone and "functional game advantages" are discussed, by those who already tried it in the past but were slapped down.
This CQ change is lore-breaking for the RP types. For other players, it adds a hell of a lot of graphical overhead. The current 'work around' is to disable loading of the graphics engine so you get a colored screen with the word "LOADING" in the middle when you dock up. This will be removed, CCP has said so, it's a temporary "patch" to allow a work around incase of critical problems on initial deployment of incarna. Not "optional" but forced on the community and not for any reason other than to get people into a store/shopping environment.
I have nothing against vanity but they said "vainty only" then tried a functional change and now they WILL NOT restate "vanity only". This internal news letter states that the developers want to put in much more "convenience" and "functional" effects in the store along with items - so the "crafting" side of the game takes a hit along with the in-game market/economy.
So, let's sum some of this up:
- "won't happen" changes.
- "Vanity only" and they already tried to slip in "functional changes".
- A news letter showing that a lead developer really wants to push "functional" into the store but that the community won't take it - yet...
- No denial that it will go functional with the bulk of posts asking for this 1 question to be answered repeatedly.
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Just a bit more info for you to try and "pass judgement" with...
PS: Yes, CCP is trying to dismiss the letter. No, they are not trying to answer the single most pressing question: "will the store stop at vanity?" - a single sentence blog and this entire topic would blow over - "The store will only sell vanity items." If they won't say that - what conclusion would YOU draw?
What they said three years ago, really has no relation to now. Profits and company earnings are more important to a company than a statement made to appease players at a certain time.
Do I like a company going back on their word, (I'd like to see the actual statement and the circumstances of it, as well as context)? No
However I do not know how their company is performing financially. If things don't look good and other development projects need funds, they have one way to make those funds internally, that's with EVE. They could always sell out to a company like EA, but I'd much prefer a company make money their own way than sell themselves to a big corp.
People talk of greed yet seemingly fail to see how much a company spends on developing games, especially when multiple projects are on the table. Not to mention a large addition to a pre-existing game.
Also I think it was a mistake backing down as they did with additions to plex income, now players will have the idea they can control the future financial focus of the company as a whole. We're seeing that at play now, with these protests and the highly vocal forum banter.
I'm not looking at this from a players perspective, I'm looking at it from that of a business. If they need funding they need to increase profits, it's as simple as that.
For every minute you are angry , you lose 60 seconds of happiness."-Emerson
Elitist or just honest? From what I've seen Farmville is just this side of compulsive rearrangement of your sock drawer.
Eve has had it's ups and downs over the years, but there has never been anything even CLOSE to it in terms of challenge, complexity, and pure enjoyment in the gaming world. It is essentially a living artwork, and the author of this letter (albeit in a very humorous fashion) comes very close to capturing the way I feel about the game and recent events.
I've been playing since 2004, with four accounts during most of that time. I've been able to cover most of my subs with PLEX/GTC during that time. It really is a brilliant system, and the EVE economy is simply incredible.
I cancelled all of my subscriptions today. In the "reason you are leaving" box I just said that I wouldn't pay another cent until MT of any kind were removed from the game forever. EVE is one of those rare phenomena that come along maybe once every 20 years... where synergy and serendipity create something more amazing than anyone could have predicted. Those of you that really know the game already understand this, and you also understand instinctively that MT will kill everything that makes EVE what it is. If CCP continues down this path and actually DOES sell out it will be a sin.
I still hold out hope that they will realize what a huge mistake they are making and get back on track. I sincerely hope they will fire the people responsible for trying to retool the game to accomodate the lowest common denominator.
which is exactly why players are starting to bail, because they keep going back on their word.
And you know what, you're right, CCP has every right to explore new revenue options.
Then again, customers are completely within their right to take their money elsewhere if they're no longer content with the product, service, or the company that produces it.