This is the only thing to keep me from buying this game

[Meru]

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/champions-online-to-have-item-sales

Please please please cryptic dont do what NCsoft did, the mmo community hates them (not as much as SOE), but please dont cheapen a good game with micro transactions.

[Soup-Smith]

Their quote makes it sound like its just something they are testing for other games:

"Virtual asset sales are a necessary component of the greater Cryptic platform since we plan on working on a number of different titles using our technology platform. At present we do not have any finalised plans for how and if these will be implemented in future releases."

In non dev speak, that means that because Cryptic is planning on developing lots of games they wanted to have the micro transaction tech ready for when they make a game that needs it. There are also lots of acceptable micro transactions like name changes or server transfers.

The article also makes the very good point that Jack Emmert quite literally said that micro transactions "make him want to die." So thats good. :)

All that being said, there is already a HUGE thread about this going on over here. (http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?t=18104)

[Meru]

Their quote makes it sound like its just something they are testing for other games:



In non dev speak, that means that because Cryptic is planning on developing lots of games they wanted to have the micro transaction tech ready for when they make a game that needs it. There are also lots of acceptable micro transactions like name changes or server transfers.

The article also makes the very good point that Jack Emmert quite literally said that micro transactions "make him want to die." So thats good. :)

All that being said, there is already a HUGE thread about this going on over here. (http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?t=18104)

Oh thanks, sorry I am new here and this seemed like the best place to get an answer on it. If any of the mods could delete this to prevent trolling in it that would be wonderful.

[General_Maximus]

Personally I'm fine with microtransactions, as long as they're for stuff I either don't desperately need (costume pieces I like notwithstanding) or can earn some other way ingame. If you're gonna make a big update with important stuff in it and want me to pay for that, make lots of it and stick it in a boxed expansion.

<-- has bought all the various packs for CoH, if that counts for anything.

[Nightmare]

Their quote makes it sound like its just something they are testing for other games:



In non dev speak, that means that because Cryptic is planning on developing lots of games they wanted to have the micro transaction tech ready for when they make a game that needs it. There are also lots of acceptable micro transactions like name changes or server transfers.

The article also makes the very good point that Jack Emmert quite literally said that micro transactions "make him want to die." So thats good. :)

All that being said, there is already a HUGE thread about this going on over here. (http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?t=18104)

Well fork. Spoon even. I was all ramped up to bust out a post and Soup beat me to it like a red-headed stepchild.
Good job. Now don't ever do that again :P

[Apothic_IO]

Micro transactions are only "bad" if you have no self control on your spending habits. I mean, do you really think Cryptic will let you break the game? The games not a sword and board game so you don't have the same gear issue anyway.

[Coleman]

The only stuff that should show up in mictrotransactions are ones that save a bit on downtime or increase experience rate. Exclusive items would be a mistake that drives away customers.

[HDTran]

CoH/CoV do have costume packs.

[SigmaChi08]

well they are planning on releasing this game for the xbox 360 I imagine since its harder to set up a seperate account system through Live they are probably going to try to use MicroSoft ponts for people to purchase stuff, and since they might be doing it that way for the xbox you cant really charge the pc population extra especially since they want xbox to be able to play with the pc on the same servers. just speculation and my 2 cents.

[Terror1]

Whats the problem with CoH/V costume packs?
Theres noone forcing you to buy them.

[cpt.wurstbrot]

Whats the problem with CoH/V costume packs?
Theres noone forcing you to buy them.

what's the problem...

with superpower reset items?
with bonus levels?
with xp bonus items?
with name change items?
with extra energy/life reg items?

.. and so on.. you see microtransactions can be very quick a big problem.

[Akaiku]

what's the problem...

with superpower reset items?
with bonus levels?
with xp bonus items?
with name change items?
with extra energy/life reg items?

.. and so on.. you see microtransactions can be very quick a big problem.

And thus, the problem with slippery slope arguments.

What's to prevent that? The devs not wanting to implement them. You know, people making decisions and all. How bout when they actually DO that stuff, people come to the forum and rage-quit.

[Playface]

Microtransactions are usually done poorly. Look at that Gunz game. All of the cool stuff, you had to buy for a supposedly 'free' MMO and half of those stuff, you buy it, ONLY to get it taken away from you like a month later.

If I'm buying something, I want to keep it.

[ravorn]

i dont know much about micro transactions and what it entails, but if im paying a monthly fee i want all my perks. like asside from server transfer, name changes, and character slots. ill pay for those but i dont wanna buy my weapons and armor when im already paying 15 bucks. Thats like buying a car and there like grats on the car oh and the wheels are extra.

Cryptic is smart i cant see em doing it for more then the things i mentioned.

[Trendy Kid]

Microtransactions suck. They lead to massive game inbalances. No fun >.<

[The.Giant.Evil.Bunny]

Microtransactions are da debil. They make game bad. People who have more money than time should not be able to get the same stuff I log >30 hrs a week to get!!!


What games have they been implemented in which this (common) opinion is centered around?

SL? Test Drive Unlimited? (though the prices there hardly feel "micro")

I've read a lot of people who have strong opinions and make powerful, official sounding statements on how Microtransactions will ruin everything.

I have to ask two questions:

1) Based on what proof? What example of a destroyed game is there because of microtransactions, and not just power-gaming?

2) Do you not like the idea that those of us with bills to pay might be competitively geared/statted against power-gamers?


#2 needs explanation.

Firstly, let me say that as a late-30s gamer, its difficult enough to compete with the hard core gamer set while holding down the day job, PLUS moonlighting 15+ hrs a week, PLUS occasionally taking in freelance gigs (modding puters and repeatedly traveling to Japan to visit deployed girlfriend is 'spensive)

Secondly, I'd like to add that the current landscape of most MMOs is "power-gamer controlled." that is, those with the most time on their hands run things (usually unemployed college students who game, go to class, and occasionally party and not much else, that I've seen in the past 7 years) (..though come to think of it, I remember reading an age poll that revealed there are a hell of a lot of retirees playing these days). Meteoric rises to the top in gear and level, faster than the rest, is generally used to leverage the power gamer to a position that keeps them in control, be it of the marketplace, or of the PvP zones, or whatever facets of a game in which players actually compete with each other.

That's just a simple equation. The more time someone invests, the better their returns.


Enter microtransactions.


Now us working stiffs might get a shot at things we are denied, simply because we are facing the real-world consequences of bills, work, and in some cases, putting our own power gamers through college unaware they blew off study groups for a 6 hour raid last weekend and will be getting an Incomplete as a result.

What's the first thing I read?

People with time on their hands making tons of noise about how bad microtransactions are.


Now, provided with a solid answer to #1, I'll gladly accept I'm wrong, but as it stands this #2 sounds a lot to me like the power gamers recognize that simply having time on your hands is about to become on par with having money, and frankly, time *IS* money.

If you have neither (like me, lol), then fine, I'm sure there are complaints by you (and me :D ) about power gamers and needing to curb them too, as well as complaints about power microtransact... ers? Er... Power buyers.

Now, I'm fairly moderate in both my time and money when it comes to this gaming hobby of mine. But its nice to know that if I sacrifice going down the pub and paying a $25 tab for beer, and instead drop $10 on a 6-pack of something decent and plop down $15 on transactions, I'm losing nothing but quality time with my bartender... and that's just sad.

[Saikyo-RyuHatman]

What games have they been implemented in which this (common) opinion is centered around?

SL? Test Drive Unlimited? (though the prices there hardly feel "micro")

I've read a lot of people who have strong opinions and make powerful, official sounding statements on how Microtransactions will ruin everything.

I have to ask two questions:

1) Based on what proof? What example of a destroyed game is there because of microtransactions, and not just power-gaming?

2) Do you not like the idea that those of us with bills to pay might be competitively geared/statted against power-gamers?


#2 needs explanation.

Firstly, let me say that as a late-30s gamer, its difficult enough to compete with the hard core gamer set while holding down the day job, PLUS moonlighting 15+ hrs a week, PLUS occasionally taking in freelance gigs (modding puters and repeatedly traveling to Japan to visit deployed girlfriend is 'spensive)

Secondly, I'd like to add that the current landscape of most MMOs is "power-gamer controlled." that is, those with the most time on their hands run things (usually unemployed college students who game, go to class, and occasionally party and not much else, that I've seen in the past 7 years) (..though come to think of it, I remember reading an age poll that revealed there are a hell of a lot of retirees playing these days). Meteoric rises to the top in gear and level, faster than the rest, is generally used to leverage the power gamer to a position that keeps them in control, be it of the marketplace, or of the PvP zones, or whatever facets of a game in which players actually compete with each other.

That's just a simple equation. The more time someone invests, the better their returns.


Enter microtransactions.


Now us working stiffs might get a shot at things we are denied, simply because we are facing the real-world consequences of bills, work, and in some cases, putting our own power gamers through college unaware they blew off study groups for a 6 hour raid last weekend and will be getting an Incomplete as a result.

What's the first thing I read?

People with time on their hands making tons of noise about how bad microtransactions are.


Now, provided with a solid answer to #1, I'll gladly accept I'm wrong, but as it stands this #2 sounds a lot to me like the power gamers recognize that simply having time on your hands is about to become on par with having money, and frankly, time *IS* money.

If you have neither (like me, lol), then fine, I'm sure there are complaints by you (and me :D ) about power gamers and needing to curb them too, as well as complaints about power microtransact... ers? Er... Power buyers.

Now, I'm fairly moderate in both my time and money when it comes to this gaming hobby of mine. But its nice to know that if I sacrifice going down the pub and paying a $25 tab for beer, and instead drop $10 on a 6-pack of something decent and plop down $15 on transactions, I'm losing nothing but quality time with my bartender... and that's just sad.
A lot of words to say pretty much nothing.

[The.Giant.Evil.Bunny]

Prove to me there is an actual issue with Microtransactions.

What game has failed because of it?

Prove this isnt just people with more time than money wanting to retain the lead over the non power gamers.


I've never seen anyone site an example of a game "ruined by microtransactions."

[Xaimum]

Micro transactions are only "bad" if you have no self control on your spending habits.

Or if you do have control of your spending habits. If you're dropping $15/month for a game and only allot $15/month for that game, you're gonna fall behind people who drop $15/month + $30 for new goodies. Reasonably speaking, though, most microtransactions I've seen have been for purely cosmetic additions. The only time I've seen DLC that gives something insanely overpowered to a player has been for single-player or offline multiplayer games.

[The.Giant.Evil.Bunny]

Or if you do have control of your spending habits. If you're dropping $15/month for a game and only allot $15/month for that game, you're gonna fall behind people who drop $15/month + $30 for new goodies.
Agreed. Though as stated I think when compared to other things you could be doing for an equal amount of time (cost of sports equipment, cost of entertainment, etc) it isn't too bad.



The only time I've seen DLC that gives something insanely overpowered to a player has been for single-player or offline multiplayer games.

QFT

Out of curiosity, in the games where non-cosmetic items are available through transactions, are those items generally also available through "effort" in that game, so to speak?

[insomnia68]

dosnt microtransactions, also include

Server changes
Name changes
Appearance changes such as male/female
even transferring characters from accounts

all this are good ideas never know when you might need it till you do

[Nightmare]

dosnt microtransactions, also include

Server changes
Name changes
Appearance changes such as male/female
even transferring characters from accounts

all this are good ideas never know when you might need it till you do

Oh you just had to go and add some logic and intelligent thought to the thread huh? Way to go, way to go.....

[Saikyo-RyuHatman]

dosnt microtransactions, also include

Server changes
Name changes
Appearance changes such as male/female
even transferring characters from accounts

all this are good ideas never know when you might need it till you do
Server changes do not apply here.
Name changes will probably be a possibility.
Appearance changes male/female we have no idea if it is possible in-game so they may not have to charge.
Transferring from account to account would be something people are ready to pay for and isn't available in-game.

[Xaimum]

Out of curiosity, in the games where non-cosmetic items are available through transactions, are those items generally also available through "effort" in that game, so to speak?

Off the top of my head, no. In Knights of the Old Republic for the original Xbox, there were two lightsaber crystals that could only be obtained through DLC. Granted, that game is 7 years old, now, but that's the first example I could think of.

[LordVance]

As long as the microtransactions have no impact on gameplay (i.e., only things like name changes, extra costume pieces, account transfers, sex changes...) I don't care. There are some microtransactions that people not only tolerate, but are beginning to expect from MMORPG's.

[Roguewiz]

Personally, I have no issues with it. I won't participate, but it won't make me not play a game. Granted, this is only providing that you can eventually gain the same "power" by playing the game as you can by just buying your "power". Basically, as long as I can play the game to the "end" and get every possible upgrade/item/whatever I can and be on a equal playing field with those that purchase it; I don't mind. Of course, if they offer stuff that is only aquire via RL money; then that would be the only reason why I wouldn't purchase the game.

Besides, it isn't like it won't happen anyways. "Gold Farmers" have their hands in multiple games, so you can either endorse and monitor it, thus minimizing in-game issues and scams; or you can ignore it, thus increasing your workload to correct scams and such.

[SovereignDark]

I dont mind them as long as they dont put out the "Sup3r sWoRd OF l337 Rap3 A$$" that one shots everything...EVER.

You get the point...I hope...If not please...throw yourself into oncoming traffic.

[Nightmare]

I dont mind them as long as they dont put out the "Sup3r sWoRd OF l337 Rap3 A$$" that one shots everything...EVER.

You get the point...I hope...If not please...throw yourself into oncoming traffic.

Wait!!! There's swords in this game!?1?!!! WTF Next there will be elvesssess!!!!!!


;)

[The.Giant.Evil.Bunny]

Ok, there seem to be quite a lot of things being said here about pay transactions in general, but not microtransactions.

Maybe I have it wrong, but aren't microtransactions essentially built on a system like they have for Xbox? Where you buy points, often each point amounting to a real world value of a fraction of a cent, and then use that bank of points to obtain items in-game, with the emphasis on "micro" meaning that these in-game items are small items, worth fractions of cents when converted to irl? The main thrust being that people would make thousands of microtransactions a month, amounting to roughly the same as a monthly subscription, but with the possibility of going higher?

See, character transfers, re-names, booster packs - those are all just regular service fees and purchases.

If I have this right, microtransaction enabled games would essentially be like me buying in-game currency at a gold farmer, but actually directly buy from Cryptic, -OR- buy items in game that other players are selling with real-world cash and Cryptic takes a "tax" or service fee off it (which I think is Second Life's approach?)



I've yet to see a game that tried that in a pay-per-month environment, though it sounds like some have tried... Gunz? I have a vague recollection of that one, though I remember thinking the base idea was weak.

Hell, if I saw a major developer like Cryptic, SOE, FunCom, Blizzard, selling in-game currency directly, I'd be fairly happy - no gold spam. ;)

[AkumaMishima]

Ok, there seem to be quite a lot of things being said here about pay transactions in general, but not microtransactions.

Maybe I have it wrong, but aren't microtransactions essentially built on a system like they have for Xbox? Where you buy points, often each point amounting to a real world value of a fraction of a cent, and then use that bank of points to obtain items in-game, with the emphasis on "micro" meaning that these in-game items are small items, worth fractions of cents when converted to irl? The main thrust being that people would make thousands of microtransactions a month, amounting to roughly the same as a monthly subscription, but with the possibility of going higher?

See, character transfers, re-names, booster packs - those are all just regular service fees and purchases.

If I have this right, microtransaction enabled games would essentially be like me buying in-game currency at a gold farmer, but actually directly buy from Cryptic, -OR- buy items in game that other players are selling with real-world cash and Cryptic takes a "tax" or service fee off it (which I think is Second Life's approach?)



I've yet to see a game that tried that in a pay-per-month environment, though it sounds like some have tried... Gunz? I have a vague recollection of that one, though I remember thinking the base idea was weak.

Hell, if I saw a major developer like Cryptic, SOE, FunCom, Blizzard, selling in-game currency directly, I'd be fairly happy - no gold spam. ;)

You're bogged down in semantics.

I consider any fee above and beyond the initial price (and perhaps subscription) to be microtransaction.

The reason why I personally feel microtransactions to be bad for the customer is not neccessarily for the initial trinket sold, but because it leads to more and more features being price-tagged instead of included with the subscription fee.

[The.Giant.Evil.Bunny]

You're bogged down in semantics.

I consider any fee above and beyond the initial price (and perhaps subscription) to be microtransaction.

The reason why I personally feel microtransactions to be bad for the customer is not neccessarily for the initial trinket sold, but because it leads to more and more features being price-tagged instead of included with the subscription fee.

I'm really not. You're confusing proper definitions for semantics.

Microtransactions do not include boosters or service fees for things above and beyond simply playing the game.

They are "micro" transactions, fees for playing the game that occur as you play on a smaller than one cent scale.

It is possible the marketing idiots of the world have tossed service fees and booster packs into the realm of the buzzword "microtransaction" but that's no reason for us to be so lazy.

It boils down to this being about devs talking about the word "microtransactions" and frankly, that is DEFINED (not semantics, defintion) as soemthig other than the larger scale $10 booster or $x.xx transfer service fee.

[AkumaMishima]

You're busy arguing definitions and missing the point.

Requiring additional fees for content begets more and more additional fees. Regardless of whether or not I'm able to afford this personally makes little difference to me, I don't enjoy being exploited.

[The.Giant.Evil.Bunny]

I was under the impression that most microtrasnsition founded games were seeking to *replace* monthly fees with microtransactions, not in addition to. Is that not the case?

[Nightmare]

You're busy arguing definitions and missing the point.

Requiring additional fees for content begets more and more additional fees. Regardless of whether or not I'm able to afford this personally makes little difference to me, I don't enjoy being exploited.

You are only exploited if you have no choice in the matter. You can send Cryptic an email and say "I'm not paying real money to do XYZ in game. Thanks and have a nice life."

Done. Exploited is when you have no options. You have to work 12 hours a day for 8 hours pay because you have children to feed.

I am so resisting the urge to rant about people here. OMG they want me to pay a few bucks to play a game!!! Help help I'm being oppressed!!!!!

People wouldn't know real problems if it bit em in the butt.

[AkumaMishima]

Exploitation: In political economy, economics, and sociology, exploitation involves a persistent social relationship in which certain persons are being mistreated or unfairly used for the benefit of others.

Regardless of what you want to call it, it doesn't have to be a genocide to be poor form and highly undesirable.

It's a very simple process, when a company assesses that their playerbase is willing to pay for content that was to be included with the subscription fee they gradually increase the amount they require you to purchase, and decrease the amount that comes wth the subscription fee.

Is this something you want or simply do not understand?

[tyril132]

Since we have no additional information at this time, I'd like to give Cryptic the benefit of the doubt.

As others have stated, several types of micro-transactions have come to be expected by the MMO community. Name change, server transfer and similar services all fit within the framework of a micro-transaction while not impacting the game in any significant way.

The other side of the issue comes from the growing number of developers who choose to make certain game content (such as "exclusive" levels, extra characters or costumes) available only to customers who pay for the rights to be able to unlock them. At this time, there is no evidence to support that Cryptic has chosen to embrace this support structure.

I agree with the OP that these latter types of transactions can cheapen the game experience and make the customer feel like they're being ripped off for not including such basic content with the cost of the game, but at the end of the day, Cryptic is probably going to go with what makes more sense for their bottom line. I will continue to hold out hope that they will not choose to go down this path. If they do choose to support such micro-transactions, that's their prerogative. I can promise, however, that they'll be losing more than a few monthly subscriptions as a result... the OP is not the only one out there that feels this way.

[ShyIsShy]

My two cents about this post...

EVERYONE! Stop *****ing about micro transactions! They are good as long as they don't cripple people who can't afford expansions. If it is just character renames or respecs, you don't have to buy them if you don't want to!

[tyril132]

My two cents about this post...

EVERYONE! Stop *****ing about micro transactions! They are good as long as they don't cripple people who can't afford expansions. If it is just character renames or respecs, you don't have to buy them if you don't want to!

On the other hand, if they include things like "exclusive costume pieces" or additional story arcs, there is no justifiable reason to force this type of content into a micro-transaction other than to pad the bottom line. I can't speak for others, but the point of my post was to illustrate that there are different types of micro-transactions that have different levels of acceptability within the community.

As you stated, people can either buy them or not. I agree with this statement. What I, and many others, are arguing, however, is that people shouldn't even have to pay for this type of content - it should be included free as there is no additional development cost for it.

[Nightmare]

Exploitation: In political economy, economics, and sociology, exploitation involves a persistent social relationship in which certain persons are being mistreated or unfairly used for the benefit of others.

Regardless of what you want to call it, it doesn't have to be a genocide to be poor form and highly undesirable.

It's a very simple process, when a company assesses that their playerbase is willing to pay for content that was to be included with the subscription fee they gradually increase the amount they require you to purchase, and decrease the amount that comes wth the subscription fee.

Is this something you want or simply do not understand?

Nope I just don't agree that Cryptic charging for in game items counts as being mistreated. I mean do you really believe that counts? Exploitation is just another example of how people are spoiled and thus any thing they don't like is exploitation. Or discrimination. Or unfair. Or mean. I mean it sounds like my 4 yr old when Mommy says no.

And FTR no it isn't something I want. It's just that I am a Libertarian and I fully support Cryptic's right to do whatever they want with this game. And that means if they decide only White Americans can play, then power to them. Of course it would also mean I hope that DCUO doesn't suck since I really want to play a Super Hero game.

Now do you understand where I am coming from?

[Nightmare]

Double post in case someone wants to quote the other one and I don't want to look like I changed things etc etc.

I play Combat Arms when I get bored or need a killing fix. It's a FPS multiplayer online game and yes they sell stuff. And yea sometimes I get ganked by a guy who's my rank and yet has a gun I can't get with play money but oh well. I have fun playing and don't care.

But I don't see that kind of game developing here. It's on a totally different level. Sure Cryptic could lose it's mind or Atari could step in and make them screw up the game with waaaaaay too many micros, but I don't see that happening. And if it does then I will vote with my wallet by canceling my sub and moving on. They advertise a "standard" MMO experience, then that is what I expect. They switch it up in midstream, then I may stay in the boat and I may not.

And also, once again, this is much ado about nothing. They aren't putting microtransactions in CO, they are putting the functionality in the game engine so it can be used if they need it and also so when they use the same engine for other games they can have it there. Mmmmkay?

[AkumaMishima]

On the other hand, if they include things like "exclusive costume pieces" or additional story arcs, there is no justifiable reason to force this type of content into a micro-transaction other than to pad the bottom line. I can't speak for others, but the point of my post was to illustrate that there are different types of micro-transactions that have different levels of acceptability within the community.

As you stated, people can either buy them or not. I agree with this statement. What I, and many others, are arguing, however, is that people shouldn't even have to pay for this type of content - it should be included free as there is no additional development cost for it.

I would generally agree with yours and shy's sentiment about renames and respecs.

And FTR no it isn't something I want. It's just that I am a Libertarian and I fully support Cryptic's right to do whatever they want with this game. And that means if they decide only White Americans can play, then power to them. Of course it would also mean I hope that DCUO doesn't suck since I really want to play a Super Hero game.

Now do you understand where I am coming from?

Yes. You're a crazy person. What you do not understand is that in every relationship both parties have a say, you seem you be relinquishing yours as a customer and substituting it with Cryptic's. As a customer, I attempt to leverage this business relationship to my advantage, as Cryptic is doing for themselves.

[Xaimum]

Yes. You're a crazy person. What you do not understand is that in every relationship both parties have a say, you seem you be relinquishing yours as a customer and substituting it with Cryptic's. As a customer, I attempt to leverage this business relationship to my advantage, as Cryptic is doing for themselves.


Uh, dude, you realize this is just a computer game, right? Don't get me wrong, this game looks like it's gonna be flippin' sweet and I'm looking forward to it, but it's not "exploitation", "mistreatment", "animal cruelty", or whatever if Cryptic/Atari wants to charge $15/month to play + $5 every time you die (something else to milk players). It'd be a terrible business move, but not some affront to the Constitution.

[AkumaMishima]

already answered that

Regardless of what you want to call it, it doesn't have to be a genocide to be poor form and highly undesirable.

Milking players is essentially what I'm against, if the term exploitation bothers you, substitute that phrase for it. The rest of your interpretation is entirely your own invention.

[Soulcapacitor]

It's a very simple process, when a company assesses that their playerbase is willing to pay for content that was to be included with the subscription fee they gradually increase the amount they require you to purchase, and decrease the amount that comes wth the subscription fee.

Is this something you want or simply do not understand?

If you cant afford to buy something than you go with out, simple. No misunderstanding there. This is a game and point of fact it is not essential to living, there is no mandatory requirment to make anything about it affordable to all.

It's up to Cryptic if and what they put a fee or charge on, at the end of the day it's up to the consumer to decide to purchase or not. More so Subscription Fee does not denote Free Expansion of the game or extras created after purchase. It's usally used to cover the base costs of maintaining large games such as this (Wages, inferstructure Etc etc) but doesnt always cover the cost of creating newer things. More often than not expansions come few and far between with a modest amount of content and/or addition to the game. Usually at moderate expense to the consumer.

Someone mentioned CoH before as an example if i remember correctly. I find that amusing, the booster packs they have almost always have something mildly useful but wont break the game if you dont have it. No one gets an unfair advantage for having any or all of them so there really is'nt, or rather should'nt be, an issue there.

Things like a Name Change, Server Transfer Etc etc are services, optional by nature as you could always re-roll your character or the company could always not charge for these. But bottom line is they are services and, as the term implies, could be used for a fee.

Really, your like the customer that would call up your cable company and tell them you want the latest package with all the newest channels for free cause your already a paying customer. Try that and see how it turns out.

Commerce is fun hey?

[AkumaMishima]

Really, your like the customer that would call up your cable company and tell them you want the latest package with all the newest channels for free cause your already a paying customer. Try that and see how it turns out.

No, we're like the customers who choose to use the forum for one of its purposes, feedback. I have no idea if your Cable company has explicitly stated they want to listen more to their customers via forums, but Roper has. Microtransactions haven't been announced for CO. Regardless, an article pointed out that a microtransaction menu exists (if only for testing purposes). Frankly, rather than leave it to chance, a large portion of the forums has decided to voice their negative opinions about microtransactions so that Cryptic gets the picture.

For an individual who's claims not to understand the concept of using a forum to persuade someone, you seem more than willing to use it to try to block other players from giving their feedback.

[Soulcapacitor]

No, we're like the customers who choose to use the forum for one of its purposes, feedback. I have no idea if your Cable company has explicitly stated they want to listen more to their customers via forums, but Roper has. Microtransactions haven't been announced for CO. Regardless, an article pointed out that a microtransaction menu exists (if only for testing purposes). Frankly, rather than leave it to chance, a large portion of the forums has decided to voice their negative opinions about microtransactions so that Cryptic gets the picture.

For an individual who's claims not to understand the concept of using a forum to persuade someone, you seem more than willing to use it to try to block other players from giving their feedback.

It seems you misunderstand alot of definitions my friend. A Forum is, by definition;

1 a: the marketplace or public place of an ancient Roman city forming the center of judicial and public business
b: a public meeting place for open discussion
c: a medium (as a newspaper or online service) of open discussion or expression of ideas

2: a judicial body or assembly
a: a public meeting or lecture involving audience discussion
b: a program (as on radio or television) involving discussion of a problem usually by several authorities.

And just as the definition describes I am discussing the point, all be it from the afirmative perspective. Short of being a Mod or hacking your account theres not much I can do to block your feedback champ. what I am doing is called debating or discussing the subject. I'm pointing out that you or I dont have any real say in the matter. Either they will or they won't include optional extras. So go right ahead and give your feedback all you want mate cause I'm not able, nor would I try, to stop you from doing so.

I will also illustrate the difference between a Patch Update and an Expansion (however large or small it may be). Paches often are for fixes of broken code etc, which is a given that it is included in you subscription fee. Where as anything added to the game like new costume options and/or content should never carry the expectation of being 'Free' or included in a subscription fee. Its great if they do give it out, heck it creates a great image for the company, but should never be expected.

Me thinks people have this notion embedded in thier heads that the subscription fee means they get 'Free' stuff or anything added to the game will just be available to them. It's most likely going to be the case as thier primary competitor reases new 'Free' expansions regularly but I would not expect it. I would expect to pay for expansions, so if they do hand out new stuff to 'Free' then it's an unexpected bonus.

I also dont mind having these optional extras, so long as its not essential to have them to play the game. Which, in my opinion, is the only crime a developer can do in relation to this issue; Making Pay Transactions that grant the person an unfiar/bias advantage. Beyond that if its just some costume bits and a sometimes useful power? No problems. If its a Service like name changing or server transfers? I would expect a service to have a fee so no problems here either.

[Nemesis46567]

I will also illustrate the difference between a Patch Update and an Expansion (however large or small it may be). Paches often are for fixes of broken code etc, which is a given that it is included in you subscription fee. Where as anything added to the game like new costume options and/or content should never carry the expectation of being 'Free' or included in a subscription fee. Its great if they do give it out, heck it creates a great image for the company, but should never be expected.

How do they expect to compete with WoW, who gives patches and new content for free if instead they charge for new content every patch?

As of 2005, all game patches are EXPECTED to provide ongoing content for free. Its just how MMOs have shaped to give free content.

[Xaimum]

Milking players is essentially what I'm against, if the term exploitation bothers you, substitute that phrase for it. The rest of your interpretation is entirely your own invention.

If you're against something they haven't even done yet, and actually they end up doing it, then speak your peace and don't buy the game. That's about all you can really do. This isn't food or shelter. If they try to scam me with microtransactions, it's not my loss, but theirs, since I won't be paying for them or the game in general.

How do they expect to compete with WoW, who gives patches and new content for free if instead they charge for new content every patch?

As of 2005, all game patches are EXPECTED to provide ongoing content for free. Its just how MMOs have shaped to give free content.

Kinda like how WoW's had two free expansions with the Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King? I always thought the whole "free content" thing was started with CoH and their "Issues".