EA's Stance On Microtransactions

[jarjarloves]

I die lol and get full ammo after I respawn

 

yeah that's what I'm thinking I can't imagine anyone would pay $1 or even $.01 for a reload in a game. It's really not an advantage and a real player knows how to conserve his ammo or at least kill players with out having ammo.

 

You might say well a bad player would do it. Well a bad player won't last long enough to run out of ammo

 

It's a stupid example that has never been implimented in any EA game.

[Freyar]

so you don't rust EA because a company that has nothing to do with ea went Pay to win???

 

yeah i don't think you do understand

 

I don't trust EA because other former-Pay-to-Play models going to Free-to-Play went to the Pay-to-Win model. I don't trust EA because they've said in public their stances on providing those advantages for payment.

 

People can and do pay for these advantages which further pushes the hyper-competitive behavior of PvP players to demanding unreasonable expectations of their character, along with expecting to be able to buy their way into having a mechanical advantage as well.

http://www.battlefieldheroes.com/en/store/hot-deals

Edited August 2, 2012 by Freyar

[Socialist]

Thank you for the new sig.

 

It would be interesting if there was a mass adopt of this sig. Just to see what happens.

[VegaPhone]

Maybe the quote is out of context, and its meant to illustrate that swtor is something that is greatly enjoyable, and people not being able to play it would pay for the content without feeling hassled...

 

Except that analogy seems quite extreme. Better marketing, or maybe more context with the quote other than a link, which people seem to have not read since the OP has influenced several to dance to his tune.

 

edit:

 

After watching the clip, the OP is out of context, and should edit thier OP, or basically they are lying and misleading people.

 

It just goes to show that its so popular to hate on EA that people have easily organized into mobs against EA for the wrong reasons.

 

top two youtube comments:

 

I pirate the **** out of EA and Activision games. Get on my level.

 

 

No idea what gamers are and want. Death to EA

 

With several upvotes. Just goes to show the mentality of these people and also a lack of comprehension and a slight ADD problem. I am not talking about possibly having ADD, i mean they really do have ADD, since they only hear what they want, and base this out of the rehearsed idea that EA is evil and know if they say something anti-EA they will get praised.

 

To all villians of the internet. If you want to be celebrated as a bad person, use EA. You will get 'upvotes'.

 

But to me, these people are sheep, and they failed some beginnings of an Internet joke, or psychology test seeing how people mindlessly organize to suit their needs.

Edited August 2, 2012 by VegaPhone

[Freyar]

Maybe the quote is out of context, and its meant to illustrate that swtor is something that is greatly enjoyable, and people not being able to play it would pay for the content without feeling hassled...

 

Except that analogy seems quite extreme. Better marketing, or maybe more context with the quote other than a link, which people seem to have not read since the OP has influenced several to dance to his tune.

 

I have no doubt that financially SWTOR will do better than it is now moving to a Free-to-Play model, but I'm feeling selfish here. I didn't spend the cash for a CE of SWTOR and pay month-after-month for it to turn into a Free-to-Play game that will fundamentally change the development mindset as they focus entirely on what they can extract from people that stick around.

 

There WILL be power items available for sale on the market over time. It may not be in the first month, maybe not even the first year, but it WILL show up, even if they say they won't do it, they will and they will do their damnedest to deny that they are selling power-items.

[Socialist]

Maybe the quote is out of context, and its meant to illustrate that swtor is something that is greatly enjoyable, and people not being able to play it would pay for the content without feeling hassled...

 

Except that analogy seems quite extreme. Better marketing, or maybe more context with the quote other than a link, which people seem to have not read since the OP has influenced several to dance to his tune.

 

edit:

 

After watching the clip, the OP is out of context, and should edit thier OP, or basically they are lying and misleading people.

 

It just goes to show that its so popular to hate on EA that people have easily organized into mobs against EA for the wrong reasons.

 

 

top two youtube comments:

 

 

 

With several upvotes. Just goes to show the mentality of these people and also a lack of comprehension and a slight ADD problem. I am not talking about possibly having ADD, i mean they really do have ADD, since they only hear what they want, and base this out of the rehearsed idea that EA is evil and know if they say something anti-EA they will get praised.

 

To all villians of the internet. If you want to be celebrated as a bad person, use EA. You will get 'upvotes'.

 

But to me, these people are sheep, and they failed some beginnings of an Internet joke, or psychology test seeing how people mindlessly organize to suit their needs.

 

 

If you start bothering with what the imaginarium of the average joe, you'll have a bad time mate. In occasions like this, just join the dance and bath yourself in the waters of blissful ignorance.

 

Specially in this case, that while their criticism is poor and misleading, they are at least criticizing something. We can only build a future by constantly criticizing everything that is past and present. Hopefully, the 'sheeps' might weight the balance towards change in the gaming industry that becomes increasingly aggressive by the day.

 

Of course, they should be acting with their pockets, not their lousy fingers.

 

But anyway, leave serious thinking for more pressing matters, like 'RL'.

 

Signed: former psychology student and economy student

Edited August 2, 2012 by Socialist

[VegaPhone]

I have no doubt that financially SWTOR will do better than it is now moving to a Free-to-Play model, but I'm feeling selfish here. I didn't spend the cash for a CE of SWTOR and pay month-after-month for it to turn into a Free-to-Play game that will fundamentally change the development mindset as they focus entirely on what they can extract from people that stick around.

 

There WILL be power items available for sale on the market over time. It may not be in the first month, maybe not even the first year, but it WILL show up, even if they say they won't do it, they will and they will do their damnedest to deny that they are selling power-items.

 

They dont need to. Items drop quickly in swtor.

 

They might sell lvl in swtor quicker.

 

And if you got a CE, then you get more CC than other subcribers, so you are getting more of your money that was invested before.

 

The only issue is that pvp gear is still difficult to get, and if people want a short cut to pay for it, then why not. You want to force people to play 500 hours per character in just WZ's to get the top gear? It does not give them an advantage, it only equals out the playing field, and gives swtor more money.

 

I am not naive to not see the possiblities of something bad, but really also not paraniod and pessimitic to the point its doom and gloom. Its based on a logical approach, and if so, we can expect something that is acceptable.

 

There are acceptable RMT models, and we already know that BW has offered free months, and free content with $15.

 

At this point they want more players so at a certain demand from customers they can offer a good supply at a certain rate. Its paying the bills at the end of the day or more lay offs at this point, and they are taking a huge risk and this negative feedback is keeping peoples eye on this, so its a start, but once the facts show something good, then it should only pay off for everyone.

Edited August 2, 2012 by VegaPhone

[Freyar]

And if you got a CE, then you get more CC than other subcribers, so you are getting more of your money that was invested before.

 

There is ZERO value for CC as it's a new made up currency.

 

The only issue is that pvp gear is still difficult to get, and if people want a short cut to pay for it, then why not. You want to force people to play 500 hours per character in just WZ's to get the top gear? It does not give them an advantage, it only equals out the playing field, and gives swtor more money.

 

Because they should be PLAYING the game. Allowing shortcuts (as I said) changes the way the game is balanced in one form or another.

 

I am not naive to not see the possiblities of something bad, but really also not paraniod and pessimitic to the point its doom and gloom. Its based on a logical approach, and if so, we can expect something that is acceptable.

 

There are acceptable RMT models, and we already know that BW has offered free months, and free content with $15.

 

At this point they want more players so at a certain demand from customers they can offer a good supply at a certain rate. Its paying the bills at the end of the day or more lay offs at this point, and they are taking a huge risk and this negative feedback is keeping peoples eye on this, so its a start, but once the facts show something good, then it should only pay off for everyone.

 

We're not going to see a favorable outcome for people that wanted to play a standard MMO. Now that it's going free-to-play, well.. I can't help but wonder if this was planned. Could this be considered a bait-and-switch tactic? Get as much cash as possible, then when the subscriptions drop below one million, switch up the product for something completely different?

 

I've seen many standard MMOs move into Free-to-Play territory. Most generate items that offer mechanical benefits that you must pay for, even if you continue to "subscribe" as a standard user.

Edited August 2, 2012 by Freyar

[Darth-Rammstein]

"When you are six hours into playing Battlefield and you run out of ammo in your clip, and we ask you for a dollar to reload, you're really not very price sensitive at that point in time...We're not gouging, but we're charging."

[Beslley]

I remember all the platitudes that Cryptic Studios gave about how their Cash Store was going to be "nothing but cosmetics and fluff"...

 

Then, they did a test. They took one of the ultimate fan favorite ships (Excelsior) and put it into the shop. And they made it better (tactically) than the in-game Sovereign class.

 

People were hooked, and in-general they overlooked the P2W aspect, because they loved the Excelsior.

 

It went downhill from there, and when the F2P finally hit, every ship going into the store, was better than same-tier in-game ships.

 

The same will happen here. We'll start of with cosmetics and fluff, then they will test us, and see how we react. If the results are favorable, they will open the floodgates, and it'll be all downhill from there.

 

Anyone who doesn't think this will happen is kidding themselves. You can bet your bottom dollar that EA will be making this P2W. This is a dream come true for them. Star Wars fans are going to be nickeled and dimed to death until they leave.

[Cavell]

After watching the clip, the OP is out of context, and should edit thier OP, or basically they are lying and misleading people.

 

What, pray tell, is out of context about it?

[Drudenfusz]

• If Ben Cousins didn't excuse and justify allowing players to buy advantages in PvP and PvE environments through his Paying to Win slideshow released last year, I'd give EA the benefit of the doubt.
  

Interesting to watch... Still SWTOR is not just a shooter and it also have the players with subs you might be alienated by such an approach.

[Freyar]

"When you are six hours into playing Battlefield and you run out of ammo in your clip, and we ask you for a dollar to reload, you're really not very price sensitive at that point in time...We're not gouging, but we're charging."

 

In context, that quote really means that charging for a reload is not right, and that's not what they're doing. They are CHARGING for advantages, but something like that isn't "price sensitive" in the example. Resupplies are possible, utilities to "regenerate" ammo are possible all depending on the game within the context of what he said. Doesn't change the fact that it's still dumb and destroys a game.

[Beslley]

What, pray tell, is out of context about it?

 

Wondering the same thing.

The quote is just as bad in context. EA would love to nickel and dime you, and will at the first opportunity.

 

Mass Effect 3

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

 

I rest my case

Edited August 2, 2012 by Beslley

[jarjarloves]

I don't trust EA because other former-Pay-to-Play models going to Free-to-Play went to the Pay-to-Win model. I don't trust EA because they've said in public their stances on providing those advantages for payment.

 

People can and do pay for these advantages which further pushes the hyper-competitive behavior of PvP players to demanding unreasonable expectations of their character, along with expecting to be able to buy their way into having a mechanical advantage as well.

http://www.battlefieldheroes.com/en/store/hot-deals

 

and what about the companies that made MMOs that AREN"T pay to win like Turbine and Sony?

 

I just realized i am using Sony as an example of good company.

[mightylawngnome]

In context, that quote really means that charging for a reload is not right, and that's not what they're doing. They are CHARGING for advantages, but something like that isn't "price sensitive" in the example. Resupplies are possible, utilities to "regenerate" ammo are possible all depending on the game within the context of what he said. Doesn't change the fact that it's still dumb and destroys a game.

 

Ummm no.

 

Sorry but I think you misunderstood what he was saying. Not that it's impossible I'm wrong but;

 

He's saying that you, as a consumer, six hours into your game, are not price sensitive. Your brain does not throw up any red flags about the purchase. It's why slot machines are the biggest money makers in casinos. Low cost, and fast. Your brain doesn't trigger the same at the amount you losing.

[Tuscad]

Wondering the same thing.

The quote is just as bad in context. EA would love to nickel and dime you, and will at the first opportunity.

 

Mass Effect 3

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

 

I rest my case

 

1 line of code was all that changed from on the disc.

[capitalbel]

HOPEFULLY, if this move actually encourages more people to subscribe to the game AND maintain a fairly steady subscription rate then we'll be okay. I know that if it comes down to me having to pay more than my subscription fee to play certain content/be competitive then I'll happily not be competitive, not play certain content and also not pay anything at all. If I'm guaranteed to lose, I might as well be guaranteed to lose for free.

 

I'm willing to give this a shot. I mean I'd far prefer for it to stay subscription based but seeing as that's not going to happen, I'll stick around and see what happens.

 

This could be a good thing right?

[jarjarloves]

Wondering the same thing.

The quote is just as bad in context. EA would love to nickel and dime you, and will at the first opportunity.

 

Mass Effect 3

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

PROTHEAN DAY 1 DLC ON THE DISK

 

I rest my case

watch and educate yourself

 

http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/mass-effect-3-dlc

 

no really it's worth it

Edited August 2, 2012 by jarjarloves

[Orcron]

Mark my words. In the coming months after the f2p goes live numbers will go up. Those players will level an enjoy a single player type aspect of the game. 6 months later number will drop some. At the one year mark the number will have dropped below the 500k mark.

F2p is going to allow those who like the aspects an ideas of the story to play that part of it an then they will be happy an move on.

[Drudenfusz]

watch and educate yourself

 

http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/mass-effect-3-dlc

 

no really it's worth it

All the Extra Credits episodes are worth it, but I sugguest that BioWare is whatching this one on microtransactions now: http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/microtransactions

[Beslley]

Mark my words. In the coming months after the f2p goes live numbers will go up. Those players will level an enjoy a single player type aspect of the game. 6 months later number will drop some. At the one year mark the number will have dropped below the 500k mark.

F2p is going to allow those who like the aspects an ideas of the story to play that part of it an then they will be happy an move on.

 

Yep.

10char

[Beslley]

watch and educate yourself

 

http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/mass-effect-3-dlc

 

no really it's worth it

 

I'm all for DLC that ADDS new stories to the game

But the Prothean DLC was clearly part of the game that was locked out for extra money

[mightylawngnome]

watch and educate yourself

 

http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/mass-effect-3-dlc

 

no really it's worth it

 

There's a bit of a gaping hole in the logic, and I'd love to be educated about it.

 

If certification, disc production and shipping takes 6-8 weeks, in which a dev team is actively producing new content for DLC, is it implied that that DLC does not require certification? This is even more important a question in regards to on disc DLC. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[mightylawngnome]

HOPEFULLY, if this move actually encourages more people to subscribe to the game AND maintain a fairly steady subscription rate then we'll be okay. I know that if it comes down to me having to pay more than my subscription fee to play certain content/be competitive then I'll happily not be competitive, not play certain content and also not pay anything at all. If I'm guaranteed to lose, I might as well be guaranteed to lose for free.

 

I'm willing to give this a shot. I mean I'd far prefer for it to stay subscription based but seeing as that's not going to happen, I'll stick around and see what happens.

 

This could be a good thing right?

 

It's definitely possible.