Secret Microtransactions In Star Trek Online
- Thread starter Greg Tito
- Start date
I can see one paying to be a Ferengi or Orion on Federation, that actually fits in, but a Klingon? Nah, make that possible by starting a klingon member in the klingon faction, then defect. There are already many little things that one can get with microtransactions that would strike as fair, this one leaves me with an ugly taste. Bad form, Cryptic!
Star Trek Online had an interesting opening day. On the game sites I frequent, this is the only single mention of it I found. Stranger still, while I was seeing plenty of adverts for it yesterday, I can find none today. As one who enjoyed Champions Online I am looking forward to this and will likely get it, but this is strange.
Yeah we've been having a similar discussion over at Cryptic's other game Champions Online about how they're wanting to charge us money for a new zone, Vibora bay (If I'm remembering the spelling correctly).
General consensus is that it's bad form. Work the kinks out of the game, get it feeling more "finished" and filled out and then you can charge us more money for new content.
Other problem with that being it's for level 37-40 content which, isn't needed. My main character which is level 40 has roughly 30 missions left over that were left over after I hit the level cap.
Wonder if Bill Roper is the one with all these bright ideas.
General consensus is that it's bad form. Work the kinks out of the game, get it feeling more "finished" and filled out and then you can charge us more money for new content.
Other problem with that being it's for level 37-40 content which, isn't needed. My main character which is level 40 has roughly 30 missions left over that were left over after I hit the level cap.
Wonder if Bill Roper is the one with all these bright ideas.
This is the reason I di not pre-purchase STO. I anticipated Cryptic would introduce RMTs after CO (and given the amount of finacial and legal difficulties Atari is in).
STO will have to excell before I will buy it now.
As far as I am concerned if I pay a sub I expect access to all of the games content (even if I have to 'flag' to get access to that content).
I do not mind paying to avoid the grind, as long as there is still a choice to grind if I want.
BTW Turbine gives 500 TP per month if subed to DDO (but all new content is free to subs).
How much a month does a STO/CO sub get?
STO will have to excell before I will buy it now.
If an MMO does not keep providing new content for me to play, I will stop paying.viciouspen said:
As far as I am concerned if I pay a sub I expect access to all of the games content (even if I have to 'flag' to get access to that content).
I do not mind paying to avoid the grind, as long as there is still a choice to grind if I want.
BTW Turbine gives 500 TP per month if subed to DDO (but all new content is free to subs).
How much a month does a STO/CO sub get?
To be more clear on the matter, in multiple interviews and previews Ferengi were listed among the race options for the Federation, and cross-faction Klingons were said to be made available in some way. It was never stated or implied that these options would have a monetary cost.
Klingons have two required traits, Warrior and Honorable. Ferengi have Natual Immunities and Acute Senses. I don't think Honorable is available for other races, Andorians also have Acute Senses, and I don't know about the others.
Seeing mirco-transaction items for a subscription-based game at launch is galling. With Champions Online Cryptic launched the game with less content than its competitors and they expect to be paid for content additions that their competitors give to their subscribers. Lesson learned: At least as long as they are owned by Atari, whenever Cryptic announces something for their games always assume it to have a cost unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Klingons have two required traits, Warrior and Honorable. Ferengi have Natual Immunities and Acute Senses. I don't think Honorable is available for other races, Andorians also have Acute Senses, and I don't know about the others.
Not many voiced objections, but some did. I certainly felt that a dozen or so separate pre-order bonuses and special offers and two different special editions was rather a bit much. Seeing the more obsessive fans gush on the forums about how many copies they were pre-ordering while closed beta was running was a bit surreal.Greg Tito said:
Seeing mirco-transaction items for a subscription-based game at launch is galling. With Champions Online Cryptic launched the game with less content than its competitors and they expect to be paid for content additions that their competitors give to their subscribers. Lesson learned: At least as long as they are owned by Atari, whenever Cryptic announces something for their games always assume it to have a cost unless explicitly stated otherwise.
As long as there is some way to unlock it thru an in game method. Those who want it NOW can pay the convenience tax. Otherwise i dont mind this idea.
I dont think its much of a suprise considering the sheer number of 'exclusive' items your could of grabbed depending on which version you bought... STO is hemorrhaging special and unique items if your ready to fork out more and more cash.
Wonder when the Enterpise will go up for sale, or Picard avatars ?
To be fair though, this is a relatively new and popular trend with recent and current releases... one look at the Steam store font page will offer a multitude of items for various games depending on which edition you buy.
... used to be a time when you needed to earn the in game items, in the actual game... by playing the game, wierd ainnit ?
Wonder when the Enterpise will go up for sale, or Picard avatars ?
To be fair though, this is a relatively new and popular trend with recent and current releases... one look at the Steam store font page will offer a multitude of items for various games depending on which edition you buy.
... used to be a time when you needed to earn the in game items, in the actual game... by playing the game, wierd ainnit ?
Not shocked to see this after having been in the CO beta.. even back then it seemed obvious this was the sort of thing that they were heading towards, though they vehemently denied it at the time. I still don't think it's right. When you're already charging a subscription fee, charging an extra fee for something purely cosmetic or for something purely optional like a server transfer is one thing, but charging for something like this that actually effects gameplay? That's just bad form and is only going to make people mad.
I also find it funny that the two races are different costs, particularly given that the more popular one is going for more. There's no hiding that this is just a blatant money grab from those already paying for the game.
I also find it funny that the two races are different costs, particularly given that the more popular one is going for more. There's no hiding that this is just a blatant money grab from those already paying for the game.
Dude... the game is 100% playable without micro-transactions. Are you offended that they are offering ways to part with your money? I find the idea amusing...-Pod- said:
Of course, you could spend 19,200 Cryptic Points to play as a Borg...
Yeah and that was kind of the point. There would be no grinding to get to the new zone, just being made to purchase it or not have access to it, which is going over doubly bad as I explained because one, people don't like the idea of being charged for a meek addition of content we in the game largely don't feel is really adding anything to our game, just that either we have to give them money or not play in the new singular zone which is of dubious value.TechNoFear said:
For me I think the thing was that it was the 37-40 content, which, well unless you play the game at that level you cant' understand how much we don't need 37-40 content, because we're already bursting at the seams with it.
Silly Cryptic.
Dont' get me wrong though, I still play way too much Champions, love the game.
See, here's the thing. I believe strongly that people don't know what they want and are tossed about helplessly by their biases. A very minor issue can be blown way out of proportion by people, especially people who think their principles have been violated. Micro-transactions might be the obvious one here, but violence in games might be another that makes a parent shut out all video games and assume every game is going to turn their child into a killer. They can't see the forest of good non-violent games for a few bloody, violent trees.-Pod- said:Regardless i tried it, i felt like the games was rubbish, and this news only validates my decision to cancell my orderedgeofblade said:And im not offended, that word has alittle too much meaning, more like i find it annoying.
In this case, I'm concerned that you are so biased against micro-transactions that you can't objectively evaluate the game anymore. If you really made this decision about STO before hearing this news or seeing the concept of "Cryptic Points" when you were entering your beta key, then fine. But the fact that this very minor detail "reinforced" your decision indicates that the mere annoyance has a large impact on your perception. Why can't you just ignore it and choose not to spend Cryptic Points?
Will then your missing my point entirely and i think that might just be me not explaining myself or how i felt about the STO game itself. I never knew about the micro-transactions when i played the game and i already decided it was a boring and lacking experience. Period. The space combat should be the star of the game, and it is, but only because the ground missions are that bad.edgeofblade said:See, here's the thing. I believe strongly that people don't know what they want and are tossed about helplessly by their biases. A very minor issue can be blown way out of proportion by people, especially people who think their principles have been violated. Micro-transactions might be the obvious one here, but violence in games might be another that makes a parent shut out all video games and assume every game is going to turn their child into a killer. They can't see the forest of good non-violent games for a few bloody, violent trees.-Pod- said:Regardless i tried it, i felt like the games was rubbish, and this news only validates my decision to cancell my orderedgeofblade said:
In this case, I'm concerned that you are so biased against micro-transactions that you can't objectively evaluate the game anymore. If you really made this decision about STO before hearing this news or seeing the concept of "Cryptic Points" when you were entering your beta key, then fine. But the fact that this very minor detail "reinforced" your decision indicates that the mere annoyance has a large impact on your perception. Why can't you just ignore it and choose not to spend Cryptic Points?
Now I had the game pre-ordered, i was excited about it. Played in Beta... didnt like it, but forced myself to play it some more so i really knew that this was all i was going to get. Sadly, I just never enjoyed the game much and therefor cancelled my preorder. So how that had a large impact on my decision is beyond me but maybe you got the esp
Now, hearing about these micro-transactions (which i find annoying because you have already charged for a subscription) and i feel like they are really just trying to push thier user-base to the edge and milking them for more money. I do find it a slap in the face, i think its a bad business model that will push potential players away. Obviously thats true because alot of people have the same feeling as me and dont appreciate being nickled and dimed to death.
Ok. On your merry way, then.-Pod- said:Will then your missing my point entirely and i think that might just be me not explaining myself or how i felt about the STO game itself. I never knew about the micro-transactions when i played the game and i already decided it was a boring and lacking experience. Period. The space combat should be the star of the game, and it is, but only because the ground missions are that bad.edgeofblade said:See, here's the thing. I believe strongly that people don't know what they want and are tossed about helplessly by their biases. A very minor issue can be blown way out of proportion by people, especially people who think their principles have been violated. Micro-transactions might be the obvious one here, but violence in games might be another that makes a parent shut out all video games and assume every game is going to turn their child into a killer. They can't see the forest of good non-violent games for a few bloody, violent trees.-Pod- said:Regardless i tried it, i felt like the games was rubbish, and this news only validates my decision to cancell my orderedgeofblade said:
In this case, I'm concerned that you are so biased against micro-transactions that you can't objectively evaluate the game anymore. If you really made this decision about STO before hearing this news or seeing the concept of "Cryptic Points" when you were entering your beta key, then fine. But the fact that this very minor detail "reinforced" your decision indicates that the mere annoyance has a large impact on your perception. Why can't you just ignore it and choose not to spend Cryptic Points?
Now I had the game pre-ordered, i was excited about it. Played in Beta... didnt like it, but forced myself to play it some more so i really knew that this was all i was going to get. Sadly, I just never enjoyed the game much and therefor cancelled my preorder. So how that had a large impact on my decision is beyond me but maybe you got the esp
Now, hearing about these micro-transactions (which i find annoying because you have already charged for a subscription) and i feel like they are really just trying to push thier user-base to the edge and milking them for more money. I do find it a slap in the face, i think its a bad business model that will push potential players away. Obviously thats true because alot of people have the same feeling as me and dont appreciate being nickled and dimed to death.
But, what I still don't get is why people get "annoyed" at something that is 100% optional and why a company looking to open a new revenue stream is automatically evil, face-slapping, and greedy. All you have to do is say "no" to the micro-transaction. The only one who nickle and dimes you to death is you.
I dont know if i am allowed to reply seeing as you sent me on my merry way but i'll go ahead and awnser your question.edgeofblade said:Ok. On your merry way, then.-Pod- said:Will then your missing my point entirely and i think that might just be me not explaining myself or how i felt about the STO game itself. I never knew about the micro-transactions when i played the game and i already decided it was a boring and lacking experience. Period. The space combat should be the star of the game, and it is, but only because the ground missions are that bad.edgeofblade said:See, here's the thing. I believe strongly that people don't know what they want and are tossed about helplessly by their biases. A very minor issue can be blown way out of proportion by people, especially people who think their principles have been violated. Micro-transactions might be the obvious one here, but violence in games might be another that makes a parent shut out all video games and assume every game is going to turn their child into a killer. They can't see the forest of good non-violent games for a few bloody, violent trees.-Pod- said:Regardless i tried it, i felt like the games was rubbish, and this news only validates my decision to cancell my orderedgeofblade said:
In this case, I'm concerned that you are so biased against micro-transactions that you can't objectively evaluate the game anymore. If you really made this decision about STO before hearing this news or seeing the concept of "Cryptic Points" when you were entering your beta key, then fine. But the fact that this very minor detail "reinforced" your decision indicates that the mere annoyance has a large impact on your perception. Why can't you just ignore it and choose not to spend Cryptic Points?
Now I had the game pre-ordered, i was excited about it. Played in Beta... didnt like it, but forced myself to play it some more so i really knew that this was all i was going to get. Sadly, I just never enjoyed the game much and therefor cancelled my preorder. So how that had a large impact on my decision is beyond me but maybe you got the esp
Now, hearing about these micro-transactions (which i find annoying because you have already charged for a subscription) and i feel like they are really just trying to push thier user-base to the edge and milking them for more money. I do find it a slap in the face, i think its a bad business model that will push potential players away. Obviously thats true because alot of people have the same feeling as me and dont appreciate being nickled and dimed to death.
But, what I still don't get is why people get "annoyed" at something that is 100% optional and why a company looking to open a new revenue stream is automatically evil, face-slapping, and greedy. All you have to do is say "no" to the micro-transaction. The only one who nickle and dimes you to death is you.
You just bought a house. Now you've got a mortgage that you pay on every month. You're happy because you've got this nice house even though you have to pay a monthly fee... will now the bank comes out and says "you can't use your back door unless you pay a nominal fee"... ok will i'd really like to use that backdoor so i guess i have to... But wait in order to use your backyard for bbq's you've got to buy that first... to use your basement you gotta pay for that.
Sure you dont neeeed that backdoor, or the basement, or to have a bbq but you want it, and the bank knows you want it and they know they can make more money off of you by doing this.
By the way, "the only one who nickles and dimes you to death it you" i just get the feeling you've never had to pay for anything in your life. Maybe you just never had to call your phone company up and argue some bs charges, or your credit card for raising your apr on a card that they arent supposed to be able to. This is exactly like that. I pay my phone bill for my service and im getting charged for something that should and was apart of my plan.
I work for a corporation, it's not even a big one but i'll tell you the only thing that matters around here "maximising profits." The very nature of business is fueled by greed and what can i get out of this, how much money can this make me. Cryptic is no different and they're proving it by trying to charge you for as much crap as possible.
Then again maybe everyone who simply finds it unacceptable to be paying a monthly fee and then being charged for content that should be covered in that are just little whiny bitches like you seem to think.
Actually here's the way I see microtransactions in comparison to your analogy. You buy the house and are paying a montly mortgage... all is good. Now you have FULL funtion of your house, because microtransactions shouldn't affect gameplay directly, and if they do should be obtainable through gameplay as well... so you have your basement and your backdoor (unless you didn't buy a house with a back door, and then you just walk around!).
So... what are microtransactions then... well you wanted a BLUE living room.. time to paint the walls... oh wait, the cost of paint isn't included in my mortgage payments, seriously!!!! Well fine... at least I get that BBQ in my back yard... oh wait, I have to buy my own grill too, well then what IS included in my mortgage payment!!! COME ON!!!!! Hey, that guy has a jacuzzi in his bathroom, I only have a bathtub.... you mean I have to PAY to get that, too!! WTH...
That is what I hear when I see people complain about microtransactions.
Just my take on it
So... what are microtransactions then... well you wanted a BLUE living room.. time to paint the walls... oh wait, the cost of paint isn't included in my mortgage payments, seriously!!!! Well fine... at least I get that BBQ in my back yard... oh wait, I have to buy my own grill too, well then what IS included in my mortgage payment!!! COME ON!!!!! Hey, that guy has a jacuzzi in his bathroom, I only have a bathtub.... you mean I have to PAY to get that, too!! WTH...
That is what I hear when I see people complain about microtransactions.
Just my take on it