F2P

[Sevin0oo0]

<not that... this is something different - so Don't Go There!>
...and just to be PERFECTLY CLEAR -> Thread is NOT about Free monthly Subscriptions

Should there be a point where subscriptions receive Free past expansions?
Those that buy early usually receive a free widget as bonus, all well and good.
Those that Have bought, enjoy the product immediately, while others can rightfully not utilize.
I 'think' LBR was done that way, so that new subscribers automatically receive it for free.
Trammel expansion was that way - I don't know if it was a Totally free expansion, but hopefully, you see what I'm talking about.
We get to play them, and Play them for Free (F2P).
How many years should pass before passing the change on to all?
Should it be from publish time, in Years, or additionally, in part, based on continuous subscription length?
I could see 5-7 years after release, unless an expansion has received extensive updating.
As long as it remains a good seller, I certainly can't blame them, or maybe past expansions were just unique?
It allows those that do, the enjoyment benefits of buying early.
Decreased coding aspects, as it keeps more people 'up to speed'

 

[Taylor]

I think they've already done this, actually. When SA released, I think every account was automatically upgraded to Mondain's Legacy, whether or not the expansion had been purchased.

 

[Sauteed Onion]

They did. I think she's wanting a clarification on when things like High Seas Booster/SA itself/the theme packs (probably can see why the theme packs should/could remain on purchase only)/and what determines when these get auto added to an account if they do. Such was not always the case before Stygian Abyss. Up until Stygian, you had to purchase an Age of Shadows account, then get the Samurai Empire and Mondain's Legacy expansions added on if I remember correctly. Somewhere along the way though they all got nicely bundled together for one low yummy price

 

[Sevin0oo0]

Yes. Cars are similar... air-conditioning, cruise, power this and that. First thing i ask now, Does it have a USB connector. what were once 'extras', are simply bundled into a baseline package. an updating of a legacy product. ...and I'm not asking for a fixed time period, just what people thought, and about it's continuance.

 

[Lady Storm]

I had a problem a while back and got to talk to a seinor director of accounts at CS, this was before the merger. My trouble was a old account had not been upgraded in ANY expantion in over 13 years it was on. It missed out on alot of expacs. And due to this a set of characters were stuck. I hadnt noticed the trouble till I needed to use the account. In the conversation I had mentioned that in the past when this occured the powers that be did a auto upgrade for all accounts to a major publish just prior to the one in use. He was kind enough to say that was a great idea it would save his people this hastle ( my troubles was not the first they had had that week, must have been a run on making characters for the holllidays.) Next week we got the upgrade to mondains. But now I see a need like SevinOooO is asking about. If your account is not up on "High Seas" you cant get on the big boats...period unlike the older boats. Or use anything from that xpac unless your account has been upgraded to it. Same for the two theme packs, you need the 2 or no go on alot of things needed. The price of SA is still at opening cost and I have found many of my accounts are missing it so I cant use them for things in that upgrade. But to buy all those ugrades would cost me 3 times what I pay for the monthy charge..... not it my budget sorry EA. Perhaps a bundle of the different upgrades for a slightly lower cost might improve new player experence and let the old salts of uo catch up to the rest. I would also like to see the purchase of the raised beds come to being, uo is really missing out on a good money maker there.

 

[Sevin0oo0]

If your account is not up on "High Seas" you cant get on the big boats...period unlike the older boats.

Nice angle! I can certainly see ship commands and ship items (cannons) disabled, just as equipping non-entitled gear is disabled, but moving and carrying the items Is permitted. Akin to requiring you you to own a legacy ship before boarding one? Broadening a gap between players, the haves and have-nots?
I used to go fishing a lot with friends, guess I'll find something else to do while they're out.
It may have been an oversight, they were plenty busy, or had different outcome expectations.

 

[Woodsman]

For the 15th Anniversary, they should give everybody Stygian Abyss and the High Seas booster.

EVE Online has had I think 15 expansions, and they were free for all subscribers - it helps a lot. Wouldn't mind seeing that in UO - get everybody up to the same level.

 

[Zosimus]

What happened to the mini boosters 2 times a year?

 

[RaDian FlGith]

What happened to the mini boosters 2 times a year?

Lack of available staff, I would suspect.

It does lead you to wonder what is currently in development though since (1) the new player experience has been scrapped, (2) there will be no new expansions this year, and (3) the upgraded art, while in progress, doesn't take a full development team.

But then, I also suspect the development team is small enough at this point that things like the dungeons and such do take an unbelievably long time to develop, and they're doing the best they can with the staff they have.

Here's to hoping that they're hiring in March to May of next year and have room for a world builder with graphic and programming experience. I would honestly love to get my hands on the insides of the game and help bring UO into a new era.

 

[Sevin0oo0]

What happened to the mini boosters 2 times a year?

They found out it's a very Rude version of Free 2 PAY ? That whole scene reminds me of the beach hawkers along Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

If one looks at recently delivered content, or lack of, for the past mths... then the art spoilers, the secrecy, a 15th nearing, the Devs busting butt to the extent they've hired Temps, leads me to think something really BIG is in store for UO's near immediate future. BUT, will it be free 2 play, or free 2 pay? Just the anticipation should generate a few sales, I'd bet. If it's bringing new subs and not even here yet, I'll let 'em keep things secret.