An interesting twist to Steam and the FTP format

[Jynxx]

So I was thinking about UO's addition to Steam (whenever that is supposed to happen) and the problems with the monthly sub cost. Sorta like oil and water here, just doesn't mix well.

Then it hit me.


Why not make every shard except Atlantic free-to-play for Steam users? Or instead of alienating just Atlantic, Steam players could only access 4-5 of the least populated shards (whichever ones they are).

If it took off in popularity, it would bring in players needed for these dead shards. Not enough people play them anyway, so maybe allowing them to be played for free would help populate them.

Also, it could have limitations. One or two character limit, no house allowed. Maybe a skill point cap. Limits similar to the 15 day trial accounts, except indefinitely. We want them to keep playing, not quit after 2 weeks.

This could also be used as an opportunity to add more items to the UO Store. Like, pay upgrades for more characters, a house, ect...

And eventually, when a player is vested in the game and wants a full unlimited account (and the ability to transfer to other shards...like Atlantic) they'll switch to a monthly subscription.


Obviously the initial issue would be the current sub players still paying monthly for the right to play on a dead shard (I am one of them) but maybe that trade off is our unlimited access. I certainly wouldn't give up my house or 5-6 of my characters to join the FTP model. I don't think most current players would either.




Suggestions?

 

[morPR]

The code is as old as dirt. And we have no real idea how populace the shards really are. At events, no matter where you are you can be certain of seeing a vast horde of people come out of the woodwork. I have several characters I practiced skills on whose skill gaining tools were nerfed.

 

[SpyderBite]

Housing kills all ideas of segregation.

 

[virtualhabitat]

no

 

[Uvtha]

So I was thinking about UO's addition to Steam (whenever that is supposed to happen) and the problems with the monthly sub cost. Sorta like oil and water here, just doesn't mix well.

Then it hit me.


Why not make every shard except Atlantic free-to-play for Steam users? Or instead of alienating just Atlantic, Steam players could only access 4-5 of the least populated shards (whichever ones they are).

If it took off in popularity, it would bring in players needed for these dead shards. Not enough people play them anyway, so maybe allowing them to be played for free would help populate them.

Also, it could have limitations. One or two character limit, no house allowed. Maybe a skill point cap. Limits similar to the 15 day trial accounts, except indefinitely. We want them to keep playing, not quit after 2 weeks.

This could also be used as an opportunity to add more items to the UO Store. Like, pay upgrades for more characters, a house, ect...

And eventually, when a player is vested in the game and wants a full unlimited account (and the ability to transfer to other shards...like Atlantic) they'll switch to a monthly subscription.


Obviously the initial issue would be the current sub players still paying monthly for the right to play on a dead shard (I am one of them) but maybe that trade off is our unlimited access. I certainly wouldn't give up my house or 5-6 of my characters to join the FTP model. I don't think most current players would either.




Suggestions?

I'm a big supporter of f2p for this game, but not like that. I personally would just have 3 tiers:
1) Free. Absolutely free: No house, no power scrolls, no SoTs, no Alacrity, no BoD's, 1 character limit. Earn another character after 6 months playing, and another after a year. EA ads on loading screen?
2) Basic. $6.99 a month: Same as what we have now, but without the ability to own a house of any kind.
3) Premium. Same price as now: Same as what we have now, but with a bonus of getting monthly rl cash shop credits. Only difference, you can't own a castle or a keep. If you had an account before the sub modle changed you would automatically be flagged able to own a keep or castle, just like you could now.

New item shop with monthly additions of the decorative/character altering type. Dyes, special clothes, special mounts, luck potions, whatever. Lot's of new stuff. Items rotate in and out.

Account upgrades:
Extra character: Up to max of whatever it is now.
Lordship: Account can own castles and keeps (add in several new prefab styles of both).
Once profits improve, hire more people and restart the booster program, have a booster ever 4 months, at the cost of roughly 3x what premium members get in free shop cash a month.

That way everyone plays together in same areas, no one is barred from any potential group hunts, people are not being preyed upon with nickle and dime upgrades, current players will not only see no change in their accounts, but will see an upgrade of free item shop credits every month and free ability to own castles, not to mention the benefit of bustling servers. Players can up subs incrementally for more flexibility...

Anyway, its fun to talk about, but its a moot issue at this point. They have been clear that f2p is not going to happen, and also there are some people, much like the people who hate steam for no good reason and refuse to even think about using it, who wont even entertain the idea in any form. They have just decided it is objectively bad no matter how its set up, period, end of discussion. So, expect this thread to end poorly.

 

[Vor]

I seriously doubt UO has the dev team required to transition to free to play these days.

 

[cazador]

I seriously doubt UO has the dev team required to transition to free to play these days.

If they started small and got the proverbial "asses in the seats" by making Test Center alone FtP it might just spark interest for some of those players to come and join a production shard so their stuff isn't wiped every 3 months or whatever.

I like the idea of basic 6.99 PtP to just play but not have access to housing, and the current model for everything goes. But production shards don't need FTP gold sellers and Bots.(we have enough currently)


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