I sent the following message to Mythic via the Herald's Feedback page. I am posting it here in order to help make the issue as visible as possible, to forum readers at Mythic and everywhere else.
Hello Mythic! I hope this finds its way to the right place! I have been unable to communicate this issue effectively to EA Support or your [email protected] address or the forum: New customers are unable to purchase New Account Codes on UO's official UOGamecodes Web site.
Although trial accounts are available (elsewhere), this is a design issue that has (for a long while) prevented UO from obtaining new customers through any initial point of purchase. Digital publishing works; but issues that prevent sales are exacerbated in the absence of boxed publishing.
I understand you're busy working on Stygian Abyss, but I am determined to get this issue to someone who cares. You're doing the best work since Origin and I do not want to see your efforts hindered by a simple purchasing issue.
Mythic, thank you for all your work. I have enjoyed Ultima games since childhood and have recently passed the fun on to my nephew. Merry Christmas and take care.
Note to forum readers: New customers who want to forgo the trial by purchasing the game outright are prevented from doing so. This may not be the most awesome business model (preventing people from buying your product when they want to).
Digital publishers who do not offer a direct point of purchase to new customers end up with fewer customers.
When I could not buy Ultima Online outright, I got on Google and eventually found a way to buy a new account code elsewhere (Markeedragon.com). Sure, I could have taken the trial instead. But why did I have to think about it at all?
If new customers are provided a "Buy Now" button, UO will obtain more customers. This is why other digital publishers provide Buy Now buttons. It is a profitable idea for EA. It is a good idea for customers.
Hello Mythic! I hope this finds its way to the right place! I have been unable to communicate this issue effectively to EA Support or your [email protected] address or the forum: New customers are unable to purchase New Account Codes on UO's official UOGamecodes Web site.
Although trial accounts are available (elsewhere), this is a design issue that has (for a long while) prevented UO from obtaining new customers through any initial point of purchase. Digital publishing works; but issues that prevent sales are exacerbated in the absence of boxed publishing.
I understand you're busy working on Stygian Abyss, but I am determined to get this issue to someone who cares. You're doing the best work since Origin and I do not want to see your efforts hindered by a simple purchasing issue.
Mythic, thank you for all your work. I have enjoyed Ultima games since childhood and have recently passed the fun on to my nephew. Merry Christmas and take care.
Note to forum readers: New customers who want to forgo the trial by purchasing the game outright are prevented from doing so. This may not be the most awesome business model (preventing people from buying your product when they want to).
Digital publishers who do not offer a direct point of purchase to new customers end up with fewer customers.
When I could not buy Ultima Online outright, I got on Google and eventually found a way to buy a new account code elsewhere (Markeedragon.com). Sure, I could have taken the trial instead. But why did I have to think about it at all?
If new customers are provided a "Buy Now" button, UO will obtain more customers. This is why other digital publishers provide Buy Now buttons. It is a profitable idea for EA. It is a good idea for customers.