A Major Announcement!

[Allereli]

Simu does 'free to play' very poorly.

it hasn't even come out yet. When I talked about being marketed to new players, it is because these limitations are ridiculous to current/former players, because we've been playing for years with all of those aspects of the game they are going to limit, but try wiping your memory for a moment and coming in fresh with no baggage. I know it is difficult to imagine, but it hasn't even been given a chance to go live. I for one am happy they are taking steps to prevent abuse.

Give it some time (after it goes live), they said they will adjust if needed.

I'm not saying it will work out, but FFS it's not even live.

[Tgo01]

try wiping your memory for a moment and coming in fresh with no baggage. I know it is difficult to imagine, but it hasn't even been given a chance to go live. I for one am happy they are taking steps to prevent abuse.

I have imagined going back in time and a lot of this stuff is just crazy. The society not so much because it took me forever to find out about those but everyone and their grandmother is aware of them now. Guilds wouldn't have bothered me because when I first started playing there were no guilds. Mostly it's the experience and silver restrictions that get me, that would have severely limited my amount of enjoyment, that and casting buffs on other players.


they said they will adjust if needed.

haha

[Aluvius]

Can someone post a TL:DR summary of the important points?

People complain that they want a free to play option.

Company implements free to play option that of course still requires them to bring in revenue because capitalism.

People complain that the free to play option does not mean just playing the game for free with no restrictions.

Just like every other time ever.

The end.

[Wrathbringer]

I have imagined going back in time and a lot of this stuff is just crazy. The society not so much because it took me forever to find out about those but everyone and their grandmother is aware of them now. Guilds wouldn't have bothered me because when I first started playing there were no guilds. Mostly it's the experience and silver restrictions that get me, that would have severely limited my amount of enjoyment, that and casting buffs on other players.



haha

Supposedly this is for new players, but there are restrictions on db items. Don't know any newbs with those.

[Taernath]

No, once you become basic (or you're already basic) there is no turning back.

The fact that you give up everything you've done if you switch tiers either way really bugs me. Can you imagine starting over if you went from Prime to Premium? It takes a lot of incentive out of really getting into the game when there's no continuity.

[Tgo01]

People complain that they want a free to play option.

I think this is the part where people get confused; people complained they wanted a free to play option to get more people into the game, whether that was old players returning or totally new people. People didn't expect the free option to apply to them.

People are just wondering why Simu decided to make free accounts totally suck. Restrictions are fine but they really had to limit people to carrying 5k while in combat, making silver weigh twice as much and making it so people could only pick their own boxes?

[Wrathbringer]

The fact that you give up everything you've done if you switch tiers either way really bugs me. Can you imagine starting over if you went from Prime to Premium? It takes a lot of incentive out of really getting into the game when there's no continuity.

You can't keep your free account char/items if you decide to go basic?

[Androidpk]

You can't keep your free account char/items if you decide to go basic?

If you like your free account you can keep it.

[Taernath]

You can't keep your free account char/items if you decide to go basic?

Actually the wiki says "Once an account is upgraded to a monthly paying subscription (standard or premium), it cannot be reverted back." so maybe you can, but there are no sources to that claim.

[JackWhisper]

If you like your free account you can keep it.

7274

[Kithus]

The fact that you give up everything you've done if you switch tiers either way really bugs me. Can you imagine starting over if you went from Prime to Premium? It takes a lot of incentive out of really getting into the game when there's no continuity.

You don't have to give up your progress if you upgrade from F2P to basic. You just can't ever go back.

[JackWhisper]

Actually the wiki says "Once an account is upgraded to a monthly paying subscription (standard or premium), it cannot be reverted back." so maybe you can, but there are no sources to that claim.

You can't go from Basic to Free. You can upgrade your account from Free to Basic, and everything turns into Basic. Your character, the items, blabla all that.

Your character goes nowhere. But you can't revert to Free once you establish a Basic account.

[JackWhisper]

You don't have to give up your progress if you upgrade from F2P to basic. You just can't ever go back.

This. And stuff.

[Allereli]

Supposedly this is for new players, but there are restrictions on db items. Don't know any newbs with those.

it is marketed to new players, but anybody can open a free account: new, current, or returning.

[Astray]

What happens if a guy/gal goes through buying all those passes through out a year and says, "I want to upgrade"? What happens to all the passes that were in play? Do they just evaporate and the person doesn't get a refund or credit? I'm curious now.

[Gelston]

What happens if a guy/gal goes through buying all those passes through out a year and says, "I want to upgrade"? What happens to all the passe that were in play? Do they just evaporate and the person doesn't get a refund or credit? I'm curious now.

I doubt you'd get a refund or a credit. Just be smart with your money.

[Warriorbird]

What happens if a guy/gal goes through buying all those passes through out a year and says, "I want to upgrade"? What happens to all the passe that were in play? Do they just evaporate and the person doesn't get a refund or credit? I'm curious now.

Seems likely.

[Allereli]

What happens if a guy/gal goes through buying all those passes through out a year and says, "I want to upgrade"? What happens to all the passe that were in play? Do they just evaporate and the person doesn't get a refund or credit? I'm curious now.

better to ask on the officials, but simucoin store purchased items always manifest as a physical item you can pass to someone else. so I imagine if they have extra they can try to sell to someone who plans to remain f2p

[Astray]

better to ask on the officials, but simucoin store purchased items always manifest as a physical item you can pass to someone else. so I imagine if they have extra they can try to sell to someone who plans to remain f2p

From what I'd wager based on the Booster talk, these items are likely going to be Instant use. I can't imagine Simu would let people stockpile items like this.

[Allereli]

From what I'd wager based on the Booster talk, these items are likely going to be Instant use. I can't imagine Simu would let people stockpile items like this.

why wouldn't they? they don't benefit anymore than what a basic account already receives. I'm talking about the items that are 30 day duration. for the permanent items that one would only buy once, I don't think there will be any refunds nor do I see why there should be.

[Tgo01]

better to ask on the officials, but simucoin store purchased items always manifest as a physical item you can pass to someone else. so I imagine if they have extra they can try to sell to someone who plans to remain f2p

I could have sworn Solomon already stated f2p SimiCoin items are non transferable.

[Buckwheet]

why wouldn't they? they don't benefit anymore than what a basic account already receives. I'm talking about the items that are 30 day duration. for the permanent items that one would only buy once, I don't think there will be any refunds nor do I see why there should be.

Because of $1000 simucoin purchases!

[JackWhisper]

Because of $1000 simucoin purchases!

Speaking of that. Did Fleurs ragequit yet?

And what happens if a F2P account gets one of those badass 200lb boxes that everyone wishes has some awesome item but it's like 150k and a brick?

Can they be given NOTES? What if a rogue locks a 25mil silver note in a box and they pick it up off the ground. Do they not get to pick it up? Interesting..

[Astray]

You need the Heavy Box pass!

You need the Note passing pass!

[Atlanteax]

"Guys, tell your friends GS4 is going free*! *Some harsh restrictions apply."

"harsh" is an understatement ...

Why not be lenient to start and then more heavily restrict *IF* (rampant) abuse of certain game-play is found?

[Astray]

"harsh" is an understatement ...

Why not be lenient to start and then more heavily restrict *IF* (rampant) abuse of certain game-play is found?

I've asked the same question. But after learning that Simu cancelled boosters for no reason beyond 'certain people disliked it' I know nothing about their business plans.

[Androidpk]

*You've gone demonic because you didn't buy a deed pass!*

[Kithus]

And what happens if a F2P account gets one of those badass 200lb boxes that everyone wishes has some awesome item but it's like 150k and a brick?

Can they be given NOTES? What if a rogue locks a 25mil silver note in a box and they pick it up off the ground. Do they not get to pick it up? Interesting..

We have been told they cannot carry more than 5,000 silver in combat but it does not sound like they have any silver restriction out of combat. We have no clue how that restriction is going to be put into place. I imagine these problems will be addressed though. Then again without a treasure booster I doubt they'll be finding 200 lb coin boxes.



"harsh" is an understatement ...

Why not be lenient to start and then more heavily restrict *IF* (rampant) abuse of certain game-play is found?

The amount of complaining people are doing about the restrictions that prevent them from making a F2P buffbot probably pale in comparison to the amount of rage that would be spewed if they had allowed F2P buffbots to become a thing and then took it away.

[Atlanteax]

(grey rep) Because everyone would downgrade their accounts then Simu would have no revenue and close?

Lenient F2P accounts will transition to subscribed accounts if players *enjoy* the game (enough).

The real $$$ is in Paid-events. SIMU (usually) discounts ticket prices for Premium ... they could go one step further and discount for 'Regular' too.

F2P account => 'Regular' for *increased benefits* (w/o having to microtrans) => Premium for even more built-in benefits

[caelric]

Speaking of that. Did Fleurs ragequit again?



Fixed that for ya

[Androidpk]

She Tgo'd.

[Astray]

Lenient F2P accounts will transition to subscribed accounts if players *enjoy* the game (enough).

The real $$$ is in Paid-events. SIMU (usually) discounts ticket prices for Premium ... they could go one step further and discount for 'Regular' too.

F2P account => 'Regular' for *increased benefits* (w/o having to microtrans) => Premium for even more built-in benefits

I got a rep similar to that. Someone is just really dim or are trying too hard to troll.

[Warriorbird]

Free to play is most successfully sustainable when it isn't too gimped. You can make an entire economy off cosmetic purchases. Simu already basically does this.

[Androidpk]

Free to play is most successfully sustainable when it isn't too gimped. You can make an entire economy off cosmetic purchases. Simu already basically does this.

They should sell GALD scrolls in the Simu store.

[Astray]

Boosters are also a hot item but I think I've kicked that corpse long enough.

[Tgo01]

Free to play is most successfully sustainable when it isn't too gimped. You can make an entire economy off cosmetic purchases. Simu already basically does this.

Yeah that's how I kinda thought they were gonna do f2p, similar to how LoL does it.

I think LoL and HoN are pretty good examples of this; both games are essentially the same game (same concept at least) one was completely free from the outset but with extras you could purchase for real money, the other cost money from the outset just to play.

One of these games has hundred of thousands of people playing it all over the world, some pros at the game can literally make a living just playing the game, and the game usually has around 100k+ people watching others play it on Twitch.

The other game has maybe ~1000 people watching others play it on Twitch and is basically a dead game.

I wonder which is which...

[Tgo01]

She Tgo'd.

She became the most awesome person ever? Awesome.

[Warriorbird]

Yeah that's how I kinda thought they were gonna do f2p, similar to how LoL does it.

I think LoL and HoN are pretty good examples of this; both games are essentially the same game (same concept at least) one was completely free from the outset but with extras you could purchase for real money, the other cost money from the outset just to play.

One of these games has hundred of thousands of people playing it all over the world, some pros at the game can literally make a living just playing the game, and the game usually has around 100k+ people watching others play it on Twitch.

The other game has maybe ~1000 people watching others play it on Twitch and is basically a dead game.

I wonder which is which...

Pretty much exactly this.

[Buckwheet]

They should sell GALD scrolls in the Simu store.

I suggested this along with making the item character bound/attuned like the silk cloaks with the spiders. This allows people to alter a really cool stat cloak into something using cash, but just know you will never be able to give it away.

This would also work for ranger grooming and a whole host of other "services" like maybe wing alteration for the winged elves. $10-20 feature alterations.

But I digress. Essentially let people buy the old school job tickets, a certain amount per month so the GM's/QC don't get overloaded, and everything is cosmetic or not significantly mechanically beneficial.

[Androidpk]

I suggested this along with making the item character bound/attuned like the silk cloaks with the spiders. This allows people to alter a really cool stat cloak into something using cash, but just know you will never be able to give it away.

This would also work for ranger grooming and a whole host of other "services" like maybe wing alteration for the winged elves. $10-20 feature alterations.

But I digress. Essentially let people buy the old school job tickets, a certain amount per month so the GM's/QC don't get overloaded, and everything is cosmetic or not significantly mechanically beneficial.

I like this, especially binding the item to the character.

[SashaFierce]

Yeah that's how I kinda thought they were gonna do f2p, similar to how LoL does it.

I think LoL and HoN are pretty good examples of this; both games are essentially the same game (same concept at least) one was completely free from the outset but with extras you could purchase for real money, the other cost money from the outset just to play.

One of these games has hundred of thousands of people playing it all over the world, some pros at the game can literally make a living just playing the game, and the game usually has around 100k+ people watching others play it on Twitch.

The other game has maybe ~1000 people watching others play it on Twitch and is basically a dead game.

I wonder which is which...


I read an article that said LoL was quickly approaching a billion dollar company. It surprised me considering I've played it for free, and enjoyed it for free for a long time now, without feeling like I'm missing out on anything.

I haven't played GS4 for several years now, when I saw the announcement about a F2P option, I was shocked at first because I never thought it would happen. However, after seeing all the details and the restrictions put in place, I don't really have any interest in coming back. It appears you're going to have to pay for every possible thing they could think of and that just feels like greed to me. In my opinion, they didn't consider how enjoyable the F2P option would be, or what you would be missing out on, they only considered what they could charge people for.

[Tgo01]

In my opinion, they didn't consider how enjoyable the F2P option would be, or what you would be missing out on, they only considered what they could charge people for.

That pretty much sums it up right there, very well put. Simu didn't approach the f2p model from "How can we make it fun and exciting for a beginner while also encouraging them to want more?" they approached it from "How can we milk every possible dime from the beginner and encourage them to want to give us even more of their money?"

[Taernath]

Free to play is most successfully sustainable when it isn't too gimped. You can make an entire economy off cosmetic purchases. Simu already basically does this.

I really like the way Guild Wars 2 handles things. Initial purchase, then free from then on with cosmetics and some minor boosts available in the shop. I've had it installed since launch and play it every once in a while, but I don't feel forced to play it to justify my purchase. It's always there.

[Tenlaar]

In my opinion, they didn't consider how enjoyable the F2P option would be, or what you would be missing out on, they only considered what they could charge people for.

Absolutely.

It also seems foolish to me that they are focusing this on bringing in completely new people instead of all the people who have played at some point in the last 25 years.

[Warriorbird]

I really like the way Guild Wars 2 handles things. Initial purchase, then free from then on with cosmetics and some minor boosts available in the shop. I've had it installed since launch and play it every once in a while, but I don't feel forced to play it to justify my purchase. It's always there.

Guild Wars 2 does an excellent job too. I've even looked at getting their expansion.

[Tgo01]

It also seems foolish to me that they are focusing this on bringing in completely new people instead of all the people who have played at some point in the last 25 years.

I would say those people never really cared about GS.

-- Solomon

[Androidpk]

So.. again, how do they intend on bringing in new players? Are they going to advertise? Reach out to game websites/blogs?

[Astray]

So.. again, how do they intend on bringing in new players? Are they going to advertise? Reach out to game websites/blogs?

I don't know about you but I don't expect them to do much more than Tweet about it and throw the info up on their Facebook.

[Tenlaar]

So.. again, how do they intend on bringing in new players? Are they going to advertise? Reach out to game websites/blogs?

They're going to expect the player base to do everything except run the servers, like they always do.

[Tgo01]

So.. again, how do they intend on bringing in new players? Are they going to advertise? Reach out to game websites/blogs?

Reddit.

I don't think Simu quite grasps that just because you post on a popular website doesn't mean all of those people are going to be interested in your product. If it was that easy then every product would instantly be a hit once they posted about it on Reddit.


They're going to expect the player base to do everything except run the servers, like they always do.

I guess I can't totally blame them; it's worked pretty well thus far. Remember that whole celebrity tweet thing? And Solomon scoffed at the idea that Simutronics should pony up any money to help the cause.

[Taernath]

Reddit.

I don't think Simu quite grasps that just because you post on a popular website doesn't mean all of those people are going to be interested in your product. If it was that easy then every product would instantly be a hit once they posted about it on Reddit.

That f2p announcement was the most activity that sub's seen in several months. 10 posts in 2 days! It's standing room only over there.

[Tgo01]

That f2p announcement was the most activity that sub's seen in several months. 10 posts in 2 days! It's standing room only over there.

To be fair the one I found has 82 posts in 2 days.

http://www.reddit.com/r/MUD/comments/2xv4jk/gemstone_iv_to_offer_f2p_subscriptions/

Although I really do question if the original poster of that thread, anastus, is a GM.


A game near and dear to my own heart, the venerable GemStone IV announced immediate plans to start offering free-to-play subscriptions for new accounts:

http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/GemStone%20IV%20Announcements/Important%20Announcements/view/2057

This excites me bigtime. As far as I'm aware, GS4 is the oldest continuously running MUD, and it's one of the few with a regular paid staff. The biggest concern I've heard from friends interested in joining has been the subscription fee.

It sounds like the free subscription will be fully-featured, meaning that you can travel freely, for the most part, and engage in GS's colorful roleplaying community. I know GS4 and DragonRealms have both been mentioned on /r/MUD before, so I figured I'd let you guys know!

Here is someone's question:


Can you explain why I'd want to pay for a MUD with so many good choices available? This is new to me... every MUD I've enjoyed has been free.

And the response from anastus really made me do a "WTF?" double take:


I guess the positive part of GS, now, is that you don't have to.

But the reason why I've paid for a subscription for years: since the game has over 50 full time staff members, the quality, depth, and frequency of interactions is greater, and development moves along at a much quicker chop than you'd normally get from a MUD.

I've also never had as many great roleplaying experiences in a MUD as I have with GS, and that's the top thing for me.

GS is simply the largest thing out there and it's got a level of professionalism that you probably won't find in a completely free MUD.

Since it's been in continuous operation since 1988, it's obviously had quite a bit of time to grow. Your mileage may vary, but those are my reasons.

ETA: Also Izawwlgood is obviously a GM as well.

[Astray]

development moves along at a much quicker chop than you'd normally get from a MUD

I got a genuine kick out of this.

[Tgo01]

Oh man! That thread is pure gold.


When 1/3rd the population of your subscription MMO is paid devs, I'd call that insane. Is new content being delivered hourly or something?

I laughed.


There are right now 290 players in game - i doubt even ~50% of them are dualboxing.

What the fuck is this guy smoking?

I'm now beginning to wonder if that Izawwlgood guy is actually being paid by Simu to promote their games? :/


Simultronics games have extremely high production value. I think there's definitely a niche for MUDs curated by a handful of dedicated players, but Simultronics products are top notch games with decades of balance and content and lore and development. They're of a quality you simply won't find in most MUDs out there.

I've checked many many other free MUDs, and honestly, none of them can begin to approach Simu games. There's something fun about the homebrew atmosphere of other games, but they all lack the polish.

At first when I saw him put Simultronics I thought it was just a typo but he types it every time. Usually someone who has been playing GS or DR long enough knows the name of the company is Simutronics. Granted you would think someone paid to promote the game would know also but I didn't say he was a good plant.

[Warriorbird]

50 Full Time staff members. Hmm.

[Tenlaar]

and it's one of the few with a regular paid staff.

Like there's anything regular about how GS staff is paid.

[Astray]

I'm fucking amazed at the sheer gall on that promotion. That person screams GM to me.

[Taernath]

To be fair the one I found has 82 posts in 2 days.


Ah, I thought we were talking about /r/GemstoneIV

The responses really sound like marketing posts.

I thought this one was interesting though:

The mechanical limits are obviously pretty gentle, and none of them have anything to do with roleplaying, which is still the primary focal point of the game. GemStone IV is not, and has never been, a competitive RPG. None of the mechanical restrictions infringe in any way upon that primary focus of the game.

Except for societies, houses, guilds and inter-character casting.


50 Full Time staff members. Hmm.

Janitors count, right? Gotta keep adding those bullet points.

[Latrinsorm]

That pretty much sums it up right there, very well put. Simu didn't approach the f2p model from "How can we make it fun and exciting for a beginner while also encouraging them to want more?" they approached it from "How can we milk every possible dime from the beginner and encourage them to want to give us even more of their money?"Not that you carry a grudge or anything...

[Tgo01]

Oh I found the one Taenath was referring to:

http://www.reddit.com/r/GemstoneIV/comments/2xv82r/gemstone_ivs_major_announcement_freetoplay/

Which, by the way, is also from anastus :p


Amazing news out of the world of Elanthia tonight and I'm super excited. Solomon announced that GS4 (and DR, but who cares about that when you've got GS4 around!?) is going to be offering a free-to-play subscription level.

http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/GemStone%20IV%20Announcements/Important%20Announcements/view/2057

No level cap, some restrictions, but the important thing is that people can create new accounts and come enjoy GS. Now, it doesn't look like the ability to convert to a free-to-play account is in the cards for existing accounts, but hopefully this brings in some new blood and helps revitalize the game.

Call me a fanboy, but I've been dancing around to the crummy old Wizard Front End opening music since I read this.

[Astray]

some restrictions

Some? C'mon, don't undersell it! Give 'em the whole gory details! You'll see how well they respond to the list of goddamn restrictions.

[Tgo01]

Jesus Christ that anastus person:


That's correct. I think their big problem was that there's a huge potential for abuse if the jump between F2P and basic and back could be done at any time. We'll see how it develops, though.


I mean, $15 is either one lunch or one month of entertainment. It's a tradeoff I've always been willing to take.

But I draw the line at classifying GS as just a MUD. It's far and above the most complex and best-developed game of its type, largely due to its pedigree and long existence. Maybe come back new and fresh as a F2P account. Just a suggestion.

Also this post:


It's funny, I was just thinking of deactivating my subscription. Haven't played in probably 2 years, but it's been active for 15 years now, so I figured you never know.

I honestly wonder if this is the only reason Simu is even still in business. I've heard many people say shit like this over the years. And I'm not just talking basic accounts, I've heard people say they pay for 2 premium accounts every month and have been for years but haven't played the game in over a year.

[Androidpk]

.

Janitors count, right? Gotta keep adding those bullet points.

Fire extinguishers count double.

[Tgo01]

Does anyone besides Latrin really not think this anastus person is a GM?


Not so many of the old faces around, but there's always a new cast. The Cross Into Shadows event last year was an absolutely ginormous role-playing extravaganza, so it brought some new faces to the fore.


There was a changeover in food items quite some time ago, so if it's not of the right type it possibly won't work with the new foods. However, POUR [wine] IN [flask] should work. If not, you may be able to ASSIST to get your flask fixed.

If it's one of the stoppered ones, I think the verb to get it open is actually OPEN.


I feel like if you're joining a roleplay-heavy game like GemStone, leveling up is really not the point, so I'm not sure how the slower exp would be problematic for anyone.

How'd you arrive at that number? It sounds way low. And no, GMs are generally not counted in any in-game censuses.


Any specific problems? These all sound like pretty general criticisms.

Come on! Sound like a player who is excited about GS. You're trying too hard.

My God, it's like a train wreck, I have to keep looking!

http://www.reddit.com/r/GemstoneIV/comments/2sjnw2/trial_promo/

[Astray]

The most hollow attempt ever. I'm actually a little annoyed at the responses.

[Tenlaar]

I know some of you have concerns with trolling. But I don't think we're going to see this traffic of usual MMORPG troll come our way. I think the honest, brand new player is actually going to be quite healthy for the game, both for a thriving player community and for the direction we've been heading in general.

I haven't been paying too much attention to the officials, has anybody actually asked them where they think these new players are going to come from?

[Warriorbird]

I haven't been paying too much attention to the officials, has anybody actually asked them where they think these new players are going to come from?

From the total lack of advertising and properly coordinated social media effort, obviously.

[Tgo01]

I haven't been paying too much attention to the officials, has anybody actually asked them where they think these new players are going to come from?

http://www.reddit.com/r/GemstoneIV/comments/2sjnw2/trial_promo/

[Warriorbird]

A little research can show us where this came from:


[–]NorthAve 1 point 1 month ago
you should probably cross post this to /r/muds

GSIV-Wyrom[S] 3 points 1 month ago
We actually had, and it was removed. We're still trying to find out why!

[–]NorthAve 1 point 1 month ago
probably because you are self advertising.

[Taernath]

[–]Izawwlgood 1 point 21 hours ago
They will make a ton of money - it'll bring in additional people, and existing players will set up free accounts they'll eventually microtrans on, such as xp and logout drain passes.

What's a logout drain pass? And if you're already a subscriber, why would you want to start a f2p account?

*edit* from this post:
http://www.reddit.com/r/dragonrealms/comments/2xv9ur/free_to_play_model/


Solomon just announced about 2 hours ago that there will be a free to play model for Dragonrealms and Gemstone. ITT we speculate on how Simutronics will make money. I'll start by assuming that Hero's Journey is about to be released.

[Tgo01]

What's a logout drain pass?

I told you the dude is a GM! He knows about stuff that hasn't even been mentioned yet.

Unless it's some sort of item for DR, I haven't checked out how their f2p works.


And if you're already a subscriber, why would you want to start a f2p account?

Because it's free!

[Taernath]

I told you the dude is a GM! He knows about stuff that hasn't even been mentioned yet.

Unless it's some sort of item for DR, I haven't checked out how their f2p works.

Oh yeah, no doubt in my mind Izawwwlgood is a GM or some sort of staff. A couple others from that thread, too. Nobody uses terms like "high production values" and "full time staff professionalism" to describe a game, let alone a MUD.




Because it's free!

I mean like, I have a subscription for $15 and I want to make a new character. Would I pay the extra $2 monthly fee (again: this fee is stupid) to get them in a subscription account, or would I create a heavily restricted free account and navigate the Byzantine pass/booster system which will in all likelihood be more expensive than just subscribing?

[Astray]

And if you're already a subscriber, why would you want to start a f2p account?


If you're already signed up, there is no benefit from having a f2p.

[Androidpk]

Simu has a full time staff???

[JackWhisper]

"full time staff professionalism"

Obviously they've never run into Vanah when the bitch doesn't like you for some imagined slight.

[Taernath]

Simu has a full time staff???

Supposedly 50 of them. It's a cybercrime division specifically for people like Tgo.


Obviously they've never run into Vanah when the bitch doesn't like you for some imagined slight.

... and Jack.

In reality they are probably including the night janitor and the people who worked on that flying dragon game.

[JackWhisper]

In reality they are probably including the night janitor and the people who worked on that flying dragon game.

LOL Dragons of Elanthia. So baws!

[Tgo01]

Supposedly 50 of them. It's a cybercrime division specifically for people like Tgo.

:O


In reality they are probably including the night janitor and the people who worked on that flying dragon game.

Speaking of which, wasn't that game gonna be f2p where there were no limitations on game play and instead there was gonna be microtransactions to unlock new riders and dragons and abilities and shit? Y'know, like f2p usually works...

[Taernath]

Speaking of which, wasn't that game gonna be f2p where there were no limitations on game play and instead there was gonna be microtransactions to unlock new riders and dragons and abilities and shit? Y'know, like f2p usually works...

Whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy. GS isn't 'Murrica, that's too free. That's the reason it failed. Simu is not making that mistake again. Pay 2 Pretend 2 Play 4 Free is the new model (P2P2P4F)

[Buckwheet]

Obviously they've never run into Vanah when the bitch doesn't like you for some imagined slight.

Whats the issue with Vanah? She was always nice and fair with me. I consider her one of the good ones.

[SHAFT]

Whats the issue with Vanah? She was always nice and fair with me. I consider her one of the good ones.

You're one of the good ones, you sweet man.

[Thondalar]

and he was a total asshole.

I never really hung out with him much, but all the interactions I did have with him were...eh...I dunno. Can't really say too much bad about him in general, other than the incredible amount of whining. He was a douchebag sometimes but hell, so am I...can't really fault him on that...although I'm generally a douchebag to people who do and/or say stupid shit, and he seemed to be more of a general douchebag...but whatever. I'm sure his friends liked him.

My main issue with him, and a lot of the other super-way-past cap (yes, I know there wasn't a cap, but you know what I'm saying) people was that it was hard to be a locksmith back then. It's really why myself and Mxenna and fuck me, mind went blank...dude that was always at the Silvergate Inn courtyard...and the other actual locksmiths went out of our way to build a clientele away from the East Tower, even though most of us still hung out there anyway.

[Thondalar]

Whats the issue with Vanah? She was always nice and fair with me. I consider her one of the good ones.

Tbh I haven't had a direct problem with a GM since Andraste.

To be fair, though, I haven't done any of the stupid shit I used to do that made GMs dislike me, either. I'm all reformed now and stuff. Having contact with them on a regular basis because of my Paupers position probably helps too.

[Androidpk]

I never had any problems with Drizzsdt other than him trying to kill me with warrior guild tackle reps.

[Astray]

I went around various forums asking if people would play the game for free with these restrictions. I'll post some screen caps later on of some of the responses.

[Parkbandit]

I never had any problems with Drizzsdt other than him trying to guild me with warrior guild tackle reps.

Me either.

[Androidpk]

Kill me that is, not guild me.

[Apotheosis]

I guess it will be interesting to see what the cost breakdowns to remove some/all of the restrictions are.. it might make it less expensive than a sub. in the long run.. (depending on the life of simu).

[Fortybox]

It's not about F2P or advertising or whatever. Simu has a management problem and until they get rid of the trash that runs this game it's going to be the same thing over and over again. You all are wasting your time.

[kookiegod]

All of the coding adding in all these restrictions is boggling my mind. I will be curious how it works out, but all that work could have gone to player mail (due 2007), EL-Review (same), some new hunting areas post cap. Lets not forget player homes.

Oh, the experience drain ticket is a DR thing, you log off and all your exp drains instantly when you log back in.

I wish them well as I have a lot of friends there. I wish Wyrom the best, heck I sent Solomon a birthday card, I don't hold any animosity. Not worth my time being upset with my life so good at this point.

Marketing it will be key and reddeit isn't advertising, you'd have to know what your looking for. FB ads would be a good idea but I never even saw one for Dragons of Elanthia.

[Fallen]

All of the coding adding in all these restrictions is boggling my mind. I will be curious how it works out, but all that work could have gone to player mail (due 2007), EL-Review (same), some new hunting areas post cap. Lets not forget player homes.

I thought about this too. Glad to hear it isn't easier than it looks.


Marketing it will be key and reddeit isn't advertising, you'd have to know what your looking for. FB ads would be a good idea but I never even saw one for Dragons of Elanthia.

They should do a Kickstarter for Gemstone. At certain amounts they'd implement certain goals. People would pledge.

[Tgo01]

At certain amounts they'd implement certain goals. People would pledge.

I don't know about that. I mean it sounds good in theory but everyone who has ever played GS knows how slowly stuff is implemented. You would be donating money in the off chance your goal would be implemented in less than 5 years.

[Androidpk]

They should do a Kickstarter for Gemstone. At certain amounts they'd implement certain goals. People would pledge.

Gemstone V!

[Astray]

Kickstarter doesn't sound great, given the immense lack of development that goes on. Would you trust them to have a Kickstarter goal about development based on their track record?

[Latrinsorm]

I'm sure I've said it before, but the way to go with Simutronics is Patreon, not Kickstarter.

Kickstarter works by you giving money for the promise of action. This is in no way a change from Simu's current MO, and so we should not expect it to change anything.

Patreons works by you promising to give money when action occurs. Monks not released yet? No money. Player mail still in QC? No money. Project released? Okay, now Simu gets money.

Kickstarter is best applied to areas with high start up costs and low recurrence, like making a video game. Patreon is best applied to areas with low start up costs and high recurrence, like updating a video game.

[Astray]

Patreon also takes a HUGE chunk of money. If you get something like $1,200 a month, you'll get close to $300 after Patreon deducts their fee.

[Tgo01]

Kickstarter is best applied to areas with high start up costs and low recurrence, like making a video game.

Of if you need 200k to advertise your dragon game.

[Tgo01]

My goodness this Izawwlgood dude. He made another post on the Reddit MUD forum about Dragon Realms going f2p:

http://www.reddit.com/r/MUD/comments/2y5ovh/dragonrealms_also_going_f2p/


Details here, with sign up available this weekend or early next week!

Come check out the expansive realm of Elanthia, with a deep combat engine, tons of spells, great class diversity, heaps of monsters, an active and large player base, and dedicated, responsive, involved GMs! Freemium for the win!

Could these GMs at least attempt to sound like a fan trying to hype the game they enjoy? It just so obviously comes across as someone who works for the company trying to sell the game.

I also like this response from harlon:


I've been waiting 5+ years for DR to go F2P so that the likely boost in population warrants returning. These caveats are so overwhelming that calling the new account type "F2P" shows a gross misunderstanding by Simutronics of what F2P is and how it could benefit the game. Disappointing.

And then this response from Izawwlgood:


You think? They seem pretty reasonable efforts to prevent mules to me. I suppose it's not actually F2P, but freemium. But lots of f2p games that offer freemium services do it exactly like Simu just did. Take a look at Rift, as a great example.

In fact all of Izawwlgood's posts in that thread are good for a laugh:


You're still getting a significant amount of the game, so, I disagree that they've decentivized F2P. If you enjoy the game, you can choose to pay to unlock additional parts of it. The unlocks are supposedly very affordable individually.

Lets be clear too - you aren't restricted in what you can wear, you're restricted in how much of a packrat you can be.

XP restriction kicks in after ~100 ranks. You can buy unlocks on this restriction.

You are restricted where you can go, being restricted to a single province of five. Everything one would 'need' is to be found in Zoluren.

You're limited in what skills, though those skills are high end, or related to circumventing F2P restrictions. This is to prevent people from creating autobots or mules.

I'm not sure how you feel your roleplay is limited, can you clarify?

Basically, F2P is in place to give new players a chance to test the game and see if it's to their liking. If it isn't, they don't have to pay for the experience. If it is, they can pay to unlock more of the game. That is extraordinarily reasonable to me, and how I started playing a number of MMOs.



It's to prevent mules/bots. The same reason casting Resurrection and Shadow Servant is blocked. Traders are also blocked because there are limited trade tables available.

It's free, try another class! DR has some impressive class diversity - I have 8 characters, and rotate through them pretty frequently!



I personally really like Empaths, so agree it's kind of a bummer, but I think preventing people from creating autohealbots is a good thing. When did you last play? The games changed pretty significantly over the last handful of years!

Here he is trying to imply that playing Dragon Realms is really an investment because if you ever decide to quit you can sell your character and get your money back:


I don't disagree with you at all - DR is the highest gaming expense I've signed on for, and if I didn't love the game and play like I do, I'd absolutely not think it worth the money. But it's definitely my most expensive gaming habit right now, and I would consider myself a gamer.

FWIW, characters often sell for over 1,000$.

[Androidpk]

Anyone know why they stopped the 30 day trial accounts that didn't require a credit card?

[Astray]

Man... that guy is a goddamn GM if I ever saw one.

[Wrathbringer]

Anyone know why they stopped the 30 day trial accounts that didn't require a credit card?

Tgo complained.

[Androidpk]

Tgo complained.

:lol:

[Latrinsorm]

Patreon also takes a HUGE chunk of money. If you get something like $1,200 a month, you'll get close to $300 after Patreon deducts their fee.They say they take 5%, and various credit card fees account for another 5%ish, and I haven't seen anyone dispute that. If they really took as much as you say it's hard to imagine any artist staying with them, and I personally support an artist who's been with them for months.

[Tgo01]

They say they take 5%, and various credit card fees account for another 5%ish, and I haven't seen anyone dispute that. If they really took as much as you say it's hard to imagine any artist staying with them, and I personally support an artist who's been with them for months.

Are the artist's initials KG by any chance?

[Astray]

It's disputed. That's all I really have to say.

That aside, I don't see Simu willingly giving money up to a third party for literally doing nothing. Not to mention foregoing possible revenue for development? We're still waiting on a list from the early 2000's.

[Latrinsorm]

It's disputed. That's all I really have to say.Like I said, I participate on the site for an unnamed artist who is the most beautiful soul in the world and has great hair, so if you've got info that my money's going into Jack's pockets instead I'd really like to hear more.
That aside, I don't see Simu willingly giving money up to a third party for literally doing nothing. Not to mention foregoing possible revenue for development? We're still waiting on a list from the early 2000's.It's 90% of something vs. 100% of nothing, though. Ideally, yes, you would set up a system where people give money directly to you per work, but for various reasons that's not feasible. Right now a release is not monetized for Simu unless it's a pay event. Plus, Simu could make it policy that the GMs involved in whatever release (design and QC) get a share of the patronage, incentivizing better and more timely work.

Simu has plenty of problems, but they'd have to be willfully destroying the game for Patreon to not be appealing to them, and I don't think that's likely. 30% chance, tops.

[Astray]

Like I said, I participate on the site for an unnamed artist who is the most beautiful soul in the world and has great hair, so if you've got info that my money's going into Jack's pockets instead I'd really like to hear more.

Is it you? ARE YOU CHEATING THE SYSTEM SOMEHOW?!

[subzero]

And then this response from Izawwlgood:

"You think? They seem pretty reasonable efforts to prevent mules to me. I suppose it's not actually F2P, but freemium. But lots of f2p games that offer freemium services do it exactly like Simu just did. Take a look at Rift, as a great example."


I could be wrong since I bought Rift before it went F2P, but as far as I'm aware, there is no exp reduction or currency cap. You don't need a pass to join a guild/house, learn professions, cast spells, receive spells, have a locker, or any of the other stupid shit Simu is doing. Sounds like that dude is on crack if he thinks they're remotely comparable.

[Astray]

I could be wrong since I bought Rift before it went F2P, but as far as I'm aware, there is no exp reduction or currency cap. You don't need a pass to join a guild/house, learn professions, cast spells, receive spells, have a locker, or any of the other stupid shit Simu is doing. Sounds like that dude is on crack if he thinks they're remotely comparable.

Gotta be a GM.

[Androidpk]

Izalude or however it's spelled.

[Tgo01]

Izalude or however it's spelled.

Is there really a GM with that name? That would be hilarious.

[Androidpk]

Is there really a GM with that name? That would be hilarious.

I thought there was. I might be thinking of a player.

[Geijon Khyree]

Izalude was a player. That reddit name is more like It's all good.

[Gelston]

I thought there was. I might be thinking of a player.

Izalude is a player. He even posts on here.

[JackWhisper]

What is the fucking website address *like PC* where Dragonrealms characters sell for over a thousand dollars commonly?! I wanna see this...

[Androidpk]

What is the fucking website address *like PC* where Dragonrealms characters sell for over a thousand dollars commonly?! I wanna see this...

Smelly cat I'm guessing.

[Tgo01]

Smelly cat I'm guessing.

Not for over a thousand dollars they aren't.

[Androidpk]

Not for over a thousand dollars they aren't.

I wouldn't know. I played DR once like 10+ years ago and rage quit within 10 minutes.

[waywardgs]

What is the fucking website address *like PC* where Dragonrealms characters sell for over a thousand dollars commonly?! I wanna see this...

Yeah, there's smelly cat, but that place blows. And I don't think anyone is selling thousand dollar characters. In fact, I just checked, their forums aren't even up anymore looks like.

[JackWhisper]

That website is retarded, and the forums are down. Lame.

[waywardgs]

That website is retarded, and the forums are down. Lame.

They suck because they didn't have a Kranar.

[Androidpk]

They suck because they didn't have a Kranar.

Or an Anticor.

[JackWhisper]

Or an Anticor.

Or a TGO to create a groundbreaking roleplay script.

[SashaFierce]

Most DR sales are done through yahoo groups.

[waywardgs]

It's actually kind of astounding to me that they don't have their own half-decent dedicated forum like the PC. It's a bigger crowd. Or hell, use the PC...

[Tgo01]

It's actually kind of astounding to me that they don't have their own half-decent dedicated forum like the PC. It's a bigger crowd. Or hell, use the PC...

I've seen a couple of people say that the Smelly Cat forum was even more vicious than the PC, like it was just one big troll/flame fest.

I found it hard to believe that a forum could be more vicious than us. Glad to see that forum is closed now and we have regained our title!

[Fallen]

I think it's weird that DR doesn't have an unofficial boards. They have a larger population than GS. Someone should make one.

[waywardgs]

I think it's weird that DR doesn't have an unofficial boards. They have a larger population than GS. Someone should make one.

I'm down with them coming here. If they're as feisty as Tgo says, it'll be fun!

[JackWhisper]

They'd just end up being whiny bitches and DDoS the site. Like Candor.

[Ashliana]

Active online for MUDs - Daily average
#1 - Aardwolf - 298 last 30 days.
#2 - Dragonrealms - 252 last 30 days.
#3 - Gemstone IV - 160 last 30 days.
#4 - Achea - 143 last 30 days.
#5 - New Worlds: Ateeran - 114 in last 30 days
#6 - Alter Aeon - 79 in last 30 days
#7 - Materia Magica - 72 in last 30 days

Has Prime really gotten that bad? How depressing. No wonder they're finally starting to consider other options. Jesus.

[JackWhisper]

Has Prime really gotten that bad? How depressing. No wonder they're finally starting to consider other options. Jesus.

When the cocaine river begins to dry up, people like Whatley panic!

[Tgo01]

Has Prime really gotten that bad? How depressing. No wonder they're finally starting to consider other options. Jesus.

It is kind of sad. People keep saying the population has been pretty stable the past few years but honestly I just don't see it. I remember back in 2006/2007 prime time numbers would still hit 700 sometimes. When I was playing a few weeks ago I would often see 70 people logged in, and that was including my 7 characters.

[Astray]

Has Prime really gotten that bad? How depressing. No wonder they're finally starting to consider other options. Jesus.

I would post some screenshots of the 'would you play this MUD for free if it came with these restrictions' topics elsewhere but many of them are flat out "No" responses.

[Gnome Rage]

The last time I tried to play, I was in the Nations and I pretty much only saw the same group of people going together (which was clearly one person with a bunch of characters).

It was sad.

[JackWhisper]

The last time I tried to play, I was in the Nations and I pretty much only saw the same group of people going together (which was clearly one person with a bunch of characters).

It was sad.

I think it's more sad that you admit to playing in the Nations.

Fucking hate that place. Even OTF is annoying since Sabreon's MA crew doesn't make it swarm anymore. =P

[JackWhisper]

In all this, even with a lower population, we will see more people try the game out and play because it's free. It'll be a small improvement, but improve it will. Small steps. We can only hope.

[Donquix]

It is kind of sad. People keep saying the population has been pretty stable the past few years but honestly I just don't see it. I remember back in 2006/2007 prime time numbers would still hit 700 sometimes. When I was playing a few weeks ago I would often see 70 people logged in, and that was including my 7 characters.

most definitely not stable.

http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?87260-some-demographics&p=1746600#post1746600

[Astray]

I think it's more sad that you admit to playing in the Nations.

Fucking hate that place. Even OTF is annoying since Sabreon's MA crew doesn't make it swarm anymore. =P

I like the Nations. Some good RPers around there. (When they are around...)

[Gnome Rage]

I think it was really frustrating because I wanted to roleplay much more than I was ever interested in leveling, but those who had the skillz were exclusive Q.Q. I didn't get to join the clubz. The low population means that it felt really cliquish to me, which I think is a barrier to new players.

[Tgo01]

most definitely not stable.

http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?87260-some-demographics&p=1746600#post1746600

Speaking of which, we demand February's numbers :p

[Androidpk]

I think it was really frustrating because I wanted to roleplay much more than I was ever interested in leveling, but those who had the skillz were exclusive Q.Q. I didn't get to join the clubz. The low population means that it felt really cliquish to me, which I think is a barrier to new players.

You gotta stop giggling and bouncing.

[JackWhisper]

I think it was really frustrating because I wanted to roleplay much more than I was ever interested in leveling, but those who had the skillz were exclusive Q.Q. I didn't get to join the clubz. The low population means that it felt really cliquish to me, which I think is a barrier to new players.

Landing is where to go for that. People are very stupid in Landing, but they do RP, and it's nice. They aren't elitist, for the most part.

[JackWhisper]

You gotta stop giggling and bouncing.

Dude. Only empaths do that. And now it requires a bounce pass and a giggle pass to do so!

[ZeP]

Shimmering violet orbs aren't a thing anymore, due to the hardworking efforts of a certain individual who shall not be named. :(

No, we'll explore that further and the individual will be named. What is the story there?

[Tgo01]

No, we'll explore that further and the individual will be named. What is the story there?

http://cos.h-cdn.co/14/33/1407797279-116.gif

[JackWhisper]

http://cos.h-cdn.co/14/33/1407797279-116.gif

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Tgo01 again.

[ZeP]

Jack you should have whispered to him, that was a public response :(

[Allereli]

F2P is now live.

http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/GemStone%20IV%20Announcements/Important%20Announcements/view/2064

[Astray]

F2P is now live.

http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/GemStone%20IV%20Announcements/Important%20Announcements/view/2064

So it begins. Here's to hoping it succeeds and limits are gradually eroded!

[Tgo01]

F2P is now live.

http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/GemStone%20IV%20Announcements/Important%20Announcements/view/2064

Yup, they did away with the 30 day free trial. I knew it. Are the Lands flooded yet?

[Androidpk]

No need for the trial when they have this.

[Taernath]

IDS HABBENING!!!!!



Active Players: 180

[Tgo01]

I wanna run a character to afk script 24/7 just to see how bad the experience rate is past level 10. Plus, y'know, to be the first person to reach level 100 on a free account.

[Taernath]

Active Players: 181

!!!

[Allereli]

I wanna run a character to afk script 24/7 just to see how bad the experience rate is past level 10. Plus, y'know, to be the first person to reach level 100 on a free account.

that would not be quitting.

[Tgo01]

The web client actually looks pretty cool. Don't think I've ever used it before.


Active Players: 181

That's me ;)

[Tgo01]

that would not be quitting.

Your face.

[Androidpk]

!!!

http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/490/435/111.gif

[Tgo01]

Man this game sucks without lich and all my scripts :(


Because your account is free, you do not have access to changing your title. To purchase a Title Change Pass, please visit the SimuCoins Store.

haha

[Taernath]

The web client actually looks pretty cool. Don't think I've ever used it before.



That's me ;)

You can't log in through Stormfront or whatever you used before?

[Astray]

Has anyone checked the prices of the Passes?

[Taernath]

Active Players: 171


SHIT ABORT ABORT

[Tgo01]

You can't log in through Stormfront or whatever you used before?

I can, just wanted to check out the web client.

[Tgo01]

Has anyone checked the prices of the Passes?

I think Simu forgot to update the SimuCoin store because this is the only free item thus far:

https://store.play.net/store/purchase/GS?utf8=%E2%9C%93&filter=FREE+TO+PLAY

The 15 minute magic pass.

[Roblar]

I thought that too, but then figured it was because I am looking from a sub account (and that item is designed to benefit subs).

Trying checking from the F2P account's Simustore offerings, because those items aren't available to sub accounts.

[Tgo01]

I thought that too, but then figured it was because I am looking from a sub account (and that item is designed to benefit subs).

Trying checking from the F2P account's Simustore offerings, because those items aren't available to sub accounts.

Good point, I wasn't logged in at all when I checked.

[LivderaDeralleur]

Great - now some of my friends have more of an excuse to sign up and try this out now that F2P is live.

Only sucky bit is the fact if I want to try to hunt with them, etc., by rolling up a new character is that I'll soon outstrip them level-wise due to the exp-nerf on the F2P accounts.

I should try to see if I can convince some other blind people to play besides me, though I have to wonder if any would stick around with the extra hoops we're required to go through to even sign in. I played before, so I had the extra incentive to make it work.

[Tgo01]

Adventurer's Guild Boost (30 days) 300
Adventurer's Guild Boost (3 hours) 30
Adventurer's Guild Boost (90 days) 850
Bank Account Cap Increase 100
Bank Account Transfer 100
Basic Locker Access (30 days) 200
Bronze Gear Pass (30 days) 300
Bronze Gear Pass (90 days) 750
Familiar Gate (Spell 930) Reset 5
Foraging Pass (30 days) 200
Foraging Pass (3 hours) 20
"Gift of Lumnis" Token 400
Gold Gear Pass (30 days) 500
Gold Gear Pass (90 days) 1350
Greater Experience Pass (3 hours) 40
Healing Pass (30 days) 400
Healing Pass (3 hours) 75
Initial Elemental Attunement 175
Lesser Experience Pass (3 hours) 20
Locate Person (Spell 116) Reset 5
Loresinging Pass (One Item) 10
Magic Spell Pass (Casting) (15 minutes) 10
Magic Spell Pass (Receiving) (15 minutes) 10
Mass Attack Spell Reset 5
Personal Inventory Upgrade (30 days) 200
Personal Inventory Upgrade (3 hours) 20
Personal Inventory Upgrade (90 days) 575
Planar Shift (Spell 740) Reset 5
Profile Quote Pass 95
Resurrection Pass (30 days) 495
Silver Gear Pass (30 days) 400
Silver Gear Pass (90 days) 1050
Society Advancement Pass (30 days) 250
Spirit Guide (Spell 130) Reset 5
Title Change Pass 250
Transference (Spell 225) Reset 5
Traveler's Song (Spell 1020) Reset 5
Treasure Boost (30 days) 450
Treasure Boost (3 hours) 15
Treasure Cap Reset 10
Vision (Spell 1217) Reset 5
Whispering Willow (Spell 605) Reset 5

[Androidpk]

Great - now some of my friends have more of an excuse to sign up and try this out now that F2P is live.

Only sucky bit is the fact if I want to try to hunt with them, etc., by rolling up a new character is that I'll soon outstrip them level-wise due to the exp-nerf on the F2P accounts.

I should try to see if I can convince some other blind people to play besides me, though I have to wonder if any would stick around with the extra hoops we're required to go through to even sign in. I played before, so I had the extra incentive to make it work.

How do blind people play a text game?

[Latrinsorm]

How do blind people play a text game?Welcome to Obama's Elanthia.

[Androidpk]

Welcome to Obama's Elanthia.

Yes we can!

[Astray]

Simu coins are 100 = 1 USD, right? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Tgo01]

Simu coins are 100 = 1 USD, right? Correct me if I'm wrong.

I think so.

[Tgo01]

Holy shit it's been forever since I've done this without go2 or narost.

For the life of me I can't remember how to go further down the well in Icemule. I climbed in the well then went down and I could have sworn you're supposed to type either "go branch" or "climb branch" to go further down. Am I wrong here?

And this particular map isn't loading on the Wiki.

ETA: Duh. Someone just came by, it's a limb not a branch.

[Androidpk]

I guess my only complaint on those items is you can only buy the experience pass in 3 hour increments.

[Tgo01]

I guess my only complaint on those items is you can only buy the experience pass in 3 hour increments.

You're right, I didn't even notice that. If someone plays 3 hours a day that's 12 dollars a month just to buy a pass every day.

Also who is Gorragh? I know it's someone from here with another free account. Don't deny it.

[Donquix]

How do blind people play a text game?

a text based game is you know...pretty much all they can play. I work with 2-3 people who are sys admins that are blind. They work out of a text-based console using text to speech, which reads at ridiculously fast speeds, but you get used to it. They're perfectly capable of easily digesting way more information then your average GS screen scroll, even for relatively busy events (i.e. RPA whoring at events)

and back to the topic at hand....

Locate Person (Spell 116) Reset 5
Vision (Spell 1217) Reset 5

lol.

[Tgo01]

and back to the topic at hand....

Locate Person (Spell 116) Reset 5
Vision (Spell 1217) Reset 5

lol.

Simu is quite literally nickle and diming people now

[Taernath]

On the plus side, we can start charging people IRL for the in game services we provide now that we have an exchange rate.

[Astray]

90 day 'Gold Equipment Pass' or w/e is $13.50

lolnothx

[Androidpk]

On the plus side, we can start charging people IRL for the in game services we provide now that we have an exchange rate.

Set up a player run bank and locker service.

[Tgo01]

On the plus side, we can start charging people IRL for the in game services we provide now that we have an exchange rate.

Taernath! You're a genius!

/rushes to open up his accounts


90 day 'Gold Equipment Pass' or w/e is $13.50

lolnothx

I'm still shocked they allow free accounts to wear up to 5x gear without a pass because I thought it would be a major money maker for them to limit people to 0x or 1x. Now looking at the experience boosters lasting a whole 3 hours I see they expect to get most of their money from those.

[Androidpk]

Taernath! You're a genius!

/rushes to open up his accounts



I'm still shocked they allow free accounts to wear up to 5x gear without a pass because I thought it would be a major money maker for them to limit people to 0x or 1x. Now looking at the experience boosters lasting a whole 3 hours I see they expect to get most of their money from those.

Seems like by limiting that pass to 3 hours they are ensuring no one can have an effective long term character without forking over money.

[Tgo01]

I really wanna level this character now. I'm just dying to see how badly the experience modifiers are. It's gotta be pretty drastic considering their push towards the experience boosters.

But man I can really feel the lack of a Lumnis :/

[LivderaDeralleur]

a text based game is you know...pretty much all they can play. I work with 2-3 people who are sys admins that are blind. They work out of a text-based console using text to speech, which reads at ridiculously fast speeds, but you get used to it. They're perfectly capable of easily digesting way more information then your average GS screen scroll, even for relatively busy events (i.e. RPA whoring at events)

and back to the topic at hand....

Locate Person (Spell 116) Reset 5
Vision (Spell 1217) Reset 5

lol.
... what they said.

I have a text-to-speech synthesizer that reads out the game input.

It would be more surprising for a blind user to be playing a graphical game like WOW than a text-based game like GSIV - as said, we can only play text-based games.

And on a side-note: I can barely handle high-screen scroll at merchant events. It's hard to respond to things and keep up with the scrolling input (either the screen reader program reads what you're typing or it reads the output - it can't do both.)

Anyhow - still hoping I can get some friends to try the F2P accounts even if the restrictions are WTF.

[Taernath]

Set up a player run bank and locker service.

"Let's see... fogging to rescue you and back will cost 10 cents. Would you like a heal or resurrection on top of that? Taernath's Full Service Ambulance is happy to provide both to you at the low cost of 75 cents for healing, or $1 for resurrection!"

[Androidpk]

... what they said.

I have a text-to-speech synthesizer that reads out the game input.

It would be more surprising for a blind user to be playing a graphical game like WOW than a text-based game like GSIV - as said, we can only play text-based games.

And on a side-note: I can barely handle high-screen scroll at merchant events. It's hard to respond to things and keep up with the scrolling input (either the screen reader program reads what you're typing or it reads the input - it can't do both.)

Anyhow - still hoping I can get some friends to try the F2P accounts even if the restrictions are WTF.

Yeah I can imagine merchant events would be very hectic for you. Glad you can still play though. How blind are you?

[Tgo01]

"Let's see... fogging to rescue you and back will cost 10 cents. Would you like a heal or resurrection on top of that? Taernath's Full Service Ambulance is happy to provide both to you at the low cost of 75 cents for healing, or $1 for resurrection!"

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Taernath again.

[Androidpk]

"Let's see... fogging to rescue you and back will cost 10 cents. Would you like a heal or resurrection on top of that? Taernath's Full Service Ambulance is happy to provide both to you at the low cost of 75 cents for healing, or $1 for resurrection!"

Kaedra has a monopoly on that market!

[Latrinsorm]

Player run banking is a very smart idea, btw.

[Tgo01]

Kind of depressing sitting here in Icemule TC. Been here for 20 minutes and no one has said a word. I blame Latrin.

[Gnome Rage]

GUYS. I CANT THINK OF A NAME.

ALSO GIVE ME STUFF.

I miss my lockers

[Tgo01]

GUYS. I CANT THINK OF A NAME.

Just use one of the names the game comes up with like I did.

Fear the mighty Trewkelaoff!

[waywardgs]

Hey, I just told you my sprite would kill you. Then the game booted me.

[waywardgs]

The web front end blows chunks, by the way. Wow.

[Tgo01]

Hey, I just told you my sprite would kill you. Then the game booted me.

lmao

I figured that was another person from on here. I was about to post that the only other person roleplaying with me is another free account then he left :p


The web front end blows chunks, by the way. Wow.

I kind of like it. Well I like the look of it, the functionality is kind of ick.

[Latrinsorm]

GUYS. I CANT THINK OF A NAME.

ALSO GIVE ME STUFF.

I miss my lockersName your character after your cat, so she can live forever.

[SHAFT]

... what they said.

I have a text-to-speech synthesizer that reads out the game input.

It would be more surprising for a blind user to be playing a graphical game like WOW than a text-based game like GSIV - as said, we can only play text-based games.

And on a side-note: I can barely handle high-screen scroll at merchant events. It's hard to respond to things and keep up with the scrolling input (either the screen reader program reads what you're typing or it reads the output - it can't do both.)

Anyhow - still hoping I can get some friends to try the F2P accounts even if the restrictions are WTF.

That's awesome.

[Gnome Rage]

Do you have to use the web front end?!


Name your character after your cat, so she can live forever.

That was my first thought.

[Androidpk]

GUYS. I CANT THINK OF A NAME.

ALSO GIVE ME STUFF.

I miss my lockers

Turtlelatronica.

[Tgo01]

Do you have to use the web front end?!

I don't think so. I just didn't feel like logging on from Stormfront or Wizard.

[Androidpk]

Is the web front end still neon purple and pink?

[Androidpk]

I don't think so. I just didn't feel like logging on from Stormfront or Wizard.

You need a wizard or stormfront pass.

[Tgo01]

Is the web front end still neon purple and pink?

That might be the Java front end or whatever. This one is mostly blue.

[waywardgs]

lmao

I figured that was another person from on here. I was about to post that the only other person roleplaying with me is another free account then he left :p



I kind of like it. Well I like the look of it, the functionality is kind of ick.

It's slower than molasses. I guess it kind of reminds me of when I used to play in high school with thousands of other people.

[Tgo01]

It's slower than molasses. I guess it kind of reminds me of when I used to play in high school with thousands of other people.

You're right, it is slow and clunky, I just noticed how slowly it moves between rooms.

[Gnome Rage]

UUUGH

NAMES ARE SO FREAKING HARRRRRD

[Astray]

UUUGH

NAMES ARE SO FREAKING HARRRRRD

GNOEGAR

Edit: Y'know. That sounds pretty goddamn racist.

[Androidpk]

They need to add a confirmation check to the name part or at least tell you if a name is available or not before you select it.

[Gnome Rage]

They need to add a confirmation check to the name part or at least tell you if a name is available or not before you select it.

Well, thats how I ended up with Emblyn.

[Archigeek]

You need a name pass to pick your own.

I think they've really overdone the restrictions. I am having a hard time seeing how this would be fun to anyone. I bet there are constant pop up messages: "with a silver equipment pass you could pick up that weapon you just found!". Blech.

I had hopes that we'd see an uptick in players. I don't think this is going to do it, but here's nothing that says adjustments can't be made that will still make F2P a success. If a handful of returning players is all we get out of this, I have a hard time seeing it as anything more than a styptic pen on a cut that really needs stitches. If adjustments can be made and this brings in a new player base, I'd be really happy.

[Donquix]

... what they said.

I have a text-to-speech synthesizer that reads out the game input.

It would be more surprising for a blind user to be playing a graphical game like WOW than a text-based game like GSIV - as said, we can only play text-based games.

And on a side-note: I can barely handle high-screen scroll at merchant events. It's hard to respond to things and keep up with the scrolling input (either the screen reader program reads what you're typing or it reads the output - it can't do both.)

Anyhow - still hoping I can get some friends to try the F2P accounts even if the restrictions are WTF.

It's impressive as hell.

The first time I found out about one of the coworkers, we were in the same are of the building working late. He took his headphones out and switched to the external speakers and i just heard it going off reading loglines. "I was like god damn it, one of my coworkers is possessed and speaking in tongues. Not this shit again."

[Tgo01]

You need a name pass to pick your own.

I think they've really overdone the restrictions. I am having a hard time seeing how this would be fun to anyone. I bet there are constant pop up messages: "with a silver equipment pass you could pick up that weapon you just found!". Blech.

I had hopes that we'd see an uptick in players. I don't think this is going to do it, but here's nothing that says adjustments can't be made that will still make F2P a success. If a handful of returning players is all we get out of this, I have a hard time seeing it as anything more than a styptic pen on a cut that really needs stitches. If adjustments can be made and this brings in a new player base, I'd be really happy.

What really gets me is they apparently did away with the 30 day free trial. Seems like giving someone a choice of making a free account or an unrestricted 30 day free trial would have made more sense. Heck, let someone use their free account then if they decide they want to subscribe then give them a free 30 day trial. It really makes no sense the way they went about this.

The population has gone from 180 to almost 250 in the past hour or so. No idea if that's normal as we're heading into prime time or if it's just everyone trying out the free accounts. Also doesn't mean these people are going to be sticking around either.

[LivderaDeralleur]

Yeah I can imagine merchant events would be very hectic for you. Glad you can still play though. How blind are you?
Belated response - I am completely blind due to an illness that struck me back in 2007 (I had played previously since 1996 as a completely sighted person.)

Funny off-topic part regarding Simutronics and my illness - my debit card expired while I was unresponsive in the hospital and Simutronics refused to update to the new card on my account because it was my family member clling and not me. Only time I've heard them willingly refuse more money. lol. Though they happily reactivated my account when I came back even before I knew if I could even login to GSIV as a blind person.

Anyhow - interested to see how much the different updates are. Depending on what you're interested in, it may be cheaper per month than the subscription. I may roll up an empath (though would have to pay for the healer pass or whatever that is because ... damn.)

[Roblar]

All I know is I just spent at least 2 hours helping returning layers since it went live.

Ok, one was the returning player that posted on the boards, just before F2P, lvl 49 and from GSIII.

The other two came into my resting area while I was hiding and were brand new, I whispered a joke thinking it was TG actually. It took me awhile to believe it was a true returning player, and then another walked in and I took that one to the Landing.

I saw GR's alt too somewhere.

[Gnome Rage]

GUYS I CANT FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET THE FUCK OUT OF ICEMULE.

[Roblar]

I'll give you a ride..

To the Landing? :)

[Gnome Rage]

YUP KTHX

[Tgo01]

GUYS I CANT FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET THE FUCK OUT OF ICEMULE.

Why would you want to leave Icemule?

[Donquix]

What really gets me is they apparently did away with the 30 day free trial. Seems like giving someone a choice of making a free account or an unrestricted 30 day free trial would have made more sense. Heck, let someone use their free account then if they decide they want to subscribe then give them a free 30 day trial. It really makes no sense the way they went about this.

The population has gone from 180 to almost 250 in the past hour or so. No idea if that's normal as we're heading into prime time or if it's just everyone trying out the free accounts. Also doesn't mean these people are going to be sticking around either.

that's about normal, here's a random day from last week...

2015-02-22 16:00 188 (times are UTC, so 12pm eastern)
2015-02-22 20:00 227
2015-02-23 00:00 262

[Tgo01]

I just realized something, do new accounts no longer have unlimited fixskills during their first 30 days and no free 5 stat changes? If so that's going to really suck.


that's about normal, here's a random day from last week...

2015-02-22 16:00 188 (times are UTC, so 12pm eastern)
2015-02-22 20:00 227
2015-02-23 00:00 262

Ah so it is just normal population.

[Gnome Rage]

Why would you want to leave Icemule?

NO ONE T ALKS.

[Androidpk]

All I know is I just spent at least 2 hours helping returning layers since it went live.



Returning layers? That's sure to make Jeril happy.

[Astray]

You need a name pass to pick your own.

Know what I love about a game where RP is required? Not being able to choose my own name. Fucking brilliant move Simu.

[Taernath]

You need a name pass to pick your own.

Know what I love about a game where RP is required? Not being able to choose my own name. Fucking brilliant move Simu.

Wait, seriously?

[Gnome Rage]

No, you can pick your own name guys.

[Astray]

Oh. I am wrong and I may have over reacted. I just wouldn't put it past them at this point.

[Latrinsorm]

You need a name pass to pick your own.

I think they've really overdone the restrictions. I am having a hard time seeing how this would be fun to anyone. I bet there are constant pop up messages: "with a silver equipment pass you could pick up that weapon you just found!". Blech.

I had hopes that we'd see an uptick in players. I don't think this is going to do it, but here's nothing that says adjustments can't be made that will still make F2P a success. If a handful of returning players is all we get out of this, I have a hard time seeing it as anything more than a styptic pen on a cut that really needs stitches. If adjustments can be made and this brings in a new player base, I'd be really happy.DDO had a huge amount of those messages, (in)famously lampooned for such by Penny Arcade. I was only logged in for about 10 minutes in GS, but have seen zero so far. I'll keep you posted.
Oh. I am wrong and I may have over reacted. I just wouldn't put it past them at this point.What happens on the Players' Corner stays on the Players' Corner.

[Donquix]

I just realized something, do new accounts no longer have unlimited fixskills during their first 30 days and no free 5 stat changes? If so that's going to really suck.



Ah so it is just normal population.

i'm sure it's up a bit, it's also the first day, a lot of people dicking around. I'll care more in a month.

another interesting thing to start tracking is new names (seen for the first time on/after march 10)

[Astray]

What happens on the Players' Corner stays on the Players' Corner.

I'm fine admitting I am wrong and/or over reacting.

[Ashliana]

My new character found a "Treasure Boost," apparently as a random drop. Neat? Apparently you don't always have to buy the store stuff? Anyway..

[Tgo01]

My new character found a "Treasure Boost," apparently as a random drop. Neat? Apparently you don't always have to buy the store stuff? Anyway..

Simu is taking advice from crack dealers.

"The first hit is free."

[Astray]

My new character found a "Treasure Boost," apparently as a random drop. Neat? Apparently you don't always have to buy the store stuff? Anyway..

If those items are drops specifically for F2P, that's kinda odd... if not a bit interesting. I wonder what else will drop? Is it at all possible for, say, Passes to be dropped?

[Tgo01]

Here is the "Upgrade for subscriber benefits" page linked to on GS' home page:



Price Free $14.95/month
Available Characters 1 1+
Access to hunting areas Limited Unlimited
Access to all locations X Checkmark
Personal Inventory Count 100 500
Access to Special Merchants Limited Checkmark
Locker Storage Space 0 50
Bank Accounts 1 5
Bank Account Balance 100,000 Silvers Unlimited!
EXP Gain Bonus Standard Enhanced!
Experience Gain Boosters available in SimuCon Store
EXP Absorption Bonus Standard Enhanced!
Experience Absorption Boosters available in SimuCon Store


I like how exp gain bonus and exp absorption bonus are considered "standard" on a free account and "enhanced" on a basic account. Speaking of which, what does it mean "exp gain bonus" and "exp absorption bonus"? Is the former referring to Lumnis or are there two experience passes you have to buy?

Also what does it mean limited access to hunting areas? Is it because Teras and RR are off limits or is it referring to something else?

[JackWhisper]

It's because Teras and RR are off limits.

[Androidpk]

Basic accounts get 1+ characters? Wut

[Androidpk]

Also, xp boosters are in stores now?

[Tgo01]

There are links to click that explain some of these options:

1+ characters:

1 with Basic Account
Extra Character slots available for purchase
16 total with Premium or Platinum Account

Access to hunting areas:

(Note: A small number of exclusive hunting areas require a Premium Subscription.)

Is this talking about FWI? I didn't know there were hunting areas over there.


Also, xp boosters are in stores now?

For free accounts.

[Astray]

Basic accounts get 1+ characters? Wut

I'm going to assume that Free accounts can only have a single character, no adding another at all.

[Palcron]

They added grim camps to FWI a couple or few years ago.

[JackWhisper]

There are links to click that explain some of these options:

1+ characters:

1 with Basic Account
Extra Character slots available for purchase
16 total with Premium or Platinum Account

Access to hunting areas:

(Note: A small number of exclusive hunting areas require a Premium Subscription.)

Is this talking about FWI? I didn't know there were hunting areas over there.



For free accounts.


FWIhas some stupid hunting areas that nobody uses. With trolls.

[Androidpk]

There are links to click that explain some of these options:

1+ characters:

1 with Basic Account
Extra Character slots available for purchase
16 total with Premium or Platinum Account

Access to hunting areas:

(Note: A small number of exclusive hunting areas require a Premium Subscription.)

Is this talking about FWI? I didn't know there were hunting areas over there.



For free accounts.

I think there is a grimswarm camp that spawns there now IIRC.

[Roblar]

Also, xp boosters are in stores now?

Only for F2P accounts. After level 10, they get gimped on experience processing. The booster gets them near to or even with subscription accounts.

[Astray]

Silly. Silly booster plan.

[JackWhisper]

Straight up, if it gets more people in the game playing, it can be as stupid as it wants to be. I'm talking Packlash, Drunk Back Tuesday, Latrinestorm type stupid! All rolled into one! I don't care if they even REMOTELY pursue an avenue that may revitalize their flagging game.

[Roblar]

This

And in game and out I've seen its impact today. Not sure how many are PC peeps playing with it, but the ones I've met have been legit returners.

It is about 40ish new accounts right now.

[waywardgs]

Hey, I can't seem to log in with lich anymore, 1.8.7, am I just way behind the times?

ETA looks like the problem has already been discussed and resolved, NM!

[JackWhisper]

Hey, I can't seem to log in with lich anymore, 1.8.7, am I just way behind the times?

YUS

[Tgo01]

Any free accounts level 10 yet?

[Tenlaar]

Well, thats how I ended up with Emblyn.

You're welcome for saving you from the rats gnawing on you.

Also, you got killed by rats. NOOB!