A Major Announcement!

[emo hero james]

Major Announcement on 03/03/2015 07:08 PM CST

We are pleased to announce that within the next few weeks, we will be offering a Free Subscription option for newly created Play.Net accounts for the Prime instances of GemStone IV and DragonRealms. We believe that this will remove two of the largest hurdles that potential new subscribers face, namely, the requirement of a credit card and the 30-day time limit. Our community is the key to our longevity and this change will allow new subscribers to focus on experiencing that incredible community instead of spending a short amount of time learning about our robust systems and highly-detailed game mechanics before their time runs out. This will be a huge step forward in bringing in new customers to all our products and make it easier for existing customers to share their love of our games with their friends.

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

Discuss.

Aaand here.

http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Discussions%20with%20Simutronics/F2P%20Subscription/view

[Androidpk]

Color me surprised.

[JackWhisper]

What level does the Free Subscription end?
How long does the Free Subscription last?

[emo hero james]

Hell if I know mang. Weird.

[Ceyrin]

Yes, it felt vague in some ways.

I think that it's good they're finally starting to consider this option, though, in whatever capacity it ultimately takes form.

[Tgo01]

What level does the Free Subscription end?
How long does the Free Subscription last?

Yeah that.

I find it hard to believe these accounts are just free forever with no restrictions.

[JackWhisper]

As wary as I am of this, this is a good thing.

[Viekn]

Can I get a DS check please?

[Androidpk]

Can I get a DS check please?

:lol:

[JackWhisper]

I find it hard to believe these accounts are just free forever with no restrictions.

If they are, I'm transferring my high level characters onto like five of them and deleting my old accounts! Woo!

[Ceyrin]

Probs has no lockers of any sort.

[emo hero james]

Probs has no knockers of any sort.

FTFY YES

[JackWhisper]

Probs has no lockers of any sort.

Solved by multiple accounts and a mule character. Free for new accounts!

[Tgo01]

I also wonder what sort of steps they are taking, if any, to stave off any potential abuse.

No credit card required sounds awesome but then you run into people creating an account and acting like a total asshat, getting banned, then just opening up another account and doing it all over again.

[Tgo01]

Solved by multiple accounts and a mule character. Free for new accounts!

Ha. Didn't even think about that. There has to be a time limit on these new accounts, no way Simu would risk losing money from mule accounts/characters being closed.

[Androidpk]

I also wonder what sort of steps they are taking, if any, to stave off any potential abuse.

No credit card required sounds awesome but then you run into people creating an account and acting like a total asshat, getting banned, then just opening up another account and doing it all over again.

It would be terrible if someone would use throwaway accounts to abuse game mechanics.

[Malisai]

I could see this just restricting people to say level 30 and limiting options (say locker and such). I think this is a great idea.

[Androidpk]

I could see this just restricting people to say level 30 and limiting options (say locker and such). I think this is a great idea.

Ditto.

[JackWhisper]

I could see this just restricting people to say level 30 and limiting options (say locker and such). I think this is a great idea.

I was actually typing this as I refreshed.

Max level 30 so they get access potential to all enchants of gear, most of the spells, and can fully experience the game.
10 slot lockers, no house access *Trial accounts are not allowed to join houses anyways*.
30 or 60 days max on duration of free subscription.


I honestly can't think of many other restrictions...Thoughts?

[Luftstreitkräfte]

Fucking tits.

[JackWhisper]

Oh, and trial accounts are also not allowed to be spun at merchants. Unless that merchant SPECIFICALLY removes the default setting from their spinner. All spinners come out default to no favoritism and no trial accounts. Merchants tinker with them from that base design.

[Tgo01]

Depending on the actual details of this plan it could be awesome for GS.

I really wonder how many people didn't pull the trigger because a credit card was required. 15 years ago when the internet was still relatively new and everyone thought it was crazy to just hand over your credit card details on the internets it made sense but now people give their credit card information to the homeless guy standing outside the 7-11.

[Versin]

I doubt there will be such a time limit since part of the goal is to avoid the hurdle of the 30 day limit.


I was actually typing this as I refreshed.

Max level 30 so they get access potential to all enchants of gear, most of the spells, and can fully experience the game.
10 slot lockers, no house access *Trial accounts are not allowed to join houses anyways*.
30 or 60 days max on duration of free subscription.


I honestly can't think of many other restrictions...Thoughts?

[JackWhisper]

I doubt there will be such a time limit since part of the goal is to avoid the hurdle of the 30 day limit.

One thing I know without asking, is there will be restrictions and a limit on time, specifically.

Unlimited free accounts will mean people, especially me, will downgrade their prime accounts to their main characters, and use free accounts as locker mules.

[waywardgs]

They kept it vague because they needed to wait and see what the PC came up with to game the system before solidifying the rules.

[waywardgs]

Probably no char transfers, for one.

[JackWhisper]

Probably no char transfers, for one.

After considering that statement, agreed.

[Tgo01]

They kept it vague because they needed to wait and see what the PC came up with to game the system before solidifying the rules.

Damn Simu is crafty!

[JackWhisper]

Damn Simu is crafty!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFFS3ndWSJ4

[Kithus]

The main differences will be things like experience absorption rates, treasure drop rates, locker size, silver totals (on hand or in the bank), and things of that nature. There will be items in the SCoin store that will allow players to unlock some (or all) of these features and to activate bonuses that let them see how much more awesome it would be to subscribe.

We'll get a full list posted shortly.

Nothing will be changing in regards to a basic subscription, though. If you're a subscriber, you won't have to buy anything to "get you back to normal".


Solomon

[RAR]

Oops I doubled up the post above.

[Kithus]

<<I would imagine that the F2P model would follow most other games. Level-limiting, money-limiting, locker space limits. Events would still be P2P as would premium and platinum.>>

Basically correct, for the most part. Also, since someone has already mentioned something along these lines, this is for new accounts only. Existing accounts (current or reactivating) cannot downgrade to F2P status. (Please also note that you cannot transfer characters to a F2P account.)

Solomon

[Versin]

Of course there will be restrictions, just not onerous ones on time.

Soloman says:
The main differences will be things like experience absorption rates, treasure drop rates, locker size, silver totals (on hand or in the bank), and things of that nature. There will be items in the SCoin store that will allow players to unlock some (or all) of these features and to activate bonuses that let them see how much more awesome it would be to subscribe. We'll get a full list posted shortly.



One thing I know without asking, is there will be restrictions and a limit on time, specifically.

Unlimited free accounts will mean people, especially me, will downgrade their prime accounts to their main characters, and use free accounts as locker mules.

[JackWhisper]

Yep no transfers. Still waiting to see a full list of restrictions to see if time falls into any category whatsoever.

[waywardgs]

Probably no Lumnis either.

[Taernath]

So this is only for brand new accounts right? I can't jump on one of my old characters and try this out, I have to start over from scratch?

[Tei]

So this is only for brand new accounts right? I can't jump on one of my old characters and try this out, I have to start over from scratch?

"Also, since someone has already mentioned something along these lines, this is for new accounts only. Existing accounts (current or reactivating) cannot downgrade to F2P status. (Please also note that you cannot transfer characters to a F2P account.)

Solomon"

[Tgo01]

The main differences will be things like experience absorption rates, treasure drop rates, locker size, silver totals (on hand or in the bank), and things of that nature. There will be items in the SCoin store that will allow players to unlock some (or all) of these features and to activate bonuses that let them see how much more awesome it would be to subscribe.

Wow, that was a bit more than I thought. If anything this sounds like a way to push new comers towards the SimuCoin store and to get them on track to start a basic account as soon as possible instead of a way to draw in more customers :/

[Warriorbird]

Seems good. Another "should've happened ten years ago" concept though.

[Viekn]

Of course there will be restrictions, just not onerous ones on time.

Soloman says:
The main differences will be things like experience absorption rates, treasure drop rates, locker size, silver totals (on hand or in the bank), and things of that nature. There will be items in the SCoin store that will allow players to unlock some (or all) of these features and to activate bonuses that let them see how much more awesome it would be to subscribe. We'll get a full list posted shortly.

I would think the limit on experience absorption rate will be a big driver of people converting to a basic subscription. We as a community already try to spend a good deal of money for a higher absorption rate through logic enhancives, shimmering violet orbs, etc.

[Taernath]

"Also, since someone has already mentioned something along these lines, this is for new accounts only. Existing accounts (current or reactivating) cannot downgrade to F2P status. (Please also note that you cannot transfer characters to a F2P account.)

Solomon"

Eh. I might give it a whirl depending on what features are present. Lot less excited though. :(

[Tgo01]

Eh. I might give it a whirl depending on what features are present. Lot less excited though. :(


I really wonder how many people didn't pull the trigger because a credit card was required.

At least one apparently :p

[Taernath]

At least one apparently :p

I mail them personal checks every month just like THROGG.

[waywardgs]

I mail them personal checks every month just like THROGG.

I paid in wompom delivered by mule train.

[JackWhisper]

I would think the limit on experience absorption rate will be a big driver of people converting to a basic subscription. We as a community already try to spend a good deal of money for a higher absorption rate through logic enhancives, shimmering violet orbs, etc.

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

[mgoddess]

I'll definitely be starting up a new account/character for this. Woot for F2P, finally!

[Tgo01]

I mail them personal checks every month just like THROGG.

Don't they allow you to pay with a check via a fax or something? I know they used to have some weird payment options not too long ago.

[waywardgs]

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

heh, what happened?

[JackWhisper]

I'll definitely be starting up a new account/character for this. Woot for F2P, finally!

And the flood begins. It is a good thing!

[JackWhisper]

heh, what happened?

You really don't want to know. Suffice it to say they are no longer an award in any of the paid run events.

[Taernath]

Don't they allow you to pay with a check via a fax or something? I know they used to have some weird payment options not too long ago.

http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/483/894/463.jpg

[waywardgs]

You really don't want to know. Suffice it to say they are no longer an award in any of the paid run events.

Ah, come on, i'm not asking for names!

[Wrathbringer]

I also wonder what sort of steps they are taking, if any, to stave off any potential abuse.

No credit card required sounds awesome but then you run into IW creating an account and acting like a total asshat, getting banned, then just opening up another account and doing it all over again.

Fixed

[Jarvan]

It would be terrible if someone would use throwaway accounts to abuse game mechanics.

Actually, it would be worse if someone used throwaway accounts to steal from people.

[Androidpk]

Actually, it would be worse if someone used throwaway accounts to steal from people.

Still following me I see. How cute.

[Tei]

More info for those that don't read the officials:

"There's no level cap, but after a certain point, it's going to be a really, really good idea to either subscribe or to purchase an Experience Booster."

"We'll set raffles up where we check for a F2P subscription and it will be a case-by-case scenario. This will be the same for lists and spinners."

[JackWhisper]

That's a huge negative, them putting experience boosters IN the store.

[Androidpk]

Wonder if they plan on adjusting the basic prime account any.

[Apotheosis]

Wonder if they plan on adjusting the basic prime account any.

Depending on how they handle that i may reactivate my AOL age account :/

[Viekn]

That's a huge negative, them putting experience boosters IN the store.

I agree that's a slippery slope. But if you start the experience absorption out accordingly and price the experience booster accordingly, I would hope it should be more or less a no-brainer to subscribe vs. buy the experience booster; but Simu would be like "Hey, if you want to go ahead and keep buying the experience booster, be our guest".

[Taernath]

Wonder if they plan on adjusting the basic prime account any.

I'd go back to prime if they'd remove that stupid character limit.

That being said, anyone know how experience boosters are supposed to work, and how much they'd cost? I don't see any in the DR store.

[Wrathbringer]

Wonder if they plan on adjusting the basic prime account any.

Said no changes. L2read

[Apotheosis]

I agree that's a slippery slope. But if you start the experience absorption out accordingly and price the experience booster accordingly, I would hope it should be more or less a no-brainer to subscribe vs. buy the experience booster; but Simu would be like "Hey, if you want to go ahead and keep buying the experience booster, be our guest".

if you've played any other f2p MMO's out there.. the recurring purchase for consumeables is how the $$ is raked in.. esp. when it comes to XP boosts..

[Androidpk]

I'd go back to prime if they'd remove that stupid character limit.

That being said, anyone know how experience boosters are supposed to work, and how much they'd cost? I don't see any in the DR store.

1 character limit is asinine.

[Apotheosis]

well.. i am curious to see how the people who've literally spent thousands over the years feel about this.

[JackWhisper]

If they give the experience boosters to F2P accounts only, and make it to raise it to what every sub account gets, I can get behind that.

Making xp boosters purchasable for anyone is just dumb. I'm against that.

[JackWhisper]

well.. i am curious to see how the people who've literally spent thousands over the years feel about this.

I've been playing off and on for almost two decades. This is a good thing. Belated, but good. I've indulged quite a few thousand on accounts and items over the years. This will help the game survive, and maybe thrive a little.

[waywardgs]

well.. i am curious to see how the people who've literally spent thousands over the years feel about this.

Meh. People on GEnie spent thousands a month. AOL too when it was pay per hour.

[Wrathbringer]

If they give the experience boosters to F2P accounts only, and make it to raise it to what every sub account gets, I can get behind that.

Making xp boosters purchasable for anyone is just dumb. I'm against that.

This.

[Androidpk]

If they give the experience boosters to F2P accounts only, and make it to raise it to what every sub account gets, I can get behind that.

Making xp boosters purchasable for anyone is just dumb. I'm against that.

Why?

[Kithus]

This is the current list of things that a F2P account (and only F2P accounts) will be available to purchase in the SCoin Store. These boosts and bonuses will put them close to or equal to what a subscriber's numbers are. They activate immediately on delivery and are not transferrable.

Treasure Boosters - Increases loot drops, increases daily cap on silvers from treasure, increases in-pocket wealth cap
Locker Access - Grants access to lockers that hold 10 items
Bank Account Boost - Permanently increases the maximum bank account balance by 100,000 silvers
Bank Transfer - Allows the player to transfer their sole bank account to another town
Adventurer's Guild Boost - Allows a new task every 30 minutes, instead of one task per hour.
Title Change Pass - Allows the player to select a title to wear, either pre or post name.
Society Pass - Allows progress beyond rank 1 in all societies and the use of any powers gained.
Profile Quote Pass - Allows the player to alter their profile quote.
Inventory Booster - Increases maximum number of items in inventory
Loresinging Pass - Allows Loresinging on a per item basis.
Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.
Foraging Pass - Increases foraged items/hour and restores the profession bonus to success.
Healing Pass - Increases number of people healable and improves link time
Resurrection Pass - Improves Resurrection abilities
Lots of Gear Passes - Allows use of better/more powerful gear, based on the pass type
Experience Boosters - Increases amount of Experience gained/absorbed and grants access to Lumnis


Solomon

[Taernath]

well.. i am curious to see how the people who've literally spent thousands over the years feel about this.

I kinda feel like current subscribers should get thrown a bone too, even if it's just a minor discount somewhere.

But I'm a greedy fucker.

[Ceyrin]

You really don't want to know. Suffice it to say they are no longer an award in any of the paid run events.

I really want to know.

[Wrathbringer]

This is the current list of things that a F2P account (and only F2P accounts) will be available to purchase in the SCoin Store. These boosts and bonuses will put them close to or equal to what a subscriber's numbers are. They activate immediately on delivery and are not transferrable.

Treasure Boosters - Increases loot drops, increases daily cap on silvers from treasure, increases in-pocket wealth cap
Locker Access - Grants access to lockers that hold 10 items
Bank Account Boost - Permanently increases the maximum bank account balance by 100,000 silvers
Bank Transfer - Allows the player to transfer their sole bank account to another town
Adventurer's Guild Boost - Allows a new task every 30 minutes, instead of one task per hour.
Title Change Pass - Allows the player to select a title to wear, either pre or post name.
Society Pass - Allows progress beyond rank 1 in all societies and the use of any powers gained.
Profile Quote Pass - Allows the player to alter their profile quote.
Inventory Booster - Increases maximum number of items in inventory
Loresinging Pass - Allows Loresinging on a per item basis.
Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.
Foraging Pass - Increases foraged items/hour and restores the profession bonus to success.
Healing Pass - Increases number of people healable and improves link time
Resurrection Pass - Improves Resurrection abilities
Lots of Gear Passes - Allows use of better/more powerful gear, based on the pass type
Experience Boosters - Increases amount of Experience gained/absorbed and grants access to Lumnis


Solomon

Sounds like a free account is lame by basic standards.

[JackWhisper]

This is the current list of things that a F2P account (and only F2P accounts) will be available to purchase in the SCoin Store. These boosts and bonuses will put them close to or equal to what a subscriber's numbers are. They activate immediately on delivery and are not transferrable.

Experience Boosters - Increases amount of Experience gained/absorbed and grants access to Lumnis


Solomon


This is a very very good thing.

[Tgo01]

This is the current list of things that a F2P account (and only F2P accounts) will be available to purchase in the SCoin Store. These boosts and bonuses will put them close to or equal to what a subscriber's numbers are. They activate immediately on delivery and are not transferrable.

Treasure Boosters - Increases loot drops, increases daily cap on silvers from treasure, increases in-pocket wealth cap
Locker Access - Grants access to lockers that hold 10 items
Bank Account Boost - Permanently increases the maximum bank account balance by 100,000 silvers
Bank Transfer - Allows the player to transfer their sole bank account to another town
Adventurer's Guild Boost - Allows a new task every 30 minutes, instead of one task per hour.
Title Change Pass - Allows the player to select a title to wear, either pre or post name.
Society Pass - Allows progress beyond rank 1 in all societies and the use of any powers gained.
Profile Quote Pass - Allows the player to alter their profile quote.
Inventory Booster - Increases maximum number of items in inventory
Loresinging Pass - Allows Loresinging on a per item basis.
Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.
Foraging Pass - Increases foraged items/hour and restores the profession bonus to success.
Healing Pass - Increases number of people healable and improves link time
Resurrection Pass - Improves Resurrection abilities
Lots of Gear Passes - Allows use of better/more powerful gear, based on the pass type
Experience Boosters - Increases amount of Experience gained/absorbed and grants access to Lumnis


Solomon

Hot damn! Surprised there isn't a role playing pass that allows a character unlimited role play.

I know free to play accounts are supposed to be stripped down compared to paid accounts but didn't they go a little overboard here?

[Apotheosis]

I really want to know.

me too.

[Androidpk]

This is the current list of things that a F2P account (and only F2P accounts) will be available to purchase in the SCoin Store. These boosts and bonuses will put them close to or equal to what a subscriber's numbers are. They activate immediately on delivery and are not transferrable.

Treasure Boosters - Increases loot drops, increases daily cap on silvers from treasure, increases in-pocket wealth cap
Locker Access - Grants access to lockers that hold 10 items
Bank Account Boost - Permanently increases the maximum bank account balance by 100,000 silvers
Bank Transfer - Allows the player to transfer their sole bank account to another town
Adventurer's Guild Boost - Allows a new task every 30 minutes, instead of one task per hour.
Title Change Pass - Allows the player to select a title to wear, either pre or post name.
Society Pass - Allows progress beyond rank 1 in all societies and the use of any powers gained.
Profile Quote Pass - Allows the player to alter their profile quote.
Inventory Booster - Increases maximum number of items in inventory
Loresinging Pass - Allows Loresinging on a per item basis.
Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.
Foraging Pass - Increases foraged items/hour and restores the profession bonus to success.
Healing Pass - Increases number of people healable and improves link time
Resurrection Pass - Improves Resurrection abilities
Lots of Gear Passes - Allows use of better/more powerful gear, based on the pass type
Experience Boosters - Increases amount of Experience gained/absorbed and grants access to Lumnis


Solomon


Is anyone actually going to buy any of this?

[JackWhisper]

I wonder what the inventory limitation will be.

[Androidpk]

Hot damn! Surprised there isn't a role playing pass that allows a character unlimited role play.

I know free to play accounts are supposed to be stripped down compared to paid accounts but didn't they go a little overboard here?

Shut up! Don't give them any ideas.

[Taernath]

I wonder what the inventory limitation will be.

I bet the limits on lockers, silver/loot and experience are going to be stupidly low. Seems to be Simu's... Modus Operandi

[JackWhisper]

I bet the limits on lockers, silver/loot and experience are going to be stupidly low. Seems to be Simu's... Modus Operandi

WTF dude, you didn't even do a sunglasses GIF.

[JackWhisper]

Hot damn! Surprised there isn't a role playing pass that allows a character unlimited role play.

They can't compare with your RP script, bro. They wouldn't sell any!

[Taernath]

WTF dude, you didn't even do a sunglasses GIF.

I didn't buy the image linking boost and I ran out.

[JackWhisper]

I didn't buy the image linking boost and I ran out.

:bigsmile:

[Tgo01]

I bet the limits on lockers, silver/loot and experience are going to be stupidly low. Seems to be Simu's... Modus Operandi

Simu actually started free accounts on Modus Operandi about 6 years ago but no one noticed.


They can't compare with your RP script, bro. They wouldn't sell any!

True dat!

[Tenlaar]

Society Pass - Allows progress beyond rank 1 in all societies and the use of any powers gained.
Profile Quote Pass - Allows the player to alter their profile quote.
Loresinging Pass - Allows Loresinging on a per item basis.
Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.
Foraging Pass - Increases foraged items/hour and restores the profession bonus to success.
Healing Pass - Increases number of people healable and improves link time
Resurrection Pass - Improves Resurrection abilities
Lots of Gear Passes - Allows use of better/more powerful gear, based on the pass type

Holy shit are F2P accounts going to be awful. Like, "fuck this game" awful.

[Jarvan]

Well, considering you can PAY to increase you max silver by 100k... I would say plaid low.

[Tgo01]

Lots of Gear Passes - Allows use of better/more powerful gear, based on the pass type

It almost sounds like you have to buy a mithril pass then an ora pass then an imflass pass then a vultite pass and so on.

[JackWhisper]

gogo e-blade. ROFL.

[Tenlaar]

Yeah. And buy passes to use the spells of your classes, or get spells cast on you.

Somebody needs to tell them that a F2P model only works if playing a F2P account is actually fun in some way. I mean, come on, you have to pay to on a per item basis to LORESING?

[Tenlaar]

You have to pay to ATTUNE YOUR CHARACTER.

[waywardgs]

GS on hard, tedious, boring mode.

[Tgo01]

Yeah. And buy passes to use the spells of your classes, or get spells cast on you.

Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.

Seriously, who is gonna sit there and think "Boy golly gee wiz! I sure wish I could cast 101 on someone else! Let me pay Simu on a per cast basis to cast 101 on someone else."

I mean, I can kind of see where they were coming from, they didn't want everyone and their grandma rolling up pocket wizards on free accounts but come on.

[Taernath]

Damn it Simu. You take a good idea and then completely fuck it up.

[Androidpk]

How about resurrection tokens? If you die and want a raise you need to have a resurrection token, available for purchase inthe simucoin store.

[waywardgs]

Damn it Simu. You take a good idea and then completely fuck it up.

Yeah, if they're restricting your ability to cast/receive spell buffs, for instance, you're hamstringing a major selling point of GS, which is the interactivity between player characters.

[JackWhisper]

This is quickly turning sour. Their restrictions are far and beyond what I expected. I mean sure, it's completely free and no time restriction thus far, but this is worse than a time restriction.

[Tenlaar]

I mean, I can kind of see where they were coming from, they didn't want everyone and their grandma rolling up pocket wizards on free accounts but come on.

Yeah, that's a problem. You don't want everybody cancelling accounts to make free ones for a full spellup/heal/raise squad, but if people can't actually have fun playing the game on the F2P account they have no motivation to take the plunge with a full account.

[Taernath]

Yeah, if they're restricting your ability to cast/receive spell buffs, for instance, you're hamstringing a major selling point of GS, which is the interactivity between player characters.

I have a weird feeling there will be some kind of interaction boost that F2P accounts will be encouraged to buy. Like, they will all be thumpable no matter their level until they buy a thump-deflector boost.

This is turning into a train wreck.

[waywardgs]

I have a weird feeling there will be some kind of interaction boost that F2P accounts will be encouraged to buy. Like, they will all be thumpable no matter their level until they buy a thump-deflector boost.

This is turning into a train wreck.

'Hello!

*Sorry, Free to play accounts cannot speak to other characters unless you purchase a Muzzle Release Boost at the Simucoin Store!

[Luftstreitkräfte]

Wow, that was a bit more than I thought. If anything this sounds like a way to push new comers towards the SimuCoin store and to get them on track to start a basic account as soon as possible instead of a way to draw in more customers :/

STFU fag didn't you quit? Stop trying to put a shitty spin on cool stuff.

[Tgo01]

Healing Pass - Increases number of people healable and improves link time

What the hell does this even mean? What is "link time"? What does it mean "increases number of people healable"? Like you're playing an empath on a free account and you're only able to heal the first 5 people you ever heal then you have to purchase the right to heal more people?


STFU fag didn't you quit? Stop trying to put a shitty spin on cool stuff.

I didn't quit. I became one with GS.

[Kithus]

It sounds like they did a really good job restricting things so you cannot make a pocket anything for free.

[Taernath]

Linking is for resurrecting isn't it? And there's probably a limit on how many people you can heal per hour or something. Whatever the limit is, couple that with reduced XP it will probably be impossible to get fried. You may as well run your balls through a grinder if you play a non-boosted F2P empath.

I wonder if there's a limit on how many times you can swing your sword? Better get on it, Simu. That one's for free, if you want more ideas you need to buy my Taernath Idea Booster.

[Tenlaar]

I wonder if the pass to use the forums will allow access to all of them or if you will have to buy passes on a per-sub-forum basis...

[JackWhisper]

I didn't quit. I became one with GS.

I KNEW IT! TGO IS THE MATRIX!

[Tgo01]

Linking is for resurrecting isn't it?

Oh yeah. Wonder why it's tied to empath healing? :/


I wonder if the pass to use the forums will allow access to all of them or if you will have to buy passes on a per-sub-forum basis...

I'd be shocked if they even allow free accounts to post on the forums. Some people have said they continue to pay Simu just so they can post on the forums.

[JackWhisper]

I'd be shocked if they even allow free accounts to post on the forums. Some people have said they continue to pay Simu just so they can post on the forums.

Wasn't that Krakii?

[Tgo01]

Wasn't that Krakii?

He would be one of them, yup :p

I just realized something; one of the apparent appeals of this from Simu's standpoint was these accounts didn't require entering a credit card. However, if they gimp just about everything in the game so you have to use the SimuCoin store then aren't you going to be entering a credit card pretty darn soon anyways? :/

[Nahkaev]

horray a free table sitter.

the rest of this looks pointless- maybe a good way for older folks to come back and socialize a bit (albiet- not on their own names, which is silly/stupid.)

[Tenlaar]

I'm tempted to reactivate an account just so that I can use the forums and tell them how horrible their F2P option looks.

Ingenious.

[JackWhisper]

I'm tempted to reactivate an account just so that I can use the forums and tell them how horrible their F2P option looks.

Ingenious.

You have to purchase a forum-use booster for that.

[Jarvan]

GS on hard, tedious, boring mode.

Didn't GS used to not always give you a spell when you leveled up back in the OLD OLD days?

I could have sworn I remembered a time when I trained in spells, and not got a spell, sub 20.

The whole hard tedious thing got me thinking.

[Taernath]

You have to purchase a forum-use booster for that.

I'll take "Things That Should Be a Joke But Aren't" for 500 Alex.

[Jarvan]

Healing Pass - Increases number of people healable and improves link time

What the hell does this even mean? What is "link time"? What does it mean "increases number of people healable"? Like you're playing an empath on a free account and you're only able to heal the first 5 people you ever heal then you have to purchase the right to heal more people?



I didn't quit. I became one with GS.


That may be an error from DR. In DR, you need to "link" with a person and then you heal them slowly over time based on your skill.

[Apotheosis]

well, depending on the cost involved, it might be cheaper to have a bunch of heal/buff/chest bots on f2p accounts vs. sub

[Drektor]

The announcement isn't even a day old. It's too bad all those restrictions can't be adjusted in anyway. Forever.

[Taernath]

The announcement isn't even a day old. It's too bad all those restrictions can't be adjusted in anyway. Forever.

You're right, Simu is nothing if not flexible and forward thinking.

[JackWhisper]

The announcement isn't even a day old. It's too bad all those restrictions can't be adjusted in anyway. Forever.

If nobody bitches about it, they think it's okay. You know people from Simu read these boards. Our input helps them realize how stupid some of the choices are.

Shaddup if you got nothing constructive to bitch about!

[rolfard]

I feel like they ought to have just made all F2P accounts monk only that can only wear clothes and use UAC without any gear...oh wait.

[Lady Sylvan]

Atleast they are trying a new approach. A new flavor is good.

[Androidpk]

I feel like they ought to have just made all F2P accounts monk only that can only wear clothes and use UAC without any gear...oh wait.

Literally dozens of people playing monks??

http://i.imgur.com/7drHiqr.gif

[JackWhisper]

Atleast they are trying a new approach. A new flavor is good.

I agree it's good, but they're already letting greed sour the opportunity they have to revitalize the game.

[Tgo01]

Atleast they are trying a new approach. A new flavor is good.

Well I dunno. If they really felt a credit card was the factor preventing more people from trying the game then I would think a simple solution would be to cap new accounts to level 25 and cap how much money they can carry to something like 100k and make it so they can't give silver/drop silver or whatever but the account would still be limited to 30 days and no credit card required. They could even go ahead and bump up the free trial to 45 days or something to give players more time to explore the lands and try stuff out.

It sounds like both of their arguments of not wanting to limit new players to 30 days and not requiring a credit card are just excuses they are using to do away with free 30 day trials in order to push their SimuCoin store on new players or force old players making new accounts to jump straight to a paid basic account. From the sounds of it a free account that doesn't buy anything from the SimuCoin store is very limited in terms of advancing in GS at all.

ETA: Then again I'm just assuming they are doing away with free trials. Do we know one way or the other what they are doing with the 30 day free trials? If they aren't doing away with free trials then I guess it's not all so bad, although I can't see why someone would prefer to go the free account route and be forced to buy a bunch of extras when they could just do everything the game has to offer for free for 30 days.

[Jarvan]

Wait for it....

in a few days, there will be a simucoin store item..

Attack Passes - Buy these so you can Att creatures in the game! Each pass worth 100 swings!!!

[JackWhisper]

Wait for it....

in a few days, there will be a simucoin store item..

Attack Passes - Buy these so you can Att creatures in the game! Each pass worth 100 swings!!!

I'd buy that if it was 100 swings at once.

OH JERIL!!!!! #BuyPass

[Gompers]

Does this mean there will be an influx of Chinese gold farmers from WoW to gemstone?

[Androidpk]

Does this mean there will be an influx of Chinese gold farmers from WoW to gemstone?

Possibly. Didn't Blizzard just start selling gold in game?

[Nathala Crane]

Does this mean there will be an influx of Chinese gold farmers from WoW to gemstone?

Silver is the new gold.

[Fallen]

Interesting. I'd like to keep up with the forums properly. That and making throw away RP accounts seems like the big uses for these things.

[Luntz]

How come fuckin dorkasses who claim to quit always continue to write multi page essays on why gemstone is terrible

[Tgo01]

How come fuckin dorkasses who claim to quit always continue to write multi page essays on why gemstone is terrible

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/jtk/images/d/dc/Go_to_Sleep.png/revision/latest?cb=20140207034712

[Luntz]

http://i.imgur.com/h3XWx5U.jpg

[phantasm]

Wow, haven't played Gemstone for awhile. Saw this F2P stuff and thought I'd give it a whirl again..got to page 2 and now I'm all "No Thanks" see ya in another couple years.

[waywardgs]

Yeah... the thing about this is, it's not geared towards anyone who's ever played the game before. The restrictions would be intolerable to an experienced player. They're making an effort to draw new players into the game, get em hooked, and make them paying customers. The restrictions may not seem so onerous at first to someone who has never played.

[Tgo01]

They're making an effort to draw new players into the game, get em hooked, and make them paying customers. The restrictions may not seem so onerous at first to someone who has never played.

True. I just don't see how this is going to draw in new players compared to the 30 day free trial. The 30 day free trial has almost no restrictions at all to my knowledge. Simu says it's because 30 days isn't enough time for a player to fully test out everything GS has to offer...meh I dunno about that. I think 30 days is plenty of time to find out if you like the game enough, certainly 15 dollars for an extra 30 days to find out for sure isn't going to stop someone who is really interested.

Simu also says requiring a credit card was a barrier as well but did they really need to go to such extreme measures in order to accomplish something like this without requiring a credit card?

[waywardgs]

Hell, I may snag an account just to listen to the jabber on LNet from time to time.

[Tgo01]

Hell, I may snag an account just to listen to the jabber on LNet from time to time.

Tillmen is colluding with Simutronics to require a Lich Booster in order to use lich's features.

[waywardgs]

Tillmen is colluding with Simutronics to require a Lich Booster in order to use lich's features.

No, he should be selling Lich Squelchers to allow people to shut it off when it gets unbearable. Make more money that way.

[Alashir]

True. I just don't see how this is going to draw in new players compared to the 30 day free trial. The 30 day free trial has almost no restrictions at all to my knowledge. Simu says it's because 30 days isn't enough time for a player to fully test out everything GS has to offer...meh I dunno about that. I think 30 days is plenty of time to find out if you like the game enough, certainly 15 dollars for an extra 30 days to find out for sure isn't going to stop someone who is really interested.

Simu also says requiring a credit card was a barrier as well but did they really need to go to such extreme measures in order to accomplish something like this without requiring a credit card?

No.

[Astray]

Edit: So I went back and read these limits. Just wow. I was planning to pop open a free account but fuck that. These limitations and the nickel and diming people is just... ugh.

No thanks.

[Jarvan]

Coming soon....

Simucoin store special

Movement passes - Buy one and now you can move more then 10 spaces a day! Low Low price of 50,000 coins!

[Gelston]

Can't downgrade old accounts? Nope, not making a brand new character.

[Astray]

Coming soon....

Simucoin store special

Movement passes - Buy one and now you can move more then 5 spaces a day! Low Low price of 5,000,000 coins!

Fixed for you.

[Luftstreitkräfte]

How come fuckin dorkasses who claim to quit always continue to write multi page essays on why gemstone is terrible

benchwarmers

the f2p option has potential to cause the loss of existing revenue if not restricted heavily. assholes like tg01 would abuse it. so they're heavily restricting it, it seems, to avoid abuse like gold farming, botting, etc. it's a smart move.

i'd like to see a whining pass sold in the simucoin store.

[Tgo01]

benchwarmers

the f2p option has potential to cause the loss of existing revenue if not restricted heavily. assholes like tg01 would abuse it. so they're heavily restricting it, it seems, to avoid abuse like gold farming, botting, etc. it's a smart move.

i'd like to see a whining pass sold in the simucoin store.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEejgX1NANE&feature=youtu.be

[Applecrumble&custard]

What level does the Free Subscription end?
How long does the Free Subscription last?

They say you can get to cap on a free sub. I think this will be great for the game overall if does attract people who stay, I returned to the game this month after a 6 year break and one positive thing I've noticed is that theres is no server lag I think that's due to the low population.

Does anyone know if simutronics actively promotes Gemstone IV? It used to be under games on the Microsoft homepage in 1999 and thats how I found it, to be fair GSIII did look pretty shitty to me but the wow factor of playing a game with hundreds of other real people seemed mind blowing at the time.

[subzero]

Hot damn! Surprised there isn't a role playing pass that allows a character unlimited role play.

I know free to play accounts are supposed to be stripped down compared to paid accounts but didn't they go a little overboard here?

Yeah, that all sounds pretty fuckin weak. Can't have everyone making a free healer/loresinger, though!

[Gelston]

They should have just restricted it to warrior, wizard, or rogue. (You know, the standard warrior, mage, thief deal in a bunch of games.) Maybe put in level restrictions... That should really have been enough.

[Kithus]

Overall the complaints I have seen here about the restrictions seem to be centered around not being able to make a free pocket whatever. I think they've done a masterful job of restricting things so an existing player cannot use a free secondary account to benefit their existing characters. It sounds like these F2P accounts can play the game as normal and enjoy the experience (albeit at a slower rate of exp gain and no Lumnis) but they will be restricted from amassing great wealth, providing benefits to others and making full use of some secondary systems (societies, adventurer's guild, etc). They have access to all the core elements of the game and can determine if they enjoy the experience enough to pay for it.

Quite frankly I wish I could get a free account with all the bells and whistles too but it does not make any sense for them to offer that. The restrictions they have listed make sense.

[subzero]

Well, considering you can PAY to increase you max silver by 100k... I would say plaid low.

I was considering maybe starting a locksmith to kick around now and again, but I don't think I'd be able to afford any picks, so there goes that idea.

[Gelston]

Overall the complaints I have seen here about the restrictions seem to be centered around not being able to make a free pocket whatever. I think they've done a masterful job of restricting things so an existing player cannot use a free secondary account to benefit their existing characters. It sounds like these F2P accounts can play the game as normal and enjoy the experience (albeit at a slower rate of exp gain and no Lumnis) but they will be restricted from amassing great wealth, providing benefits to others and making full use of some secondary systems (societies, adventurer's guild, etc). They have access to all the core elements of the game and can determine if they enjoy the experience enough to pay for it.

Quite frankly I wish I could get a free account with all the bells and whistles too but it does not make any sense for them to offer that. The restrictions they have listed make sense.

Some of the stuff they restricted is just stupid though. You have to pay to set a profile quote and change pre and postname titles?

[Parkbandit]

So, the f2p accounts can't accept items/gold from established characters?

[Neovik1]

If they didn't have these restrictions we all would have an account for each profession logged in at once. Some of us could create several accounts and script hunt them to constantly bring me boxes too!

[Kithus]

Some of the stuff they restricted is just stupid though. You have to pay to set a profile quote and change pre and postname titles?

Those are not core features of the game. They are totally cosmetic. Why shouldn't they charge for cosmetic features? Also, by forcing people to pay to change their profile quote they reduce or eliminate people purposely just making offensive profile quotes.

[Gelston]

Those are not core features of the game. They are totally cosmetic. Why shouldn't they charge for cosmetic features? Also, by forcing people to pay to change their profile quote they reduce or eliminate people purposely just making offensive profile quotes.

Cosmetic or not, it is a dumb restriction and will make them look money hungry to new players on first sight. That shouldn't happen until a few weeks later.

[Androidpk]

So, the f2p accounts can't accept items/gold from established characters?

No level 20 mounts either.

[Neovik1]

Damn no mounts???

[Neovik1]

I'm actually happy they are at least trying something for f2p. No matter how crazy it is...

[Viekn]

Those are not core features of the game. They are totally cosmetic. Why shouldn't they charge for cosmetic features? Also, by forcing people to pay to change their profile quote they reduce or eliminate people purposely just making offensive profile quotes.

This is a good point and probably why they did it. I realize from the outside this looks dumb, but why even put this restriction on there unless they had a good reason to do so.

[Kithus]

Cosmetic or not, it is a dumb restriction and will make them look money hungry to new players on first sight. That shouldn't happen until a few weeks later.

A truly new player is not going to care about not being able to change their title right away. As they get into the game and want to customize their character more then it will become a factor. The only concern I have about them looking money hungry is how the simucoin stuff is advertised in game to the F2P people.

[Androidpk]

Seems like they are being extra cautious about a possible influx of new people.

[Wrathbringer]

This is a good point and probably why they did it. I realize from the outside this looks dumb, but why even put this restriction on there unless they had a good reason to do so.

Because Simu?

[Astray]

A truly new player is not going to care about not being able to change their title right away. As they get into the game and want to customize their character more then it will become a factor.

As a game focusing hugely on RP, it's a bit ridiculous to go into it and NOT expect customization without being nickled and dimed the whole way. This feels like an obscene way of twisting someones arm while going "Hey, enjoying yourself? No? Well all of this is FREE anyways on a basic account. Isn't it better to pay to play?"

[Viekn]

Because Simu?

I'm not saying they're the brightest bulb in the box. Let me just say I hope someone had a good idea in mind when they came up with that restriction. That being said, does anyone have any swampland in Florida they'd be willing to sell? I'm in the market.

[Slamy]

Looks like the economy for this game is about to get a boost. Depending on what items a f2p account can hold. If they can't buy it through the game with a silver limit they probably will use these boards to buy it with cash. I think it is a good thing for this game to have more people in it. Should be for more fun as it's been sort of stale around here for a while.

[Parkbandit]

As a game focusing hugely on RP,

This is where you went astray....

[Gelston]

Looks like the economy for this game is about to get a boost. Depending on what items a f2p account can hold. If they can't buy it through the game with a silver limit they probably will use these boards to buy it with cash. I think it is a good thing for this game to have more people in it. Should be for more fun as it's been sort of stale around here for a while.

Kind curious on what they'll beable to hold too. I'm thinking probably vultite at max.

[Ceyrin]

It's probably Ora, actually.

[Tgo01]

Kind curious on what they'll beable to hold too. I'm thinking probably vultite at max.

You have to pay for "passes" to use higher enchant stuff. I'm thinking you start out only being able to use non enchanted gear.

[everan]

I was considering maybe starting a locksmith to kick around now and again, but I don't think I'd be able to afford any picks, so there goes that idea.

I'll give you some picks if that's your only problem.

[Slamy]

well they said there is not limit to how many levels they can get. I figure the silver limit is the way they want to reduce how big of an item they get. Thinking if they can have say a max of 3mil in the bank, you can't buy too many uber things. There are still a lot of very nice items with lower enchants out there also.

[Fallen]

This is the current list of things that a F2P account (and only F2P accounts) will be available to purchase in the SCoin Store. These boosts and bonuses will put them close to or equal to what a subscriber's numbers are. They activate immediately on delivery and are not transferrable.

Treasure Boosters - Increases loot drops, increases daily cap on silvers from treasure, increases in-pocket wealth cap
Locker Access - Grants access to lockers that hold 10 items
Bank Account Boost - Permanently increases the maximum bank account balance by 100,000 silvers
Bank Transfer - Allows the player to transfer their sole bank account to another town
Adventurer's Guild Boost - Allows a new task every 30 minutes, instead of one task per hour.
Title Change Pass - Allows the player to select a title to wear, either pre or post name.
Society Pass - Allows progress beyond rank 1 in all societies and the use of any powers gained.
Profile Quote Pass - Allows the player to alter their profile quote.
Inventory Booster - Increases maximum number of items in inventory
Loresinging Pass - Allows Loresinging on a per item basis.
Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.
Foraging Pass - Increases foraged items/hour and restores the profession bonus to success.
Healing Pass - Increases number of people healable and improves link time
Resurrection Pass - Improves Resurrection abilities
Lots of Gear Passes - Allows use of better/more powerful gear, based on the pass type
Experience Boosters - Increases amount of Experience gained/absorbed and grants access to Lumnis


Solomon

So looking at this list, which profession would do best under these restrictions?

Seems like squares may have it rough if they cannot receive outside spells or hold good gear without paying.

Bards, if they are able to sing their own equipment, may be in good shape.

Non healing/rezzing detracts from empaths/clerics, but otherwise they should be able to hunt fine.

For rogues, I wonder if that gear restriction applies to lockpicks, if so that may be a limitation.

For all pures, society limit reduces access to wracking, which is by no means needed, but certainly stings.

Monks may do well due to their lack of gear, but i'm not too familiar with them.

ATM I would say bards may do best, barring spell restrictions.

[Tgo01]

So looking at this list, which profession would do best under these restrictions?

Seems like squares may have it rough if they cannot receive outside spells or hold good gear without paying.

Bards, if they are able to sing their own equipment, may be in good shape.

Non healing/rezzing detracts from empaths/clerics, but otherwise they should be able to hunt fine.

For rogues, I wonder if that gear restriction applies to lockpicks, if so that may be a limitation.

For all pures, society limit reduces access to wracking, which is by no means needed, but certainly stings.

Monks may do well due to their lack of gear, but i'm not too familiar with them.

ATM I would say bards may do best.

You have to buy passes for certain spells, given the enchant weapons/armor passes you have to buy I'm sure sonic equipment is a pass you have to buy.

Honestly I'm surprised there is no restrictions on picking boxes but with how slow it is leveling a free account they probably figure it wouldn't help many people.

[Nahkaev]

well they said there is not limit to how many levels they can get. I figure the silver limit is the way they want to reduce how big of an item they get. Thinking if they can have say a max of 3mil in the bank, you can't buy too many uber things. There are still a lot of very nice items with lower enchants out there also.

strictly speculating here, but i'd wager the limit will be closer to 100k-200k, not 3mil

[Astray]

If I could only go to level 20-30 but still had full access to features and the like, I'd be ecstatic.

But Simu gonna Simu.

[audioserf]

I can see two sides of this.

As an existing player, these accounts are 100% useless and in fact really dumb and bad.

But if I were coming in 100% fresh (leaving aside the question of where in the hell are they going to pull in fresh players to a MUD, which exists nearly solely on middle-aged people's nostalgia, in 2015) I might not care, and would in fact then become motivated to get a Basic sub.

[Fallen]

For the record, I think this is a great idea. I agree that for people who are completely fresh to Gemstone, a barrier to entry is removed and they can get a good sense of the game.

My worry is that this step does not entice old players to return. They need a separate promotion to entice inactive accounts to playing again.

Still, it is a step in the right direction.

[Astray]

Still, it is a step in the right direction.

I agree, wholeheartedly. This is a step in the right direction. I hope that it does bring in new people and I hope that the game grows and succeeds.

[Gelston]

I want free access to Modus Operandi. Fuck GS and DR.

[Taernath]

Overall the complaints I have seen here about the restrictions seem to be centered around not being able to make a free pocket whatever. I think they've done a masterful job of restricting things so an existing player cannot use a free secondary account to benefit their existing characters. It sounds like these F2P accounts can play the game as normal and enjoy the experience (albeit at a slower rate of exp gain and no Lumnis) but they will be restricted from amassing great wealth, providing benefits to others and making full use of some secondary systems (societies, adventurer's guild, etc). They have access to all the core elements of the game and can determine if they enjoy the experience enough to pay for it.

I would say they have restricted and reduced access to core elements of the game. With the amounts of caveats and reliance on the simucoin store for passes and boosts, there is barely any functionality. I get that they need to control for abuse, but by being so heavy-handed you're basically getting a F2P chatroom.

There are good ways to do F2P but this isn't one of them.

[Ashliana]

For the record, I think this is a great idea. I agree that for people who are completely fresh to Gemstone, a barrier to entry is removed and they can get a good sense of the game.

My worry is that this step does not entice old players to return. They need a separate promotion to entice inactive accounts to playing again.

Still, it is a step in the right direction.

^. It's a lot better than nothing, and shows that--at last--Simu is at least open to the idea of rethinking their current business model, which is slowly killing the game.

[Astray]

you're basically getting a F2P chatroom.

You gotta buy the pass to type commands. You also need the buy passes pass.

[Kithus]

I would say they have restricted and reduced access to core elements of the game. With the amounts of caveats and reliance on the simucoin store for passes and boosts, there is barely any functionality. I get that they need to control for abuse, but by being so heavy-handed you're basically getting a F2P chatroom.

There are good ways to do F2P but this isn't one of them.

You can hunt and RP. I would consider those the two CORE game elements. What else would you consider a core element that is not being allowed?

[ThatDamnTep]

You can hunt and RP. I would consider those the two CORE game elements. What else would you consider a core element that is not being allowed?

Being able to move an existing character to a FTP account if you are willing to deal with the other restrictions.

[Kithus]

Being able to move an existing character to a FTP account if you are willing to deal with the other restrictions.

That isn't a core element of the game. That's moving a character you would currently pay to play onto a free account so you can play for free. They aren't allowed downgrading of accounts for a reason.

[Fallen]

Being able to move an existing character to a FTP account if you are willing to deal with the other restrictions.

That's not the point of this promotion. It is for entirely new people to the game. They're actively working to stop existing players from getting much use out of these accounts.

I agree 100% though that they need something very cheap for existing players.

[Astray]

I wonder what they would have done if they had simply made Basic accounts free and rolled the price of Premium to $15.

Probably a more favorable outcome.

[Neovik1]

I wonder what they would have done if they had simply made Basic accounts free and rolled the price of Premium to $15.

Probably a more favorable outcome.

Probably not. What would stop someone from ma'ing 30 basic accounts at once?

[stormcrow]

Yeah I agree they should make basic accounts free, but I think the way they are doing it now doesn't disturb the apple cart too bad while they feel their way around. I would suspect depending on the rate of people sign up, and how much they take in from the simustore, they will make further adjustments.

[Astray]

Probably not. What would stop someone from ma'ing 30 basic accounts at once?

People are going to find a way to abuse the current system. If they just need to buy a pass for some locker space while the store is out, what's to stop them?

[everan]

....My worry is that this step does not entice old players to return. They need a separate promotion to entice inactive accounts to playing again. ....
Be nice to them? Seriously though, I think I may have received only a few emails telling about something or other in the game. It may be that even though I don't play for 6 months or more at a time my account is active, but I don't get many emails from them saying that I should stop in for a while. Something as simple as sending a message every 6 months or so about a new pay event would get me thinking about my account again if I hadn't been checking in.

[Astray]

Allow the people who come back a free month of Premium. After that free month, they get bumped to Free. If they want to stick around, they'll subscribe again.

It's literally the simplest promotional thing in the world and requires minimal effort.

[Tgo01]

Allow the people who come back a free month of Premium. After that free month, they get bumped to Free. If they want to stick around, they'll subscribe again.

It's literally the simplest promotional thing in the world and requires minimal effort.

Yeah I really don't see the problem here :/

What is the harm in giving returning players a free account in Simu's current free account form? They are limited from being of pretty much any use as a pocket wizard/empath/whatever (except for lockpicking...they really should account for that) without buying stuff from the SimuCoin store or paying for a basic account.

[Ceyrin]

I'm sure any of us could make this f2p account. It just serves little purpose to those of us with active basic/premium accounts.

I don't think there is anything limiting us from making these accounts, they just aren't allowing character x-fers to them.

[Tgo01]

I don't think there is anything limiting us from making these accounts, they just aren't allowing character x-fers to them.

There isn't, people were talking about ways to get old players to come back and Solomon has already made it clear they have no intentions of letting old accounts become free accounts.

[Kithus]

Yeah I really don't see the problem here :/

What is the harm in giving returning players a free account in Simu's current free account form? They are limited from being of pretty much any use as a pocket wizard/empath/whatever (except for lockpicking...they really should account for that) without buying stuff from the SimuCoin store or paying for a basic account.

Returning players can have a free account. They just can't have their already leveled up characters. One of the big restrictions is the reduced experience absorb, allowing transfers or downgrading would essentially bypass this restriction.

[Ceyrin]

Has anything been mentioned about forum access and posting privileges?

I would guess for the f2p the forums will be read-only. I doubt there will be a simucoin upsale for that.

[Astray]

Returning players can have a free account. They just can't have their already leveled up characters. One of the big restrictions is the reduced experience absorb, allowing transfers or downgrading would essentially bypass this restriction.

They off-set the reduced absorb rate with boosters. Boosters that are unavailable to you once you upgrade.

I'd also like to say that if I were returning, I would want to play a character I already had. What is the point of returning if I can't play as a character someone might remember?

[Kithus]

I'd also like to say that if I were returning, I would want to play a character I already had. What is the point of returning if I can't play as a character someone might remember?

Then I guess Simu would say pay for it. The F2P account is not for you. I completely agree something should be done to offer incentive to returning players but letting anyone downgrade to a free account if they can handle the restrictions is not the way.

[Tgo01]

Returning players can have a free account. They just can't have their already leveled up characters.

Well, yeah, that's what I mean. Someone who quit GS with a level 80 character would probably want to come back and check what's new in the level 80 game; what spells are available, what new societies are available, hunting grounds, CM, etc, etc. They might want to check out what's new on a level 1 character as well but then again they still have the option of just rolling up a character on a free account.


One of the big restrictions is the reduced experience absorb, allowing transfers or downgrading would essentially bypass this restriction.

I don't understand what you mean; the reduced experienced absorb would affect a character that has been downgraded to free. Do you mean it would be unfair (for lack of a better word) that someone has a level 100 character on a free account while someone else only has a level 10 character?

[Tgo01]

Then I guess Simu would say pay for it. The F2P account is not for you. I completely agree something should be done to offer incentive to returning players but letting anyone downgrade to a free account if they can handle the restrictions is not the way.

No one is suggesting that anyone should be able to downgrade to a free account...at least I'm not suggesting that. I'm talking about getting old players to come back. They could even limit it by saying only accounts that have been closed for 12 consecutive months or longer can try the game out again with a free account, although I like Astray's idea of giving them a month of premium free then giving them the option of going to free.

[Astray]

Then I guess Simu would say pay for it. The F2P account is not for you. I completely agree something should be done to offer incentive to returning players but letting anyone downgrade to a free account if they can handle the restrictions is not the way.

So, in your mind, what are decent incentives if not a free account with limitations?

[Kithus]

I think that offering a month of free premium for a returning customer who has not played in 12 consecutive months would be a good start. I will go farther, as a platinum player, and say I would like to see returning Platinum players offered a month of free Platinum.

[Fallen]

Has anything been mentioned about forum access and posting privileges?

I would guess for the f2p the forums will be read-only. I doubt there will be a simucoin upsale for that.

I don't think this would be a good idea. If these accounts are truly for new characters they need to be able to ask questions.

[Fallen]

I think that offering a month of free premium for a returning customer who has not played in 12 consecutive months would be a good start. I will go farther, as a platinum player, and say I would like to see returning Platinum players offered a month of free Platinum.

Maybe they would roll it into their free Platinum promotion they do each year. You can get a free month of platinum for your old account along with a free trial month of platinum for new accounts.

[Taernath]

You can hunt and RP. I would consider those the two CORE game elements. What else would you consider a core element that is not being allowed?

You *can* hunt, albeit with reduced xp gain/absorption and limited spells. How exactly they plan on limiting spells (200 simucoins for 100 casts of 910?) remains to be seen. Empaths in particular seem hit with a double whammy - reduced healing ability AND reduced xp gain. That was my point. I would also say societies should be available to everyone no matter your payment plan.

[Fallen]

You *can* hunt, albeit with reduced xp gain/absorption and limited spells. How exactly they plan on limiting spells (200 simucoins for 100 casts of 910?) remains to be seen. Empaths in particular seem hit with a double whammy - reduced healing ability AND reduced xp gain. That was my point. I would also say societies should be available to everyone no matter your payment plan.

One would imagine offensive spells will be unlimited, and defensive unlimited for self-cast.

It's the utility spells that are going to be limited. Enchanting, Scroll Infusion, Magic Item Creation, etc. I imagine they'd also limit Bard Spells to they can't sing up 6x gear to bypass all the restrictions they're building.

[Tgo01]

I would also say societies should be available to everyone no matter your payment plan.

The society one really got me, I didn't see that being restricted at all and honestly don't see the point.

What I'm curious to learn is the duration of these various things. Some of them are listed as being permanent but Solomon has stated that some will also be a one time use and some will last a few hours or a few days. So is the society pass going to be a recurring weekly/monthly purchase or is it permanent? I think it might speak volumes that only one thing he listed was said to be permanent.


One would imagine offensive spells will be unlimited, and defensive unlimited for self-cast.

It's the utility spells that are going to be limited. Enchanting, Scroll Infusion, Magic Item Creation, etc. I imagine they'd also limit Bard Spells to they can't sing up 6x gear to bypass all the restrictions they're building.

That's not what the spell pass says though:

Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.

True, offensive spells might be unlimited, but then again maybe they need to be unlocked via a boost. In either case it sounds like you have to pay for buffs on a per cast basis, although he could have meant casting buffs on others costs money.

[subzero]

Honestly I'm surprised there is no restrictions on picking boxes but with how slow it is leveling a free account they probably figure it wouldn't help many people.

The silver limit could go a long way to derail a legit attempt at picking. I suppose you could just keep your skill low and use copper picks, but that's retarded. Was anything mentioned about guild access?

[Kithus]

That's not what the spell pass says though:

Many Many Spellcasting Boosts and Unlocks - Handles casting of specific spells, casting or receiving buffs, setting attunement, etc.

True, offensive spells might be unlimited, but then again maybe they need to be unlocked via a boost. In either case it sounds like you have to pay for buffs on a per cast basis, although he could have meant casting buffs on others costs money.

I think this is a case where the simplest solution is the correct one. It sounds to me like they will be able to cast whatever offensive spells they want and whatever defensive spells they want on themselves. Just that they cannot cast their buff spells on others without paying something. I would hazard a guess that "receiving buffs" means a pass for someone to receive buff spells from a F2P account, not that a F2P account has to pay to receive buffs from paying players. I agree with Fallen that specific spells include things like Raise Dead, Scroll Infusion, Enchant Item, etc.

[Ceyrin]

I don't think this would be a good idea. If these accounts are truly for new characters they need to be able to ask questions.

I don't either, but when you enter the realm of free access, you get a large range of different people. People who aren't interested in gemstone at all. They're just here to advertise how to lose weight or get your prescriptions cheaper through the mail.

It'll be bad enough when these people start spamming hyperlinks IG, especially for people who use SF.

[RaceCondition]

I don't either, but when you enter the realm of free access, you get a large range of different people. People who aren't interested in gemstone at all. They're just here to advertise how to lose weight or get your prescriptions cheaper through the mail.

It'll be bad enough when these people start spamming hyperlinks IG, especially for people who use SF.

Have you actually seen weight loss spammers in other muds? I've played plenty and never once seen advertising for anything but other muds.

[Androidpk]

If this is intended for new players then I am assuming Simu will be advertising the game somehow?

[Kithus]

If this is intended for new players then I am assuming Simu will be advertising the game somehow?

Let's not go crazy now.

[Wrathbringer]

If this is intended for new players then I am assuming Simu will be advertising the game somehow?

<Reagan and staff laughing meme>

[Ceyrin]

I'm going to guess advertising through FB and their other micro-trans games.

As for spammers in any other mud... There is no other mud but simu muds(I know this isn't true, but it may as well be for me).

[Viekn]

I don't either, but when you enter the realm of free access, you get a large range of different people. People who aren't interested in gemstone at all. They're just here to advertise how to lose weight or get your prescriptions cheaper through the mail.

It'll be bad enough when these people start spamming hyperlinks IG, especially for people who use SF.

I'm a fairly easy going guy, but I would just see this as a legitimate excuse for electrifying your ass.

[Ceyrin]

This will probably be more trouble than it's worth. I suspect GMs will be instructed to help ensure that, at less from an IG customer service perspective, that they will come down hard on players who come down hard on noobs being noobs.

[Viekn]

This will probably be more trouble than it's worth. I suspect GMs will be instructed to help ensure that, at less from an IG customer service perspective, that they will come down hard on players who come down hard on noobs being noobs.

Well damn, that just takes all the fun out of it.

[Androidpk]

I would recommend making it so these accounts automatically go through Thrak and his welcome speech upon entering the game for the first time.

[Gelston]

I would recommend making it so these accounts automatically go through Thrak and his welcome speech upon entering the game for the first time.

Only if they updated it.

[Tgo01]

I would recommend making it so these accounts automatically go through Thrak and his welcome speech upon entering the game for the first time.

Or sell a Thrak pass that allows them to skip Thrak.

[Astray]

This will probably be more trouble than it's worth. I suspect GMs will be instructed to help ensure that, at less from an IG customer service perspective, that they will come down hard on players who come down hard on noobs being noobs.

I don't see them defending a guy who is advertising products blatantly. That would be silly.

[stormcrow]

I remember when aol went unlimited service and not pay by the hour. You had an influx of players. This seems similar but obviously the gm's put a restricter plate so to speak on it. Does thumping a younger player still give them a long RT? We used to use that all the time to self govern twerps and idiots. It was pretty effective, if not abused.

[Ceyrin]

Thump stopped working in GS IV, I'm pretty sure.

[Astray]

I remember when aol went unlimited service and not pay by the hour. You had an influx of players. This seems similar but obviously the gm's put a restricter plate so to speak on it. Does thumping a younger player still give them a long RT? We used to use that all the time to self govern twerps and idiots. It was pretty effective, if not abused.

It does cause RT and a loooooong period of inability to do much.

[Tgo01]

Or sell a Thrak pass that allows them to skip Thrak.



Thread: A Major Announcement!

For someone who quit GemStone, you sure still do invest a lot of time in staying current and complaining about it.


Careful, you're going to give yourself an aneurysm worrying so much about what I do with my time.

Here is a visual representation of what will happen if you continue down this path:

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/251/176/52d.jpg

[Gelston]

Thump stopped working in GS IV, I'm pretty sure.

Still worked last I saw, the issue is that it doesn't work for level 5+... Which you could get in GSIV super fast.

Less XP absorption and no Lumnis though, probably be a little more useful.

[Ceyrin]

I still want to say it didn't work at the outset of gsiv, but I'm willing to concede that smoking marijuana might have given me Alzheimer's... and schizophrenia.

Either way, yeah you can get level 5 in a few hours currently. Only time will tell if this is different and by how much for the f2p's

[Lord Orbstar]

Overall the complaints I have seen here about the restrictions seem to be centered around not being able to make a free pocket whatever. I think they've done a masterful job of restricting things so an existing player cannot use a free secondary account to benefit their existing characters. It sounds like these F2P accounts can play the game as normal and enjoy the experience (albeit at a slower rate of exp gain and no Lumnis) but they will be restricted from amassing great wealth, providing benefits to others and making full use of some secondary systems (societies, adventurer's guild, etc). They have access to all the core elements of the game and can determine if they enjoy the experience enough to pay for it.

Quite frankly I wish I could get a free account with all the bells and whistles too but it does not make any sense for them to offer that. The restrictions they have listed make sense.

I concur. This was a smart move and there are way too many complaints by perennial complainers that quit the game.

[Kithus]

<<Alright here's some specific questions:>>

I'm going to touch on a few of these and the others I'm going to leave for Coase to comment on.

<<3. What specifically are the spell casting restrictions?>>
<<4. What are the boosts can be used to overcome them?>>

There will be a few spells that have cooldown periods between casts. Some exceptionally inexpensive SCoin items will remove that cooldown. Some of the spells on this list are: Locate, Transference, Whispering Willow, Vision, Spirit Guide, Planar Shift, Familiar Gate, Traveler's Song, etc. Likewise, there will be some inexpensive items that will allow F2P characters to cast or receive buffs (so that we aren't flooded with free buffbots) for a period of time. Contrary to the nonsensical speculation I've heard about, you won't have to buy an item every time you want to cast any spell (or every time you want to swing a weapon).

<<5. What exactly are the gear restrictions?>>

There are three levels of Gear Passes (bronze, silver, and gold). A Bronze Gear Pass will allow a player to receive the benefit of gear up to +35 enchantment (7x) and heavily weighted/padded/sighted. A Silver Gear Pass will allow a player to receive the benefit of gear up to +40 enchantment (8x), very heavily weighted/padded/sighted, +25 TD enhancement, or +10 Defensive Bonus (DB). Gold Gear passes allow full benefits of any equipment's enchantment, weighting, padding, sighting, TD enhancement, or Defensive Bonus (DB), just like a paid subscriber. All passes are good for 30 days.

<<6. What is the on hand, daily and in bank silver limit?>>

In-bank limits start at 100,000 and can be permanently increased in 100,000 silver increments pretty cheaply. On-hand is 5000, but can be removed for 30 days (or 3 hours) with a Treasure Boost that (I believe) also increases the daily cap on silvers from hunting from 50,000 to 100,000. You can also reset the daily silver cap very inexpensively if you just want to do that.


I want to stress that we've taken a lot of time and had lots of discussions to try and not be heavy handed through this. There's very little that will be 100% denied to Free accounts, but none of the decisions we made were done lightly.

Some day, I have no doubt we will see a capped F2P character, and that will be an incredible achievement and something that will deserve recognition.


Solomon

[Fallen]

Good stuff. Thanks Kithus.

[Kithus]

<<I don't understand why this decision was made, I feel that you are alienating a large group of customers that have been very loyal in the past, and who would be prime targets for micro-transactions since they are familiar with the benefits of say, locker space. I also think that you would likely see a strong conversation from F2P to P2P from older accounts once they're 'hooked' again.>>

I don't want to speculate about what might or might not get approval in the future, but I will just say that I agree with your assessment and it's something I'd like to see in some form as well.

As it stands, this will be a GREAT way for old folks to "stick their toe in" without any sort of commitment or risk and if they do want to return, we'll work with them to reactivate their regular accounts. It's not the same, but it's what we have. :)

Solomon

[Johnny Five]

"Some day, I have no doubt we will see a capped F2P character, and that will be an incredible achievement and something that will deserve recognition."

TGO you have been challenged.

[Lord Orbstar]

^ that. SIMU sounds like they are truly trying to make it work. I hope many people come back and will push some of my friends and relations to try it since it is free.

[Tgo01]

Likewise, there will be some inexpensive items that will allow F2P characters to cast or receive buffs (so that we aren't flooded with free buffbots) for a period of time. Contrary to the nonsensical speculation I've heard about, you won't have to buy an item every time you want to cast any spell

Did he really have the nerve to give us vague details on this shit then admit that you have to buy the ability to cast buffs for a period of time then call it "nonsensical speculation" that people thought it was a per cast basis? Man this guy is so full of himself.


Some day, I have no doubt we will see a capped F2P character, and that will be an incredible achievement and something that will deserve recognition.

Why the fuck would anyone do this?


TGO you have been challenged.

Shit. Now I hafta :(


As it stands, this will be a GREAT way for old folks to "stick their toe in" without any sort of commitment or risk

Why do people keep harping on this like it's new and revolutionary? It's called a 30 day free and unrestricted trial :/

[Astray]

Why do people keep harping on this like it's new and revolutionary? It's called a 30 day free and unrestricted trial :/

It's actually called a completely free basic account. If they had done that instead of stripping things down, I bet you people would happily return and sign up.

[mgoddess]

Why do people keep harping on this like it's new and revolutionary? It's called a 30 day free and unrestricted trial :/
There's thing called Real Life... it tends to take away from that 30 days, and there are people out there that aren't Uber-Crazy-Gamers who don't make it to level 20 within the thirty days...

[Fallen]

I agree on the 30 days versus always free. People want to be able to drift in and out with the same character.

[Tgo01]

It's actually called a completely free basic account. If they had done that instead of stripping things down, I bet you people would happily return and sign up.

True, that probably would have been the way to go. Make basic accounts free and sell extras beyond what is currently available in game.

Simu just doesn't seem to want to move away the subscription model though.


There's thing called Real Life... it tends to take away from that 30 days, and there are people out there that aren't Uber-Crazy-Gamers who don't make it to level 20 within the thirty days...

You can make as many 30 day trial accounts as you like. Also going by what we've been vaguely told about it sounds like you're going to have to upgrade to a basic account or fork over money for an experience booster to expect to advance beyond a relatively low level anyways.

[JackWhisper]

There's thing called Real Life... it tends to take away from that 30 days, and there are people out there that aren't Uber-Crazy-Gamers who don't make it to level 20 within the thirty days...

I made it to level 31...

[Wrathbringer]

It's going to depend on the prices for me. If I can hold unlimited silvers for $1/month, I'd play.

[Kithus]

It's actually called a completely free basic account. If they had done that instead of stripping things down, I bet you people would happily return and sign up.

Yes and a lot of people would turn their basic accounts into the free version or make new free accounts to have buffbots and pocket healers, pickers, etc. You're asking Simutronics to just give away what they're currently charging $15 a month for. That is simply not a realistic expectation.

[Fallen]

I can't see them ever just giving Basic account status away for free. They'd lose way, way too much money. I'm not sure they have the liquidity to even take a short-term hit in revenue it would cause, even it it would stabilize in the coming months/years.

FTP for returning characters is possible, but not without added restrictions that will be sure to bring in money.

[m444w]

On the legal spectrum, simutronics is one of the most liquid businesses percent revenue to percentage of cost in the world.

They have slave labor, SHRINKING hardware costs, and a user base that shells out thousands of dollars for events at the drop of a hat whenever Whatley wants to go to Vegas.

That is not to say Whatley wants to lose money, but it isn't a factor of not having the liquidity.

They could run the server for years on one month's cash flow.

[Kalishar]

This is basically SWTOR's business model adapted for a text based game. Pretty much most the restrictions you see here can be found in SWTOR in one form or another. I'm currently playing it now to just enjoy some of the story elements but if I was interested in actually playing the game with friends and such I would be extremely pissed off at all the nickel and diming.

The difference is SWTOR's subscription service actually feels worth the money with all the perks and extra things you get where Simu's basic subscription doesn't feel worth it at all (1 fucking character? Come on) and the premium subscription is nice but overpriced in my opinion.

[Astray]

Yes and a lot of people would turn their basic accounts into the free version or make new free accounts to have buffbots and pocket healers, pickers, etc. You're asking Simutronics to just give away what they're currently charging $15 a month for. That is simply not a realistic expectation.

Which is why you add peripherals. You can easily make someone pay for something like an Exp Booster, or a loot booster, or a locker expansion peripheral. You are acting like there are no other options.

Micro transactions could easily beat out subscription.

[Wrathbringer]

The difference is SWTOR's subscription service actually feels worth the money with all the perks and extra things you get where Simu's basic subscription doesn't feel worth it at all (1 fucking character? Come on) and the premium subscription is nice but overpriced in my opinion.

Exactly.