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Preorder Packages
CaptnChuck
Member
The pre-order packages on the Intrepid website contain access to alpha 2, beta 1 and 2 access. Alongside access to them you also gain in game time and marketplace credits.
Steven said during Asmongold's Interview that he did not care if people pre-ordered the game or not. If he truly didn't, then why exactly is in-game time and marketplace credits being combined with these packages? This is mostly only done when companies need the upfront money.
Beta 2 access is worth about 20$. But it costs 75$ simply because its paired with in game marketplace credits and in game time. Why not just sell beta 2 access, with that belt, for just 35 dollars? Why charge 75$ for it if you don't need the upfront money?
Its the same thing with alpha 2 and beta 1 access. More than 70% of the cost of ALL the packages, comes from the in game subscription fee and the in-game marketplace credits.
I understand that the amount is being charged because of the sheer amount of cosmetics that you're offering in every package but why even do that in the first place? Why not just offer a single unique piece of cosmetic, for every package alike, every month? Like a belt for one month, a mount the next etc. This will help bring so much of the cost of these packages down and make it far more accessible to the average joe.
I want to buy the beta 1 or 2 packages, but they're just too expensive. I can buy WoW, with 3 months of in-game time, for the amount it takes to just get access to AoC's beta 2 and I would STILL have about 3 bucks left over. That seems kind of ridiculous to me. Why does the beta version of a game, that won't be out for the next 2 or 3 years, cost more than another, fully finished, 15 year old game?
Steven said during Asmongold's Interview that he did not care if people pre-ordered the game or not. If he truly didn't, then why exactly is in-game time and marketplace credits being combined with these packages? This is mostly only done when companies need the upfront money.
Beta 2 access is worth about 20$. But it costs 75$ simply because its paired with in game marketplace credits and in game time. Why not just sell beta 2 access, with that belt, for just 35 dollars? Why charge 75$ for it if you don't need the upfront money?
Its the same thing with alpha 2 and beta 1 access. More than 70% of the cost of ALL the packages, comes from the in game subscription fee and the in-game marketplace credits.
I understand that the amount is being charged because of the sheer amount of cosmetics that you're offering in every package but why even do that in the first place? Why not just offer a single unique piece of cosmetic, for every package alike, every month? Like a belt for one month, a mount the next etc. This will help bring so much of the cost of these packages down and make it far more accessible to the average joe.
I want to buy the beta 1 or 2 packages, but they're just too expensive. I can buy WoW, with 3 months of in-game time, for the amount it takes to just get access to AoC's beta 2 and I would STILL have about 3 bucks left over. That seems kind of ridiculous to me. Why does the beta version of a game, that won't be out for the next 2 or 3 years, cost more than another, fully finished, 15 year old game?
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Comments
* With high cost you're more likely to get a more vested player than someone who paid 10-25.00
* Knowing they have limited Beta and Alpha spots the cost will keep the numbers down
I understand where you're coming from though, for many people it is cost prohibitive.
The first point is fairly reasonable and you can apply it to alpha 1 and 2 access as feedback during these stages is very important and having sincere players will help you obtain that crucial feedback. But beta 2? I don't really think so. Feedback during beta 2 is nowhere near as valuable as feedback during alpha 1,2 and beta 1. So it doesn't really make sense to charge such a high amount just for beta 2 access. I would be willing to pay 40 dollars or so...but 75? That's a little too much.
As for your second point, again it makes sense. But this shouldn't be something that is hidden. Why not be open about how many spots there are in total? I'm sure that IS has a rough idea of the amount of people that will be allowed access to the alpha 2 and beta 1&2 phases.
Again I can completly understand your position.
They want people who will help make sure the game is the best it can be instead of people just wandering around trying to make sure they have an advantage on launch.
If I pay $15 for a game, and I don’t enjoy it, whatever, no loss to just quit it. If I pay $60 for a game, then I’m far more likely to give it another try.
Likewise if I spent $50 for Alpha 2 - Beta 2 access, I wouldn’t feel compelled to test it, since it’s hardly half a day’s wage. But I spent a few hundred on test access, which came with ingame time and shop credits and cosmetics, so I fully intend to give feedback during all test phases.
I think any normal person who spends 40 or so dollars on beta 2 access will be more than willing enough to test it completely. Not everyone has that kind of money to throw out for free.
But 75$ is just too much for beta 2. Heck I'd even be willing to pay 50$.
I think read or heard somewhere about how many players they want testing each phase so I think that's their main concern. Since alpha 1 nor alpha 2 are even out yet, there's not real telling exactly how many people they would want for beta 1 and 2 so putting such a low price on those right now might over compromise them and end up getting too many players for testing purposes. Also, I'm guessing even though they don't need the money for the development of the game right now, it's still useful for future development plans and to expand like they recently did. They announced that they will be self publishing in EU as well and I'm sure all the money from the packages and other things helped with that.
Well yea....but this post was made before that tweet. So rip.
Beta 1 and 2 are also very important, otherwise they wouldn't do it.
It's a lot of money yes, and maybe it could be a little lower, but if AoC continues to rise in popularity, that price won't stop people from buying up those spots very fast. When you go for lower price, you risk capping out on players that don't really care that much for the game.
That last part might seem crazy, as why would you waste money like that? Well, that's the reality of the world, there are always going to be people who just don't care about that money, and just buys it because it looks cool or something.
At least with a higher price, you limit that from happening somewhat.
I also personally like that they include mostly monthly subscriptions for that money, because then if I do end up playing the game, I haven't really spend that much money in the end.
I want to make the best contribution that I can so when I do get to play the game, I won't question too much on how come tester's didn't report this or that. I been waiting for that 1 MMO to get me back on point and this could be it. These days; good developer's are hard to come by, and this studio looks like they been making great moves for a while by expanding and adding talented member's to the team. This is a rare opportunity to be part of something that could very well be really special, and I want to be part of that.