Visual progression and how to fix it (🎬take 2)

I want to remind you the point of this post is to have a discussion🙏

Following the discussion on reddit, considering main arguments from the comments I'd like to suggest an alternative solution that tries to mitigate the loss of visual progression while potentially improve Intrepid's business model

A win win for everyone so please, bear with me

The problem
- Being able to apply costume skins without requirements (while the rest of the cosmetics have requirements)
- No option to toggle cosmetics on and off

What we want
- Visual progression to matter (that "starter" feel)
- Looks to represent time invested playing the game
- Have a sense of anticipation and exclusivity

What we don't want
- Upset those who already pre-ordered
- Make it harder for those who don't have as much time to play
- Hurt Intrepid's business model

The solution
- Already pre-ordered cosmetics enjoy early adopters benefit of no restrictions (no change)
- Make future costume cosmetics tied to tier
- Price scales accordingly to chosen tier

So every costume skin has these options to chose from:
$35 - COMMON
$30 - UNCOMMON
$25 - RARE
$20 - EPIC
$15 - LEGENDARY

Whichever tier you buy will determine the starting tier of gear you will be able to apply your skin to

Assuming you bought the legendary tier, you will be able to apply your skin only once you equip a legendary armor in game
If you bought the common tier you get to apply the same skin on common gear and higher

The tier represents an entry point of when the player will be able to apply a costume skin according to his gear in game

$25 is the current price for pre-ordered costume skins, being the base line with a reasonable time-frame from purchase to application (assuming rare tier will be the middle in game)

Players who want to deviate from this point will pay the difference accordingly
Those who want to enjoy looking good earlier still can by paying a premium price
Those who want to stand on their principles get to enjoy a lower price
Those who want to enjoy good looks but don't play as much get the middle point

This allows more options catered to more needs, incentivizing visual integrity while breaking it comes at a price that Intrepid and we the players benefit from for further support for the game

Essentially Intrepid just has to pick a point when this will take effect, personally I think with the release of Alpha 1 is a great time

Feedback is very welcome, please be gentle ^^

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Comments

Archaeon

Personally I'm not against the idea of a cosmetic shop. But as we can see here, it upsets players because they suspect there won't be as visually stunning cosmetics available through playing the game.

For example I really like that red ghostly concept art armor, but I'm not gonna pay for the cosmetic.

My solution:
- Have good looking gear you can earn in game
- Have (current) cosmetics
- Have some sort of proxy currency you can earn in-game or buy via cash shop, so that you can still get those unique cosmetic...it'll just take you some time.

An example of a game which has done this system reasonably well is Warframe. Just have a few ways you can earn these 'gems' which can't be grinded for and are time gated.

E.g. Flaming set costs 20 gems. 9.99 for 20 gems. You can earn 5 gems a week through completing in-game activities.

Noaani

Merek wrote: »

I think it's stupid that instead of gearing all cosmetics towards following the "lore" of the game, they're just going to go straight for whatever gets cash. Can't wait to see a bunch of kids in jordans riding ducati's...

I'm curious as to why you think this will be the case.

lunarsky

@Merek

What do you mean? They're creating lore for the cosmetics as they release them.

Potato Basket

CROW3 wrote: »

ninfosho wrote: »

The problem
- Being able to apply costume skins without requirements (while the rest of the cosmetics have requirements)
- No option to toggle cosmetics on and off

What we want
- Visual progression to matter (that "starter" feel)
- Looks to represent time invested playing the game
- Have a sense of anticipation and exclusivity

I’d like to suggest we reframe the problem so that it is more honest. I don’t read the problem above to be about your appearance, but about how you are perceived. Those are very different things.

Let’s say you spent your whole career working tirelessly up the ladder until finally you reach an executive role. As a reward you can afford and then buy a Ferrari. Now driving your Ferrari, it represents an achievement to you, and you want to be perceived as reaching that achievement.

Now, let’s say I rent a Lambo and pull up next to you.

The argument you’re making above is that I (as a consumer) shouldn’t be able to rent an expensive car and further that a rental agency (as a business) should not be renting expensive cars, because you feel it diminishes how you are perceived.

So, my suggested solution is a little more simple: enjoy your Ferrari and take pleasure in what it took to earn it.

If someone doesn’t think x or y of you, so what? Exclusivity on the whole is largely driven by ego. Take pride in what you’ve done, and let everything else go.

The thing is you're not renting a lambo for a limited time, you're actually buying and owning an equivalent to the lambo I've worked for like a Ferrari which doesn't represent any time, effort or progression

It's seems like everyone OK with it as long as both looking on par but that throws visual progression out the window because everyone will own a Ferrari or an equivalent so there's no exclusivity in owning it in the first place while it also makes my hard earned lambo through tears, sweat and monthly sub fees worth as much as your $25 Ferrari

If you can't see a problem with that then I guess you'll have to experience it on your own first

CROW3

ninfosho wrote: »

The thing is you're not renting a lambo for a limited time, you're actually buying and owning an equivalent to the lambo I've worked for like a Ferrari and it doesn't represent time and effort or progression.

The analogy isn't perfect, so let's say it was a gift. The point was that Lambo guy didn't earn it. If that diminishes how you feel about your Ferrari, I don't think that's something someone else has the responsibility to solve for you.

Warth

Most people in the game will know that you worked for yours, he bought his.

That's all the prestige you need, that's all the exclusivity you need. Owning a Cosmetic everybody can own through spending 10$? Well he might look nice, but he is still just one of many.

Own a cosmetic less than 1% of the server owns? Now we are talking. He isn't buying a lambo. I won't pretend to know enough about cars to make a proper analogy, so let me just say this:

He is buying an somewhat above average car. You on the other hand will have a limited edition, highly exclusive car, that most people will never attain, if you want to put your mind to that.

Sold cosmetics won't matter, every player, that's no complete casual, will know the difference between your skin and his. @ninfosho

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