It's quite presumptuous to think that the new Hunter Ranger Paragon path is so good that if they give a free respec token to players to try it out, players will not buy respec token to revert back to their previous build or have they nerfed the stormwarden skills so badly they know ppl won't revert back to it?
It sad that so many player will not be able to enjoy all the hard work they put in that class.
I think both GWF and HR should have gotten a free respec token.
Decided to weigh in on the respec topic. I'm somewhat familiar or rather used to with how Cryptic decides to give free respec, that is having been with both their previous games for years. Free respecs are usually given out to major power changes, usually a class or framework rework that drastically affect or potentially break players' builds. Anytime you get a free respec other than the aforementioned is a bonus, which means in most cases, players have to spend their own resources to respec.
I can easily see how having a separate feats respec system through AD and a mutually exclusive Paragon path can factor into Cryptic's decision not to give out free respecs for the GWF and HR. However, I would like to remind them of having consistency. The last time any class received a new Paragon path, that class received a free respec. So, at the very least, the HR should have received one. It is not good for business to have players at the mercy of a developer's whim on a product which reputation survives purely through its customer base.
I am a free-to-play player with a main GWF and alt HR. I have no problem not receiving a free respec.
Sometimes I think a lot of people forget how awesome a free game really is, and on top of that, how awesome new and updated content for free is as well. The only reason people are even asking for a respec is because they just got a boatload of new content for free!
The previous free respecs were a gift and now we feel entitled to more gifts? Just cough up the 5 bucks or do what I did and earn some AD by playing the game, which is fun and free!
--- Ranked matches need to be solo-queue only
Enforce rainbow parties in PvP ---- 10v10 PvP ----
The primary complaint is that all existing characters received a free retraining token when the second paragon path was released, to allow them to take advantage of that if they chose to, since they'd had no choice previously.
HRs went live with a single paragon path as well, but have not received the same courtesy now that they have two paragons to choose from.
The paragon path issue is also important, but that isn't the main problem. The main problem is that quite a number of people have had their builds messed up with the heavy overhaul of the paths and powers, etc. At the very least, each of these characters should be given 1 character bound respec token.
I am a free-to-play player with a main GWF and alt HR. I have no problem not receiving a free respec.
Sometimes I think a lot of people forget how awesome a free game really is, and on top of that, how awesome new and updated content for free is as well. The only reason people are even asking for a respec is because they just got a boatload of new content for free!
The previous free respecs were a gift and now we feel entitled to more gifts? Just cough up the 5 bucks or do what I did and earn some AD by playing the game, which is fun and free!
What? I am always thankful for a free game, but this game isn't free, it's free to play. Free to play games are designed from the ground up to suck money out of people, more money than reasonable. If this game had a subscription, it would be 10x better. Think of all the design decisions that only exists so that the player feels inconvenienced. Professions, companions, enchants, mount upgrades, and probably more. Being thankful is not even an option, I am expected to buy something, which is the only way this game continues to exist.
I remember when Cryptic actually gave us a gift, though I fail to remember the exact date. I got a blood ruby, a cosmetic outfit and some other miscellaneous items. That felt like a gift, as they gave me something that they worked hard on, and didn't ask for anything in return. In this case, I was yet again inconvenienced and then asked to pay 5 dollars to fix the problem that they created.
What? I am always thankful for a free game, but this game isn't free, it's free to play. Free to play games are designed from the ground up to suck money out of people, more money than reasonable. If this game had a subscription, it would be 10x better. Think of all the design decisions that only exists so that the player feels inconvenienced. Professions, companions, enchants, mount upgrades, and probably more. Being thankful is not even an option, I am expected to buy something, which is the only way this game continues to exist.
I remember when Cryptic actually gave us a gift, though I fail to remember the exact date. I got a blood ruby, a cosmetic outfit and some other miscellaneous items. That felt like a gift, as they gave me something that they worked hard on, and didn't ask for anything in return. In this case, I was yet again inconvenienced and then asked to pay 5 dollars to fix the problem that they created.
Beggars can't be choosers.
--- Ranked matches need to be solo-queue only
Enforce rainbow parties in PvP ---- 10v10 PvP ----
perhaps HRs didn't get a free respec because they haven't been out as long as the other classes.
as much as i'd like more free stuff from such a high quality free to play MMO like neverwinter, i can appreciate their decision to not provide a respec with this new paragon. i can only hope that any new classes will be implemented with two paragon paths to choose from.
I am a free-to-play player with a main GWF and alt HR. I have no problem not receiving a free respec.
Sometimes I think a lot of people forget how awesome a free game really is, and on top of that, how awesome new and updated content for free is as well. The only reason people are even asking for a respec is because they just got a boatload of new content for free!
The previous free respecs were a gift and now we feel entitled to more gifts? Just cough up the 5 bucks or do what I did and earn some AD by playing the game, which is fun and free!
Making enough AD thru gameplay while working a full time job and having a life will take months. I can long in for about an hour (if that) on business days and I dont wanna spent my whole weekend looking at a computer screen. "Fun and free" for you works only because there are other people who also enjoy a good game, have money but have no time. Any so called 'free to play' game would be dead without them. As for the respec, its kind of a rule in online RPGs, when you change/update a class to an extent that it affects its performance you compensate your customers by giving them a choice for free. Simple thing to do really. Don't be greedy devs and publishers. I already spent money here but I wont spend it on sth that should be provided period
Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream.
What? I am always thankful for a free game, but this game isn't free, it's free to play. Free to play games are designed from the ground up to suck money out of people, more money than reasonable. If this game had a subscription, it would be 10x better. Think of all the design decisions that only exists so that the player feels inconvenienced. Professions, companions, enchants, mount upgrades, and probably more. Being thankful is not even an option, I am expected to buy something, which is the only way this game continues to exist.
I remember when Cryptic actually gave us a gift, though I fail to remember the exact date. I got a blood ruby, a cosmetic outfit and some other miscellaneous items. That felt like a gift, as they gave me something that they worked hard on, and didn't ask for anything in return. In this case, I was yet again inconvenienced and then asked to pay 5 dollars to fix the problem that they created.
^^ This one gets it
Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream.
Cmon people, we get free stuff in a regular basis. Clothes, pets, and different stuff is gifted from time to time. Wasnt the double XP weekend something awesome? Aren´t the free new artifacts for all the toons in the same account something ultra-awesome?
The fact that Cryptic gave free respec tokens in the past doesnt put them in the compromise of giving them again. They never said they were giving them this time, so I see no reason to camplain. Those tokens are not that expensive, and you can buy zen with AD, so theres no need to expend real money if you don´t want to.
Also consider that, the more money Cryptic makes with this game, the more people they can hire to make it better.
Cmon people, we get free stuff in a regular basis. Clothes, pets, and different stuff is gifted from time to time. Wasnt the double XP weekend something awesome? Aren´t the free new artifacts for all the toons in the same account something ultra-awesome?
The fact that Cryptic gave free respec tokens in the past doesnt put them in the compromise of giving them again. They never said they were giving them this time, so I see no reason to camplain. Those tokens are not that expensive, and you can buy zen with AD, so theres no need to expend real money if you don´t want to.
Also consider that, the more money Cryptic makes with this game, the more people they can hire to make it better.
They did good things on the game, and all that bla bla bla... the thing here is that they did massive changes on some Classes, so they should let ppl (of those classes) respec for free..., why should ppl pay to fix what they did with their builds... it's not so hard to understand...
Well, again, any game that changes class builds and then charges the player to fix the changes is simply a rip-off. It is like free to play a broken game, pay to play a game that works reasonably well.
So did devs release an official statement on this matter yet? I'm really curious what reasoning they could come up with other than "a year into the game we now have sufficient playerbase to finally start milking the cow".
get real people neverwinter this days has realy gone mad if you want to get something even an appearance change aka (51k) per change u have to grind like mad man and remember u can only 24k AD per day to refine so.. even for something like change appearance you need 1week for everything else 1 week more and 1 week more and 1 month more and 2 months more and more grind grind grind
i remember when module 2 came 1 of the forum admin ( not moderator with green name) said they will always give a free respec token if they change something on a paragon or add a new paragon hmm ? they forgot ? ofcourse not they just see a great opportunity to make you buy it since the "Zax" its at it finest 500 AD they wont give it free they like the ZAX at 500
Well, again, any game that changes class builds and then charges the player to fix the changes is simply a rip-off. It is like free to play a broken game, pay to play a game that works reasonably well.
to be fair, it is common for software to be released as fast as it can be coded with or without bugs and it is in the terms of service that bugs may exist and that the company may or may not fix those bugs per your expectations. in order for software companies to remain competitive, this is how they must operate. this is the way the marketplace is due to consumer demand.
Actually no, the 2 2x xp weekends were meant to have hunter rangers to level past level 30, choose the only available paragon path, thinking there will be a free respec like there was for past classes and now force them to buy a respec. It's pretty obvious.
If they haven't give out a free respec yet or even commented about it them obviously they don't plan on giving us one , however , in the words of our great leader panderus ( games producer)
It's an odd decision for sure. I can maybe understand no respec for GWF but adding a whole new HR Paragon seems a no-brainer given what happened with Mod 2. I can't see how any potential financial benefit outweighs the lousy PR from hacking off so many customers.
All I did was offer an alternative for people looking to get a retraining token for a cheaper price than USD $10. See, I put the "USD" there now. Happy now?
Geez..
I'm not American either. I'm Singaporean so it's SGD $6.24 (excluding transaction cost for conversion by Paypal or the bank) for me and I major in Economics so I seriously don't need someone telling me about exchange rate and transaction costs. If you can't afford or aren't willing to fork out USD $5 then don't buy it.
The only way any company will change their policy towards something is if it hurts their profits directly or indirectly. So, even if many people are not happy with the lack of free respec, as long as they are still earning (majority still buying ZEN), they wouldn't give a <font color="orange">HAMSTER</font>. Look at the ZEN/Astral Diamonds market. There's obviously a huge demand for ZEN.
I wasn't even defending the lack of a respec token. I main the GWF and I would be more than happy to get a free respec token for him too. I'm also fully aware of that this respec token being inside a "First Time Buyer"s Pack" along with a lack of free respec token post-mod 3 is a marketing strategy to extract profits.
A Free game doesn't run on players' time, in case you didn't know. So, yes, your time, my time and anybody's time spent on Neverwinter is worth NOTHING to PWE, unless they start putting (non-PWE) advertisements in the game. It is in fact a cost to them since they have to pay the bills to keep the game running. The game runs on money, money made from people BUYING ZEN, not trading ZEN.
"I major in Economics so I seriously don't need someone telling me about exchange rate and transaction costs."
Hmm, so do some politicians who make seriously bad economical judgements. You may major in Economics, but do you specialize in Logic? Can you tell us the strength of the corelation between your majoring in Economics and the correctness of your statements that defend an obviously bad decision? This by the way has nothing to do with me, as I was not affected. In fact, I had foreseen the Zen price hike and sold my cheaply bought Zen for a very high price. Even so, this is not a good decision that PWE is making, though I also understand the need to make money. It's just that this isn't the right way to do it. It's like when a new restaurant does well for some time, and then once they are doing really well, they start diluting and/or reducing the food, leading to a loss of customers due to dissatisfaction. They then raise the price because they aren't making as much, and this then drives even more customers to other restaurants, and they eventually shut down.
Yes, majoring in Economics gives you some knowledge on economy, but economists aren't the only experts around. I've studied both Engineering and Computer Science, get lots of criticism from my statistician father daily, and my financially adept mother daily as well. Not to mention my direct and very sharp sibling. I read all kinds of things, sociology all the way to economics to teaching. I'm no expert, but I can guarantee you that you are oversimplifying things and that the respec token really is a necessity for all those affected negatively, but since that would be difficult to implement, they should give it to all the classes that were nerfed or greatly altered, and the rest be allowed to apply for a respec token. Either that or give each character that is above a certain level a respec token where the level depends on which level the changes begin at.
Also, if you are not convinced, then please let those affected know how not being able to respec an affected character has no relation to their character's effectiveness and consequently the customer's ability to enjoy the game. Also, please show that enjoyment of the game is not strongly corelated to the success or failure of the game. Do remember that the free player-paying player dynamic is vital in MMOs like these.
Remember the moral of the story about the couple that killed the goose that laid the golden eggs.
Cmon people, we get free stuff in a regular basis. Clothes, pets, and different stuff is gifted from time to time. Wasnt the double XP weekend something awesome? Aren´t the free new artifacts for all the toons in the same account something ultra-awesome?
I remember a single instance of getting clothes/fashion items for free. Outside of that, every "gift" you named requires me to spend an immense amount of AD. Green companions? Certainly you've noticed how utterly useless companions are outside of that one white cleric. She is only accidentally useful because her heal scales with level. Notice that none of these promotional companions are leaders or defenders. I am not asking them to give me better companions, I want them to charge for them in a state of quality, and of course make them account wide.
If they haven't give out a free respec yet or even commented about it them obviously they don't plan on giving us one , however , in the words of our great leader panderus ( games producer)
I've caught panderus expressing that he gives a **** (d-word) on several occasions, I can only assume that his hands are tied. I don't actually believe that developers have any interest in just making money, they need it to live and they hope we enjoy their game and compensate them for the good times. Business is sadly, completely oppressive, and it can't be just about be about spending money on a game you enjoy. They are forced to be shady, and design unethical means of making more money than necessary. I don't know about you, but I've never wanted to be rich, my goal is not to struggle, ever. That simple goal would not lead to me creating lock boxes that play on peoples weakness to gamble.
Since I cannot change how business is done, I can protect myself. I'll just keep my money and in the event that I find their business fair, I'll continue to support. I've already spent 100 dollars in this game, and I don't have much to show for it.
"I major in Economics so I seriously don't need someone telling me about exchange rate and transaction costs."
Hmm, so do some politicians who make seriously bad economical judgements. You may major in Economics, but do you specialize in Logic? Can you tell us the strength of the corelation between your majoring in Economics and the correctness of your statements that defend an obviously bad decision? This by the way has nothing to do with me, as I was not affected. In fact, I had foreseen the Zen price hike and sold my cheaply bought Zen for a very high price. Even so, this is not a good decision that PWE is making, though I also understand the need to make money. It's just that this isn't the right way to do it. It's like when a new restaurant does well for some time, and then once they are doing really well, they start diluting and/or reducing the food, leading to a loss of customers due to dissatisfaction. They then raise the price because they aren't making as much, and this then drives even more customers to other restaurants, and they eventually shut down.
Yes, majoring in Economics gives you some knowledge on economy, but economists aren't the only experts around. I've studied both Engineering and Computer Science, get lots of criticism from my statistician father daily, and my financially adept mother daily as well. Not to mention my direct and very sharp sibling. I read all kinds of things, sociology all the way to economics to teaching. I'm no expert, but I can guarantee you that you are oversimplifying things and that the respec token really is a necessity for all those affected negatively, but since that would be difficult to implement, they should give it to all the classes that were nerfed or greatly altered, and the rest be allowed to apply for a respec token. Either that or give each character that is above a certain level a respec token where the level depends on which level the changes begin at.
Also, if you are not convinced, then please let those affected know how not being able to respec an affected character has no relation to their character's effectiveness and consequently the customer's ability to enjoy the game. Also, please show that enjoyment of the game is not strongly corelated to the success or failure of the game. Do remember that the free player-paying player dynamic is vital in MMOs like these.
Remember the moral of the story about the couple that killed the goose that laid the golden eggs.
I hope you already read my reply because I don't really plan on rewriting it again.
If you haven't, then in (very very) short, I am supportive of getting a free respec and I did not defend PWE's decision in not giving it, in any of my posts. However, I doubt that the company will change its policy because essentially, direct impact to profits are much easier to quantify and see, compared to indirect ones (such as negative word of mouth or a bad marketing strategy). The comment that you quoted me on when taken out of context will seem very condescending but it's simply a response to unwanted sacarsm when I meant well in my first post. It is simply there to state that I'm fully aware of transaction cost and exchange rate issues when I suggested what I did in my very first post regarding the First Buyer's Pack.
I hope you already read my reply because I don't really plan on rewriting it again.
If you haven't, then in (very very) short, I am supportive of getting a free respec and I did not defend PWE's decision in not giving it, in any of my posts. However, I doubt that the company will change its policy because essentially, direct impact to profits are much easier to quantify and see, compared to indirect ones (such as negative word of mouth or a bad marketing strategy). The comment that you quoted me on when taken out of context will seem very condescending but it's simply a response to unwanted sacarsm when I meant well in my first post. It is simply there to state that I'm fully aware of transaction cost and exchange rate issues when I suggested what I did in my very first post regarding the First Buyer's Pack.
I'm very sorry if my reply to your post offended you. I didn't mean it in that way. I wasn't saying that you didn't know what you were saying, nor was I implying that you were against the respec tokens. I have a bad habit of sounding condescending, etc. without realizing it, as I am not very good socially. For that I am sorry. Anyway, here's what I was trying to say:-
Basically, what you said is correct in general, but I wanted to make it clear that your post doesn't mean that PWE's decision is correct simply because you as a person who specializes in economics said something that slightly supported them.
I'm very sorry if my reply to your post offended you. I didn't mean it in that way. I wasn't saying that you didn't know what you were saying, nor was I implying that you were against the respec tokens. I have a bad habit of sounding condescending, etc. without realizing it, as I am not very good socially. For that I am sorry. Anyway, here's what I was trying to say:-
Basically, what you said is correct in general, but I wanted to make it clear that your post doesn't mean that PWE's decision is correct simply because you as a person who specializes in economics said something that slightly supported them.
Ah, I see. It's ok=)
Personally, I also don't think it is the right decision for them to not give the respec token for free considering how much these changes affected the players.
However, like I mentioned, it will be quite hard to prove that this decision is a bad one financially (essentially, most companies are profit-driven so only direct or indirect financial impacts will matter to them when it comes to policy-making) because the impact (unhappy players, negative word of mouth) is an indirect one and have no financial indicators to show, along with the current high demand for ZEN which contradicts it. Thus, I felt and still feel that the chances of them giving a free respec is pretty low, unless it really turns out to be a strategy to wait out for people to buy the tokens before they give a free one to regain players' favour.
Personally, I also don't think it is the right decision for them to not give the respec token for free considering how much these changes affected the players.
However, like I mentioned, it will be quite hard to prove that this decision is a bad one financially (essentially, most companies are profit-driven so only direct or indirect financial impacts will matter to them when it comes to policy-making) because the impact (unhappy players, negative word of mouth) is an indirect one and have no financial indicators to show, along with the current high demand for ZEN which contradicts it. Thus, I felt and still feel that the chances of them giving a free respec is pretty low, unless it really turns out to be a strategy to wait out for people to buy the tokens before they give a free one to regain players' favour.
"unless it really turns out to be a strategy to wait out for people to buy the tokens before they give a free one to regain players' favour."
I believe that is one of the more likely possibilities. However, I think this is a very short-sighted and bad strategy, as people will feel they are milking the cow. This is kind of like, as I elaborated earlier, how many restaurants are successful and popular at first, until they abuse the customers, water down or reduce the food, etc. and eventually shut down. True there are no tangible indicators, but that is what logic and number theory are for. With this strategy, the risks are too great for too little a gain. I am sure that even in economics, you would want to maximize benefit while minimizing and mitigating costs, loss and damage.
Comments
It sad that so many player will not be able to enjoy all the hard work they put in that class.
I think both GWF and HR should have gotten a free respec token.
I can easily see how having a separate feats respec system through AD and a mutually exclusive Paragon path can factor into Cryptic's decision not to give out free respecs for the GWF and HR. However, I would like to remind them of having consistency. The last time any class received a new Paragon path, that class received a free respec. So, at the very least, the HR should have received one. It is not good for business to have players at the mercy of a developer's whim on a product which reputation survives purely through its customer base.
Sometimes I think a lot of people forget how awesome a free game really is, and on top of that, how awesome new and updated content for free is as well. The only reason people are even asking for a respec is because they just got a boatload of new content for free!
The previous free respecs were a gift and now we feel entitled to more gifts? Just cough up the 5 bucks or do what I did and earn some AD by playing the game, which is fun and free!
Enforce rainbow parties in PvP ---- 10v10 PvP ----
The paragon path issue is also important, but that isn't the main problem. The main problem is that quite a number of people have had their builds messed up with the heavy overhaul of the paths and powers, etc. At the very least, each of these characters should be given 1 character bound respec token.
What? I am always thankful for a free game, but this game isn't free, it's free to play. Free to play games are designed from the ground up to suck money out of people, more money than reasonable. If this game had a subscription, it would be 10x better. Think of all the design decisions that only exists so that the player feels inconvenienced. Professions, companions, enchants, mount upgrades, and probably more. Being thankful is not even an option, I am expected to buy something, which is the only way this game continues to exist.
I remember when Cryptic actually gave us a gift, though I fail to remember the exact date. I got a blood ruby, a cosmetic outfit and some other miscellaneous items. That felt like a gift, as they gave me something that they worked hard on, and didn't ask for anything in return. In this case, I was yet again inconvenienced and then asked to pay 5 dollars to fix the problem that they created.
Beggars can't be choosers.
Enforce rainbow parties in PvP ---- 10v10 PvP ----
as much as i'd like more free stuff from such a high quality free to play MMO like neverwinter, i can appreciate their decision to not provide a respec with this new paragon. i can only hope that any new classes will be implemented with two paragon paths to choose from.
Making enough AD thru gameplay while working a full time job and having a life will take months. I can long in for about an hour (if that) on business days and I dont wanna spent my whole weekend looking at a computer screen. "Fun and free" for you works only because there are other people who also enjoy a good game, have money but have no time. Any so called 'free to play' game would be dead without them. As for the respec, its kind of a rule in online RPGs, when you change/update a class to an extent that it affects its performance you compensate your customers by giving them a choice for free. Simple thing to do really. Don't be greedy devs and publishers. I already spent money here but I wont spend it on sth that should be provided period
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream.
^^ This one gets it
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream.
The fact that Cryptic gave free respec tokens in the past doesnt put them in the compromise of giving them again. They never said they were giving them this time, so I see no reason to camplain. Those tokens are not that expensive, and you can buy zen with AD, so theres no need to expend real money if you don´t want to.
Also consider that, the more money Cryptic makes with this game, the more people they can hire to make it better.
They did good things on the game, and all that bla bla bla... the thing here is that they did massive changes on some Classes, so they should let ppl (of those classes) respec for free..., why should ppl pay to fix what they did with their builds... it's not so hard to understand...
Jugger Conq GF
....
to be fair, it is common for software to be released as fast as it can be coded with or without bugs and it is in the terms of service that bugs may exist and that the company may or may not fix those bugs per your expectations. in order for software companies to remain competitive, this is how they must operate. this is the way the marketplace is due to consumer demand.
Actually no, the 2 2x xp weekends were meant to have hunter rangers to level past level 30, choose the only available paragon path, thinking there will be a free respec like there was for past classes and now force them to buy a respec. It's pretty obvious.
http://nw-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?620031-Free-Respec-for-GFs&p=7389711&viewfull=1#post7389711
Aelar Hawkwind - Archer
Karrin Feywinter - Mistress of Flame
Errin Duskwalker - Executioner
Darquess - Soulbinder
Great Weapon Fighter: Because when is today not a good day to die?
PC and PS4 player. Proud Guildmaster for PS4 Team Fencebane. Rank 5 Officer for PC Team Fencebane. Visit us at http://fencebane.shivtr.com
"I major in Economics so I seriously don't need someone telling me about exchange rate and transaction costs."
Hmm, so do some politicians who make seriously bad economical judgements. You may major in Economics, but do you specialize in Logic? Can you tell us the strength of the corelation between your majoring in Economics and the correctness of your statements that defend an obviously bad decision? This by the way has nothing to do with me, as I was not affected. In fact, I had foreseen the Zen price hike and sold my cheaply bought Zen for a very high price. Even so, this is not a good decision that PWE is making, though I also understand the need to make money. It's just that this isn't the right way to do it. It's like when a new restaurant does well for some time, and then once they are doing really well, they start diluting and/or reducing the food, leading to a loss of customers due to dissatisfaction. They then raise the price because they aren't making as much, and this then drives even more customers to other restaurants, and they eventually shut down.
Yes, majoring in Economics gives you some knowledge on economy, but economists aren't the only experts around. I've studied both Engineering and Computer Science, get lots of criticism from my statistician father daily, and my financially adept mother daily as well. Not to mention my direct and very sharp sibling. I read all kinds of things, sociology all the way to economics to teaching. I'm no expert, but I can guarantee you that you are oversimplifying things and that the respec token really is a necessity for all those affected negatively, but since that would be difficult to implement, they should give it to all the classes that were nerfed or greatly altered, and the rest be allowed to apply for a respec token. Either that or give each character that is above a certain level a respec token where the level depends on which level the changes begin at.
Also, if you are not convinced, then please let those affected know how not being able to respec an affected character has no relation to their character's effectiveness and consequently the customer's ability to enjoy the game. Also, please show that enjoyment of the game is not strongly corelated to the success or failure of the game. Do remember that the free player-paying player dynamic is vital in MMOs like these.
Remember the moral of the story about the couple that killed the goose that laid the golden eggs.
I remember a single instance of getting clothes/fashion items for free. Outside of that, every "gift" you named requires me to spend an immense amount of AD. Green companions? Certainly you've noticed how utterly useless companions are outside of that one white cleric. She is only accidentally useful because her heal scales with level. Notice that none of these promotional companions are leaders or defenders. I am not asking them to give me better companions, I want them to charge for them in a state of quality, and of course make them account wide.
I've caught panderus expressing that he gives a **** (d-word) on several occasions, I can only assume that his hands are tied. I don't actually believe that developers have any interest in just making money, they need it to live and they hope we enjoy their game and compensate them for the good times. Business is sadly, completely oppressive, and it can't be just about be about spending money on a game you enjoy. They are forced to be shady, and design unethical means of making more money than necessary. I don't know about you, but I've never wanted to be rich, my goal is not to struggle, ever. That simple goal would not lead to me creating lock boxes that play on peoples weakness to gamble.
Since I cannot change how business is done, I can protect myself. I'll just keep my money and in the event that I find their business fair, I'll continue to support. I've already spent 100 dollars in this game, and I don't have much to show for it.
I hope you already read my reply because I don't really plan on rewriting it again.
If you haven't, then in (very very) short, I am supportive of getting a free respec and I did not defend PWE's decision in not giving it, in any of my posts. However, I doubt that the company will change its policy because essentially, direct impact to profits are much easier to quantify and see, compared to indirect ones (such as negative word of mouth or a bad marketing strategy). The comment that you quoted me on when taken out of context will seem very condescending but it's simply a response to unwanted sacarsm when I meant well in my first post. It is simply there to state that I'm fully aware of transaction cost and exchange rate issues when I suggested what I did in my very first post regarding the First Buyer's Pack.
I'm very sorry if my reply to your post offended you. I didn't mean it in that way. I wasn't saying that you didn't know what you were saying, nor was I implying that you were against the respec tokens. I have a bad habit of sounding condescending, etc. without realizing it, as I am not very good socially. For that I am sorry. Anyway, here's what I was trying to say:-
Basically, what you said is correct in general, but I wanted to make it clear that your post doesn't mean that PWE's decision is correct simply because you as a person who specializes in economics said something that slightly supported them.
Ah, I see. It's ok=)
Personally, I also don't think it is the right decision for them to not give the respec token for free considering how much these changes affected the players.
However, like I mentioned, it will be quite hard to prove that this decision is a bad one financially (essentially, most companies are profit-driven so only direct or indirect financial impacts will matter to them when it comes to policy-making) because the impact (unhappy players, negative word of mouth) is an indirect one and have no financial indicators to show, along with the current high demand for ZEN which contradicts it. Thus, I felt and still feel that the chances of them giving a free respec is pretty low, unless it really turns out to be a strategy to wait out for people to buy the tokens before they give a free one to regain players' favour.
"unless it really turns out to be a strategy to wait out for people to buy the tokens before they give a free one to regain players' favour."
I believe that is one of the more likely possibilities. However, I think this is a very short-sighted and bad strategy, as people will feel they are milking the cow. This is kind of like, as I elaborated earlier, how many restaurants are successful and popular at first, until they abuse the customers, water down or reduce the food, etc. and eventually shut down. True there are no tangible indicators, but that is what logic and number theory are for. With this strategy, the risks are too great for too little a gain. I am sure that even in economics, you would want to maximize benefit while minimizing and mitigating costs, loss and damage.