This just seems to get worse with every Dev post made, first its that we need to refer 5 people who then sub for at least one month, then we find out its going to have a unique game mechanic (the cannon that can shoot through objects and possibly hit multiple targets) and now that its possibly going to have a cloak.....
Did the people behind this idea really have no idea how angry this is going to make many of their subscribers? or do they really just not care?
To have a ship available to a very select few that has unique game mechanics is a bad, bad idea....as i said in an earlier post i really think this could backfire on them badly and cost them subscribers rather than get them more subs.
In order to work, the Referral Program will need rewards that make people want to get folks to join the game so they can get the items. This means the items must be perceived as good to have and valuable. So far, it would seem that the vast majority of comments basically come down to, "I really want that ship, but I don't want to have to recruit to get it."
So, let's break it down:
1) In order to thrive expand and make new things, STO will need more customers over time.
2) The Refer a Friend Program is deemed useful by Cryptic to help promote the game and enable it to grow.
3) In order to get folks to actively recruit, some system of rewards is needed.
4) A vocal group of the community thinks this particular ship might be too nice of a reward for recruiting Some of those folks would rather just not have to recruit to get anything.
So, as a non council member, non Cryptic staff person, let me ask, you, the reader, this:
What reward would get YOU to actively recruit others to play STO? Do you think that others might want your reward enough to recruit as well? How would you respond to others who would also want it, but not want to recruit to get it?
Speaking as a person who has already "recruited" four folks to play without a referral system, I only have one objection to the Galaxy X as a reward:
It is Federation Specific. Where's the Klingon love? And I play almost exclusively Federation.
Again, it's not about RECRUITING.
Recruiting gets you NOTHING as far as the Galaxy X goes. You must get 5 people to SUBSCRIBE.
For the vast majority of us, getting 5 people to subscribe is an impossible task, and STO should not be gaining subbers because people are prodding others into subbing to get the shiny nobody else can have.
And yes, we do want the Galaxy X. It's an iconic, canon ship from a well loved episode. Cryptic have no moral right to abuse it this way.
Shikamaru317, as I've said before, you my friend, should be made a dev! You have reasonable requests, are fair, and listen to the player contingent that cares about the game! You don't kiss the butts of the Cryptic management and you don't spurn the devs - the people who really put their time and effort into this game!
Keep petitioning for us and like you, I'd also like to thank the dev who is putting in his time and energy to make the Galaxy X a an actual in-game ship!
The Galaxy X was a specific ship created specifically for the Referral program. The goal with the other end game ships is that they would be unlockable by reaching the next tier level but the specifics of that are still be discussed.
Here's what I know about it so far - The cannon is specific to this ship, and takes the place of a weapon's slot, but is not an item that can be removed and placed on another ship. It shows up as a captain's power on your weapon tray. The beam is intendend to be a very narrow front cylinder beam that can pass through objects and hit multiple targets if you are lined up properly (out to a set distance).
There are no details yet on recharge timers or how it impacts cooldowns of other powers/weapons.
I've also heard rumor that it may have a non-battle cloak - which means that it might be able to cloak - but only out of combat.
Once the designer is finished with the ship - I'll see if I can get the full details.
The ship will be available by the time that your referals hit their first 30 day billing cycle.
also...
Management is aware of this thread ...
Giving anything THAT special in this manner is an absolutely HORRIBLE idea. If you all can't see that, or can't retract this, there is no helping you.
Or Cryptic could stop nickle and diming every chance they get and actually come up with legitimate ways to keep players playing their game, like making it an STF reward or something (from the upcoming Terrordome?)
But I suppose that would be considered good game design, and they seem incapable of that.
Agreed. Lots of good content would keep the existing player base here and draw new people in wihout the need for perks to refer. That being said I'm still going to find new recruits to get that ship.
Adding functionality to ships dosent count for anything if only an extreme minority is going to be the ones to attain them via this INSANE criteria.
I will be directly telling everyone peopl to STAY AWAY from STO if this continues because I sure as hell will not recommend a game when Cryptic is pulling these kinds of stunts AND fleecing their EXISTING customers while doing it.
THEY cant market this game without resorting to a pyrimid scheme which is yet another addition to a long list of Cryptic PR blunders. Rather than try and make this game reasonable enough so it can stand on its own merits they have to enlist the aid of their customers by turning them into Viral marketers for the carrot so ungraciously dangled out of reach.
Cryptic's new policy: You want the cool stuff you have to work and make us money.
What, you actually thought we were going to make a decent game over a barren shell that we can shovel fluff out the door to the poor suckers willing to pay for it ?
Readuing comprehension is your friend. If you READ what he said, there WILL BE OTHER upper tier ships with special powers made available. The 3 nacelle AGT 1701-D however is being designed exclusively for the Refferal program, BUT AGAIN - OTHER ships will be made withb 'powers' as well.
I swear, I don't know how the Devs maintain their composure when people start throwing tantrums like 5 year olds because some conetent is exclusive to some marketing venture. ALL MMOs DO THIS type of thing (even the 800 lbs. Gorilla that is World of Warcraft) - but, I have never seen such whining over it. Doesn't say much for the Star Trek fanbase (imo) - and I've BEEN a Star Trek fan since 1969. What's next - are you going to hold your breath until you turn blue?
Again, it's not about RECRUITING.
Recruiting gets you NOTHING as far as the Galaxy X goes. You must get 5 people to SUBSCRIBE.
For the vast majority of us, getting 5 people to subscribe is an impossible task, and STO should not be gaining subbers because people are prodding others into subbing to get the shiny nobody else can have.
And yes, we do want the Galaxy X. It's an iconic, canon ship from a well loved episode. Cryptic have no moral right to abuse it this way.
Breath. You're not going to convince anyone about your point of view if you keep spamming your message as harshly as you can. If anything it's going increase the resolve of those in charge to go through with this plan of theirs.
As to them not having a moral right to abuse the AGT Galaxy this way, guess again. Cryptic is a business providing a product and trying to turn a profit. You, and many many others may not agree with it, but that is the bottom line. Cryptic will do anything to see that their company turns a profit, even this.
Agreed. Lots of good content would keep the existing player base here and draw new people in wihout the need for perks to refer. That being said I'm still going to find new recruits to get that ship.
And if you succeed I'll enjoy watching the Klingons spawn camp you.
Breath. You're not going to convince anyone about your point of view if you keep spamming your message as harshly as you can. If anything it's going increase the resolve of those in charge to go through with this plan of theirs.
I'll type how I like. I'm damn angry about this and I'll damn well show it, since management is "aware of this thread".
As to them not having a moral right to abuse the AGT Galaxy this way, guess again. Cryptic is a business providing a product and trying to turn a profit. You, and many many others may not agree with it, but that is the bottom line. Cryptic will do anything to see that their company turns a profit, even this.
That's why I said moral right, not legal right. Legally I'm sure they can trample all over us.
But we won't stick around to see it.
I'll type how I like. I'm damn angry about this and I'll damn well show it, since management is "aware of this thread".
That's why I said moral right, not legal right. Legally I'm sure they can trample all over us.
But we won't stick around to see it.
Cryptic has the right to do anything they want.
However, they may not exercise that right without consequences (ie: having everyone but the 20 people who will do this to be gods in PVP quit over it).
If some fanboi who is willing to spend over $200 buying 5 copies of the game and paying for a month's subscription for each is to be given an overpowered (and ugly as sin to boot) ship as a reward, well, that's wrong.
But not unexpected considering that one of Smed's minions is the CEO of Cryptic.
I'll type how I like. I'm damn angry about this and I'll damn well show it, since management is "aware of this thread".
Which only helps to turn this thread into a riot thread, which is exactly what the OP is trying to avoid. You might also want to consider redirecting that anger towards Cryptic instead of at posters who have a different opinion than yours, if you look through my posts you'll notice I haven't stated mine.
That's why I said moral right, not legal right. Legally I'm sure they can trample all over us.
But we won't stick around to see it.
At which point they will have already gotten your money paid for up front for two years. Just like me. Which leaves two options. Leave, and know that it's a lifetime sub's worth of cash going down the toilet with that decision, or stay and try to make the best of it.
A special weapon and now a fed cloak?? Great... makes me feel even worse that I don't have 5 friends who are into computers much less star trek.
Cryptic, some of us are honestly facing an impossible situation here. Please consider making the Galaxy X available for purchase either 1) at a high price or 2) several months after the RAF program launches or 3) both.
A special weapon and now a fed cloak?? Great... makes me feel even worse that I don't have 5 friends who are into computers much less star trek.
Cryptic, some of us are honestly facing an impossible situation here. Please consider making the Galaxy X available for purchase either 1) at a high price or 2) several months after the RAF program launches or 3) both.
Please come up with something for us? Thanks.
Clearly, the marketing department at Cryptic is insane.
Seriously.
Every idea they come up with leads to disaster after disaster.
Someone needs to stop those malcontents. Before they market again.
I think every Fed player needs to resolve now to shun the handful of fanbois who will obtain this ship. Kick them from your fleets. Abandon them in PVP and laugh at them when the Klingons pwn them.
A special weapon and now a fed cloak?? Great... makes me feel even worse that I don't have 5 friends who are into computers much less star trek.
Cryptic, some of us are honestly facing an impossible situation here. Please consider making the Galaxy X available for purchase either 1) at a high price or 2) several months after the RAF program launches or 3) both.
Please come up with something for us? Thanks.
I'm in the same boat as you Mirror-Master, agree with you, and applaud you for not flipping out! (or flaming as the case may be in an MMO forum.)
I'm not directing my anger at anyone but Cryptic.
I state the facts as I see them. My tone merely shows frustration with Cryptic's bizarre policies.
I wonder if it'll get worse than this.
Then I remember.. they will find a way.
Every time you think that Cryptic's marketing department has finally gone one outrage too far, inflamed the message boards, the press, and the player base, and might have learned to JUST SHUT UP... They come up with yet another atrocity that tops the last one.
At which point they will have already gotten your money paid for up front for two years. Just like me. Which leaves two options. Leave, and know that it's a lifetime sub's worth of cash going down the toilet with that decision, or stay and try to make the best of it.
Yep. Or (in my case at least) be more wary of Cryptic games in the future on how they do business. I'm not saying don't buy their games, just know what you're potentially getting into as far as common practices.
I'm a huge fan of STO, but even I have to say that Cryptic's marketing department can pull off blunders quicker than we can say WTF!!! (Wait til Friday, of course).
Honestly Cryptic, maybe your marketing department can actually do THEIR JOBS! instead of forcing us to do it for them, just to get a new ship. I could not even think of 5 people who are not already in STO, that would consider playing it.
Sometimes you guys really make it hard to defend you and your game, especially with bonehead moves like this......Epic Fail
Every time you think that Cryptic's marketing department has finally gone one outrage too far, inflamed the message boards, the press, and the player base, and might have learned to JUST SHUT UP... They come up with yet another atrocity that tops the last one.
Unreal.
Actually, it's worse. I think I just figured out the plan. I think they never intended to actually keep the Galaxy-X in the referral package.
See all the people crying for it to appear in the C-Store? I'm sure they'll happily oblige. Remember what was sworn up one side and down the other before launch? That nothing that had actual in-game effects would be sold in the C-store and not available in game? Now they can say they changed that by popular demand.
Tinfoil hat time? Maybe. But it still makes me feel ill.
I'll certainly take my next Cryptic game with a large Siberian salt mine.
After my experience with STO, my reaction to anyone in the future selling me a "lifetime" subscription will be similar to what it would be if instead they were trying to sell me the Brooklyn Bridge.
Actually, it's worse. I think I just figured out the plan. I think they never intended to actually keep the Galaxy-X in the referral package.
See all the people crying for it to appear in the C-Store? I'm sure they'll happily oblige. Remember what was sworn up one side and down the other before launch? That nothing that had actual in-game effects would be sold in the C-store and not available in game? Now they can say they changed that by popular demand.
Tinfoil hat time? Maybe. But it still makes me feel ill.
Such an overpowered ship shouldn't exist AT ALL in game. Not in the C-Store, not for doing marketing's job for them, not no way, not no how. It isn't right any way they introduce it. We aren't talking about a simple ship skin here, we are talking about an ALPHA CLASS SHIP.
Not unless everyone can get it for, uh, playing the GAME we are paying for.
Cryptic has introduced Pre-NGE Jedi to STO. Except that instead of a crazy grind to get there, you only have to spend a crazy amount of money.
It will cost you more to buy this ship than to buy a LTS.
In my collector's edition, I gave three codes to family members and friends to get them to try STO. They used the code, bought the game, and are now paying for subscriptions...
What reward would get YOU to actively recruit others to play STO? Do you think that others might want your reward enough to recruit as well? How would you respond to others who would also want it, but not want to recruit to get it?
You know what would get me to recruit people? It's not some stupid unique ship. It's not some stupid holographic bridge officer. It's not some stupid holographic tribble. What would get me to recruit people is to have a working, fun, and relatively bug-free game.
STO as it currently stands is stagnant. Season Two might help get the game in the right direction. I won't know until July (or whenever they get around to releasing it). Based on the reviews, the forums, word of mouth, pretty much everywhere, the game sucks. People will not want to play the game knowing or believing that the game does not live up to the name.
Marketing dropped the ball on this one. Not only are they offering a more-or-less unattainable perk that only a handful of people will receive but they're trying to get us to recruit people in a game that a fair amount of us have already lost faith in. I still see potential, but there are LOTS of people who are scared or put-off. They may not like Star Trek in general. They may not want to be labeled as "Trekkie" or dweeb or dork or whatever. They may try the game and decide it's TRIBBLE. There is no long term investment. THAT's the problem with the game as it stands.
Comments
Did the people behind this idea really have no idea how angry this is going to make many of their subscribers? or do they really just not care?
To have a ship available to a very select few that has unique game mechanics is a bad, bad idea....as i said in an earlier post i really think this could backfire on them badly and cost them subscribers rather than get them more subs.
So, let's break it down:
1) In order to thrive expand and make new things, STO will need more customers over time.
2) The Refer a Friend Program is deemed useful by Cryptic to help promote the game and enable it to grow.
3) In order to get folks to actively recruit, some system of rewards is needed.
4) A vocal group of the community thinks this particular ship might be too nice of a reward for recruiting Some of those folks would rather just not have to recruit to get anything.
So, as a non council member, non Cryptic staff person, let me ask, you, the reader, this:
What reward would get YOU to actively recruit others to play STO? Do you think that others might want your reward enough to recruit as well? How would you respond to others who would also want it, but not want to recruit to get it?
Speaking as a person who has already "recruited" four folks to play without a referral system, I only have one objection to the Galaxy X as a reward:
It is Federation Specific. Where's the Klingon love? And I play almost exclusively Federation.
As I found out two minutes ago in another thread. I retract those statements.
Recruiting gets you NOTHING as far as the Galaxy X goes. You must get 5 people to SUBSCRIBE.
For the vast majority of us, getting 5 people to subscribe is an impossible task, and STO should not be gaining subbers because people are prodding others into subbing to get the shiny nobody else can have.
And yes, we do want the Galaxy X. It's an iconic, canon ship from a well loved episode. Cryptic have no moral right to abuse it this way.
Keep petitioning for us and like you, I'd also like to thank the dev who is putting in his time and energy to make the Galaxy X a an actual in-game ship!
Giving anything THAT special in this manner is an absolutely HORRIBLE idea. If you all can't see that, or can't retract this, there is no helping you.
Agreed. Lots of good content would keep the existing player base here and draw new people in wihout the need for perks to refer. That being said I'm still going to find new recruits to get that ship.
Readuing comprehension is your friend. If you READ what he said, there WILL BE OTHER upper tier ships with special powers made available. The 3 nacelle AGT 1701-D however is being designed exclusively for the Refferal program, BUT AGAIN - OTHER ships will be made withb 'powers' as well.
I swear, I don't know how the Devs maintain their composure when people start throwing tantrums like 5 year olds because some conetent is exclusive to some marketing venture. ALL MMOs DO THIS type of thing (even the 800 lbs. Gorilla that is World of Warcraft) - but, I have never seen such whining over it. Doesn't say much for the Star Trek fanbase (imo) - and I've BEEN a Star Trek fan since 1969. What's next - are you going to hold your breath until you turn blue?
Breath. You're not going to convince anyone about your point of view if you keep spamming your message as harshly as you can. If anything it's going increase the resolve of those in charge to go through with this plan of theirs.
As to them not having a moral right to abuse the AGT Galaxy this way, guess again. Cryptic is a business providing a product and trying to turn a profit. You, and many many others may not agree with it, but that is the bottom line. Cryptic will do anything to see that their company turns a profit, even this.
And if you succeed I'll enjoy watching the Klingons spawn camp you.
I'll type how I like. I'm damn angry about this and I'll damn well show it, since management is "aware of this thread".
That's why I said moral right, not legal right. Legally I'm sure they can trample all over us.
But we won't stick around to see it.
As far as it having a cloak, no biggy. Not game changing. Now, give all the Feds a cloak and then I will have an issue.
Cryptic has the right to do anything they want.
However, they may not exercise that right without consequences (ie: having everyone but the 20 people who will do this to be gods in PVP quit over it).
If some fanboi who is willing to spend over $200 buying 5 copies of the game and paying for a month's subscription for each is to be given an overpowered (and ugly as sin to boot) ship as a reward, well, that's wrong.
But not unexpected considering that one of Smed's minions is the CEO of Cryptic.
Which only helps to turn this thread into a riot thread, which is exactly what the OP is trying to avoid. You might also want to consider redirecting that anger towards Cryptic instead of at posters who have a different opinion than yours, if you look through my posts you'll notice I haven't stated mine.
At which point they will have already gotten your money paid for up front for two years. Just like me. Which leaves two options. Leave, and know that it's a lifetime sub's worth of cash going down the toilet with that decision, or stay and try to make the best of it.
Giving the Klingons something to do other than that might help.
Cryptic, some of us are honestly facing an impossible situation here. Please consider making the Galaxy X available for purchase either 1) at a high price or 2) several months after the RAF program launches or 3) both.
Please come up with something for us? Thanks.
Clearly, the marketing department at Cryptic is insane.
Seriously.
Every idea they come up with leads to disaster after disaster.
Someone needs to stop those malcontents. Before they market again.
I think every Fed player needs to resolve now to shun the handful of fanbois who will obtain this ship. Kick them from your fleets. Abandon them in PVP and laugh at them when the Klingons pwn them.
I state the facts as I see them. My tone merely shows frustration with Cryptic's bizarre policies.
I wonder if it'll get worse than this.
Then I remember.. they will find a way.
I'm in the same boat as you Mirror-Master, agree with you, and applaud you for not flipping out!
*rotates head to 90 degrees and gets stuck*
Fed ship... innate cloak... not... game... what?
Every time you think that Cryptic's marketing department has finally gone one outrage too far, inflamed the message boards, the press, and the player base, and might have learned to JUST SHUT UP... They come up with yet another atrocity that tops the last one.
Unreal.
Oh dear. Is this true? Geez, no wonder! LOL. Things are falling into perspective now.
Yep. Or (in my case at least) be more wary of Cryptic games in the future on how they do business. I'm not saying don't buy their games, just know what you're potentially getting into as far as common practices.
Yes, Cryptic's CEO worked for years at SOE as Smed's Senior VP of business development.
http://mmofringe.com/index.php?option=com_joobb&view=topic&topic=1712&Itemid=55
We uncovered this at the Fringe.
Honestly Cryptic, maybe your marketing department can actually do THEIR JOBS! instead of forcing us to do it for them, just to get a new ship. I could not even think of 5 people who are not already in STO, that would consider playing it.
Sometimes you guys really make it hard to defend you and your game, especially with bonehead moves like this......Epic Fail
Actually, it's worse. I think I just figured out the plan. I think they never intended to actually keep the Galaxy-X in the referral package.
See all the people crying for it to appear in the C-Store? I'm sure they'll happily oblige. Remember what was sworn up one side and down the other before launch? That nothing that had actual in-game effects would be sold in the C-store and not available in game? Now they can say they changed that by popular demand.
Tinfoil hat time? Maybe. But it still makes me feel ill.
After my experience with STO, my reaction to anyone in the future selling me a "lifetime" subscription will be similar to what it would be if instead they were trying to sell me the Brooklyn Bridge.
Such an overpowered ship shouldn't exist AT ALL in game. Not in the C-Store, not for doing marketing's job for them, not no way, not no how. It isn't right any way they introduce it. We aren't talking about a simple ship skin here, we are talking about an ALPHA CLASS SHIP.
Not unless everyone can get it for, uh, playing the GAME we are paying for.
Cryptic has introduced Pre-NGE Jedi to STO. Except that instead of a crazy grind to get there, you only have to spend a crazy amount of money.
It will cost you more to buy this ship than to buy a LTS.
In my collector's edition, I gave three codes to family members and friends to get them to try STO. They used the code, bought the game, and are now paying for subscriptions...
Can the referrals be back dated based on this?
You know what would get me to recruit people? It's not some stupid unique ship. It's not some stupid holographic bridge officer. It's not some stupid holographic tribble. What would get me to recruit people is to have a working, fun, and relatively bug-free game.
STO as it currently stands is stagnant. Season Two might help get the game in the right direction. I won't know until July (or whenever they get around to releasing it). Based on the reviews, the forums, word of mouth, pretty much everywhere, the game sucks. People will not want to play the game knowing or believing that the game does not live up to the name.
Marketing dropped the ball on this one. Not only are they offering a more-or-less unattainable perk that only a handful of people will receive but they're trying to get us to recruit people in a game that a fair amount of us have already lost faith in. I still see potential, but there are LOTS of people who are scared or put-off. They may not like Star Trek in general. They may not want to be labeled as "Trekkie" or dweeb or dork or whatever. They may try the game and decide it's TRIBBLE. There is no long term investment. THAT's the problem with the game as it stands.