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STO and the Downward Spiral. A Letter to Zinc & Atari/Cryptic

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
Note: We've done pretty good at keeping things civil so far. Let's keep it up.

Dear Zinc,

Awhile back in an interview, you mentioned that while you guys love making games... you may in fact be crappy business people. Recent announcements have given me pause, and I am now fully concerned for STO and its continued existence. Here is why:

You're recent RAF program slightly wreaks of desperation. To back up this statement, I give the following reasons:

  • From 1 million "accounts" to just over 100k subs (as of last month) smacks of an extremely low retention rate.
  • The huge industry wide disappointment with the game likely has the effect of encouraging people to avoid the game rather than try it.
  • It is no secret that STO is bleeding. In fact, this is noticeably PERCEIVABLE by just logging in. Just how many threads have been variants of "where is everyone" or "are there any klink players anymore" or "fleet actions are dead" , the list goes on. To make sure this wasn't all hear say, I logged in... and yes... the game appears to have more NPC's than players currently.
  • The game was released unfinished, extremely light on content... therefore making people cancel their subs once they reached level cap, or lifetimers who spend more time on the forums than in game.


In terms of being business people, I actually agree with you. Your team lacks foresight, and general wisdom when it comes to communication and marketing. Why do I make this statement? Well... lets discuss the recent refer a friend (RAF) program.

For those who don't know... the RAF program entails... that if you get 5 friends/people to try STO AND commit to a subscription, then you will be rewarded with an EXCLUSIVE Galaxy Class X T5 ship (from TNG:All Good Things). YOU SHOULD KNOW, that many people wanted that ship, and have been asking for it for a LONG TIME. My response echoes this community member's sentiment:
Frankly, shilling the Galaxy X like this is basically a confession on Cryptic's part that STO can't stand on it's own merits.
Here's a ship design that a lot of people have said they wanted. So what do they do? Put it on the c-store? Make it a vet reward? Make it an upgrade for in-game merit? No! They dangle it in front of us like a carrot from a stick and tell us to not only convince 5 people to try the game, but to badger them into making at least a one-month sub.

"If you were REALLY my friend you'd put down the money so I can get a Galaxy X!"

Brilliant.

STO Can Not Stand on Its Own Merits
In the world of marketing, this tactic is called straightly a "gimmick". Aside from Lt. Expendable's speculation regarding an unspoken confession by you guys, I'll go out on a limb and say flatly that STO is STILL NOT a FINISHED product. I don't mean in the sense that "MMOs are always changing and evolving" as you guys so often like to point out. I mean this in the sense that the game is still sub-par. I am amazed that you would even discuss the possibility of additional factions when the Klingons have received slim pickings.

Bad Business Decision and its Possible Implications
So here is the deal. If STO is still currently lackluster, and is still currently bleeding subscriptions... and yet you implement a program like this... I feel that one of two things is possible:
  1. The game is bleeding subs at such a substantial rate, that gimmicks like this are necessary to try to keep it afloat.
  2. You did not think carefully about doing a RAF program so soon, in that it is potentially a fatal mistake inviting people to the game in its current state. People will likely sub for a month and then leave the game like many others have once they reach level cap. Some improvements to the game such as a difficulty slider and optional death penatlty (a joke) are mere band-aids for bigger problems.

With the latter point, you are in essence, threatening the game's sustainability. This in my estimate, is a poor business move, and as a lifetime subscriber... this concerns me.

Conclusion
We now know that the 2 year development of genric MMO's is not something the gaming community or professional industry are impressed with (See STO & CO). I would advise you to take a different course with the supposed "third" MMO you are currently developing. I'm afraid you guys have shot yourselves in the foot with this premature release and for this, I am very sorry. There are people who enjoy this game, or even love it, and I'm happy for them. But I'm afraid that it is possible that you may have disappointed the majority.

All things Constructive
Here are some ideas (again) that are actionable that may help improve the satisfaction rate of your consumer base. Zinc, you mentioned in a post (in the thread in my signature), that "SAYING STUFF" isn't necessarily going to change our perception of Cryptic/Atari as being incompetent or money grabbers... but rather ACTION was the key. So far, I can see very little action that has helped improved relations with the player base. Some things you can do:

  • Change the RAF program to reward Cryptic C-Store points, and don't make the Galaxy X "exclusive" (that was a really good idea from a gimmick marketing perspective, but a monumentally stupid idea to implement since so many people have been asking for the ship).
  • Have community contests where people can win items or Cryptic bucks
  • Open a new department that focuses on the lore and content of the game. This department will host in-game events, feature roleplaying, and help move the story along and create many side stories, aside from the linear ingame episodes.
  • Stop with the "Exclusive" rewards or items. You promised us before that no item in the C-Store would have special powers, or could not be earned in game. So far you've kept your promise (kind of)... but as a result... all of these new cool clickies are going to exclusive programs or offers. There is A LOT, I can't have. The pre-order bonuses... understood... not a bad move. But now, look at steam, and other online offers. boo.
  • Focus more on making the game GOOD and less on Fluff for the moment. The game needs revamping, not new ship skins.



This post has been edited to remove content which violates the Cryptic Studios Forum Usage Guidelines ~ Phoxe
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Sorry but I have to disagree with about everything printed in the OP. EVERY MMO company has run similar promotions. And every company that has done so has not "failed". It is a "marketing" thing and no more.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Admitting that we have a problem would be a good first step to recovery.

    Denying the mass departures, and pretending that "things will be all better in 6 months" only insults our intelligence and actually feeds the death spiral.

    None of these grandiose things they've talked about will happen unless we retain our sub base. We aren't going to retain our sub base unless those things are added to the game.

    A classic Catch 22.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Indeed, denial gets us nowhere. Denial let Lucasarts trample over what was left of SWG. Denial is sinking AoC.
    The fact is STO will go down if it keeps on this current route, things need to change.
    Cryptic needs to stop looking for ways to compensate for the game not standing on it's own merits and fix that.

    Gimmicks are just bailing out water in a sinking ship without bothering to plug the hole.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Gruug wrote: »
    Sorry but I have to disagree with about everything printed in the OP. EVERY MMO company has run similar promotions. And every company that has done so has not "failed". It is a "marketing" thing and no more.

    You've been here on the forums long enough to surprise me that you would rise to their defense. My response is essentially the same as another poster:


    It's starting to feel like everything 'neat' going into the game is going into the C-store or getting locked up behind 'exclusives'. And even as a possessor of multiple of those it's starting to really chafe. Now there's gimmicks like this and this with completely unique actual game effects!??!

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Indeed, denial gets us nowhere. Denial let Lucasarts trample over what was left of SWG. Denial is sinking AoC.
    The fact is STO will go down if it keeps on this current route, things need to change.
    Cryptic needs to stop looking for ways to compensate for the game not standing on it's own merits and fix that.

    Gimmicks are just bailing out water in a sinking ship without bothering to plug the hole.

    In other words, they need increased investment in this game. They need to add to the Dev team sufficient numbers as to get the missing half of the game done AHEAD of schedule. Or they will lose the whole works.

    They take a year to make this game what it should have been at launch, they will (at best) have 25,000 subscribers to enjoy it.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Another well thought out post, JF.

    I wouldn't recommend STO to any friends, for sure.

    So yet another gimmick usually limited to games that have been out several years STO has/is implementing in the first few months. Its almost as if the entire game has Progeria. (google it!)

    At this rate it will be a 90 year old man by Fall.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Another well thought out post, JF.

    I wouldn't recommend STO to any friends, for sure.

    So yet another gimmick usually limited to games that have been out several years STO has/is implementing in the first few months. Its almost as if the entire game has Progeria. (google it!)

    At this rate it will be a 90 year old man by Fall.

    I think they used protomatter in the STO matrix.

    As everyone knows, use of protomatter has been condemned by every ethical game developer in the galaxy.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    I read the title of this thread and was hoping it would show that Cryptic = Trent Reznor. :D


    (Hmm, now I want to listen to Pretty Hate Machine. Time to start looking through my CDs.)
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Gruug wrote: »
    Sorry but I have to disagree with about everything printed in the OP. EVERY MMO company has run similar promotions. And every company that has done so has not "failed". It is a "marketing" thing and no more.

    debate works by dissecting your opponents statements. Stating your position and sensibly reasoning why you are correct in opposition. Being dismissive and saying 'no, no. no, don't agree, no, not the case'. Is just being mischievous.


    To the OP. I have the bulk of an open letter written. But it's not for Zinc or the guys at the sharp end. This will be for the CEOs of CBS, Cryptic and Atari, leading MMO websites and the entertainment section of a DC newspaper I happen to know the editor and publisher of.
    It's time to talk to people who matter. The money men and the public.

    If you would be interested in adding to that then please say so and in a few days when I've drafted up what I want to say I could send it to you so that you could add your thoughts.

    An open letter needs to reach more than a website full of fanboys and yes men who believe that those of us who actually care are divisive and unruly. It needs to reach the people who consider the bottom line.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010


    Conclusion
    We now know that the 2 year development of genric MMO's is not something the gaming community or professional industry are impressed with (See STO & CO). I would advise you to take a different course with the supposed "third" MMO you are currently developing. I'm afraid you guys have shot yourselves in the foot with this premature release and for this, I am very sorry. There are people who enjoy this game, or even love it, and I'm happy for them. But I'm afraid that it is possible that you may have disappointed the majority.

    Your continuously negative posts are helping matters, in what way?

    The game is not even 100 days old yet, and Cryptic has added a great deal already. They have responded to this community's calls for many of the changes we have seen recently. Season Two is not that far off, and there is sceduled new content inbetween now and then.

    Space combat has improved since the introduction of the difficulty slider. They have acknowledged that ground combat still needs some work. The death penalty is actually pretty good, its fair, and even that they have modified in response to community calls while it was in testing.

    More items are being released on the C-store, and the main reason for that is that players are asking for them. If players are willing to pay extra for these items, how can anyone fault Cryptic for providing them.

    As for the whole "2 year development" nonsense....I was in closed beta testing of Pirates of the Burning Seas for nearly 2 years, open beta for another 6 months and played it for nearly 8 months after launch. This does not include the year or more it was in development before closed beta. In all nearly 5 years of development time, and STO was far better at launch then that recent MMO

    Geez...not even 100 days...give your whining a rest or just walk away. Come back in a few months, you claim you're a lifer (no blue name tag makes me wonder). If you are still unsatisfied and upset that you wasted your money on a lifetime sub, well chalk it up to a good lesson learned. Next time you will look before you leap.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    The All Good Things Galaxy isn't all that nice looking a ship. The original Galaxy looks better IMO. I just don't feel that all the "neat" things in this game are C-Store items.

    My favorite bridge is the Prototype Bridge. It's a free one. My second favorite bridge is the Defiant one.

    My favorite ship right now is the Sovereign.It's free. Followed closely by the Intrepid. Also free.

    My favorite emote is Shaka, When the Walls Fell. That was a free gift.

    Tribble of Borg is cool.

    Very Rare Mk X Phaser Beam Array is awesome.

    You know what my favorite thing about the patch was? That they closed the Bridge Invitation window when you enter your bridge. That thing was a pain to keep moving or clicking closed.

    You know what I'm really looking forward to this month?

    Sitting down in my captain's chair.

    Things coming up that are in the C-Store? Catians. This new referral program reward Galaxy. The Nomad.

    Things coming up that will be free? Romulans. Vet rewards. Ship Interiors.

    I think the free stuff is going to have more impact and be much cooler than the C-Store stuff.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    debate works by dissecting your opponents statements. Stating your position and sensibly reasoning why you are correct in opposition. Being dismissive and saying 'no, no. no, don't agree, no, not the case'. Is just being mischievous.


    To the OP. I have the bulk of an open letter written. But it's not for Zinc or the guys at the sharp end. This will be for the CEOs of CBS, Cryptic and Atari, leading MMO websites and the entertainment section of a DC newspaper I happen to know the editor and publisher of.
    It's time to talk to people who matter. The money men and the public.

    If you would be interested in adding to that then please say so and in a few days when I've drafted up what I want to say I could send it to you so that you could add your thoughts.

    An open letter needs to reach more than a website full of fanboys and yes men who believe that those of us who actually care are divisive and unruly. It needs to reach the people who consider the bottom line.

    Not that I would have anything important to add, but I offer my support if help is needed.

    *insert Gimli picture* You have my axe!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    debate works by dissecting your opponents statements. Stating your position and sensibly reasoning why you are correct in opposition. Being dismissive and saying 'no, no. no, don't agree, no, not the case'. Is just being mischievous.


    To the OP. I have the bulk of an open letter written. But it's not for Zinc or the guys at the sharp end. This will be for the CEOs of CBS, Cryptic and Atari, leading MMO websites and the entertainment section of a DC newspaper I happen to know the editor and publisher of.
    It's time to talk to people who matter. The money men and the public.

    If you would be interested in adding to that then please say so and in a few days when I've drafted up what I want to say I could send it to you so that you could add your thoughts.

    An open letter needs to reach more than a website full of fanboys and yes men who believe that those of us who actually care are divisive and unruly. It needs to reach the people who consider the bottom line.

    I'd be more than willing. My contact information is in my profile.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    superchum wrote: »
    The All Good Things Galaxy isn't all that nice looking a ship. The original Galaxy looks better IMO. I just don't feel that all the "neat" things in this game are C-Store items.

    My favorite bridge is the Prototype Bridge. It's a free one. My second favorite bridge is the Defiant one.

    My favorite ship right now is the Sovereign.It's free. Followed closely by the Intrepid. Also free.

    My favorite emote is Shaka, When the Walls Fell. That was a free gift.

    Tribble of Borg is cool.

    Very Rare Mk X Phaser Beam Array is awesome.

    You know what my favorite thing about the patch was? That they closed the Bridge Invitation window when you enter your bridge. That thing was a pain to keep moving or clicking closed.

    You know what I'm really looking forward to this month?

    Sitting down in my captain's chair.

    Things coming up that are in the C-Store? Catians. This new referral program reward Galaxy. The Nomad.

    Things coming up that will be free? Romulans. Vet rewards. Ship Interiors.

    I think the free stuff is going to have more impact and be much cooler than the C-Store stuff.

    Assuming that the subscriber base remains large enough for them to not axe the Dev team, you are right. STO will eventually be awesome if they stick to their plans.

    Problem is there isn't anything about this game as it is NOW to give anyone any reasonable case to make that this will happen. Cryptic is going to have to run this game at a loss to complete it so that it's in a fit state for "release". And even then, STO's reputation may be so damaged that people never come back.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    I'd be more than willing. My contact information is in my profile.

    Fine. I'm not interested in making a fuss here. The people I wish to speak with are not using these forums and to make issue of it would just be meddlesome. I'll be in touch.

    Just got to find out if Needham is still CEO at Cryptic. Need research ;)
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    superchum wrote: »
    Sitting down in my captain's chair.

    Things coming up that are in the C-Store? Catians. This new referral program reward Galaxy. The Nomad.

    Things coming up that will be free? Romulans. Vet rewards. Ship Interiors.

    I think the free stuff is going to have more impact and be much cooler than the C-Store stuff.

    Fluff, fluff, fluff, fluff, fluff.
    The core flaws of the game can only be mitigated by fluff for so long, and the fact that Cryptic now take the nicest fluff and try to use it as a way of making players do their marketing for them is even worse.

    Bread and circuses will only keep this game afloat for so long.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Sorry Cryptic,
    I love the idea of the game, but I agree.

    And also, before you make the next big drive to get more players, can't you at least work on the game you have?

    I mean, if nothing else, have the ugly sector space thing fixed, open up areas for non-instanced pvp and add enough stuff to do that it doesn't feel like grinding through explor's and pvp's at Captain through Adm. Add more content in general.

    The framework of the game isn't bad or anything. I quite enjoy a lot about it. But, it needs some work. I mean, If I were to encourage a friend to play today, they would just be mad at me later for wasting their time.

    I know I'm a big Star Trek geek and love it, but everyone else isn't and that's fair enough.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Fluff, fluff, fluff, fluff, fluff.
    The core flaws of the game can only be mitigated by fluff for so long, and the fact that Cryptic now take the nicest fluff and try to use it as a way of making players do their marketing for them is even worse.

    Bread and circuses will only keep this game afloat for so long.

    You just called an entire new faction, Romulans, fluff.

    I'm not sure there can be any sort of discourse at this point. You're calling content fluff.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    dorko1 wrote: »
    Sorry Cryptic,
    open up areas for non-instanced pvp

    Would these "areas" be instances by any chance? Or do you want to fly around sector space shooting things at warp speed? Because technically, everything you're in when you're logged in ... is an instance.
    and add enough stuff to do that it doesn't feel like grinding through explor's and pvp's at Captain through Adm.

    2 RA5s, and the journey from Captain to Admiral was the fastest part of the journey. Not sure what you're doing to make it a grind, but god what I wouldn't give for Captain to last longer than Lt. Commander.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    So this goes out to everyone who behind what the OP wrote. ( I will not state my opinion on it, I'm not for or against what the OP wrote. ) ( also this isn't meant as an insult, I just want to know what you think. )

    But what are your reasons for caring at this point?

    If the game is ruined why do you care, or do you have hope that there is a small chance they could pull it out?

    ( as I said just questions trying to get info. )
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    debate works by dissecting your opponents statements. Stating your position and sensibly reasoning why you are correct in opposition. Being dismissive and saying 'no, no. no, don't agree, no, not the case'. Is just being mischievous.

    Sometimes, brevity makes more sense. But, I said "it is a marketing thing". If people don't understand that, I am not here to explain it. I am not a "doomer" and don't find these posts specifically helpful regardless. So, once again, brevity.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    superchum wrote: »
    Would these "areas" be instances by any chance? Or do you want to fly around sector space shooting things at warp speed? Because technically, everything you're in when you're logged in ... is an instance.



    2 RA5s, and the journey from Captain to Admiral was the fastest part of the journey. Not sure what you're doing to make it a grind, but god what I wouldn't give for Captain to last longer than Lt. Commander.

    No, there wasn't half as many episodic missions in the Captain and Admiral parts. That's what I look forward to in this game are the missions with storyline.

    As far as the open areas, what I mean is PvP that isn't slated by selecting enough players... blah blah blah

    What I would be hoping for is an expansion of a solar system, much like Cryptic mentioned for doing to the sol system, but for a pvp system for players to fight and contend over. Yes, it would still be an instance in a sense, but not quite much as one as say every other thing in this game. There would be things to do that don't require you to jump out at warp and pretend that your in the astrometrics lab, plotting a course, as opposed to actually seeing your ship at warp, flying at amazing speeds through the galaxy.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    I'd be more than willing. My contact information is in my profile.
    superchum wrote: »
    You just called an entire new faction, Romulans, fluff.

    I'm not sure there can be any sort of discourse at this point. You're calling content fluff.

    You forget what happened to the klingon faction,if you think that the romulan faction will have ANY content...dont,because it will be a New "klingon" faction...just PVP...Anyone want to wager?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Zodi-emish wrote:
    So this goes out to everyone who behind what the OP wrote. ( I will not state my opinion on it, I'm not for or against what the OP wrote. ) ( also this isn't meant as an insult, I just want to know what you think. )

    But what are your reasons for caring at this point?

    If the game is ruined why do you care, or do you have hope that there is a small chance they could pull it out?

    ( as I said just questions trying to get info. )

    I don't think the game is ruined and I think I've supported it for the most part.

    I just don't think that the referral program is a good idea at this time. I think Cryptic ought to fix what they have and re-start the referral program under the banner of a grand opening type thing so that they don't have to do as much referral thereafter and can let the game stand on its own reputation.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    debate works by dissecting your opponents statements. Stating your position and sensibly reasoning why you are correct in opposition. Being dismissive and saying 'no, no. no, don't agree, no, not the case'. Is just being mischievous.


    To the OP. I have the bulk of an open letter written. But it's not for Zinc or the guys at the sharp end. This will be for the CEOs of CBS, Cryptic and Atari, leading MMO websites and the entertainment section of a DC newspaper I happen to know the editor and publisher of.
    It's time to talk to people who matter. The money men and the public.

    If you would be interested in adding to that then please say so and in a few days when I've drafted up what I want to say I could send it to you so that you could add your thoughts.

    An open letter needs to reach more than a website full of fanboys and yes men who believe that those of us who actually care are divisive and unruly. It needs to reach the people who consider the bottom line.

    You can count me in,if help is needed and i can do anything...i will help!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Zodi-emish wrote:
    So this goes out to everyone who behind what the OP wrote. ( I will not state my opinion on it, I'm not for or against what the OP wrote. ) ( also this isn't meant as an insult, I just want to know what you think. )

    But what are your reasons for caring at this point?

    If the game is ruined why do you care, or do you have hope that there is a small chance they could pull it out?

    ( as I said just questions trying to get info. )

    People do care. They are the ones that shout the loudest. It's people like yourself, happy to accept, that allow others to perpetually feed you mediocrity. It's people like me, who choose not to accept, who choose to push for change that are the seeds for progress.

    the blind positive threads on here are the ones that do the real damage because the game will continue as it is. Recycling the same missions to people paying to play in different skins.

    You think we don't care? I've never been so insulted ( I have but that ended badly ). It's the very caring about Star Trek and a game we would like to play that causes us to stand up and say "this is not good enough".
    And if you don't like it then you have to consider that i have every right to my opinion as you do.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Dear Zinc,

    Awhile back in an interview, you mentioned that while you guys love making games... you may in fact be crappy business people. Recent announcements have given me pause, and I am now fully concerned for STO and its continued existence. Here is why:

    You're recent RAF program slightly wreaks of desperation. To back up this statement, I give the following reasons:

    • From 1 million "accounts" to just over 100k subs (as of last month) smacks of an extremely low retention rate.
    • The huge industry wide disappointment with the game likely has the effect of encouraging people to avoid the game rather than try it.
    • It is no secret that STO is bleeding. In fact, this is noticeably PERCEIVABLE by just logging in. Just how many threads have been variants of "where is everyone" or "are there any klink players anymore" or "fleet actions are dead" , the list goes on. To make sure this wasn't all hear say, I logged in... and yes... the game appears to have more NPC's than players currently.
    • The game was released unfinished, extremely light on content... therefore making people cancel their subs once they reached level cap, or lifetimers who spend more time on the forums than in game.


    In terms of being crappy business people, I actually agree with you. Your team lacks foresight, and general wisdom when it comes to communication and marketing. Why do I make this statement? Well... lets discuss the recent refer a friend (RAF) program.

    For those who don't know... the RAF program entails... that if you get 5 friends/people to try STO AND commit to a subscription, then you will be rewarded with an EXCLUSIVE Galaxy Class X T5 ship (from TNG:All Good Things). YOU SHOULD KNOW, that many people wanted that ship, and have been asking for it for a LONG TIME. My response echoes this community member's sentiment:



    STO Can Not Stand on Its Own Merits
    In the world of marketing, this tactic is called straightly a "gimmick". Aside from Lt. Expendable's speculation regarding an unspoken confession by you guys, I'll go out on a limb and say flatly that STO is STILL NOT a FINISHED product. I don't mean in the sense that "MMOs are always changing and evolving" as you guys so often like to point out. I mean this in the sense that the game is still sub-par. I am amazed that you would even discuss the possibility of additional factions when the Klingons have received slim pickings.

    Bad Business Decision and its Possible Implications
    So here is the deal. If STO is still currently lackluster, and is still currently bleeding subscriptions... and yet you implement a program like this... I feel that one of two things is possible:

    The game is bleeding subs at such a substantial rate, that gimmicks like this are necessary to try to keep it afloat.
    You did not think carefully about doing a RAF program so soon, in that it is potentially a fatal mistake inviting people to the game in its current state. People will likely sub for a month and then leave the game like many others have once they reach level cap. Some improvements to the game such as a difficulty slider and optional death penatlty (a joke) are mere band-aids for bigger problems.

    With the latter point, you are in essence, threatening the game's sustainability. This in my estimate, is a poor business move, and as a lifetime subscriber... this concerns me.

    Conclusion
    We now know that the 2 year development of genric MMO's is not something the gaming community or professional industry are impressed with (See STO & CO). I would advise you to take a different course with the supposed "third" MMO you are currently developing. I'm afraid you guys have shot yourselves in the foot with this premature release and for this, I am very sorry. There are people who enjoy this game, or even love it, and I'm happy for them. But I'm afraid that it is possible that you may have disappointed the majority.

    All things Constructive
    Here are some ideas (again) that are actionable that may help improve the satisfaction rate of your consumer base. Zinc, you mentioned in a post (in the thread in my signature), that "SAYING STUFF" isn't necessarily going to change our perception of Cryptic/Atari as being incompetent or money grabbers... but rather ACTION was the key. So far, I can see very little action that has helped improved relations with the player base. Some things you can do:

    • Change the RAF program to reward Cryptic C-Store points, and don't make the Galaxy X "exclusive" (that was a really good idea from a gimmick marketing perspective, but a monumentally stupid idea to implement since so many people have been asking for the ship).
    • Have community contests where people can win items or Cryptic bucks
    • Open a new department that focuses on the lore and content of the game. This department will host in-game events, feature roleplaying, and help move the story along and create many side stories, aside from the linear ingame episodes.
    • Stop with the "Exclusive" rewards or items. You promised us before that no item in the C-Store would have special powers, or could not be earned in game. So far you've kept your promise (kind of)... but as a result... all of these new cool clickies are going to exclusive programs or offers. There is A LOT, I can't have. The pre-order bonuses... understood... not a bad move. But now, look at steam, and other online offers. boo.
    • Focus more on making the game GOOD and less on Fluff for the moment. The game needs revamping, not new ship skins.

    I just love This guys posts,they are just awsome and point in the right directions.
    About the RAF,i will NEVER,and i mean NEVER do that to a friend of mine,they would hate me and beat me to an inch of my life to give them back not only the money they spent on the game,them month sub,and the time that they would NEVER get back.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Dear Zinc,

    Awhile back in an interview, you mentioned that while you guys love making games... you may in fact be crappy business people. Rec...

    *Snipped for space*

    [/COLOR]

    Good writeup, but I really doubt anything can save STO in the short term. I'm still paying for it because I actually like it even in this form, but I think that if STO doesn't flop than it will only recover in the extreme long term. I'd also like to point out that in my memory no game has ever done this regardless of amount of money injected to it or care of the developers. I'd like this game to turn out great and I know the developers are working hard but really I think they might as well shut down the servers and put it back into development.

    That being said I'm still trying to be positive and look at how things can turn out in the future, still leveling my Klingon through explore missions because nobody is in the PvP queues or fleet actions. Hopefully next year it can be something like a finished MMO, which is in and of itself a monumental accomphishment.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    superchum wrote: »
    You just called an entire new faction, Romulans, fluff.

    I'm not sure there can be any sort of discourse at this point. You're calling content fluff.

    They are definitely fluff if they turn out anything like the klingons, or if the klingons end up getting ignored.

    One fatal issue however that may be irreversible is the constant reminders we get from former klingon players who say "Are there any klingons playing anymore?" and "where are all of the klingons". The sad fact of the matter is... Cryptic missed the boat on this. Even if the Klingon's DO eventually get fleshed out... how many will be there making use of the new content to make it worth the ROI?

    I guess what they don't realize is that satisfying and making your CURRENT userbase happy actually has a positive effect on business. Why would I invite my MMO friends to try out this game, if I know that it just isn't good enough to hold their interest?

    Will a fully fleshed out Klingon faction bring hordes of new players and balance the game? Not likely. It should have been done at launch, people already have their first impression, which is unfortunate.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    dorko1 wrote: »
    I don't think the game is ruined and I think I've supported it for the most part.

    I just don't think that the referral program is a good idea at this time. I think Cryptic ought to fix what they have and re-start the referral program under the banner of a grand opening type thing so that they don't have to do as much referral thereafter and can let the game stand on its own reputation.

    Kind of how I feel.
    People do care. They are the ones that shout the loudest. It's people like yourself, happy to accept that allow others to perpetually feed you mediocrity. It's people like me, who choose not to accept, who choose to push for change that are the seeds for progress.

    the blind positive threads on here are the ones that do the real damage because the game will continue as it is. Recycling the same missions to people paying to play in different skins.

    You think we don't care? I've never been so insulted ( I have but that ended badly ). It's the very caring about Star Trek and a game we would like to play that causes us to stand up and say "this is not good enough".
    And if you don't like it then you have to consider that i have every right to my opinion as you do.

    Hey Zoot put the claws back in. Just asking a simple question. I wanted to know if you think this is doomed, or if there is hope?

    I never said you didn't care, I wanted to know why you care.

    lastly I don't like being feed what is now, I advocate for them to get it a lot better, but I'm hopeful that there is still a chance that it can be pulled off.

    claws away claws away. :D
This discussion has been closed.