And your mantra is 'it's not fair because I want it and don't have anyone to refer' which also, is not an argument.
No, the fact that a lot of us have nobody to referr/HAVE ALREADY REFERRED makes it more absurd.
RAF rewards need to be exclusive to RAF programs, I know of no MMO that makes their RAF rewards available outside of the RAF program. If they become available outside of the RAF, they could lose their appeal as a 'reward' since others would be able to obtain it without having to do anything, except, QQ on the forums because life isn't fair.
And at which point did any of us say there shouldn't be referral rewards?
It just shouldn't be THIS ONE.
No, the fact that a lot of us have nobody to referr/HAVE ALREADY REFERRED makes it more absurd.
RAF programs will ALWAYS miss people who got people started playing the game prior to the launch of the RAF program, that's just how things work. I referred people to WoW before they had a RAF program, does that mean I'm entitled to the RAF rewards? Nope, not at all, because I didn't do the referrals during the promotion period. It's life, it's not fair, and it never will be.
Honestly, I'm mixed about the RAF rewards. I do love the Vet rewards though, but think it could use more stuff at 400 days.
I do not believe however that everything offered through RAF or VET rewards must be also in the C-store or that the lifers "deserve" all the cool stuff. I think overall, the RAF reward snd VET rewards are pretty balanced. We aren't going to like every decision they make... and I don't care if there is ONE ship i can't have. I have others that I really like.
RAF programs will ALWAYS miss people who got people started playing the game prior to the launch of the RAF program, that's just how things work. I referred people to WoW before they had a RAF program, does that mean I'm entitled to the RAF rewards? Nope, not at all, because I didn't do the referrals during the promotion period. It's life, it's not fair, and it never will be.
Get off your high horse. Again, WoW can get away with things STO can't.
When STO has as much content as WoW and enough t5 ships with equivalent abilities that make the Galaxy X a marginal gimmick then we can talk.
Also, life's not fair. Yeah. Those who accept that never get anything changed.
Or, until some people realize that a 'reward' is something that should take at least a minimal amount of effort, and not everyone is entitled to it.
So let us work for it IN GAME, where everyone has a fair shot at it if they want it.
You have to realize that a lot of people who many of us might try to refer have already tried the game once, saw how incomplete and lackluster it was and gave it a pass. Unless the RAF program is put on hold until at least after Season 2's LAST update, even if some of those people do give it a chance, they are not going to see much difference, and will quit again. Good luck coaxing them back a third time...
Also, in a way, this can be viewd as a contest. Some regions do not allow things like this, so because of some regional law, people are excluded.
This can also be abused. Anyone with the money can buy up five copies of the game and subscribe, then dump it. Unless Cryptic has it set up where you don't get your Galaxy-X until after five of your referals have had their account charged $14.99, then it hasn't benefited the game at all.
Whether you agree with Cryptic's plan or not, the bottom line is that it is not going to have the effect they are hoping for. I fear they will lose more people over it than they retain.
Why doesn't the marketing department just pitch the game itself? I mean, if it is really worth it, it can stand on its own merrits without the need for a gimmick.
So let us work for it IN GAME, where everyone has a fair shot at it if they want it.
You have to realize that a lot of people who many of us might try to refer have already tried the game once, saw how incomplete and lackluster it was and gave it a pass. Unless the RAF program is put on hold until at least after Season 2's LAST update, even if some of those people do give it a chance, they are not going to see much difference, and will quit again. Good luck coaxing them back a third time...
Also, in a way, this can be viewd as a contest. Some regions do not allow things like this, so because of some regional law, people are excluded.
This can also be abused. Anyone with the money can buy up five copies of the game and subscribe, then dump it. Unless Cryptic has it set up where you don't get your Galaxy-X until after five of your referals have had their account charged $14.99, then it hasn't benefited the game at all.
Whether you agree with Cryptic's plan or not, the bottom line is that it is not going to have the effect they are hoping for. I fear they will lose more people over it than they retain.
Why doesn't the marketing department just pitch the game itself? I mean, if it is really worth it, it can stand on its own merrits without the need for a gimmick.
It's fair as it is now (with the possible exception of areas where prohibited by law- but, I don't think it is, since it's not a contest), everyone has the chance to get it by referring 5 friends. Those who do, great they get the ship, those who don't... don't get the ship. There is nothing 'unfair' about it's current setup.
And, yes, it's setup to only 'count' if the referred party pays for at least a 1 month subscription. Will there be some people who buy 5 copies of the game, and subscribe for 1 month on each one.. probably.. but, these are also the same people who pre-launch were buying pre-orders from multiple locations to get all the pre-order rewards they wanted. If they can afford it... great, I'm not going to tell anyone what they can, or cannot spend their money on.
Alright that's it Teranika, you refuse to get it and people should just stop trying.
I'm putting you on ignore and I suggest anyone with any sense do the same.
Alright that's it Teranika, you refuse to get it and people should just stop trying.
I'm putting you on ignore and I suggest anyone with any sense do the same.
Ahhh... I disagree with you, therefore, I don't 'get it' and should be ignored. Brilliant! What a mature way to deal with anyone who doesn't share your opinion!
It's fair as it is now (with the possible exception of areas where prohibited by law- but, I don't think it is, since it's not a contest), everyone has the chance to get it by referring 5 friends. Those who do, great they get the ship, those who don't... don't get the ship. There is nothing 'unfair' about it's current setup.
Agreed, nothing is perfect and who knows, maybe the ship will be available through some other method at another time. The accolade system changes offer potential towards that in the future.
These comments are very crude, cruel and uncaring.
Some people like myself don't have friends who are into computers. Getting the Galaxy X is impossible for some. All I ask is Cryptic make it available via some other means and/or at a later date...
[...]
Go ahead and flame some more. I think I've been civil and have not gone off the deep end. It's not the end of the world but this RAF offer is very disappointing to me.
Well, it's obviously too early to say if there won't be any other means to obtain this ship. Chances are there won't be, as it's intended to be a special reward to those who accomplish a pretty difficult feat.
It's not like you need to get everyone at once so you can have the ship first. It's something you can work on over the course of months, or even a year.
Only reason I got annoyed about that offer in WoW was because its illegal to run referal programs like that here in Denmark (as it falls under pyramid scheme laws) so I couldn't get it.
See, that's jacked, and understandably frustrating. I suggest moving
I disagree with the original post. I really don't see the folly in what they're doing. RAF Programs similar to this have been successful in other games. Sure, it would be cool to have a Galaxy X because it's so different-- and because there's plenty of people who want a Tier5 Galaxy option. But I think there's conflicting issues with most people wanting this removed from the Referral Program.
People have been up in arms about "People have been asking for the Galaxy X forever!", but I didn't see many threads about that before the RAF rewards were announced. Mostly ships like the Nebula and Excelsior, and rightfully so -- and refitting Tier4 ships for Tier5. In my opinion, a lot of people wanting the Galaxy X to become "non-exclusive" just want it because it looks similar to a Galaxy and they want to fly a Galaxy at Tier5. Or they want something cool and unique without putting forth the effort to earning it.
Also I don't think getting fresh blood into the game is going to hurt Star Trek Online. Unfinished or not, there's still plenty of people who play and enjoy their time and experiences. Why shouldn't we be rewarded for getting new recruits? If anything, seeing all the furor over the Galaxy X just proves how good of a marketing move this is. If Cryptic is smart, they'll keep the Galaxy X as exclusive-- it will drive plenty of people who truly want that ship to earn it, and boost STO in the process.
Whether you agree with Cryptic's plan or not, the bottom line is that it is not going to have the effect they are hoping for. I fear they will lose more people over it than they retain.
I'm sorry, but honestly, anyone who quits because they can;t have ONE ship costume and 400 CPs (what about $4.00) is not a player I want to encounter or group with ionn game - and I for one, won't miss him/her. I swear, with all th unmitigated whining over this, I have to question how many players are 5 years old or YOUNGER. Seriously.
1) The 3 Nacelle Galaxy refit is suddenly iconic eh? I have to seriously wonder if the ehiners somehow think this untrue statement adds to their argument. It doesn't. In 44 years of Star Trek, the ship appeared in ONE episode (the final TNG episode) fo 10 minutes; and in fact was a one off homage to the older TOS fans who had the Franz Joeseph original Star Trek Tech manual (circa. 1975). In that manual was the 3 nacelled Federation Dreadnaught - which looked MOST like a 3 nacelled TOS Constitution Class starship with a larger (and slightly modified Primary and Seconday hull). But 'Iconic'? Please. the original 1701 USS Enterprise in iconic. The TNG original 1701-D is iconic. The 3 nacelled AGT alternate universe refit 1701-D that could cloak and do SWarp 13 - sorry not iconic.
2) I have a feeling had this been announced for the C-Store; people actually would have cried aboiut the cost for a ship whose look could not be customized (or did you MISS the Dev comment that styated the ship look will NOT be miodifiable); and we probably would have seen a '1500 CP for a ship that was on te final episode of TNG for 10 minutes - LOL!' thread.
But lets, be honest - because it's ONLY attainable through the RAF program, suddenly a group of players (for whatever reason) 'can't/won't play STO without it' - and somehow feel cheated'
Also, the thing I find most interesting is a lot of folks are saying stuff like: "I would never refer a 'frieind' to this game because it's unfinished and sucks hard.'
(And yet, the point of the argument is to make a ship attainable by other means so the many players who state the above can have it and CONTINUE to pay for/play an MMO that is unfinished and sucks....)
^^^^^
Would you take anyone with the above mindset seriously? I sure wouldn't. But my god, if I was prt of te Dev team or management, I might seriously be reconsidering WHY they bothered to acquire this IP, since Star Trek fans (and I've been one myself since 1969) will rage over anything no matter how minor.
Alright that's it Teranika, you refuse to get it and people should just stop trying.
I'm putting you on ignore and I suggest anyone with any sense do the same.
I think you need to put me on your ignore list too. As a matter of fact, anyone who disagrees with you needs to be put on your ignore list. We are just too civil minded for you.
Adding rewards for difficult tasks is great, however, why is it almost every cool item been adding to the game these days (Bridges, ship variants, races) requires money to change hands, either by buying them though the C-store or by getting 5 people to buy STO. I'm more than aware Cryptic has to make money, hence why I happily paid for the game 'and' bought a lifetime subscription, but the C-store is been filled up with items quicker than alot of F2P ingame stores do. Worse yet, there seems to be very little been added for people not willing to buy though the C-store, which means there is little to strive for my completeing the game content, which i'd be fine with in a F2P MMO, but the is a game you pay to play!
Right now I'm no longer playing STO because I'm genuinely bored with nothing to actualy strive for, having a ship like the Galaxy-X, which is sounding like the most powerful ship on the Fed side with its power phaser and more importantly, cloak, as a ship you need to complete ingame content to get would be a great way to retain players, same goes for races, having races like the pakleds and caitians unlockable for completing quest chains would retain people and make them play, instead you have to buy these items and once you have them, there is no content to actually play to retain your interest. The referal program has just been the 'straw that broke the camels back' for alot of people with this trend of players having to pay extra for content when they are already paying monthly fees.
I'm not a fan of the C-Store either; after all, I thought these kinds of things are what my monthly subscription helped to pay for? I can sort of understand certain things, I guess. But extra bridge layouts? Really? Why can't these be rewards for difficult missions? Or accrued after X amount of time spent paying for the game?
But complaining about the C-Store isn't what this thread is about.
Getting 5 people to purchase the game and pay for a months worth of subscription isn't comparable to buying things from the C-Store. For one, there's nothing "extra" being paid for. It's natural... it's no different than anyone else. I don't see nor understand the analogy, or why people buying the game is contemptible and encouraging this is bad form on Cryptic's part.
I'm not a fan of the C-Store either; after all, I thought these kinds of things are what my monthly subscription helped to pay for? I can sort of understand certain things, I guess. But extra bridge layouts? Really? Why can't these be rewards for difficult missions? Or accrued after X amount of time spent paying for the game?
But complaining about the C-Store isn't what this thread is about.
Getting 5 people to purchase the game and pay for a months worth of subscription isn't comparable to buying things from the C-Store. For one, there's nothing "extra" being paid for. It's natural... it's no different than anyone else. I don't see nor understand the analogy, or why people buying the game is contemptible and encouraging this is bad form on Cryptic's part.
There's a couple hundred extra dollars going to Cryptic which may not have been generated at all if the carrot weren't being dangled. People who've already gotten other people to play, even through explicit and traceable means like passing out their buddy codes, aren't even getting tossed a bone for making the same 'contributions'. And someone can just shell out that money out-of-pocket if they have sufficient disposable income and not generate any actual new players.
There's a couple hundred extra dollars going to Cryptic which may not have been generated at all if the carrot weren't being dangled. People who've already gotten other people to play, even through explicit and traceable means like passing out their buddy codes, aren't even getting tossed a bone for making the same 'contributions'. And someone can just shell out that money out-of-pocket if they have sufficient disposable income and not generate any actual new players.
As for purchasing 5 extra accounts for this... well, if they're willing to pay that much money. Kudos! This kind of thing isn't unheard of; as far back as EverQuest I've played with people who multi-box... playing several characters, all under different accounts, at the same time. That's their prerogative, and certainly gives them an advantage over me-- solo player, doing my thing.
Personally, I'm glad they're starting a demo program. The one buddy key I got for buying the game wasn't enough. Several of my friends want to try the game, and I've already had to beg other people I know in-game for their buddy keys for my friends. So no, it's certainly not a dangling carrot for me. I've been wanting a traditional "free trial" for a while now. Everything else is just a bonus. I guess that doesn't apply to everyone, though. But hey, I don't see anything wrong with a recruitment drive.
But yeah, would be nice is past deeds would transfer. Can't argue with that!
Adding rewards for difficult tasks is great, however, why is it almost every cool item been adding to the game these days (Bridges, ship variants, races) requires money to change hands, either by buying them though the C-store or by getting 5 people to buy STO. I'm more than aware Cryptic has to make money, hence why I happily paid for the game 'and' bought a lifetime subscription, but the C-store is been filled up with items quicker than alot of F2P ingame stores do. Worse yet, there seems to be very little been added for people not willing to buy though the C-store, which means there is little to strive for my completeing the game content, which i'd be fine with in a F2P MMO, but the is a game you pay to play!
Right now I'm no longer playing STO because I'm genuinely bored with nothing to actualy strive for, having a ship like the Galaxy-X, which is sounding like the most powerful ship on the Fed side with its power phaser and more importantly, cloak, as a ship you need to complete ingame content to get would be a great way to retain players, same goes for races, having races like the pakleds and caitians unlockable for completing quest chains would retain people and make them play, instead you have to buy these items and once you have them, there is no content to actually play to retain your interest. The referal program has just been the 'straw that broke the camels back' for alot of people with this trend of players having to pay extra for content when they are already paying monthly fees.
Here's hoping that this thread doesn't degenerate.
Really, more than anything else this is what's of concern to me in this whole R5F thing. I've no problem with people getting 5 referrals getting something special. (Hell, at this point, getting five people to sign up and stay for two months is a not inconsiderable achievement.) I'd love such people to get some good recognition. I'm not even intrinsically opposed to them getting the Galaxy-X*. And I won't begrudge Cryptic trying to make more money and draw in more subscribers. But... and there's always a 'but'....
Well. Suricata put it a lot better than I. I know that we get a modest chunk of content for our subscription, and some more is on the way, but a nontrivial amount is going to the C-Store or to exclusives. I don't want it on a silver platter, and I don't just want it on the C-Store. In fact, I think putting the Galaxy-X on the C-Store is the WORST possible thing to do; we were constantly reassured that things like that were not what the C-Store was for. I strongly endorse the idea of making it -- or, at least, similar things -- available as part of long mission/episode chains (not grinds.)
As an example, I've been looking forward to the Caitans for a while now; but if there was some sort of quest chain to unlock them -- say,even just an episode, 'Mission to Cait,' to knock out a Klingon attempt at wooing or forcing them to their side** ... then suddenly it's worth a LOT MORE to me than just buying it off the C-Store.*** I remember in FFXI as a red mage, going for The Hat -- refugees from that game know *exactly* what I'm talking about. It took weeks if not *months* of in-game work to find a group that I could join that was going for it. (And refugees from that game know exactly what I'm talking about there, too. ) But when I got it? and the rest of my artifact armor? Damn... that was the business.
The thing is, though... I didn't need to go out and shill FFXI to five people (or even one person) to get it. I didn't have to pay Squeenix to get it. It was there, in the game, one of the biggest achievements I've ever gotten in a game despite loathing grinds. Now, I still dislike grindalicious games... but the grind goes away when it's not a grind, when it's a goal-oriented mission like how we already have in the game. Thinking about it, and pondering the issue of STO, long-term viability, and enjoyment... that's what I'd like to see more of. The kerfluffle surrounding the Galaxy-X exclusivity is a symptom, not really a cause.
The point is... where is the content for the people who are just playing the game?
* - I still would like a narrow-arc high-power phaser beam cannon to be available. ^_^ And I claim no other reason for this desire other than the Rule of Cool.
** - Since, you know, just like cats... when they're in, they want out, and when they're out, they want in.
*** - There is a difference between going out and asking five people to try the game (and possibly strong-arming them into staying for two months) and working towards something within the game. I will not say one is harder than the other; that's not the point. It's a different type of effort.
Comments
No, the fact that a lot of us have nobody to referr/HAVE ALREADY REFERRED makes it more absurd.
And at which point did any of us say there shouldn't be referral rewards?
It just shouldn't be THIS ONE.
And we will be until Cryptic wakes up and changes this.
Or, until some people realize that a 'reward' is something that should take at least a minimal amount of effort, and not everyone is entitled to it.
I agree.
If it's in-game effort.
RAF programs will ALWAYS miss people who got people started playing the game prior to the launch of the RAF program, that's just how things work. I referred people to WoW before they had a RAF program, does that mean I'm entitled to the RAF rewards? Nope, not at all, because I didn't do the referrals during the promotion period. It's life, it's not fair, and it never will be.
RAF rewards don't make much sense for an in-game effort, since, you know... that's not RAF and all.
- Kitkun
I do not believe however that everything offered through RAF or VET rewards must be also in the C-store or that the lifers "deserve" all the cool stuff. I think overall, the RAF reward snd VET rewards are pretty balanced. We aren't going to like every decision they make... and I don't care if there is ONE ship i can't have. I have others that I really like.
Get off your high horse. Again, WoW can get away with things STO can't.
When STO has as much content as WoW and enough t5 ships with equivalent abilities that make the Galaxy X a marginal gimmick then we can talk.
Also, life's not fair. Yeah. Those who accept that never get anything changed.
I'm talking about the Galaxy X.
The Galaxy X should be available through in game effort, not real world shilling.
So let us work for it IN GAME, where everyone has a fair shot at it if they want it.
You have to realize that a lot of people who many of us might try to refer have already tried the game once, saw how incomplete and lackluster it was and gave it a pass. Unless the RAF program is put on hold until at least after Season 2's LAST update, even if some of those people do give it a chance, they are not going to see much difference, and will quit again. Good luck coaxing them back a third time...
Also, in a way, this can be viewd as a contest. Some regions do not allow things like this, so because of some regional law, people are excluded.
This can also be abused. Anyone with the money can buy up five copies of the game and subscribe, then dump it. Unless Cryptic has it set up where you don't get your Galaxy-X until after five of your referals have had their account charged $14.99, then it hasn't benefited the game at all.
Whether you agree with Cryptic's plan or not, the bottom line is that it is not going to have the effect they are hoping for. I fear they will lose more people over it than they retain.
Why doesn't the marketing department just pitch the game itself? I mean, if it is really worth it, it can stand on its own merrits without the need for a gimmick.
It's fair as it is now (with the possible exception of areas where prohibited by law- but, I don't think it is, since it's not a contest), everyone has the chance to get it by referring 5 friends. Those who do, great they get the ship, those who don't... don't get the ship. There is nothing 'unfair' about it's current setup.
And, yes, it's setup to only 'count' if the referred party pays for at least a 1 month subscription. Will there be some people who buy 5 copies of the game, and subscribe for 1 month on each one.. probably.. but, these are also the same people who pre-launch were buying pre-orders from multiple locations to get all the pre-order rewards they wanted. If they can afford it... great, I'm not going to tell anyone what they can, or cannot spend their money on.
I'm putting you on ignore and I suggest anyone with any sense do the same.
The Galaxy X should be available for RAF reward, not in game reward.
Ahhh... I disagree with you, therefore, I don't 'get it' and should be ignored. Brilliant! What a mature way to deal with anyone who doesn't share your opinion!
Agreed, nothing is perfect and who knows, maybe the ship will be available through some other method at another time. The accolade system changes offer potential towards that in the future.
Well, it's obviously too early to say if there won't be any other means to obtain this ship. Chances are there won't be, as it's intended to be a special reward to those who accomplish a pretty difficult feat.
It's not like you need to get everyone at once so you can have the ship first. It's something you can work on over the course of months, or even a year.
The bigger issue is below...
See, that's jacked, and understandably frustrating. I suggest moving
People have been up in arms about "People have been asking for the Galaxy X forever!", but I didn't see many threads about that before the RAF rewards were announced. Mostly ships like the Nebula and Excelsior, and rightfully so -- and refitting Tier4 ships for Tier5. In my opinion, a lot of people wanting the Galaxy X to become "non-exclusive" just want it because it looks similar to a Galaxy and they want to fly a Galaxy at Tier5. Or they want something cool and unique without putting forth the effort to earning it.
Also I don't think getting fresh blood into the game is going to hurt Star Trek Online. Unfinished or not, there's still plenty of people who play and enjoy their time and experiences. Why shouldn't we be rewarded for getting new recruits? If anything, seeing all the furor over the Galaxy X just proves how good of a marketing move this is. If Cryptic is smart, they'll keep the Galaxy X as exclusive-- it will drive plenty of people who truly want that ship to earn it, and boost STO in the process.
I'm sorry, but honestly, anyone who quits because they can;t have ONE ship costume and 400 CPs (what about $4.00) is not a player I want to encounter or group with ionn game - and I for one, won't miss him/her. I swear, with all th unmitigated whining over this, I have to question how many players are 5 years old or YOUNGER. Seriously.
1) The 3 Nacelle Galaxy refit is suddenly iconic eh? I have to seriously wonder if the ehiners somehow think this untrue statement adds to their argument. It doesn't. In 44 years of Star Trek, the ship appeared in ONE episode (the final TNG episode) fo 10 minutes; and in fact was a one off homage to the older TOS fans who had the Franz Joeseph original Star Trek Tech manual (circa. 1975). In that manual was the 3 nacelled Federation Dreadnaught - which looked MOST like a 3 nacelled TOS Constitution Class starship with a larger (and slightly modified Primary and Seconday hull). But 'Iconic'? Please. the original 1701 USS Enterprise in iconic. The TNG original 1701-D is iconic. The 3 nacelled AGT alternate universe refit 1701-D that could cloak and do SWarp 13 - sorry not iconic.
2) I have a feeling had this been announced for the C-Store; people actually would have cried aboiut the cost for a ship whose look could not be customized (or did you MISS the Dev comment that styated the ship look will NOT be miodifiable); and we probably would have seen a '1500 CP for a ship that was on te final episode of TNG for 10 minutes - LOL!' thread.
But lets, be honest - because it's ONLY attainable through the RAF program, suddenly a group of players (for whatever reason) 'can't/won't play STO without it' - and somehow feel cheated'
Also, the thing I find most interesting is a lot of folks are saying stuff like: "I would never refer a 'frieind' to this game because it's unfinished and sucks hard.'
(And yet, the point of the argument is to make a ship attainable by other means so the many players who state the above can have it and CONTINUE to pay for/play an MMO that is unfinished and sucks....
^^^^^
Would you take anyone with the above mindset seriously? I sure wouldn't. But my god, if I was prt of te Dev team or management, I might seriously be reconsidering WHY they bothered to acquire this IP, since Star Trek fans (and I've been one myself since 1969) will rage over anything no matter how minor.
/em shakes head and walks off.
I think you need to put me on your ignore list too. As a matter of fact, anyone who disagrees with you needs to be put on your ignore list. We are just too civil minded for you.
Right now I'm no longer playing STO because I'm genuinely bored with nothing to actualy strive for, having a ship like the Galaxy-X, which is sounding like the most powerful ship on the Fed side with its power phaser and more importantly, cloak, as a ship you need to complete ingame content to get would be a great way to retain players, same goes for races, having races like the pakleds and caitians unlockable for completing quest chains would retain people and make them play, instead you have to buy these items and once you have them, there is no content to actually play to retain your interest. The referal program has just been the 'straw that broke the camels back' for alot of people with this trend of players having to pay extra for content when they are already paying monthly fees.
But complaining about the C-Store isn't what this thread is about.
Getting 5 people to purchase the game and pay for a months worth of subscription isn't comparable to buying things from the C-Store. For one, there's nothing "extra" being paid for. It's natural... it's no different than anyone else. I don't see nor understand the analogy, or why people buying the game is contemptible and encouraging this is bad form on Cryptic's part.
There's a couple hundred extra dollars going to Cryptic which may not have been generated at all if the carrot weren't being dangled. People who've already gotten other people to play, even through explicit and traceable means like passing out their buddy codes, aren't even getting tossed a bone for making the same 'contributions'. And someone can just shell out that money out-of-pocket if they have sufficient disposable income and not generate any actual new players.
As for purchasing 5 extra accounts for this... well, if they're willing to pay that much money. Kudos! This kind of thing isn't unheard of; as far back as EverQuest I've played with people who multi-box... playing several characters, all under different accounts, at the same time. That's their prerogative, and certainly gives them an advantage over me-- solo player, doing my thing.
Personally, I'm glad they're starting a demo program. The one buddy key I got for buying the game wasn't enough. Several of my friends want to try the game, and I've already had to beg other people I know in-game for their buddy keys for my friends. So no, it's certainly not a dangling carrot for me. I've been wanting a traditional "free trial" for a while now. Everything else is just a bonus. I guess that doesn't apply to everyone, though. But hey, I don't see anything wrong with a recruitment drive.
But yeah, would be nice is past deeds would transfer. Can't argue with that!
Here's hoping that this thread doesn't degenerate.
Really, more than anything else this is what's of concern to me in this whole R5F thing. I've no problem with people getting 5 referrals getting something special. (Hell, at this point, getting five people to sign up and stay for two months is a not inconsiderable achievement.) I'd love such people to get some good recognition. I'm not even intrinsically opposed to them getting the Galaxy-X*. And I won't begrudge Cryptic trying to make more money and draw in more subscribers. But... and there's always a 'but'....
Well. Suricata put it a lot better than I. I know that we get a modest chunk of content for our subscription, and some more is on the way, but a nontrivial amount is going to the C-Store or to exclusives. I don't want it on a silver platter, and I don't just want it on the C-Store. In fact, I think putting the Galaxy-X on the C-Store is the WORST possible thing to do; we were constantly reassured that things like that were not what the C-Store was for. I strongly endorse the idea of making it -- or, at least, similar things -- available as part of long mission/episode chains (not grinds.)
As an example, I've been looking forward to the Caitans for a while now; but if there was some sort of quest chain to unlock them -- say,even just an episode, 'Mission to Cait,' to knock out a Klingon attempt at wooing or forcing them to their side** ... then suddenly it's worth a LOT MORE to me than just buying it off the C-Store.*** I remember in FFXI as a red mage, going for The Hat -- refugees from that game know *exactly* what I'm talking about. It took weeks if not *months* of in-game work to find a group that I could join that was going for it. (And refugees from that game know exactly what I'm talking about there, too.
The thing is, though... I didn't need to go out and shill FFXI to five people (or even one person) to get it. I didn't have to pay Squeenix to get it. It was there, in the game, one of the biggest achievements I've ever gotten in a game despite loathing grinds. Now, I still dislike grindalicious games... but the grind goes away when it's not a grind, when it's a goal-oriented mission like how we already have in the game. Thinking about it, and pondering the issue of STO, long-term viability, and enjoyment... that's what I'd like to see more of. The kerfluffle surrounding the Galaxy-X exclusivity is a symptom, not really a cause.
The point is... where is the content for the people who are just playing the game?
* - I still would like a narrow-arc high-power phaser beam cannon to be available. ^_^ And I claim no other reason for this desire other than the Rule of Cool.
** - Since, you know, just like cats... when they're in, they want out, and when they're out, they want in.
*** - There is a difference between going out and asking five people to try the game (and possibly strong-arming them into staying for two months) and working towards something within the game. I will not say one is harder than the other; that's not the point. It's a different type of effort.
Perhaps, but the indications are strong that it will be more than just a shiny.
I've placed this discussion in the feedback forums we just created for C-Store items and Promotions.
Thanks!
-Destra
IE, you want to "ghetto" off discussion of your RMT stuff so that they don't appear in the most read forums.
The Smed is strong in this one.