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"Rumor: Could Star Trek Online turn into a free-to-play game?"

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
"Responding to a fan's inquiry, the game's executive producer Daniel Stahl stated, "I could easily see STO going into a hybrid model similar to what Lotro is doing. In that model, subscriptions stay as is - but you allow people to play for free but heavily limit what they can do ...

" He believes that model will allow new players to demo the game at no cost and then they can either pay for extra stuff via microtransactions or go with the more traditional subscription model. While Stahl doesn't flat out state that Star Trek Online will go that route the fact that he brings it up as a possiblity means that Cryptic might at least be considering such a move."

link and link

wow, that would be SO cool
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  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Eh, the free-to-play mode would limit players, essentially making it a demo. It would most likely be better than the demo that is out now, but still players couldn't do everything they could with a paid account. I can't see STO going completely FTP anytime soon, but I do like the idea that stahl has suggested.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    attilio wrote: »
    Eh, the free-to-play mode would limit players, essentially making it a demo. It would most likely be better than the demo that is out now, but still players couldn't do everything they could with a paid account. I can't see STO going completely FTP anytime soon, but I do like the idea that stahl has suggested.

    I wonder how it would affect the playerbase... if more people would slant toward just playing forever with micro-transactions. I also wonder how much more money they would make vs. box sales as the game ages and fades from stores.

    time will tell, I guess.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    The latest rumor I heard was that after the devs that were re-assigned to help develop Hogwarts Online return to their STO home and are back up to speed, Cryptic has plans to hire former Star Trek The Next Generation episode writer Nick Sagan to come in and design the Milky Way Galaxy. Sort of continuing his father's work from Cosmos. And that STO will abandon instancing. And you'll have one huge galaxy to explore. It will be to scale. So there'll be an uptick in travel times, but it will definitely appeal to the "explorer" gamer.

    The server size issues are still being hashed out. One idea I'd heard was that they're going to use C-Store sales to raise money to purchase the Very Big Array and house the Milky Way Galaxy server there.

    So people who want Exploration Content ... like REAL exploration content ... need to start buying more Galaxy X's.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    I think this would be a good idea, as long as they give incentives and bonuses to Subscribers, especially lifetimers. If we get micro'trans'd out the rear end like the free players, I'd be upset.

    Also perhaps have certain areas only available to subscribers, such as free players would be technically "Enlisted Crewman" while subscribers would be "officers"
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    superchum wrote: »
    The latest rumor I heard was that after the devs that were re-assigned to help develop Hogwarts Online return to their STO home and are back up to speed, Cryptic has plans to hire former Star Trek The Next Generation episode writer Nick Sagan to come in and design the Milky Way Galaxy. Sort of continuing his father's work from Cosmos. And that STO will abandon instancing. And you'll have one huge galaxy to explore. It will be to scale. So there'll be an uptick in travel times, but it will definitely appeal to the "explorer" gamer.

    The server size issues are still being hashed out. One idea I'd heard was that they're going to use C-Store sales to raise money to purchase the Very Big Array and house the Milky Way Galaxy server there.

    So people who want Exploration Content ... like REAL exploration content ... need to start buying more Galaxy X's.

    That would be like the perfect storm of rumors if even half of it is true.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Really? I'm surprised that it's even being considered this early in the game's life. I really don't see STO going F2P at LEAST before year's end. I think that this reeks of desperation on Cryptic's part to get fresh blood. I don't doubt that it WILL go F2P, though, as I have viewed the C-Store as an early indication that it might be. Frankly, I don't have a problem with it as long as STO lifers get something comparable to what they're getting in LOTRO.

    Free-to-play is not the end of the game, though, for any dooooomsayers that might end up creeping in here. It's just another way to earn money.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Really? I'm surprised that it's even being considered this early in the game's life.

    I'm not. The amount of people clamoring for Real Exploration content has been quite high since "beta." So I think it makes sens. The whole thing, of course, hinges on them getting Nick Sagan, and then them being able to store/physically house the Virtual Milky Way somewhere safe.

    Heck, combining it with UGC ... and I can see an "ops station" mini-game that involves the playerbase itself checking for "bugs" in the system as part of the whole "explore the galaxy" concept.

    And in true Cryptic fashion, the zone barriers will be there ... as the great galactic barrier!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Really? I'm surprised that it's even being considered this early in the game's life. I really don't see STO going F2P at LEAST before year's end. I think that this reeks of desperation on Cryptic's part to get fresh blood. I don't doubt that it WILL go F2P, though, as I have viewed the C-Store as an early indication that it might be. Frankly, I don't have a problem with it as long as STO lifers get something comparable to what they're getting in LOTRO.

    Free-to-play is not the end of the game, though, for any dooooomsayers that might end up creeping in here. It's just another way to earn money.

    I doubt that it will happen with in a year or two, dstahl was just saying he wouldn't mind that type of model.
    ( atleast that what I got out of it. )
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    superchum wrote: »
    I'm not. The amount of people clamoring for Real Exploration content has been quite high since "beta." So I think it makes sens. The whole thing, of course, hinges on them getting Nick Sagan, and then them being able to store/physically house the Virtual Milky Way somewhere safe.

    Heck, combining it with UGC ... and I can see an "ops station" mini-game that involves the playerbase itself checking for "bugs" in the system as part of the whole "explore the galaxy" concept.

    And in true Cryptic fashion, the zone barriers will be there ... as the great galactic barrier!

    Huh? What? I was commenting on STO going F2P, not the exploration thingy. I would be all for that.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Here is a copy/paste of my post from the original thread:
    Why is it so hard for people to understand what dstahl said? If STO goes F2P like DDO or LOTRO, there will STILL be a monthly sub option and you will STILL have access to full content like you do RIGHT NOW. In other words, if you plan on paying a monthly sub to play STO, NOTHING CHANGES AT ALL. And for people like myself who have a LT sub, then we will STILL have a LT sub rather than paying the monthly sub for access to full content. People would ALSO have the option to play for "free" and buy the game in bits and pieces instead of paying a monthly sub.

    The people who are "opposed" to this idea really have no idea what their even talking about.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Also perhaps have certain areas only available to subscribers, such as free players would be technically "Enlisted Crewman" while subscribers would be "officers"

    that would be rather awesome if done right, but they would never do that, as Cryptic is a one-for-all kinda company.

    hmm if they reworked the levels, re-framed the game, and had a huge 're-launch' patch, they could go to a tiered structure, make a f2p section and really make the game a huge real MMO experience with a little effort.

    like f2p are limited to certain 'ranked' missions and things like maybe ship certain areas of the ship, while people that sub can expand their options, ship interiors, etc.

    not that they would do it, but there are a TON of ways to really do this without ****ing off everyone that is currently playing, and alienating the f2p people.

    i hope they don't just sell episodes to f2p and call it done... buy... err rent a piece of the game at a time.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    the LOTRO F2P model is awesome, I'm in beta and it's the same game....just more.


    and the lifers are getting good perks....they get 500 free points to spend the store EVERY single month for life...... along with other perks for premium membership...and access to everywhere..


    .
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    the LOTRO F2P model is awesome, I'm in beta and it's the same game....just more.


    and the lifers are getting good perks....they get 500 free points to spend the store EVERY single month for life...... along with other perks for premium membership...and access to everywhere..


    .

    quick question. those points they are used to buy new quests and stuff right?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    the LOTRO F2P model is awesome, I'm in beta and it's the same game....just more.


    and the lifers are getting good perks....they get 500 free points to spend the store EVERY single month for life...... along with other perks for premium membership...and access to everywhere..


    .

    that is awesome. I would be all for that... but make it 1000 points. :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Zodi-emish wrote:
    quick question. those points they are used to buy new quests and stuff right?

    Not exactly. LOTRO still has a "monthly sub" that grants you access to all content. The "store" is really for the people who DONT have the monthly sub. So in relation to the "lifers", they would get full access to the game for life, and the free points they get every month would allow they to buy things like what we have in the C-store right now.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Not exactly. LOTRO still has a "monthly sub" that grants you access to all content. The "store" is really for the people who DONT have the monthly sub. So in relation to the "lifers", they would get full access to the game for life, and the free points they get every month would allow they to buy things like what we have in the C-store right now.

    ok so it's what I thought you pay a sub, and you get access to everything, and the 500 points would be used on stuff like ship skins, and other stuff. the only other thing are the items in the store. are there any major game changing items in the LOTRO store? ( also I don't see the galaxy-x as game changing. )
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Zodi-emish wrote:
    ok so it's what I thought you pay a sub, and you get access to everything, and the 500 points would be used on stuff like ship skins, and other stuff. the only other thing are the items in the store. are there any major game changing items in the LOTRO store? ( also I don't see the galaxy-x as game changing. )

    I am not aware of any "major game changing" items in the store, and Turbine has actually said they are not going to put that type of item in the store:
    7) Will I still be able to play and enjoy the game without buying items from the LOTRO Store, or is that my only option for gaining weapons, armor, potions, and other goodies such as premium loot?

    The purchase of items in the LOTRO Store is entirely optional. While items in the Store are designed to immediately enhance your in-game experience, premium loot and rare gear are the rewards of adventure and are only obtainable through gameplay.

    http://www.lotro.com/betasignup/faq.html
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    In principle this is a good idea but there are two issues in my mind.

    1. The game is not good enough for a second failure. Replayability is key.

    2. Subscribers shouldn't feel the need to buy from the c-store more often, free points or not.

    The store probably wouldn't be just be like it is now plus area unlocks. Selling other things like consumables could even involve exchange limitations or drop frequency changes etc.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Also, these 3 points explain the LOTRO model pretty well:
    I already subscribe to LOTRO. Is there any benefit to staying a subscriber?

    Of course! Once the game goes live you’ll keep all your current privileges, and also accrue 500 free Turbine Points per month to spend as you wish. We also have a set of Loyalty Reward Special Offers just for our veteran players – as long as you maintain your subscription in good standing you may be eligible for up to 3,000 points. If you stay active over the summer you will also earn an additional bonus of 500 Turbine Points per month until launch! For more details see the Loyalty Reward Special Offer Terms & Conditions for full details.

    I have a lifetime subscription to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me?

    As a lifetime subscriber to LOTRO, you will keep all of your membership privileges and are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, but you do not have to pay a monthly fee since you are a lifetime member. All you have to do is keep playing the game and visit the LOTRO Store to spend your free Turbine Points. Lifetime members may also qualify for a special one-time Loyalty Reward of 1,000 Turbine Points. See the Loyalty Reward Special Offer Terms & Conditions for full details.

    I am a LOTRO Founder. What will Free-to-Play mean for me?

    As a LOTRO Founder, you automatically become a VIP and will keep all of your membership privileges as long as you pay your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month and you can spend them at your leisure in the LOTRO Store. Founding members may also qualify for a special one-time Loyalty Reward of 500 Turbine Points. See the Loyalty Reward Special Offer Terms & Conditions for full details.

    http://www.lotro.com/news/709-announcing-the-lord-of-the-rings-onlines-move-to-free-to-play-
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Zodi-emish wrote:
    quick question. those points they are used to buy new quests and stuff right?
    Adding to TGN's' answer - in the DDO model (on which the LOTRO model is based), one strategy is to subscribe until you get enough points to buy all the quest content you want, plus whatever other goodies you'd like (e.g. extra character slots, access to restricted races or classes, etc.), then drop to "premium" status. It's almost like "renting to buy" a lifteime sub...

    Of course, if new content or toys come out, you'll still need points to buy them, unless you subscribe again.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    I have no doubt the STO will be F2P within 18 months. Probably sooner.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    I support F2P STO.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Huh? What? I was commenting on STO going F2P, not the exploration thingy. I would be all for that.

    Supershum's just in a nonsensical mood today it seems.
    I am not aware of any "major game changing" items in the store, and Turbine has actually said they are not going to put that type of item in the store:

    Meh. In DDO, you can, for example, buy enough Potions of Haste to permanently get the +1 attack/round and various other benefits, mobile restore points (those cost almost as much or more on their own than the monthly sub's point allocation), and the like. That's too much change of game for my tastes, at least.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Having just played DDO for a few months (nice change of scenery) I can say that the Turbine F2P method works really well. If STO went in that direction, it could work out well for them. DDO's playerbase AND income increased greatly when they switched to the hybrid F2P business model. Especially given how much practice Cryptic has with creating 'fluff' content I bet they could pull it off.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Personally, I've played a lot of F2P games in the past and truthfully, I don't think thats the direction STO should go if they want to able to compete with the big guys. Honestly, I would probably stop playing if they did employ the F2P model.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    superchum wrote: »
    The latest rumor I heard was that after the devs that were re-assigned to help develop Hogwarts Online return to their STO home and are back up to speed, Cryptic has plans to hire former Star Trek The Next Generation episode writer Nick Sagan to come in and design the Milky Way Galaxy. Sort of continuing his father's work from Cosmos. And that STO will abandon instancing. And you'll have one huge galaxy to explore. It will be to scale. So there'll be an uptick in travel times, but it will definitely appeal to the "explorer" gamer.

    The server size issues are still being hashed out. One idea I'd heard was that they're going to use C-Store sales to raise money to purchase the Very Big Array and house the Milky Way Galaxy server there.

    So people who want Exploration Content ... like REAL exploration content ... need to start buying more Galaxy X's.

    An actual, full-on modeled Milky Way Galaxy would be many, many levels of awesome. I mean, in theory, it would put EVE to shame. But the database for even the near-star catalog is pretty big; it could take years to even begin to map it all out. That beings said, the <I>Star Trek Star Charts</I> could be a handy thing to pick up if they go that route... and I so wish they would!

    You are also a terrible, terrible man. =) You're getting remarkable mileage out of that Hogwarts thing!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    sovereign wrote: »
    I don't think thats the direction STO should go if they want to able to compete with the big guys. Honestly,

    psst, I don't think they are really trying to do that. They have 'homegrown' games targeted at niche audiences.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Sounds like Artix Entertainment Games. All of AE's onlone games are F2P with an option of "upgrading" and gaining complete acces to the game. Free accounts only have access to common items and missions and etc. Upgrade accounts got access to better quality items, missions, and etc.

    But like others have said, I don't see STO going F2P at all.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Diluant wrote:
    "Responding to a fan's inquiry, the game's executive producer Daniel Stahl stated, "I could easily see STO going into a hybrid model similar to what Lotro is doing. In that model, subscriptions stay as is - but you allow people to play for free but heavily limit what they can do ...

    " He believes that model will allow new players to demo the game at no cost and then they can either pay for extra stuff via microtransactions or go with the more traditional subscription model. While Stahl doesn't flat out state that Star Trek Online will go that route the fact that he brings it up as a possiblity means that Cryptic might at least be considering such a move."

    link and link

    wow, that would be SO cool

    You wanna know what happens if STO goes free to play?

    The only new content that gets developed is stuff that people have to pay for, and even that kinda trickles in.

    Personally, I prefer it the way we have it now: monthly fee, plus microtransactions if you want them. This gives the devs enough money to give us new content fairly frequently.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited July 2010
    Benfea wrote: »
    You wanna know what happens if STO goes free to play?

    The only new content that gets developed is stuff that people have to pay for, and even that kinda trickles in.

    Personally, I prefer it the way we have it now: monthly fee, plus microtransactions if you want them. This gives the devs enough money to give us new content fairly frequently.

    Agreed, on all points.
This discussion has been closed.