dont like it?
you know where the door is dont fall in love with the door handle on the way out have a nice day
OP, please do me a favor and ignore this extreme rudeness. Even if I do not agree with your complaint, your dollars still fund the game I enjoy, so I don't want you to leave. As far as your actual concern, I thought everyone got a few account bank slots free, but maybe I'm wrong.
Just a heads-up that if you get some account-bound items, you can only actually transfer it to other characters if you buy some account bank slots first. I mean, it doesn't say that anywhere, and every other online game lets you transfer account-bound stuff in the mail system, but it's totally fine. I'm sure you wanted to spend 1000 zen anyway. This is not a bug of any kind, and there isn't even any need to tell players that they should make Omega tech upgrades on their main and not their alts. It's like buying a sandwich and then realizing that the box has an access fee before you can open it: perfectly acceptable and not awful at all.
You know that the games has been this way for a LONG time right? Good lookin out bro.
At the very least, it should warn you that the "bound to account" feature can only be used if you have an account bank. Where I work, I make sure that the documentation is very clear about features that have prerequisite requirements.
its called a learning curve there is very little documentation on how the game works provided by cryptic, you learn as you play that's half the fun.
Big Deal. I've been playing for over 5 years since closed beta and there's tons of stuff that isn't clear to me because I never bothered to learn about it. That's on me, not Cryptic.
Too bad. Those that choose to live in ignorance don't deserve sympathy when they try to blame others for their own mistakes.
You sound like the Edo. Lacking information that's secret unless and until it's specifically guessed at isn't really what I'd call "living in ignorance."
its been like this since I started playing 3 years ago and probably for a lot longer, most players are fine with this and either do something to unlock the account bank or put up with it.
but hold on cryptic is sure to change it because you are unhappy and feel entitled in some way, problem solved...not!
I'm fine with needing an account bank. I'm not fine with deliberately hiding the fact that it's the only way to transfer account-bound items. It makes perfect sense to be able to mail those items as long as they don't leave the account, so if that's not possible, it should be clearly stated.
Yes, as fun as finding out that your bank charges a $3 fee for ATM withdrawals when they send you the bill for the last 12 months of transactions. All I'm even asking for here is that they include some fine print: "Bound to Account (transfer requires account bank)". Would that really be so terrible?
The first link you gave makes absolutely no mention of the account bank or account-bound items. I'm not sure why you posted it, other than to be incredibly condescending.
The second link you gave mentions the account bank but doesn't mention that it's the only available way to transfer account-bound items:
Account Shared Bank Slots
The Account Shared Bank is accessible from any Bank console and your bridges Ready Room. Only non-bound and Bind to Account on Equip items may be stored in the Account Shared Bank.
This isn't "A requires X", it's "X can only handle A and B". How would someone learn that transferring account-bound items REQUIRES an account bank from that description?
Did you not bother to look at the links provided? It's not being kept a secret. In fact it's not even restricted to people with STO accounts. Anyone with internet access can look up that information on Arc and the STO wiki.
There's even this amazing tool called Google that helps people find information.
And if you had previously bothered to look up the information and found it confusing you could have asked for clarification here on the forum. You found your way here easily enough when you decided to complain. :rolleyes:
Are you referring to the first link you gave that doesn't say that the account bank is the ONLY way to transfer account-bound items, the second link you gave that doesn't say that the account bank is the ONLY way to transfer account-bound items, the third link you gave that doesn't say that the account bank is the ONLY way to transfer account-bound items, or the fourth link you gave that doesn't say that the account bank is the ONLY way to transfer account-bound items? There's nothing confusing about information that isn't printed. A user would have to guess, based on no hints, that the normal method of transferring items on an account (the mail system) doesn't apply to account-bound items, even though you're not trying to move it outside an account.
I hadn't heard of Google before, so I googled it and it looks pretty cool. Thanks for the info. I'll use it whenever I magically guess that the game is keeping a secret from me, so I can find lots of links that don't actually answer my question.
It goes up exponentially. One row starts at around 10k. Second is around 25k or so, then 50k, then 100k, up to about 500k. Same pricing regardless of whether you're upgrading your personal inventory or your personal bank. Account bank is restricted at 2 free rows (16 items, IIRC). However, you cannot make a character on two different factions and share stuff between them, and unlike STO, you're restricted to 8 characters total per account regardless of server you create them in.
To further expand before buying from the cash shop, you'll need to reach a certain level and complete two tasks for another row to inventory and bank. At an even higher level, you'll have to brave a PvPvE zone to get to a hidden area where you can buy one more row for inventory and bank for around 1M each. Both sides can talk to the NPC, so it's a risk.
Cash shop unlocks the last 3 rows (one for bank, one for inventory).
And on top of all this, you can work up the game currency enough to buy temporary or permanent storage off the exchange (drawers) that you can put into your player home that provide more personal bank storage (up to around 7 rows; 2 cash shop drawers with 3 rows and 1 basic drawer with 1 row from a nearby furniture shop). You can also craft or buy 60-day 2 row drawers if you don't want to buy the cash shop drawers.
All this is per character. Aside from the cash shop, it's all free. Grinding the drops to sell is the only barrier, and it's not bad early on if you're just grinding for a few rows.
To bring this back to STO proper, Cryptic could at least offer a one-time level 40 (or 50) mission that will reward a single row unlock to the Account Bank (strictly one-time; upon completion it will not be available for any future characters). You're an Admiral at that point, so you should get a little perk for making it that far. Then just grant a one-time Bank and Inventory row unlock from two level 50 missions.
Just because you don't know something, doesn't mean it's being kept secret.
Now that you have that knowledge though, it doesn't seem like it matters.
Get it or don't.
It's up to you.
What difference is it making in your life other than not being able to share account bound items between characters?
I read through this and the OP has a couple of valid points:
1.) It is not clearly stated with popups that a bound to account item requires a account bank. Some players were aware of this being well informed players, seeking out the information, so the OP should get a free account bank for his troubles.
2.) Someone pointed out that this is a Free to Play game, as the OP does not wish to spend money on the game, the Devs should spend the time to create a free work-around for players who do not wish to spend money to create the coding for direct mailing from different accounts.
I do suggest to the OP that he/she spend the time to read up all information he/she can on the STO so he/she can make informed decisions on how to play the game prior to posting something that is already common knowledge on the forums.
2.) Someone pointed out that this is a Free to Play game, as the OP does not wish to spend money on the game, the Devs should spend the time to create a free work-around for players who do not wish to spend money to create the coding for direct mailing from different accounts.
Why? F2P games almost always have restrictions that require unlocks.
In SWTOR you need to buy an unlock just to use purple loot drops, or to raid, or to play expansions, or to use a mount before level 35, and so on. Most F2P games charge you for at least some convenience and quality of life unlocks.
The idea is, if you like a game enough to keep playing you will then either spend some real-world money, or spend some in-game money to buy the unlocks from someone who put them in the exchange / auction house.
Server hamsters don't live on rainbows and kind thoughts, their pellets cost zen.
My apologies if I did not make my point clear enough, the OP clearly does not have the grasp of how F2P games work, and has made it clear he/she was not informed of the requirements to enjoy the game in it's full experience. His/Her first post makes it clear it is not his/her fault they did not take the time to read all available information on the game, and does not want to play the game as it is currently setup, he/she wants to game changed to accommodate he/she with a path with the least resistance.
Just because you don't know something, doesn't mean it's being kept secret.
Now that you have that knowledge though, it doesn't seem like it matters.
Get it or don't.
It's up to you.
What difference is it making in your life other than not being able to share account bound items between characters?
As far as I can tell, the only way to find out that account-bound items can only be transferred through an account bank is to specifically ask whether you need an account bank to transfer account-bound items... and how are people supposed to know that that's a question they need to ask? If an advertised feature requires some kind of unlock before it can be used, that requirement should be stated in an accessible way, not in a locked filing cabinet in an unused bathroom stall in the cellar. An interface that doesn't allow an industry standard way of doing this, along with documentation that doesn't mention it, is kind of terrible.
The OP can already get an account bank for free by grinding some dil and converting it to zen. Shouldn't he accruing Dil if he's doing what's necessary to make Omega tech for his alts?
Cryptic has done that. Everything on sale in the C-Store can be unlocked for free by grinding dil and converting it to Zen.
This is a definition of "free" that I was not previously aware of. Hint: there are resources other than dollars in this world, such as time.
My apologies if I did not make my point clear enough, the OP clearly does not have the grasp of how F2P games work, and has made it clear he/she was not informed of the requirements to enjoy the game in it's full experience. His/Her first post makes it clear it is not his/her fault they did not take the time to read all available information on the game, and does not want to play the game as it is currently setup, he/she wants to game changed to accommodate he/she with a path with the least resistance.
I understand how these games work; I'd just like to be informed of paywalls instead of being blindsided with them. I don't think a few words mentioning the need for an account bank is too much to ask... do you?
An interface that doesn't allow an industry standard way of doing this, along with documentation that doesn't mention it, is kind of terrible.
But, it's not an industry standard.
Hence why I conclude you lack experience with other MMOs.
If anything, the industry standard is to use the account bank, though most MMOs give at least some account bank slots for free (granted, they're generally S2P or B2P games, and not F2P).
As for documentation, another industry standard is to neglect documentation. And STO in particular might be an industry leader in neglecting the conveyance of simple information.
"Tolerance and apathy are the last virtues of a dying society." - Aristotle
So, another forumite whinging that they want full game functionality, without having to pay for it and using the 'But it's a FREE! game' smokescreen to justify an entitled expectation...
My question, where does STO say that FREE players get access to Account Banking by default? Where is it advertised as a standard FREE feature?
I can find nothing that suggests that FREE players get access to the Account Bank for FREE and only that SUBSCRIBERS get a bonus 20 slots...
I'd be curious where this is listed as a FREE feature...
Wow these forums are far more vile than they were the last time i was here. What's happened? You people do know you can disagree with a man without insulting him or even discussing him personally. Argue the opinion, not the man.
Personally i see nothing wrong with making it where you can send Account Bound items through the mail but the finance department may have decided to limit it to the account bank for a reason, afterall there's obviously a reason you dont get any slots for free. So to the OP i say, this seems more a purposeful FTP restriction than a bug or attempt at deceipt. MMO's don't like to advertise their restrictions so no surprise there, but i get your frustration.
To everyone else, Chill out. He's not a troll, or a whiner. He's just a player with a complaint he is seemingly passionate about. If you don't care don't post, if you disagree then disagree, but no need to make assumptions on his experience or character or anything else. These forums i swear..
The thread was closed, and the mod mentioned it is not a bug, and it was working as intended, he decided to create THIS thread instead of taking the time to research it. His answer about searching for information on the game? Time is money.
Hence the peeps in here commenting, but hey it is the internet, discussions on the internet just push people further away from seeing each other's point of view.
Wow these forums are far more vile than they were the last time i was here. What's happened? You people do know you can disagree with a man without insulting him or even discussing him personally. Argue the opinion, not the man.
Personally i see nothing wrong with making it where you can send Account Bound items through the mail but the finance department may have decided to limit it to the account bank for a reason, afterall there's obviously a reason you dont get any slots for free. So to the OP i say, this seems more a purposeful FTP restriction than a bug or attempt at deceipt. MMO's don't like to advertise their restrictions so no surprise there, but i get your frustration.
To everyone else, Chill out. He's not a troll, or a whiner. He's just a player with a complaint he is seemingly passionate about. If you don't care don't post, if you disagree then disagree, but no need to make assumptions on his experience or character or anything else. These forums i swear..
Several of us have given him politely phrased suggestions on how to get what he desires. It is shown in the F2P matrix what silver (free) players get, and what Gold (sub/lifetime) members get. The OP does not appear to want to follow the aforementioned suggestions, but instead appears to simply wants a game mechanic changed in his favor just because he saw it in another MMO.
These forums are no more vile than they were before.
Just because he has a complaint doesn't mean it will be addressed in the manner he or you desire. Others are just as entitled to express their opinions as the OP.
The first link you gave makes absolutely no mention of the account bank or account-bound items. I'm not sure why you posted it, other than to be incredibly condescending.
The second link you gave mentions the account bank but doesn't mention that it's the only available way to transfer account-bound items:
I gave these links for extra information regarding sto that you may not be aware of, I never said there was info here regarding mailing bound items, what would be the point of posting links to information you already know? as in my comment "if you want a how to play guide try sto wiki."
When I think about everything we've been through together,
maybe it's not the destination that matters, maybe it's the journey,
and if that journey takes a little longer,
so we can do something we all believe in,
I can't think of any place I'd rather be or any people I'd rather be with.
What surprises me most about this thread is the OP's join date. I expected him to be a fairly new player, but...2012. Hmm.
indeed this surprised me also, I mean I found this out within the first week of play, I find it hard to believe the OP has not found this out before now given his joining date.
I couldn't blame anyone for installing the game, playing it for a few minutes, and promptly logging out and uninstalling.
If not for the IP, I would have done the same.
I am a big star trek fan but having said that even with its faults this is the best MMORPG I have played and certainly has the most generous free to play model I know of and I have played a lot of others.
it would not bother me if this was based on some other sci-fi franchise or even if it was not based on any franchise, the fun I have in this mmo is second to none regardless, it being based on star trek is just icing on the cake for me.
As far as I can tell, the only way to find out that account-bound items can only be transferred through an account bank is to specifically ask whether you need an account bank to transfer account-bound items... and how are people supposed to know that that's a question they need to ask?
trying to slot an account bound item in the mail and failing was all I needed to find this out, I didn't need to ask anyone.
When I think about everything we've been through together,
maybe it's not the destination that matters, maybe it's the journey,
and if that journey takes a little longer,
so we can do something we all believe in,
I can't think of any place I'd rather be or any people I'd rather be with.
For account-shareable items to be, you know, shared, you need a shared account space. The OP may not have known this, but it makes perfect sense within the context of how item-sharing works in this game.
Quit being el cheapo, and get yourself some shared account space, and show that you care about this game at least $15 worth.
Does it not work for certain account bound items or for all of them? Because I am pretty sure I just sent a bunch of stuff to my characters on the same account, items that were bound to that account, without any problems. I will have to double check when I get a chance. I have never subbed or bought account slots and have only ever used the mail to transfer items.
Richard O'Neill U.S.S. Komali (Fed Engineer) Dr Henry Morgan Delta Recruit (Fed Science Officer) K'nah of the House of Tucker I.K.S Vagari (KDF Tactical) Lord Ba'al Delta Recruit (KDF Tactical)
Personally, I've always considered "account shared bank" to be one of the most valuable things I can buy in a f2p MMO. Generally because it's the only real way to share junk between your characters. /shrug
Comments
OP, please do me a favor and ignore this extreme rudeness. Even if I do not agree with your complaint, your dollars still fund the game I enjoy, so I don't want you to leave. As far as your actual concern, I thought everyone got a few account bank slots free, but maybe I'm wrong.
The-Grand-Nagus
Join Date: Sep 2008
You know that the games has been this way for a LONG time right? Good lookin out bro.
its called a learning curve there is very little documentation on how the game works provided by cryptic, you learn as you play that's half the fun.
if you want a how to play guide try sto wiki.
http://sto.gamepedia.com/Guide:_Basics
but with most things I found it more fun to learn through trial and error, as you did in this case and as I did in the first week I played.
of course you could also try reading sto`s very own free to play FAQ.
http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/3026713
When I think about everything we've been through together,
maybe it's not the destination that matters, maybe it's the journey,
and if that journey takes a little longer,
so we can do something we all believe in,
I can't think of any place I'd rather be or any people I'd rather be with.
You sound like the Edo. Lacking information that's secret unless and until it's specifically guessed at isn't really what I'd call "living in ignorance."
I'm fine with needing an account bank. I'm not fine with deliberately hiding the fact that it's the only way to transfer account-bound items. It makes perfect sense to be able to mail those items as long as they don't leave the account, so if that's not possible, it should be clearly stated.
Yes, as fun as finding out that your bank charges a $3 fee for ATM withdrawals when they send you the bill for the last 12 months of transactions. All I'm even asking for here is that they include some fine print: "Bound to Account (transfer requires account bank)". Would that really be so terrible?
The first link you gave makes absolutely no mention of the account bank or account-bound items. I'm not sure why you posted it, other than to be incredibly condescending.
The second link you gave mentions the account bank but doesn't mention that it's the only available way to transfer account-bound items:
This isn't "A requires X", it's "X can only handle A and B". How would someone learn that transferring account-bound items REQUIRES an account bank from that description?
Are you referring to the first link you gave that doesn't say that the account bank is the ONLY way to transfer account-bound items, the second link you gave that doesn't say that the account bank is the ONLY way to transfer account-bound items, the third link you gave that doesn't say that the account bank is the ONLY way to transfer account-bound items, or the fourth link you gave that doesn't say that the account bank is the ONLY way to transfer account-bound items? There's nothing confusing about information that isn't printed. A user would have to guess, based on no hints, that the normal method of transferring items on an account (the mail system) doesn't apply to account-bound items, even though you're not trying to move it outside an account.
I hadn't heard of Google before, so I googled it and it looks pretty cool. Thanks for the info. I'll use it whenever I magically guess that the game is keeping a secret from me, so I can find lots of links that don't actually answer my question.
It goes up exponentially. One row starts at around 10k. Second is around 25k or so, then 50k, then 100k, up to about 500k. Same pricing regardless of whether you're upgrading your personal inventory or your personal bank. Account bank is restricted at 2 free rows (16 items, IIRC). However, you cannot make a character on two different factions and share stuff between them, and unlike STO, you're restricted to 8 characters total per account regardless of server you create them in.
To further expand before buying from the cash shop, you'll need to reach a certain level and complete two tasks for another row to inventory and bank. At an even higher level, you'll have to brave a PvPvE zone to get to a hidden area where you can buy one more row for inventory and bank for around 1M each. Both sides can talk to the NPC, so it's a risk.
Cash shop unlocks the last 3 rows (one for bank, one for inventory).
And on top of all this, you can work up the game currency enough to buy temporary or permanent storage off the exchange (drawers) that you can put into your player home that provide more personal bank storage (up to around 7 rows; 2 cash shop drawers with 3 rows and 1 basic drawer with 1 row from a nearby furniture shop). You can also craft or buy 60-day 2 row drawers if you don't want to buy the cash shop drawers.
All this is per character. Aside from the cash shop, it's all free. Grinding the drops to sell is the only barrier, and it's not bad early on if you're just grinding for a few rows.
To bring this back to STO proper, Cryptic could at least offer a one-time level 40 (or 50) mission that will reward a single row unlock to the Account Bank (strictly one-time; upon completion it will not be available for any future characters). You're an Admiral at that point, so you should get a little perk for making it that far. Then just grant a one-time Bank and Inventory row unlock from two level 50 missions.
What game offers that functionality?
Now that you have that knowledge though, it doesn't seem like it matters.
Get it or don't.
It's up to you.
What difference is it making in your life other than not being able to share account bound items between characters?
1.) It is not clearly stated with popups that a bound to account item requires a account bank. Some players were aware of this being well informed players, seeking out the information, so the OP should get a free account bank for his troubles.
2.) Someone pointed out that this is a Free to Play game, as the OP does not wish to spend money on the game, the Devs should spend the time to create a free work-around for players who do not wish to spend money to create the coding for direct mailing from different accounts.
I do suggest to the OP that he/she spend the time to read up all information he/she can on the STO so he/she can make informed decisions on how to play the game prior to posting something that is already common knowledge on the forums.
Just my 2 cents.
Why? F2P games almost always have restrictions that require unlocks.
In SWTOR you need to buy an unlock just to use purple loot drops, or to raid, or to play expansions, or to use a mount before level 35, and so on. Most F2P games charge you for at least some convenience and quality of life unlocks.
The idea is, if you like a game enough to keep playing you will then either spend some real-world money, or spend some in-game money to buy the unlocks from someone who put them in the exchange / auction house.
Server hamsters don't live on rainbows and kind thoughts, their pellets cost zen.
My apologies if I did not make my point clear enough, the OP clearly does not have the grasp of how F2P games work, and has made it clear he/she was not informed of the requirements to enjoy the game in it's full experience. His/Her first post makes it clear it is not his/her fault they did not take the time to read all available information on the game, and does not want to play the game as it is currently setup, he/she wants to game changed to accommodate he/she with a path with the least resistance.
The-Grand-Nagus
Join Date: Sep 2008
If not for the IP, I would have done the same.
BoA items in WoW can be sent to your other characters in the mail. Seems like a basic interface expectation to me.
As far as I can tell, the only way to find out that account-bound items can only be transferred through an account bank is to specifically ask whether you need an account bank to transfer account-bound items... and how are people supposed to know that that's a question they need to ask? If an advertised feature requires some kind of unlock before it can be used, that requirement should be stated in an accessible way, not in a locked filing cabinet in an unused bathroom stall in the cellar. An interface that doesn't allow an industry standard way of doing this, along with documentation that doesn't mention it, is kind of terrible.
This is a definition of "free" that I was not previously aware of. Hint: there are resources other than dollars in this world, such as time.
I understand how these games work; I'd just like to be informed of paywalls instead of being blindsided with them. I don't think a few words mentioning the need for an account bank is too much to ask... do you?
Also, your assumption suggests a lack of experience with MMOs. Was WoW your first?
But, it's not an industry standard.
Hence why I conclude you lack experience with other MMOs.
If anything, the industry standard is to use the account bank, though most MMOs give at least some account bank slots for free (granted, they're generally S2P or B2P games, and not F2P).
As for documentation, another industry standard is to neglect documentation. And STO in particular might be an industry leader in neglecting the conveyance of simple information.
My question, where does STO say that FREE players get access to Account Banking by default? Where is it advertised as a standard FREE feature?
I can find nothing that suggests that FREE players get access to the Account Bank for FREE and only that SUBSCRIBERS get a bonus 20 slots...
I'd be curious where this is listed as a FREE feature...
Personally i see nothing wrong with making it where you can send Account Bound items through the mail but the finance department may have decided to limit it to the account bank for a reason, afterall there's obviously a reason you dont get any slots for free. So to the OP i say, this seems more a purposeful FTP restriction than a bug or attempt at deceipt. MMO's don't like to advertise their restrictions so no surprise there, but i get your frustration.
To everyone else, Chill out. He's not a troll, or a whiner. He's just a player with a complaint he is seemingly passionate about. If you don't care don't post, if you disagree then disagree, but no need to make assumptions on his experience or character or anything else. These forums i swear..
Just stop responding and let this thread die. This is going nowhere.
http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showpost.php?p=22931401&postcount=1
The thread was closed, and the mod mentioned it is not a bug, and it was working as intended, he decided to create THIS thread instead of taking the time to research it. His answer about searching for information on the game? Time is money.
Hence the peeps in here commenting, but hey it is the internet, discussions on the internet just push people further away from seeing each other's point of view.
Several of us have given him politely phrased suggestions on how to get what he desires. It is shown in the F2P matrix what silver (free) players get, and what Gold (sub/lifetime) members get. The OP does not appear to want to follow the aforementioned suggestions, but instead appears to simply wants a game mechanic changed in his favor just because he saw it in another MMO.
These forums are no more vile than they were before.
Just because he has a complaint doesn't mean it will be addressed in the manner he or you desire. Others are just as entitled to express their opinions as the OP.
I gave these links for extra information regarding sto that you may not be aware of, I never said there was info here regarding mailing bound items, what would be the point of posting links to information you already know? as in my comment "if you want a how to play guide try sto wiki."
When I think about everything we've been through together,
maybe it's not the destination that matters, maybe it's the journey,
and if that journey takes a little longer,
so we can do something we all believe in,
I can't think of any place I'd rather be or any people I'd rather be with.
indeed this surprised me also, I mean I found this out within the first week of play, I find it hard to believe the OP has not found this out before now given his joining date.
I am a big star trek fan but having said that even with its faults this is the best MMORPG I have played and certainly has the most generous free to play model I know of and I have played a lot of others.
it would not bother me if this was based on some other sci-fi franchise or even if it was not based on any franchise, the fun I have in this mmo is second to none regardless, it being based on star trek is just icing on the cake for me.
trying to slot an account bound item in the mail and failing was all I needed to find this out, I didn't need to ask anyone.
When I think about everything we've been through together,
maybe it's not the destination that matters, maybe it's the journey,
and if that journey takes a little longer,
so we can do something we all believe in,
I can't think of any place I'd rather be or any people I'd rather be with.
The OP has almost certainly spent more than $15 worth of their time complaining about this.
Quit being el cheapo, and get yourself some shared account space, and show that you care about this game at least $15 worth.
Dr Henry Morgan Delta Recruit (Fed Science Officer)
K'nah of the House of Tucker I.K.S Vagari (KDF Tactical)
Lord Ba'al Delta Recruit (KDF Tactical)