Will there be pre paid cards?????

[non_4_u]

we all know that STO is pay to play. will there be cards with codes that we can put in???

[ZeframCochrane]

We haven't gotten any information about cost, etc that I know of.

If STO requires a monthly subscription I would say there is a good chance they will sell prepaid cards.

[Tamgros]

We haven't gotten any information about cost, etc that I know of.

If STO requires a monthly subscription I would say there is a good chance they will sell prepaid cards.

We haven't officially heard Cryptic say it will be pay to play. But I mean, I see the OP's point though, we all but know it will be pay to play in some format.

As for cards, I don't see why not. Are the cards just a way to not have to give your credit card info over the internet? I always just get it cheaper by signing up online.:cool:

[Mr.Taboo]

I hope they have cards , I dislike using my Credit Card for subs to services because in the past it's been a hassle ( Endless time on hold and trying to get talked into staying with the services ) to get them to stop taking out payments. With prepaid cards if the unthinkable should happen and STO sucked all I have to do is stop buying cards. But who knows if the economy is doing better by then maybe I'll just spring for a lifetime sub.

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[Suiko]

I'd be willing to bet their will be pre paid cards.

[USS_Parallax]

I'd say no. Most MMOs don't have them from the start. Even WoW didn't have them for a while methinks. I can't think of an MMO that had prepaid cards from the start or one that was easy to find. Many stores don't hold those kinds of items and some areas have none.

[Voyager24]

They probally will have game cards to buy, i'm pretty sure about it.

[THORN74]

city of Heros had them from the start (or very damn near the start). I remember seeing them at best buy.

[47Wasps]

city of Heros had them from the start (or very damn near the start). I remember seeing them at best buy.

Thats good.
It means Cryptic supports the idea of having Pre-Paid Cards.
If STO is very successful commercially,then cards will likely be available.
It just seems like a matter of time

[KO_Gilligan]

I have absolutely no doubt.

... and they'll be printed in 2 styles, Klingon or Federation

[Hornet331]

I'd say no. Most MMOs don't have them from the start. Even WoW didn't have them for a while methinks. I can't think of an MMO that had prepaid cards from the start or one that was easy to find. Many stores don't hold those kinds of items and some areas have none.

Wow had them pretty fast, less then one month after release. I know cause i bought some back then. :D

[Terrani]

I would really like prepaid cards. I just prefer paying in physical cash. But if credit card is the only way, I suppose I can do that too.

[jwood299]

It would be logical to assume there would be a pre paid system of sorts. I think we would probably not see them at first, but as a few months pass, they should start to appear...

[Arokh72]

I'd say no. Most MMOs don't have them from the start. Even WoW didn't have them for a while methinks. I can't think of an MMO that had prepaid cards from the start or one that was easy to find. Many stores don't hold those kinds of items and some areas have none.

WAR, LoTRO and AOC all had pre paid cards at the start or within a week of release.

Being in Australia I support prepaid cards as we have to pay for transactions in overseas currencies (usually a percentage plus processing fee), also with our dollar up and down these days the cost of CC subscription can vary, whereas the prepaid cards are usually a one off stable charge. I also know of 3 physical in my area that sell them not to mention most Australian based websites sell them, so really accessibility is not a problem for many people.

Just to give an idea at today's rate, based on WoW subscription:

$US14.99/month = $A20.90/month

Prepaid card for WoW = $A37.95 for 60 days.

I'm just wondering, I know in some US states they tax game subs. Is that tax included for pre paid cards? Also WoW has introduced a system (again US only) where your sub is charged to your telephone account, would some of the community be open to that option?

[jwood299]

Just to give an idea at today's rate, based on WoW subscription:

$US14.99/month = $A20.90/month

Prepaid card for WoW = $A37.95 for 60 days.


I used to buy the cards, then realized that for a $4 difference, i didn't have to go out of my way to EB Games or whatever whenever i got the "You subscription is out of time" Message. I guess time is more important to some than money lol. Oh and I'm in Brisbane.

[k.mpok]

I have absolutely no doubt.

... and they'll be printed in 2 styles, Klingon or Federation

making it worth picking up at least one for collection purposes. :D

[Commander_Daedelus]

I like the idea of having both, i can use the credit card if i get the dreaded "out of game time" message but can focus mostly on the prepaid model to reduce the risk of credit fraud.

[entrailsgalore]

I hope they have cards , I dislike using my Credit Card for subs to services because in the past it's been a hassle ( Endless time on hold and trying to get talked into staying with the services ) to get them to stop taking out payments. With prepaid cards if the unthinkable should happen and STO sucked all I have to do is stop buying cards. But who knows if the economy is doing better by then maybe I'll just spring for a lifetime sub.

.

I've never had an MMO company try to keep charging me after I cancel my sub. Or even call my phone begging me not to cancel....this happened to you?? What game?

[Mr.Taboo]

I've never had an MMO company try to keep charging me after I cancel my sub. Or even call my phone begging me not to cancel....this happened to you?? What game?

No sorry if I gave the impression that it happened with a game , but it's happened with a few internet providers, magazine subscription , a record club ( yes I'm old ) and I let my kid use my card to order some kind of skin care stuff , so I've tried to avoid getting into the situation ever since.


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[danubus]

I also hope there will be pre paid cards. I pay my gaming that way. Also, I run an internet gaming cafe and I would be happy to sell them in my store. Same with Champions Online. Hope the same with it.

[Admiral-Darren-Wright]

Yes there will be prepayment cards in boxes to boy in stores

my thread months ago was the anounement by the company taking over publishing it atari run by alan suger who are going to market and produce where crypic are going to design/own it and manage it , Atari are also producing and marketing EVE online .

And i said then as ill say now the same company producing and marketing both games that are heavily in competition is not the best thing that can happen but its happening and been signed and agreed.

[k.mpok]

I see no reason why they would not have game cards but that is my opinion. Various methods to pay are always a bonus in my book.


Well my opinion for payment options, as I posted awhile ago ( the whole two cents that its worth) would be as such.



1 month ($15ish)
3 months ($40ish about an average of $13 a month)
6 months ($70ish about an average of $11.60 a month)
Yearly ($120ish about $10 a month)
30 Day Game Card ($19.95) and a 60 Day Game Card ($39.95) option is slightly more exp to pay for manufacting/distribution/store coverage for the cards
One time offer at release for a Lifetime Sub ($250-$300)


The more options that are provided just ensures that you reach a broader customer base and thus increase your revinue. A prime example is that some gaming companies don't take certain foreign CC (or so I hear tell) and the ST IP is VERY popular in other cntry (ie Germany), or a store that sells GC are not easily accessable or only keeps a small supply in stock, or a potential customer that doesn't like/can't use a CC.

[Beaver8]

30 Day Game Card ($19.95) and a 60 Day Game Card ($39.95) option is slightly more exp to pay for manufacting/distribution/store coverage for the cards


I have always seen them the same price as what you would pay online off your account management screen from the game website.

[k.mpok]

I have always seen them the same price as what you would pay online off your account management screen from the game website.

Yes but that is also cutting out the manufacting/distribution and store coverage for the cards. If you could order them from the game website (you would most likely be paying for it via a credit card/paypal/bank account/etc. There would be little difference then just using the same method u would pay for the card to pay the account.

The benefit of cards is that you can run to a local store and pick it up with cash.

[Arokh72]

Yes but that is also cutting out the manufacting/distribution and store coverage for the cards. If you could order them from the game website (you would most likely be paying for it via a credit card/paypal/bank account/etc. There would be little difference then just using the same method u would pay for the card to pay the account.

The benefit of cards is that you can run to a local store and pick it up with cash.

There is a difference when you figure in exchange rates for overseas players. I have bought cards online via local distributors as they have been cheaper than paying directly via CC on the game account. The account price can vary based on current exchange rates but it seems the price of cards remains static.

[Corehaven22]

Id also just like to add, that if pre paid cards arent available or easily attainable in your area, and you dont like the idea of using a credit card, you can do what I do.

Get a prepaid Debit Card. You can get these at several places including Walmart. You just put however much money you want ON the card and its done. Its not a credit card. Only the amount of money you added to the card can be charged to anything. Its a great way to pay for stuff online or anything that might require a credit card. But with a debit card, no credit is involved.

So you just go to Wal Mart, ask about a Debit Card, hand the cashier money to put on the card (say $20), and bingo. You have a card with 20 bucks on it. And then you enter in the card number on the website and presto. They take the money off the card that you put on it, and you play that way. You can continue to add money to the card by going to the place you bought it from. In my opinion its just as easy as using a Game card, and easier in some cases.

Just thought Id throw that suggestion out there, because thats how Ive always paid for MMOs since I've discovered it. I used to buy game cards, but a debit card is so much easier, and it works just as well.

[Beaver8]

And you could ues it to order pizza with online when you get hungry :p

[Dext]

I do not see this game being free to play. But if it is pay to play I do not see why there will not be time cards.

[NCC1864]

No idea but I don,t know why not!