Microntransactions clarfied

[Jackalope]

Bill and I have both posted over on the Champions boards to respond to questions raised by microtransactions. I'll just reiterate what's already been copied and pasted from Bill's State of the Game address on Champions:

• The vast majority are aesthetic items, such as costume pieces, action figures, emblems, etc.
• A very few are account-level management tools, such as being able to rename a character
• Micro-transactions should never limit your ability to enjoy the game or reach the level cap
• Any micro-transaction that has a game effect can also be earned in the game through play

These principles apply also to Star Trek.

BTW, I haven't been too active on these boards over the past few months. In my role, I oversee development of both Champions and STO (as well as another mystery project); a lot of focus has been on Champions as it approaches launch. But as soon as it hits shelves (Sept. 1st), I'll be turning my "lidless eye" (gratuitous geek reference) to STO. I'm even moving my office downstairs to be with the team. Craig tells me that the STO crew met that with a lot of...excitement (or fear, not sure which). So you'll be seeing my bright shining face a tad more in the days to come.

[Marytha]

Originally Posted by Jackalope

Bill and I have both posted over on the Champions boards to respond to questions raised by microtransactions. I'll just reiterate what's already been copied and pasted from Bill's State of the Game address on Champions:

• The vast majority are aesthetic items, such as costume pieces, action figures, emblems, etc.
• A very few are account-level management tools, such as being able to rename a character
• Micro-transactions should never limit your ability to enjoy the game or reach the level cap
• Any micro-transaction that has a game effect can also be earned in the game through play

These principles apply also to Star Trek.

BTW, I haven't been too active on these boards over the past few months. In my role, I oversee development of both Champions and STO (as well as another mystery project); a lot of focus has been on Champions as it approaches launch. But as soon as it hits shelves (Sept. 1st), I'll be turning my "lidless eye" (gratuitous geek reference) to STO. I'm even moving my office downstairs to be with the team. Craig tells me that the STO crew met that with a lot of...excitement (or fear, not sure which). So you'll be seeing my bright shining face a tad more in the days to come.

What was your change of heart about mcriotransactions from two years ago? (Not expecting a responce except we need the money for X, Y, and Z )

Marytha

[USS Parallax]

Now all we need are examples which probably won't come for a while. If it's stuff like wedding sets and specialized emotes I don't really care about the MTs.

[Interdictor]

Okay - this kind of thing I can probably accept, though I'd have to see the finalized plans before I make my final decision.

[Zepath]

Originally Posted by Marytha

What was your change of heart about mcriotransactions from two years ago? (Not expecting a responce except we need the money for X, Y, and Z )

Marytha

It doesn't matter to me what their change of heart reasoning was. I can accept that outline as long as we don't reach a point where clearly, all the "good" aesthetic items are micro-transactions.

No one wants to play in a game where its clear there are the haves, and the have-nots.

[Zepath]

BTW Jackalope, thank you for chiming in

[Thibor]

First, thank you for posting here on the topic to try and clarify matters.

However, I feel the clarification falls short in one regard concering point number 4.

Originally Posted by Jackalope

• The vast majority are aesthetic items, such as costume pieces, action figures, emblems, etc.
• A very few are account-level management tools, such as being able to rename a character
• Micro-transactions should never limit your ability to enjoy the game or reach the level cap
• Any micro-transaction that has a game effect can also be earned in the game through play

These principles apply also to Star Trek.

Please clarify your definition of "a game effect."

To some, this could simply mean things like having your nacelles glow pink instead of blue.
To others, a higher powered phaser array is a "game effect".

So to ask simply, is it the intention of Cryptic that ANY thing acquired via microtransactions will NOT affect the combat effectiveness of the buyer's avatar?

Thanks for your time.

[marscentral]

I can't say I'm thrilled by the idea of micro-transactions at all, even for things that are just cosmetic (after all, one of the draws of Cryptic games is all those cosmetic customisation options). It's not a game-breaker for me (it would be if I needed them for gameplay), but it doesn't make me happy as I feel all these things should be covered in the monthly fee.

Still, welcome back to the STO boards Jack.

[USS Parallax]

Originally Posted by Thibor

First, thank you for posting here on the topic to try and clarify matters.

However, I feel the clarification falls short in one regard concering point number 4.



Please clarify your definition of "a game effect."

To some, this could simply mean things like having your nacelles glow pink instead of blue.
To others, a higher powered phaser array is a "game effect".

So to ask simply, is it the intention of Cryptic that ANY thing acquired via microtransactions will NOT affect the combat effectiveness of the buyer's avatar?

Thanks for your time.

Look at City of Heroes for possible examples. One item that affects the game is a jetpack that lets you fly around. It's obtainable in game because one of the powers you can pick is flight.
Another one in a booster pack is an ability that kills yourself but damages nearby opponents.
And in another booster pack you can get the ability to boost a teammate in a random fashion (can be a bad boost).
The Wedding pack give syou wedding clothing and emotes. Most MT packs in CoX contain strange emotes.

[Thibor]

Originally Posted by USS Parallax

Look at City of Heroes for possible examples. One item that affects the game is a jetpack that lets you fly around. It's obtainable in game because one of the powers you can pick is flight.
Another one in a booster pack is an ability that kills yourself but damages nearby opponents.
And in another booster pack you can get the ability to boost a teammate in a random fashion (can be a bad boost).
The Wedding pack give syou wedding clothing and emotes. Most MT packs in CoX contain strange emotes.

Thanks. And things like the Wedding Pack I'm fine with. I would just like clarification from Cryptic whether or not they're intention is that a player with additional disposable income is going to be able to shortcut the amount of time spent in game to gain an advantage.