Is it time to make the Adventure Packs free content?

[retro_guy]

I expect the Adventure Packs were good earners when they first came out, but the "buzz" around each only lasted the first month or 2. (Or week??)How about revamping them a bit and releasing them as free content so that they can be enjoyed again by those who don't have them. (I bought all of them as they came out, but don't have them on my 2nd account so it would be nice to mentor down and play through them again).I'm not clear on the future of Adventure Packs, it seems that the original plan of 2 expansions and 4 adventure packs per year has now been reduced to 1 expansion and no adventure packs per year, all the more reason to release them to everyone.If there are future adventure packs I'd also suggest they can be purchased for 6 months then become free content, as I expect most of the sales are in the first months.Just an idea, especially if there will no be further Adventure Packs.Update:I always LOVED the idea behind Adventure Packs, where you could buy a bit of add-on content every few months, like buying an adventure module for D&D, something that would give you something a bit different to do for a weekend or 2, and I hoped they would have been released every 2-3 months, as originally planned, I certainly would have bought them all!

[Nolrog]

<p>I recall reading a while ago, that they didn't plan on doing any more adventure packs.  I always liked them as a decent sized add on to the content, and thought they were all pretty well done.  </p>

[Lightstrider]

<p>Yes, SOE has moved away from adventure packs and towards large-scale expansions with occasional free content additions.  So I agree with you, even though I paid for the expansions--make them free content for all.  I doubt they are bringing in any significant money now.  Other people who bought them as I did may be angry, however, if that were done.  I guess that would be the big concern.</p>

[Sassinak]

Yes, at the minimum I think that Bloodline Chronicles should be made free.  There is a hole in the content at this level range which is very nicely filled by Bloodline Chronicles.I don't know what they should do with Splitpaw.  It filled a very important purpose when it came out (i.e. it gave us lots to do while we waited for DoF to release) but the world has moved on since then.  Perhaps if they just made it easier to reach the Den, then more people would use it.

[Gargamel]

<p>A while ago sony came out and said they weren't planning on any more adventure packs.</p><p>Its all the same budget, but as part of the expansion release schedule (going to more 9-12mths from 6-9mths)... they took the adv. pack teams and put some of them into expansion development, and added the rest to the LU teams, and wanted to add larger LU's (smaller than adv packs but still more than original LU content).</p><p>The Island of Mara adv pack guys were the same people that did Neriak... some other items that were added since that decision was Nek 3, Unrest (I know it was said to be part of EoF release, but it really wasn't), Neriak, and upcoming Shard of Fear instances, etc.</p><p>As far as making them free... I haven't heard anything but they might be planning on it for RoK release.  I did hear a rumor about the Bloodline adv pack completion being the way to get Vampire Master Strike... so that might indicate they are going to open it up (esp with mistmore and all being in game now)</p>

[retro_guy]

<cite>Sassinak wrote:</cite><blockquote>Yes, at the minimum I think that Bloodline Chronicles should be made free.  There is a hole in the content at this level range which is very nicely filled by Bloodline Chronicles.I don't know what they should do with Splitpaw.  It filled a very important purpose when it came out (i.e. it gave us lots to do while we waited for DoF to release) but the world has moved on since then.  Perhaps if they just made it easier to reach the Den, then more people would use it.</blockquote>If they revamped each of the packs and released them every few months (inbetween whatever other free contant they have planned) it would be cool, like make Splitpaw scale to 80, add some collection quests to the Mara pack (it said there were going to be some but in the end there were only book quests) and a open up Bloodlines, maybe add a port up to the waterfall or something from Nek docks.Anyway, all good feedback, the free content is replacing future Adventure Packs which is cool in my book, just like to tidy up the loose ends (and run my alts on my secon a/c through the packs too)  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[LordPazuzu]

I never paid for an adventure pack and always got them free.  Then I just realized that it's because I have a Station Access account....

[Sassinak]

<cite>retro_guy wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite>maybe add a port up to the waterfall or something from Nek docks.</blockquote>They already added a shortcut tunnel from the docks.  See the point on this map:<a href="http://maps.eq2interface.com/poi.php?action=view&id=28356" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://maps.eq2interface.com/poi.ph...ew&id=28356</a>

[retro_guy]

<cite>LordPazuzu wrote:</cite><blockquote>I never paid for an adventure pack and always got them free.  Then I just realized that it's because I have a Station Access account....</blockquote>If you drop station access you will lose the access to those adventure packs, so you pay for them month by month in your increased subscription charge.

[Coniaric]

<p>I think I'll agree here. </p><p>Bloodline Chronicles is old content now and it's likely that it's not being used very much or very often. I won't be upset about having paid for it - it's 2 years ago or something.</p><p>Other two can wait bit longer to be turned free.</p>

[Mirander_1]

I'm inclined to agree with this.Far as we know, the adventure pack concept is well and truly dead, so it seems logical to me to start slowly phasing the APs into the realm of free content.  And from a fiscal standpoint, APs have been out long enough that I doubt SOE would be losing much money by no longer charging for them.

[Salox]

<cite>Mirander_1 wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'm inclined to agree with this.Far as we know, the adventure pack concept is well and truly dead, so it seems logical to me to start slowly phasing the APs into the realm of free content.  And from a fiscal standpoint, APs have been out long enough that I doubt SOE would be losing much money by no longer charging for them.</blockquote>If you're talking about the adventure packs that are already out, then I agree. They should be free.If you're talking about future adventure packs, read below. It's been stated many, many, many, many, many times that there will no longer be any adventure packs, but occasional free content.

[Tae]

I'd like this too. You can't plow through mara solo, and when you're off to go to the raids or whatever over there there's always one person who hasn't got around to buying it yet. I don't know anyone who has started since EoF came out that's bothered to buy Bloodlines. Maybe they'd get used more if everyone had them avaliable.

[TaleraRis]

<cite>Gargamel wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I did hear a rumor about the Bloodline adv pack completion being the way to get Vampire Master Strike... so that might indicate they are going to open it up (esp with mistmore and all being in game now)</p></blockquote>You get an anti-vampire strike. Mine is called Dreadfang. Dunno if all classes have different names or if they're all Dreadfang.

[Karian]

<cite>retro_guy wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>LordPazuzu wrote:</cite><blockquote>I never paid for an adventure pack and always got them free.  Then I just realized that it's because I have a Station Access account....</blockquote>If you drop station access you will lose the access to those adventure packs, so you pay for them month by month in your increased subscription charge.</blockquote>Thats not true ... you must buy the Adv Pack only 1 times .. then you have it forever.

[DemonMage]

Yes, unless you're using Station Access Pass. Which gives you extra character slots and the adventure packs as part of the subscription, however if you change over to a normal EQ2 subscription you lose access to all of that.

[Iseabeil]

<cite>TaleraRis wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Gargamel wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I did hear a rumor about the Bloodline adv pack completion being the way to get Vampire Master Strike... so that might indicate they are going to open it up (esp with mistmore and all being in game now)</p></blockquote>You get an anti-vampire strike. Mine is called Dreadfang. Dunno if all classes have different names or if they're all Dreadfang.</blockquote>They are changing these attacks into the equiv of what would be Vampire Lore & Legend, ie, if you have completed the quest series you will have a vampire master strike (or whatever depending to archetype) instead of the current abilities. I really wouldnt be surpriced that IF they make adventure packs free, they will wait untill all that dont have bloodlines have and are ready to pay for the chance to get vampire master strike have done so. <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/908627bbe5e9f6a080977db8c365caff.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />

[thyriel81]

they should just make a "adventure pack 3in1" bundle for 5$ or so, probably then i would buy it again for my new account <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Tyrus Dracofire]

<p>i would /agreed since they are bit too old, i already have those and it rarely any good for anyone now.</p><p>it was only good for short cut recall to TS and run to Cove or take griffin rides near SP cave or Barren Sky route.</p><p>i do wish that SOE would get a new team that works independently to make serial trilogy for Bloodlines tied ins.</p><p>B1 for Nektulos vampire base, then make new pack for Bloodlines 2: De'Morte Heirloom somewhere in Gfay/Loping Plains, then concluded with Bloodlines 3 in LP's village settlement.</p><p> SOE would have to come up with something after Odus/Velious expansions released in late 2009/2010, they would need lot of filler packs.</p><p>we were "promised" to get pirate adventure pack by Blackguard but he left eq2 dev team long time ago. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>if SOE dont want to do them, i wont mind making few packs ;p</p><p>SOE just need to get few module interns from collages for training courses, good place to find those talent pool and get decent positions in SOE's teams.</p>

[Lodrelhai]

<cite>TaleraRis wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Gargamel wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>I did hear a rumor about the Bloodline adv pack completion being the way to get Vampire Master Strike... so that might indicate they are going to open it up (esp with mistmore and all being in game now)</p></blockquote>You get an anti-vampire strike. Mine is called Dreadfang. Dunno if all classes have different names or if they're all Dreadfang.</blockquote><p>Actually it's currently on Test and set to go live with LU 38 that completing the Bloodline adv pack adds Vampires to the list of creatures affected by Master Strike.</p><p>Now if they'd just fix that damned faction switch bug... ::siiiiiiigh::</p>

[Noxxia]

At the least, I think it is time for SOE to put EQ2,EOF,DOF, and KOS into one digital download and to offer more frequent loyalty rewards for players whose accounts are more than two years old. BTW making all servers trader servers would nuke prices and put the plat farmers out of business.

[Finora]

As far as adventure packs go, I can't see any reason why they shouldn't include the 3 we have in with the upcoming expansion. Fallen Dynasty is the newest and at this point it's pretty old in game terms. Stuffing all 3 in with Kunark's pack would make sense for SOE. Give more players (those who don't care about playing a sarnak, aren't nostalgic about EQ1 Kunark and aren't yet high enough to enjoy the other content but already have other expansions, particularlly EOF) a reason to buy it on release rather than waiting a few months.

[StaticLex]

I didn't buy any of the adventure packs.  In fact I thought the idea of paying money for one or two zones, after I already pay the basic subscription, was absolutely [Removed for Content] and insulting.  Every other MMO releases this kind of thing for free, but noooo, not SOE.  <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/136dd33cba83140c7ce38db096d05aed.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />  Anyway, I would be in favor of making these things free for everyone because.. that's what they should have been in the first place.

[Za]

<cite>retro_guy wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>LordPazuzu wrote:</cite><blockquote>I never paid for an adventure pack and always got them free.  Then I just realized that it's because I have a Station Access account....</blockquote>If you drop station access you will lose the access to those adventure packs, so you pay for them month by month in your increased subscription charge.</blockquote>Incorrect. You get them as long as you had Station Access when they were released. If you add Station Access after a pack comes out you don't just get it... But if you drop All Access after you have the pack you do not lose it.

[Za]

<cite>StaticLex wrote:</cite><blockquote>I didn't buy any of the adventure packs.  In fact I thought the idea of paying money for one or two zones, after I already pay the basic subscription, was absolutely [I cannot control my vocabulary] and insulting.  Every other MMO releases this kind of thing for free, but noooo, not SOE.  <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/136dd33cba83140c7ce38db096d05aed.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />  Anyway, I would be in favor of making these things free for everyone because.. that's what they should have been in the first place.</blockquote><p>SoE releases plenty of free add-on content. The Packs were specific side content for people that WANTED to pay for a significant bit of add-on content or were already paying a bit extra for a station pass.</p><p>Your subscription fee gets you exactly what they promised and what you paid for. Why the heII do people expect free stuff?</p><p>I'd be fine with making them free now becasue the people that paid for them got what they paid for years ago.... I'm also fine with giving away free anything once everyone that wants to pay for having it from day 1 has gotten their fill. </p>

[Cypher]

<p><cite>Zald wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><cite>retro_guy wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>LordPazuzu wrote:</cite><blockquote>I never paid for an adventure pack and always got them free.  Then I just realized that it's because I have a Station Access account....</blockquote>If you drop station access you will lose the access to those adventure packs, so you pay for them month by month in your increased subscription charge.</blockquote>Incorrect. You get them as long as you had Station Access when they were released. If you add Station Access after a pack comes out you don't just get it... But if you drop All Access after you have the pack you do not lose it.</blockquote><p>That's not true. I got Mara via Station Access, but when I dropped Station Access I also lost access to Mara (and I made a point of just checking). Having an SA account gives you access to the three Adventure Packs as long as the account is active.</p><p>I agree with the sentiment it's probably worth making the packs free (or include them as part of a future expansion, if it makes it easier). These zones are pretty dead, and any extra content is a good thing.</p>

[Za]

<p>Ij I'm not going to cancel my AA account to confirm this... but my understanding was that if you did not have an AA account and a mini-pack was released, that you would still have to buy the mini.</p><p>Which would make NO sence if the mini was only available as long as you had AA. These two concepts are totally opposed to one another.</p>

[Cypher]

<p>I think we got our wires crossed. Having Station Access gives you the Adventure Packs included: you have SA, you get to use the packs. If you subsequently drop SA, you then have to purchase the packs if you want to keep using them.</p><p>Not that it really matters these days anyway <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>