SC items -- some Nice ones on EQ2EX

[Maroger]

<p>I just was on the test version of EQ2EX and I saw some really nice potions in SC that I wish they would bring to EQ2 -- there were ones that offered tracking and above all 2 nice ones to reduce the amount of research time. Please bring the research time reduction to EQ2</p>

[TheSpin]

<p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I just was on the test version of EQ2EX and I saw some really nice potions in SC that I wish they would bring to EQ2 -- there were ones that offered tracking and above all 2 nice ones to reduce the amount of research time. Please bring the research time reduction to EQ2</p></blockquote><p>This kind of stuff would really anger a large number of players on the live servers.  This is exactly the kind of stuff that shows why eq2 needed seperate servers to introduce a type of gameplay that is only based on microtransactions rather than subscriptions.</p><p>If you're the type of player who wants this kind of stuff, maybe you're the type of player that would enjoy moving to eq2x when it arrives.</p>

[Maroger]

<p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I just was on the test version of EQ2EX and I saw some really nice potions in SC that I wish they would bring to EQ2 -- there were ones that offered tracking and above all 2 nice ones to reduce the amount of research time. Please bring the research time reduction to EQ2</p></blockquote><p>This kind of stuff would really anger a large number of players on the live servers.  This is exactly the kind of stuff that shows why eq2 needed seperate servers to introduce a type of gameplay that is only based on microtransactions rather than subscriptions.</p><p>If you're the type of player who wants this kind of stuff, maybe you're the type of player that would enjoy moving to eq2x when it arrives.</p></blockquote><p>I don't think having a potion to take 7 days off RA is game breaker -- esp. at higher levels where the time is 28 days and the Masters are not available or if avaible at outrageous prices. I think it would be good thing for the game to do that.</p><p>RA is very popular and just about everyone I know uses it --- esp. in T9 where masters are so hard to come by. It is hardly a game breaker to shave 7 days off 28 days.</p>

[Vortexelemental]

<p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>TheSpin wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I just was on the test version of EQ2EX and I saw some really nice potions in SC that I wish they would bring to EQ2 -- there were ones that offered tracking and above all 2 nice ones to reduce the amount of research time. Please bring the research time reduction to EQ2</p></blockquote><p>This kind of stuff would really anger a large number of players on the live servers.  This is exactly the kind of stuff that shows why eq2 needed seperate servers to introduce a type of gameplay that is only based on microtransactions rather than subscriptions.</p><p>If you're the type of player who wants this kind of stuff, maybe you're the type of player that would enjoy moving to eq2x when it arrives.</p></blockquote><p>I don't think having a potion to take 7 days off RA is game breaker -- esp. at higher levels where the time is 28 days and the Masters are not available or if avaible at outrageous prices. I think it would be good thing for the game to do that.</p><p>RA is very popular and just about everyone I know uses it --- esp. in T9 where masters are so hard to come by. It is hardly a game breaker to shave 7 days off 28 days.</p></blockquote><p>The entire concept of an EQ2X server also destroys live servers, so it's a lose, lose, lose situation.</p>

[slippery]

The concept of all the extra stuff purchasable destroys live servers, not the free gameplay.

[Eveningsong]

<p>If 28 days is too long, then perhaps the devs should reconsider the research times rather than have us pay extra to complete research in a reasonable length of time.</p>

[Maroger]

<p><cite>Eveningsong wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>If 28 days is too long, then perhaps the devs should reconsider the research times rather than have us pay extra to complete research in a reasonable length of time.</p></blockquote><p>They reduced it once - and since they seem to like selling the potions (love the escape potion on SC) I don't see why they shouldn't put these on. I think they would be more inclined to do that than to reduce the time again.</p>

[Onorem]

<p>Please no. If you want to buy progression, please move to a server where it's for sale.</p>

[Klive]

<p>I can make you a nice escape totem on my woodworker. Won't cost you anything but 5 gold or so of eq2 money. If folks can start getting that on SC, then I won't have any need for that recipe.</p>

[Maroger]

<p><cite>Klive@Mistmoore wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I can make you a nice escape totem on my woodworker. Won't cost you anything but 5 gold or so of eq2 money. If folks can start getting that on SC, then I won't have any need for that recipe.</p></blockquote><p>Escape potion was available on SC before the woodworker got it. I have a woodworker and I go use the escape totem. BUT the escape potion is INSTANT - no casting time. Works like escape on Scouts. U can be in combat and use it. Great potion.</p>

[Finora]

<p>Not going to comment on the other stuff, but if you want to track be a tinker or make friends with a tinker or just buy some gnomish divining rods  from the broker.</p>

[Maroger]

<p><cite>Finora@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Not going to comment on the other stuff, but if you want to track be a tinker or make friends with a tinker or just buy some gnomish divining rods  from the broker.</p></blockquote><p>I am a tinker but I think the tracker thing on EQ2EX tracks mobs so you can tell if a Name is up.</p><p>However, let me say this. -- I think Micro-transactions aare here to stay. I think they are the way of the future for games.  Some of these can be very useful and I don't feel that they are game breakers. I know on EQ2EX they are selling items and equipment and I would consider that a game breaker.</p><p>But a lot of the potions and services I don't see as game breakesr -- the instance escape potion is very nice, and I don't think the ones that reduce RA time would be any more a game breaker that buying the ones to giver you more XP. or AA. or TS which are currently on SC. As well as mounts with stats - and fancy backpacks, and cloaks that give featherfall (which you can buy instead of grinding for the harvester cloak)</p><p>More and more games are going to Micro-tranactions, mercenaries etc. You can't turn the clock back by saying NO NO NO to micro transctions. YOu would do better to guide the directions these transactions take than continually claiming they are ruining the game. They aren't ruining the game - they are enhancing the game and will bring more new players which this game sorely needs.</p><p>The day when these games were soley the preserve of teenagers with unlimited time to play are GONE -- older people are playing them and do not always have the time to invest but do have the money. Micro transactions which let them XP. AA or TS faster are already here -- why not let them have a potions that cuts down on RA?</p><p>SOE is out to make money as is every other game company which is why micro-transactions have arrived for game - they obviously make money are they wouldn't exist. If the company doesn't make money then there won't be new expansion or updates to graphics. This is the real world.</p>

[Iskandar]

<p>Sesketh has started an excellent thread about RMT and the Marketplace in the In Testing section <a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=483772" target="_blank">here</a>. I would suggest that everyone, whether you are for or against, contribute. As Maroger notes, microtransactions are here to stay, and will only become more prevalent and integrated into online games as time passes.</p><p>Some intelligent and constructive feedback from their players now could help SOE to develop an RMT option that works for <strong>ALL </strong>of us, with established limits as to what <strong><em>is</em></strong> and<strong><em> is not</em></strong> acceptable from the player's perspective.</p>

[circusgirl]

<p>Maroger--it sounds to me like you would enjoy moving to the EQ2X service.  Feel free to head over there.</p>

[Maroger]

<p><cite>Vinka@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Maroger--it sounds to me like you would enjoy moving to the EQ2X service.  Feel free to head over there.</p></blockquote><p>I am facing reality and don't think it is all bad as you seem to believe. Your model for the game is dead and it is dead for all MMO. RMT in MMO are here to stay - they are what pay salaries and development costs. They are not game breakers as you seem to believe -- and just because I believe in RMT does not Mean that I want to play on EQ2X but some things they offer could come to EQ2 without being game breakers. I don't the ablity to reduced your RA time by 7 days is a game breaker - I am surprised that you think it is.</p>

[Felshades]

<p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Finora@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Not going to comment on the other stuff, but if you want to track be a tinker or make friends with a tinker or just buy some gnomish divining rods  from the broker.</p></blockquote><p>I am a tinker but I think the tracker thing on EQ2EX tracks mobs so you can tell if a Name is up.</p><p>However, let me say this. -- I think Micro-transactions aare here to stay. I think they are the way of the future for games.  Some of these can be very useful and I don't feel that they are game breakers. I know on EQ2EX they are selling items and equipment and I would consider that a game breaker.</p><p>But a lot of the potions and services I don't see as game breakesr -- the instance escape potion is very nice, and I don't think the ones that reduce RA time would be any more a game breaker that buying the ones to giver you more XP. or AA. or TS which are currently on SC. As well as mounts with stats - and fancy backpacks, and cloaks that give featherfall (which you can buy instead of grinding for the harvester cloak)</p><p>More and more games are going to Micro-tranactions, mercenaries etc. You can't turn the clock back by saying NO NO NO to micro transctions. YOu would do better to guide the directions these transactions take than continually claiming they are ruining the game. They aren't ruining the game - they are enhancing the game and will bring more new players which this game sorely needs.</p><p>The day when these games were soley the preserve of teenagers with unlimited time to play are GONE -- older people are playing them and do not always have the time to invest but do have the money. Micro transactions which let them XP. AA or TS faster are already here -- why not let them have a potions that cuts down on RA?</p><p>SOE is out to make money as is every other game company which is why micro-transactions have arrived for game - they obviously make money are they wouldn't exist. If the company doesn't make money then there won't be new expansion or updates to graphics. This is the real world.</p></blockquote><p>I can agree with you to an extent, but there are some of us that don't have the excess money to spend on microtransactions.  If I'm paying a subscription fee, I do not want to have to pay EXTRA for items that do things that should be in game.</p><p>For example, if casuals can't get a full set of fabled gear, but said gear is available for SC, it's game breaking.</p><p>If the only place to get the fastest mounts in the game is SC, it's game breaking.</p><p>For a game with a subscription fee, the only things that should be available for extra money  should be "fluff" items.  And if they're going to put the F2P version on the same servers as the current live game, NOTHING that they sell for station cash should be unavailable on the live servers, free in some way, be it player made or dropped.</p><p>I have no problem with those playing the free version being able to buy treasured gear thats similar to what currently drops.  However when they get things that can be purchased by SC that those on live servers can't get, or the version paid gets is sub par, there's a problem.</p><p>I can afford my 15 a month fee. I cannot however, afford more than that in microtransactions. When the items basically become something that the community deems you MUST get, then it's the death of the game for some.</p>

[Qandor]

<p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Vinka@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Maroger--it sounds to me like you would enjoy moving to the EQ2X service.  Feel free to head over there.</p></blockquote><p>I am facing reality and don't think it is all bad as you seem to believe. Your model for the game is dead and it is dead for all MMO. RMT in MMO are here to stay - they are what pay salaries and development costs. They are not game breakers as you seem to believe -- and just because I believe in RMT does not Mean that I want to play on EQ2X but some things they offer could come to EQ2 without being game breakers. I don't the ablity to reduced your RA time by 7 days is a game breaker - I am surprised that you think it is.</p></blockquote><p>Sure, and in 6 months we'll have the 14 day version and next year the instant research version all stepped up in price of course.</p><p>I cannot fathom how some folks actually want to jump on this cash sucking treadmill. I guess they would like chess better if you could buy extra queen's for $25 a pop.</p><p>These aren't gamers. This is the spawn of the cheat code generation.</p>

[dawy]

<p><cite>Qandor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Vinka@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Maroger--it sounds to me like you would enjoy moving to the EQ2X service.  Feel free to head over there.</p></blockquote><p>I am facing reality and don't think it is all bad as you seem to believe. Your model for the game is dead and it is dead for all MMO. RMT in MMO are here to stay - they are what pay salaries and development costs. They are not game breakers as you seem to believe -- and just because I believe in RMT does not Mean that I want to play on EQ2X but some things they offer could come to EQ2 without being game breakers. I don't the ablity to reduced your RA time by 7 days is a game breaker - I am surprised that you think it is.</p></blockquote><p>Sure, and in 6 months we'll have the 14 day version and next year the instant research version all stepped up in price of course.</p><p>I cannot fathom how some folks actually want to jump on this cash sucking treadmill. I guess they would like chess better if you could buy extra queen's for $25 a pop.</p><p>These aren't gamers. This is the spawn of the cheat code generation.</p></blockquote><p>I wouldnt call em the cheat code generation but i would assume MMO devs are chasing the farmville money big cash if you tap it right,for me though if it become the norm then im off for good and i dont mean SOE games either.</p><p>The same applies to the next gen of consoles when they go disk free as they will,they can kiss my money bye bye thats for sure.</p>

[circusgirl]

<p>Personally I was opposed to the Research Assistant at all.  I've actually never gotten a current-teir master from it, as I was fully mastered in TSO before it went in and was fully mastered in SF in under a month.  They do impact my gameplay pretty enormously, as they've droped the price of masters to a quarter of what they once were worth.  I don't remember the last time I sold a master for over 100pp, and the majority that I get are going for under 50 now.  </p><p>I spent a lot of time earning the platinum I'd need to get all those masters though.  I can deal with the RA as it is in game mostly only because it takes so long to use it to get a master--it makes it useful for that rare master that never drops and keeping prices under control, but if it were faster then I would seriously oppose it.</p><p>You like RMT, I don't.  Thats fine.  I have my server, you're getting yours.  Go to the server that is catering to you, and I'll stay on the one that caters to me.</p>

[MurFalad]

<p><cite>Qandor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Sure, and in 6 months we'll have the 14 day version and next year the instant research version all stepped up in price of course.</p><p>I cannot fathom how some folks actually want to jump on this cash sucking treadmill. I guess they would like chess better if you could buy extra queen's for $25 a pop.</p><p>These aren't gamers. This is the spawn of the cheat code generation.</p></blockquote><p>I totally agree with you.</p><p>None of this RMT garbage actually improves the gameplay, for example the "wand of destruction" does not make the game deeper, more exciting or involving.</p><p>I'm predicting the generation of muppets buying all this RMT crud and shovelling cash into electronic skinner boxes like Farmville or Mob wars will be in future the same people warning against "the evils of playing online games".  Sadly because they've never actually understood what a game is supposed to be.</p><p>As an aside, I've assumed here that the 7 day RA assistant short cut items on the marketplace can be used several times to get an instant master?  Strange really though that SOE put them in the game, afterall they're supposed to be game designers, so if they think some people should need instant masters to make the gameplay better then why not give them to all? </p><p>Or have they given up on designing gameplay?  That's the thing that depresses me most of all about EQ2X and the direction SOE are heading down.</p>

[The-Plethora]

<p>Before station cash became live I made a post that I precicted it would be how you pay for server transfers which then happened. I am no fan of it and I think the live servers are just about treading the game breaking line at the moment but you can bet within a year all the live servers will have this on as well. Something similar to...</p><p>"Great news in order to operate a unified game structure we are now rolling out SC items to all servers so everyone can enjoy these great items"</p><p>Taken out of context a bit but I reckon thats what you will likely be faced with. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[CoLD MeTaL]

<p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I don't think having a potion to take 7 days off RA is game breaker -- esp. at higher levels where the time is 28 days and the Masters are not available or if avaible at outrageous prices. I think it would be good thing for the game to do that.</p><p>RA is very popular and just about everyone I know uses it --- esp. in T9 where masters are so hard to come by. It is hardly a game breaker to shave 7 days off 28 days.</p></blockquote><p>Can you buy 4 pots and have it now?</p>

[Avianna]

<p>Point and case here. We asked for eq2x to be seporate for a reason. that reason is we DO NOT want microtransitions on our server. end of story. no further debate. If you are a player who wants microtransitions and wants to buy your toon advancement then eq2x is for you. I have no problem waiting patently for the RA to take 28 days. or to quest for a week to get this spiffy armor etc. cause that is what I want as a player is to EARN my reward not buy it. If that is not what you want then please go over to eq2x and stay there and stop trying to force your microtransitions on me.</p>

[Yimway]

<p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I don't think having a potion to take 7 days off RA is game breaker -- esp. at higher levels where the time is 28 days and the Masters are not available or if avaible at outrageous prices. I think it would be good thing for the game to do that.</p></blockquote><p>If said potion had 1% drop rate off heroic bosses, purchacable for 60 marks;</p><p>and/or</p><p>5% drop rate off epic names. purchacable for 15 seals.</p><p>In either or both conditions, I could see this as a good way to put said potion into EQ2.</p>

[Gungo]

<p>The funny thing is the 7 day RA potion is the kind of idea people do not really want in a standard non RMT game.Why should someone playing with a ton of cash in REAL LIFE be mastered out compared to the kid who spends the same amount of time playing without the extra cash. There is a reason why they play ROLEPLAY games. When you start bringing in REAL LIFE cash then the role play idea is greatly diminished.</p><p>The bottom line is i can deal with most of the RMT stuff if SOE would not place the legacy servers in a leper colony.</p><p>This is my suggested plan to fixing the current planned eq2x model.1) Keep the current payment plans for ALL servers including legacy servers. a) Current subscribers should be migrated to gold subscription plan w all class/races choices (same as live)2) Move eq2 to the new forums. Move relevant and useful eq2 legacy server posts to the new forums (this should mostly be limited to game facts and dev posts). Limit free accounts to posting in certain sections. Have a server section specific to Market restricted servers (more info below) and server specific section for Eq2x servers.3) Allow (transfers not copy) Eq2x to/from legacy eq2 servers.Allow pvp to/from PVE server tranfers. Allow Exchange to/from PVE/PVP server transfers with a 3-6 month wait period to transfer recently purchased characters off of exchange. 4) Put in 1 server selection list. This list will include ALL servers including exchange, pvp, rp, marketplace restricted, and eq2x servers. Designate legacy servers as (Market Restricted). Market place restricted servers will be limited on certain market place items.The end everyone is happy. Those that wish can transfer to market place servers. Those that do not like the marketplace can transfer off. All servers will recieve new players who are given a clear CHOICE on character selection. Heck they could even make the default selection on bronze/silver/gold/platinum accounts an EQ2X server.</p>

[Striikor]

<p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>3) Allow (transfers not copy) Eq2x to/from legacy eq2 servers.</p><p>.</p><p>.</p><p>.</p><p>The end everyone is happy. Those that wish can transfer to market place servers. Those that do not like the marketplace can transfer off. All servers will recieve new players who are given a clear CHOICE on character selection. Heck they could even make the default selection on bronze/silver/gold/platinum accounts an EQ2X server.</p></blockquote><p>IMO this would actually fix most of the problems. I would in fact try to give them some incentive to move to a Live server. I think there is going to be a huge problem for them when they to try to group or raid mix and match bronze/sliver with gold/platinum and those new customers are going to very unhappy with the result.</p><p>Think about it 2/3's of the server severely limited on spells level and equipment, maybe more than that. And the remainder drastically superior in spells and equipment? Can you imagine those who upgraded to gold and/or platinum being happy with that?</p><p>Now while they are [Removed for Content] off new customers they are alienating their existing customers. This may be the best example of a lose/lose business decision as I have ever seen!</p><p>They refer to a bunch of players worried about people from the F2P servers coming over, [Removed for Content] off they they have not 'earned' it. Sorry but that has got to be bogus. What they can SC is less than what can drop by every statement I have seen. They will be running on the same EQ2 we will except for the limitations and the SC Focus.</p><p>I have yet to see a single cogent argument from a player for limiting transfer's from F2P to LIVE. In fact almost every view I see on it is FOR F2P to LIVE transfers.</p><p><strong>They cry the 'copy' issue, I cry BS. Allow copy from live to F2P, tell us ahead of time it is ONE WAY COPY. You NEED us to create a population to start with, we get it. Make everything else a straight transfer. COPY ISSUES SOLVED.</strong></p><p>If an F2P account upgrades to Gold or Platinum they should want to transfer to a live server where all the experience and guilds clearing high end content are, SOE should encourage them by making it a FREE transfer.</p><p><ol><li><strong>F2P upgrades will have a mature community to group and raid with.</strong></li><li><strong>LIVE will see their populations increase with players dedicated enough to pay a monthly fee knowing what the game is about and wanting more.</strong></li><li><strong>SOE will get the best of both as all benefit. The F2P players coming over will have a positive attitude about SC crap. They may change our minds about SC crap, if they are already hooked then SOE gets the very best of both business models.</strong></li></ol></p><p>Going the way they have laid out is death for live eventually as attrition accelerates and I believe death for any gold/platinum accounts that are stuck on a F2P server. They will feel empty of any equivalent population with the same gear equipment and spells that they have as the larger bulk will be casual F2P players with know interest in earning their way into high end content.</p><p>SOE don't say we didn't warn ya!</p>

[Nighrbringer]

<p><cite>Maroger wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Vinka@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Maroger--it sounds to me like you would enjoy moving to the EQ2X service.  Feel free to head over there.</p></blockquote><p>I am facing reality and don't think it is all bad as you seem to believe. Your model for the game is dead and it is dead for all MMO. RMT in MMO are here to stay - they are what pay salaries and development costs. They are not game breakers as you seem to believe -- and just because I believe in RMT does not Mean that I want to play on EQ2X but some things they offer could come to EQ2 without being game breakers. I don't the ablity to reduced your RA time by 7 days is a game breaker - I am surprised that you think it is.</p></blockquote><p>No, not dead in all MMO's.</p><p>Rifts has already stated in very simple terms that they have no intention of implementing RMT. </p>

[Nighrbringer]

<p><cite>Striikor@Nektulos wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>IMO this would actually fix most of the problems. I would in fact try to give them some incentive to move to a Live server. I think there is going to be a huge problem for them when they to try to group or raid mix and match bronze/sliver with gold/platinum and those new customers are going to very unhappy with the result.</p></blockquote><p>No point in the lower tiers raiding at all, they won't be able to use the gear or spells anyways.</p><p>What the lower payment tiers are going to generate is a huge number of people soloing to level cap, since they will have no incentive to group.</p><p>With the current leveling speed, they will cap out in just a few months and either quit or upgrade. With no monthly option for what we pay $15 a month for, my guess is most will quit. (At $15 a month subscription, they must still purchase player races.)</p>

[Banditman]

<p>You know what would work out great?</p><p>Once someone decides they want to pay for the game, they buy a "conversion" package on the marketplace.  It converts their account to the exact same thing all of us have already, and grants them a server transfer token.</p><p>They can then decide to stay on the EQ2X server, or transfer, at the same time they get the same thing we are getting now.</p>

[Yimway]

<p><cite>Banditman wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>They can then decide to stay on the EQ2X server, or transfer, at the same time they get the same thing we are getting now.</p></blockquote><p>No one wants to leave the community they know for a community they don't. </p><p>I'm not saying it wont happen, but most players want to stay with what/who they know.</p>

[Landiin]

It is a cancer that is destroying our society as a whole. I don't want to work for it and I don't wanna wait on it, I want it now how much will it cost me. The amount of kids I have come work for me that have zero work ethic and think I owe them a check for just showing it is crazy. They are so shocked when I let them go because they have 3 or 4 no calls no shows in a month. It is just amazing how bad their attitudes are.

[TheLopper]

<p>This is why once a game has ANY RMT element (outside of a sub or the actual game purchase), things begin going down hill.</p><p>Want new armor looks?  Well, you're not going to get any as you normally would, now you have to PAY for them to create new armor looks for you.Certain mechanics designed a little too extremely?  Well, SOE has the perfect thing!  More items you can buy to help normalize whatever facet of the game you're having issues with.</p><p>It goes on an on- in short, they spend time developing things for RMT, NOT for the game.  That's why so many people are against RMT . . .the game begins to be designed around RMT and cleverly (or not so much so in SOE's case) getting you to shell out cash.</p><p>Say it doesn't effect your play all you want, but it will.  Indirectly or directly, you ARE going to face the consequences, whether that be a lack of in-game attainable diverse armor appearances, or certain design aspects being intentionally manipulated to facilitate RMT.  </p>