Brell Serilis is in Search of More Treasure to Expand His Vault!

[Isulith]

<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/articles/vault/EQII_VaultPromo_Header.png" /></p> <p>Brell Serilis is in search of more treasure to expand his vault!</p> <p>He has selected some treasures from the EverQuest II Marketplace to add to the hoard of valuables locked in his vault deep underground.</p> <p>Get select items now before Brell locks them away on October 2, 2011. Items placed in the Vault of Serilis won't be available for purchase until at least sometime next year.</p> <p>Visit the Marketplace and select Vault of Serilis to get these items now!</p> <p>Some of the items include:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/articles/stationcash/10jan/mermaid_scale_front_th.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Mermaid Scale Armor</p><p><a href="http://everquest2.com/news/read/current/4069" target="_blank"></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everquest2.com/news/read/current/4069" target="_blank"><img src="http://everquest2.com/images/en/community/buttons/readmore.png" border="0" width="175" height="44" /></a></p>

[Kikiriki]

<p>I fail to see how this benefits anyone. I assume there's reasoning?</p>

[ffd700]

<p><cite>Kikiriki@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I fail to see how this benefits anyone. I assume there's reasoning?</p></blockquote><p>My tinfoil hat says it's to create a buying frenzy so everyone snatches up the items before they are gone.</p><p>However I think I remember them saying that when items get put on there that they were originally to be temporary.</p>

[Cyliena]

<p>Brell can keep the Mermaid Scale Armor... *shudder* Didn't know he had such bad taste. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Might pick up one of the cloaks, just have to decide which char wants it.</p>

[Amphibia]

<p><cite>Ultraheavybeat@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kikiriki@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I fail to see how this benefits anyone. I assume there's reasoning?</p></blockquote><p>My tinfoil hat says it's to create a buying frenzy so everyone snatches up the items before they are gone.</p><p>However I think I remember them saying that when items get put on there that they were originally to be temporary.</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, that is probably the idea.....</p><p>I'm not a fan of this, honestly.</p>

[Calthine]

<p>They're discontinuing a lot of stuff.  I actually bought a Bixie on a String...</p><p>We've got a compelte list over here:  <a href="http://eq2.zam.com/story.html?story=27818" target="_blank">Brell Serilis Invades the Marketplace</a></p>

[Barq Bandit]

<p>I understand discontinuing items in a store when they don't sell as well as they were hoped to have.  Why occupy shelf space with something that's not making the store money?  ...But the Marketplace doesn't have finite shelf space.  Offering 500 items costs them as much as offering 450 items.  The Marketplace does not have to purchase or rent additional floor space to offer more selection.  In this sense, there is no benefit to a smaller selection.  I would much rather see prices go down on less popular items rather than false demand be created by throwing the availability of these items into doubt.  "Get them now why supplies last" seems a bit underhanded to me here.</p><p>What happens if I don't think of a character that some of these items would have been perfect for until after they are unavailable?  That isn't fun.  And SOE missed out on the sale they would have had had the items been available.  They also lose a bit of my goodwill and willingness to purchase Marketplace items.</p><p>Such tactics will likely cost them more in the long run, but it may be difficult to discern from the Marketplace team's point of view, since they'll see an increase in purchases of these items in the short term, and conclude that restricting selection is the way to go.</p><p>Offering fewer options is almost never a good way to go.  Wider variety of options always pleases.</p>

[Marnus]

<p><cite>Tock@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I understand discontinuing items in a store when they don't sell as well as they were hoped to have.  Why occupy shelf space with something that's not making the store money?  ...But the Marketplace doesn't have finite shelf space.  Offering 500 items costs them as much as offering 450 items.  The Marketplace does not have to purchase or rent additional floor space to offer more selection.  In this sense, there is no benefit to a smaller selection.  I would much rather see prices go down on less popular items rather than false demand be created by throwing the availability of these items into doubt.  "Get them now why supplies last" seems a bit underhanded to me here.</p><p>What happens if I don't think of a character that some of these items would have been perfect for until after they are unavailable?  That isn't fun.  And SOE missed out on the sale they would have had had the items been available.  They also lose a bit of my goodwill and willingness to purchase Marketplace items.</p><p>Such tactics will likely cost them more in the long run, but it may be difficult to discern from the Marketplace team's point of view, since they'll see an increase in purchases of these items in the short term, and conclude that restricting selection is the way to go.</p><p>Offering fewer options is almost never a good way to go.  Wider variety of options always pleases.</p></blockquote><p>I agree with this. While i personally have no interest in these items they are pushing(and i couldnt help but think of the guy in 1-9 that always says, "Buy this uber item from me within the next 5 minutes, before i log/sell to vendor/give away-last chance!"), what happens when it is something i actually do want? and how frequently will they be "putting items away"? It just smacks of trying to squeeze another buck out of the players. And speaking of squeezing another buck out of the players, has anyone heard anything about the expansion thats supposed to be coming out the month after next? I was excited about checking out the new class, revamped freeport, etc-werent those features to be included in the expansion? or am i mistaken? just seems like theres no buzz at all at the moment-yet silly stuff like this marketplace junk gets the frontpage of the website, and emails sent out? weird</p>

[Katz]

<p>I remember reading in the past that they planned on rotating things out.  Temporarily or permenantly, I don't know.</p><p>On the one hand I think it is good to give us a heads up on items being rotated out so if you did really want one you could go ahead and get it.   On the other hand, I agree with the previous posters that I don't really see a point in not keeping them for sale.</p>

[Kikiriki]

<p>What I don't appreciate is that they're taking away things, period. It doesn't matter in what regard. Removing <em>any</em> content is a really terrible idea. So it doesn't sell as well... Just<em> leave it there.</em> Chances are someone is going to like it. You used man-hours to make it, why not make one or two people happy. There is no shelf space to take up in a digital world. I'd rather filter through tons of choices than have some taken away.</p><p>This is, unfortunately, a deal to make people buy things up <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(and to do that, more SC) </span>in a hurry before they're tragically taken away. I liked when it wasn't all about turning a profit with fluff items like Team Fortress 2 does with hats. Now, wait, a year (or more) from now they'll be twice the price, and by then we'll have cycled through enough players that they won't realize it isn't new content.</p><p>I'm sorry to sound cynical, really, but I have been a loyal customer even through all the horribly unhealthy decisions made in the past by SOE because I really do love to play this game and do things in it. But I know that no matter how much we protest it's already a done deal. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Shall I cue the "if you don't like it, leave!" crew or will someone else?)</span></p><p>This just leaves me shaking my head sadly.</p>

[Laiina]

<p><cite>Kikiriki@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>What I don't appreciate is that they're taking away things, period. It doesn't matter in what regard. Removing <em>any</em> content is a really terrible idea. So it doesn't sell as well... Just<em> leave it there.</em> Chances are someone is going to like it. You used man-hours to make it, why not make one or two people happy. There is no shelf space to take up in a digital world. I'd rather filter through tons of choices than have some taken away.</p></blockquote><p>Content and items come and go all the time, and they do so in all MMO's and have done so for the past 15 years or so. In EQ2 there are at least 100 items that you simply cannot get any more - special promotions, world events, limited time quests, etc etc etc.</p><p>If A game remained static and items never changed it would get to be pretty dull very fast.</p>

[Filly67]

<p>Items placed in the Vault of Serilis won't be available for purchase until at least sometime next year.</p><p>Doesn't make it seem like anything is being taken away.  Just moved out for three months.  I mean sometime next year could be in about 90 days.  To me it seems like it will all be back at some point. </p><p>Based on that I have two comments:</p><p>1.  Why bother at all?</p><p>2.  Please keep the mermaid item, it's too horrible.</p>

[Crickett]

<p><cite>Filly67 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Items placed in the Vault of Serilis won't be available for purchase until at least sometime next year.</p><p>Doesn't make it seem like anything is being taken away.  Just moved out for three months.  I mean sometime next year could be in about 90 days.  To me it seems like it will all be back at some point. </p><p>Based on that I have two comments:</p><p>1.  Why bother at all?</p><p>2.  Please keep the mermaid item, it's too horrible.</p></blockquote><p>I'm thinking it'd improve the looks of my female Troll Bard so Pffft!</p>

[Anestacia]

<p>And here I was getting excited for a live event prelude to the returning gods!  /sigh</p>

[Kikiriki]

<p><cite>Filly67 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Items placed in the Vault of Serilis won't be available for purchase until at least sometime next year.</p><p>Doesn't make it seem like anything is being taken away.  Just moved out for three months.  I mean sometime next year could be in about 90 days.  To me it seems like it will all be back at some point. </p><p>Based on that I have two comments:</p><p>1.  Why bother at all?</p><p>2.  Please keep the mermaid item, it's too horrible.</p></blockquote><p>They could easily decide not to bring back this or that... But I'll hope they bring them all back, especially the citizen crates.</p>

[Katz]

<p>The mermaid armor is cute on my little fae.</p>

[Calthine]

<p>I'm remembering that the Prowlers were only guarenteed to be on the Marketplace a month <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Honestly, the Marketplace was a little cluttered.  Nothing wrong with a little housekeeping!</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Calthine wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I'm remembering that the Prowlers were only guarenteed to be on the Marketplace a month <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Honestly, the Marketplace was a little cluttered.  Nothing wrong with a little housekeeping!</p></blockquote><p>I'm sure this is just to declutter the Marketplace and get a little new interest in some of the very first items which were put on there but haven't been touched in a while (other than a the cloaks, they really are some of the first items). If it gets a few people to notice them after they've already been in the cash shop for over a year, that's not bad, too.</p><p>But seriously, before you start in on the conspiracy theory of "removing content is bad", take a look at the items which are being removed and think if you have -ever- wanted to buy any of them. Other than the cloaks, they really are 'out dated' vs what's available now.</p><p>I'll admit, I bought a couple outfits I considered before but was waffling on. I also bought a body guard (but I wish he was a plushie, that bug bear would be great as a bouncer for a night club).</p>

[Kikiriki]

<p>I have the mermaid armor, the citizen's clothing, and the pink formal robe on my toons, along with smoked leather on one.</p><p>I like what they're taking away. /shrug</p>

[Tyrus Dracofire]

<p>i feel this is way too SOON! they could waited after "frostfell event" are done, how can i plan to buy them in nov or dec as gifts?</p><p>no, this sound like "frenzy" market before deadline, it sinks.</p><p>i hope i will see those again, hope not perma 'removed' or sealed away for good. i only have limited budget.</p>

[Barq Bandit]

<p>One item in particular I'm sad to see being removed in the <strong>Citizen's Black Clothing Crate</strong>.  The black shoes in the set are the ONLY black ones I've found that both don't have cuffs that protrude through the pant legs on the Thurgadin formal wear uniforms on some Soga female models and are equipable at an early level.  I want to make the black Thurgadin formal wear the standard uniform for my guild, as the guild is meant to represent the crew of a ship.  Problem is, it doesn't come with shoes.  And the nearest craftable match that's equipable as early on as possible has the cuff issue.</p><p>I didn't want to run into a situation where very low level members get their uniforms and don't have shoes that match it.  I was ecstatic to discover that the Citizens's Black Clothing Crate shoes worked perfectly, and that they were cheap to buy.  Problem solved as long as gifting is re-enabled at some point.</p><p>But now, there's this...</p><p>Phooey!  Phooey, I say!</p>

[Filly67]

<p><cite>Crickett wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Filly67 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Items placed in the Vault of Serilis won't be available for purchase until at least sometime next year.</p><p>Doesn't make it seem like anything is being taken away.  Just moved out for three months.  I mean sometime next year could be in about 90 days.  To me it seems like it will all be back at some point. </p><p>Based on that I have two comments:</p><p>1.  Why bother at all?</p><p>2.  Please keep the mermaid item, it's too horrible.</p></blockquote><p>I'm thinking it'd improve the looks of my female Troll Bard so Pffft!</p></blockquote><p>Yes you should, glad you added it in. </p><p>Not sure what else you can be speaking of since all I did was, point out a mistake that people were making about the items leaving forever.  Then I had the actual nerve to to as why were they doing it at all if the items were coming back.  And then obviously the troll part comes when I give an opinion. </p>

[Filly67]

<p><cite>Kikiriki@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I have the mermaid armor, the citizen's clothing, and the pink formal robe on my toons, along with smoked leather on one.</p><p>I like what they're taking away. /shrug</p></blockquote><p>Well we all have different tastes.  I guess they wouldn't have kept the stuff on if people weren't buying it.  Again though, I think you will see it back.</p>

[deadcrickets2]

<p><cite>Filly67 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kikiriki@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I have the mermaid armor, the citizen's clothing, and the pink formal robe on my toons, along with smoked leather on one.</p><p>I like what they're taking away. /shrug</p></blockquote><p>Well we all have different tastes.  I guess they wouldn't have kept the stuff on if people weren't buying it.  Again though, I think you will see it back.</p></blockquote><p>I've seen a large number of folks with the prowler.  Always reminded me of He-Man.  I'll miss them.</p>

[Barq Bandit]

<p>Didn't we JUST get prowler kittens to go with the prowler mounts?  Why discontinue a product that a new product was created just recently to match?</p><p>/boggle</p>

[Kamimura]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>But seriously, before you start in on the conspiracy theory of "removing content is bad", take a look at the items which are being removed and think if you have -ever- wanted to buy any of them.</p></blockquote><p>Um, yes? I have bought a few of the citizen's clothing crates, and several of the other items they're locking away for a while. Those crates are actually pretty popular, as are the prowlers...</p>

[TorrynWoodsrunner]

<p>As someone with experience in virtual product marketing (I created and sold products for Poser/DAZ Studio 3D software), I think I can say with some degree of authority that this is a <em>bad </em>idea. Unless a virtual product becomes so outdated as to be unusable, there is NO viable reasoning to remove a product from a virtual marketplace. Your maintenance overhead is minimally affected, if at all. In the interim period while these items are 'locked away', people who might want them, can't buy them. You're taking options AWAY from your purchasing force...never a smart move. As long as those products are viable in-game, they should be in the marketplace. If they become non-viable (not likely in this particular scenario), and you don't want to update them, then retire them. permanently.</p><p>Items not selling as well as you might like? Then why don't you consider something more likely to spur continued long-term sales. Something like...oh, I don't know...</p><p><em><strong>LOWERING YOUR DANG PRICES!</strong></em></p><p>Since the inception of the Marketplace in EQ2, your prices have been, quite frankly, ridiculous. They're designed to invoke impulse purchases at item release for short-term profit increase. There is absolutely no consideration for long-term market viability, or taking advantage of consumers who might want to (or in this economy might HAVE to) weigh a purchase decision before commiting to a purchase. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: paying more than my monthly subscription fee (and I'm on All Access) for an item in a SINGLE game, for a SINGLE character, is not a smart way to market virtual goods, and can in no way, shape, or form be considered a MICRO-Transaction.</p><p>There are several examples of in-game marketplaces that are doing it far better than you are. The most recent examples I can cite directly are Cryptic's C-Stores for Champions Online and Star Trek Online. Both have a wide variety of items, with prices that are <em>far </em>more reasonable, and in most cases unlock the item(s) for your <em>entire account</em>. Items that are single character only are even more reasonably priced.</p><p>Instead of observing and following these examples, you've gone in the complete opposite direction, causing alienation of a good part of your consumer base (the thought-shoppers), including yours truly. Impulse buyers would not be affected by revamping your marketplace thinking...they would still be able to snap up the latest releases as soon as they hit availability. But your thought shoppers would still be able to consider, and if necessary save for, the same purchases. And a more long-term thought process would, I'm sure, produce a stronger, longer lasting revenue stream.</p><p>Again, I speak from experience: I had a virtual marketplace that continually made money for years, with never a 'retired' product. I could do it again in a heartbeat, and in fact plan to.</p><p>That's my five cents on the matter. Two cents just wouldn't cut it. Thank you for your attention.</p>