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Thoughts on Unique Consoles
Captain's Blog Stardate 91120.69
Just one complaint before I move forward, why can't I use the floater on the Risa map? I understand not wanting players to use the floaters on other maps, but on the main Risa map it should be allowed. Perhaps they just need to do some sort of map revamping to enable it? I just think if it can be used on the Risa event map it should be used on the main Risa map.
I feel better now that I got that off my chest. Here's something I've been wondering for a while. The C-Store ships come with unique Universal consoles and some of them are really good, however the prices for some C-Store ships are a little much. I've always thought it would be a good idea to sell the console by themselves at a cheaper rate and with the ships at the normal price. It gives players a choice and might even boost revenue for Cryptic.
There have been ships that have nice consoles but I don't buy them because I won't use the ship. Keep in mind, I'm talking about tier 4 and lower ships. The consoles for tier 5 ships are locked to those ships or a few others that are compatible. Anyway, if those consoles would be sold separately then I would have bought a few of them already. That's extra money in Cryptic's pocket.
Along the same note, if that's something they did then what would stop Cryptic from putting other items such as shields, weapons, etc. into the C-Store and turning this into a pay-to-win game. That's definitely something I've always been against and so have many other players.
What do you think? Would these ship consoles being sold separately be a good idea for both Cryptic and players? Will it end up ruining the game? Let me know in the comments below!
Written by Attilio on July 07, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Comments
July 08, 2013 at 01:30 pm
Having just coughed up around 2700 ZEN at the tail end of the summer ship sale for the Valdore Class(really, the much-hyped Valdore console) and the Bellerophon Class (really, the much-hyped Nadeon Detonator), I like the idea you have here.
Sure, I'll have slightly better (okay, just better bridge officer seating) ships to level with for these and all future characters, but I'd have rather kept at least some ZEN and used the freebie ships with the consoles.
July 08, 2013 at 09:08 pm
This is a pretty awesome idea, in my humble opinion. It would allow people to purchase useful consoles without paying for useless ships, to rephrase what you said.
Maybe Cryptic could sell consoles and C-store items in Bundle Packs? For example, the "Hit-And-Run" Pack, for 1,000 Zen, that has the Impulse Burst console (Gladius-class), the Nadeon Detonator (Bellerophron-class) and the Quad Cannons (Sao Paulo-class) bundled into one? I'm sure things like that would sell nicely, and as you said, it would be extra money in Cryptics pocket.
Good idea all around! My only concern would match up with yours; I wouldn't want an effective marketing strategy to turn into a "pay-to-win" mechanic, as I think that ruins most games.
July 08, 2013 at 11:06 pm
I don't worry too much about P2Win. Yes, they might be me more often at SB 24, but since I don't PVP, who cares if someone does more damage than me in an STF? To me, it just means we are more likely to win.
Reply to @n7washoutJuly 11, 2013 at 03:15 pm
I agree 100% with everything in OP. And I couldn't help but hear the announcers voice saying "consoles sold separately."
Reply to WavemanmavJuly 13, 2013 at 05:23 pm
Why not have alternate versions of these consoles that could be sold separately from the ships?
The Nadeon Detonator, as an example, might have a longer cooldown but adds a higher crit chance than the current device.
The Enhance Plasma Manifold could be the same except instead of repairing disabled shields would super charge your engines.
I know it's not a perfect solution but it is an idea.
July 18, 2013 at 12:23 pm
I agree 100% with you on this, but sadly I seriously doubt it would go anywhere.
If you ask Cryptic, or any Test Developer, they'd probably tell you that revenue wise, they make more money by selling the ships with the consoles than separately.
You yourself pointed out the reason. Why buy those ships, unless to get the consoles from them?
They may not care about our opinions, or have any interest in sane choices, but they know Money, and their goal is to make us pay, pure and simple. No compromises, what makes more, will be their choice.
July 18, 2013 at 12:54 pm
Of course. I can't really blame them for that. They are a company and in order to stay alive they need to keep making money. If not then we wouldn't even have a game to play. You're absolutely right though, it's all about the money.
Reply to Attilio