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Naturally, PGI would like to wait and see if it's popular, and if enough of us show interest.
That said, I'd like to suggest ways PGI can *monetize* a stock-only mode, and perhaps encourage them to add this game mode sooner.
- Sell Stock-Only 'mechs.
- Sell them cheap.
- Sell them painted.
As a compensation, the stock 'mechs come already painted in a variety of patterns. (That's right, stock 'mech paint cannot be customized) If possible, add famous unit colors and patches, like Sword of Light, Davion Guards, Skye Rangers, Fusiliers of Oriente, or famous pirate factions. (Fine, Death Commandos too).
If you create sufficient variety - easy work for the art department as these schemes can't be changed - you can sell these cheap stock 'mechs as collections or sets - perhaps collecting a lance of Lyran Guards 'mechs would unlock an achievement or special paint scheme in the main game.
This is designed to draw in and appeal to the casual gamer and new player. Stock mode battles are slower paced. Have fewer possible weapons. Last longer. Are easier to learn. And, with a variety of inexpensive stock 'mechs, new players might purchase several before deciding they want to advance to the next level and purchase a C-Bill or MC 'mech that's fully customizable.
This would address a number of issues for PGI.
- Stock matches are newbie friendly.
- Stock matches are cheaper to become competitive in.
- Stock 'mechs could allow them cheaper, 'entry level' and 'impulse buy' purchases in their store. (the current set of 'mechs are paints are expensive for a F2P title, as you've been told many times before)
- Stock 'mechs are immune to the current meta.
- Collecting Stock 'mechs would not dilute your main game's economy.
- Stock 'mechs give 'useless' mechs like the Locust, Awesome, and Panther a place to shine.
Details:
- Stock 'mechs wouldn't use a 'mech bay - that's for your own, customized 'mechs or Clan machines.
- Naturally, a player who bought a 'mech in the usual way could use his library of custom paints, if he wished, and drop into Stock matches. Nothing wrong with that.
- Should we ever get Community Warfare, unlocking (stock) mech skins might be a small but enjoyable fringe benefit of planetary conquest.
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