15 replies to this topic

[Nik Kerensky]

Simple question.

I hear PGI have the MWO license till 2020 if they play their cards right, so how long can we expect to be able to play MWO in the long term ie past that date (given the cash we have put in)?

Edited by Nik Kerensky, 07 September 2015 - 12:31 PM.

[ApolloKaras]

Nik Kerensky, on 07 September 2015 - 12:30 PM, said:

Simple question.

I hear PGI have the MWO license till 2020 if they play their cards right, so how long can we expect to be able to play MWO in the long term ie past that date (given the cash we have put in)?

Given the current business model I have a hard time seeing anything very long term. Once the whales decide *I'm done*, I figure that will be the time we'll have to move on lol.

[FupDup]

Until they run out of Pokemek grabdeal packs to sell you.

[SpiralFace]

Deadlines like that are hardly an issue.

If the game continues to make money to where it is a profitable endeavor to continue re-newing the license they will re-new the license.

MWO will go on as long as support for the game continues to prove profitable enough that they can keep developers employed and continue supporting the game.

[sycocys]

Until Russ, Paul and Bryan pay off their houses and cars I imagine.

[mike29tw]

Saxie, on 07 September 2015 - 12:32 PM, said:

Given the current business model I have a hard time seeing anything very long term. Once the whales decide *I'm done*, I figure that will be the time we'll have to move on lol.

This is pretty interesting because as long as the whales keep throwing money at them, they can't just say "nope, doesn't break even, we're done." and pull the plug.

People often say that PGI is holding the IP hostage, and the fans are the victims. Look at it another way, it's the whales that are holding PGI hostage. Only after Transverse failed the crowdfunding did PGI realize this and start pulling themselves together to work on MWO.

I actually think the game will stick around, at least until the license expires.

[MechaBattler]

mike29tw, on 07 September 2015 - 12:56 PM, said:

This is pretty interesting because as long as the whales keep throwing money at them, they can't just say "nope, doesn't break even, we're done." and pull the plug.

People often say that PGI is holding the IP hostage, and the fans are the victims. Look at it another way, it's the whales that are holding PGI hostage. Only after Transverse failed the crowdfunding did PGI realize this and start pulling themselves together to work on MWO.

I actually think the game will stick around, at least until the license expires.

If people are upset that PGI has the license. Imagine if they sell it off to Gamersfirst. Who just put MMOs into maintenance mode. They'd probably still sell mechs. But you can expect the quality to drop and you can forget about balance. There are worst things out there than PGI.

[Narcissistic Martyr]

Until it stops being profitable just like every other online game.

[Obadiah333]

Until they sell it off to EA and it dies. Or Ubisoft. Either one. They both work for the Devil, so.

[Alistair Winter]

It may not take long before they stop releasing new content. Maybe 2017?

But I imagine it's going to take a while before the cost of having servers up is greater than the incomes from premium time, MC and older products they can sell without any expenses.

[C E Dwyer]

Well if they stop groups larger than 4 in the public drops, the game won't make 2020 so this thread is moot

[XX Sulla XX]

If the tutorials keep coming and the balance works well and they fix CW and match making a bit it can go on a long time.

[lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol]

As long as the whales keep paying for their overhead costs, indefinitely. I get the impression they have enough lifer's to support their current trend, and so long as there's a steady supply of mech models to pre-purchase it'll keep the lights on and the current amount of people employed.

With that being said, I don't really feel a rush to play it every day since they're doing so much rebalancing and restructuring that I'd rather play other established games right now, and come back after they've shaped it up a bit more. It's not like I'm losing anything from a F2P game, especially since everyone else is footing the bill to keep the servers running.

[Basilisk222]

Nik Kerensky, on 07 September 2015 - 12:30 PM, said:

Simple question.

I hear PGI have the MWO license till 2020 if they play their cards right, so how long can we expect to be able to play MWO in the long term ie past that date (given the cash we have put in)?

Whether you realize it or not, you've asked 2 very different questions:

How long will PGI keep this game running? Which is a difficult question. If it gets stable enough, and hits steam, if it is received well, It could last a long time. If that fails, it's likely the game will die soon after. I'm not sure, the actual battling is still pretty solid, but it feels... barren. I think a lot of the community is burnt out. Game needs more things to do I think, it feels grindy, because it is. If it's grindy with rewards, it's fine, but you grind to grind. It needs more substance. Still battling is fun.

How long will you play?

This question is deep. The game lacks a lot of substance. I mean I like bubble gum's flavor, but it's not something I can live on, it's not a meal, it's not even an snack. Most Battletech curious will poke around and then leave when bored. You've got a loyal community, but you're not getting new loyal players. Tap the lore, tap the interesting stuff. That'll keep players and make future ones. But aside from the people who really like slower, more pack based, strategic combat, you're doing yourself no favors keeping the game too simple. I'd say a year before boredom, tops. Average would probably be about 2 weeks - 2 months. Even then, it's unlikely you'd get much in the way of money from most of these people.

Edited by Kilgorin Strom, 07 September 2015 - 03:31 PM.

[Kiiyor]

I think if they manage to expand their business model with something other than mech packs and token cockpit items, it will have more longevity.

When I think of things I would continue paying for, proper mech customization and cosmetics are up top. A vastly expanded colour and overlay system, unique geometry, unique mech hangars... these are all things I would be far more comfortable spending smaller amounts of cash on more regularly than mech packs.

If they can swing it, an engine change or overhaul in the next two years (once DX12 tech and the software implementations are sorted and robust in the industry) it will likely keep people playing and paying also. DX12 will be interesting. While it appears to have some virtues for older DX games, the switch likely won't provide the massive buff so many expect, because there is are whole new development principles that need to be embraced to get the most out of it. Apparently, games will need to be build for DX12 from the ground up to get any real benefit out of it.

[TercieI]

Until they turn the servers off, at least in my case.