7 replies to this topic

[Grokmoo]

One good way to monetize the game is through the use of time limited discounts. When a player sees that they can get a good deal on something today (but not tomorrow), they are more likely to plunk down some cash in order to take advantage of the deal. Particularly if you are only selling in game currency in fixed amounts (suppose in $10 multiples), then the player may end up paying $10 that they might not have otherwise, in order to get what was effectively a $1 or $2 discount on a given item. They will likely then end up spending the remainder of the $10 on non-discounted items.

However, you do not want to canabalize your fully priced item sales while doing this. Also, you want to avoid the effect where you have a sale on a specific item, then suddenly a large fraction of the community is playing with that item (many players find this annoying).

An interesting mechanism for achieving these goals is individually customized "deals of the day". In this model, each player sees a different deal for a different item each day. One day is a good length of time for this, as it provides enough time for players to find deals, but still gives them some sense of urgency to make the purchase. The discount should be fairly steep (50% or more is great), and the item should be chosen based at least partially on the play style of the player.

Of course, this will only work if you are selling a reasonably large number of items. You probably need to be allowing the player to buy pretty much everything (except experience based upgrades), including mechs, modules, weapons, armor, and equipment.

[ManDaisy]

Interesting, random deals would certainly help with item lifespan, however as cash shop items don't follow the traditional "clothing" or "power item" patterns, I could see it only as being half as effective. Scratch that, if we get customized armor pieces then yeah this is a great idea.

Edited by ManDaisy, 15 May 2012 - 08:57 AM.

[Monky]

This works well in WOT when it comes to garage/crew training/bunk/vehicle discounts. People put effort or money into getting the thing they want cheaper.

Some ideas this could apply to; Mech Bay slots, Premium accounts, Price reductions in equipment/mechs (which I assume can be bought with MWC and C-Bills alike), Permanent/complex camo etc.

[ManDaisy]

Noo premium account. That can easily imbalance the system, namely if reward becomes greater for some, and becomes less for others.

[Monky]

Uhhhhhh.... not sure if serious.

[Kudzu]

ManDaisy, on 15 May 2012 - 09:03 AM, said:

Noo premium account. That can easily imbalance the system, namely if reward becomes greater for some, and becomes less for others.

If it's just an EXP/credit boost it shouldn't be an issue.

[Zylo]

ManDaisy, on 15 May 2012 - 09:03 AM, said:

Noo premium account. That can easily imbalance the system, namely if reward becomes greater for some, and becomes less for others.

If PGI needs to make money with some premium offering I'd rather see premium accounts than mechs.

Edited by Zylo, 15 May 2012 - 09:28 PM.

[ManDaisy]

eh maybe I over reacted, its not as if this is the kinda game where we have to worry about random drops.