You'd have to be hiding under a rock to not have noticed the brouhaha that's been going on with the Allods Online cash shop. Players have been in an uproar about the Fear of Death mechanic coupled with the $13.50 price-tag for perfumes; the $20 pricetag for an additional 6 bag slots; as well as the changes coming to the Russian version of the game on patch 0.7 with mounts requiring a cash shop item to go faster than walking. They gave us a public statement before, but many people felt that it was marketing double-speak that effectively said nothing at all -- at least if our comments section is any indication.
When you add in the swirling rumors that the original developers had left the building and were no longer actively involved in helping to develop Allods Online, you can imagine the din. The forums were alight with people asking for some type of statement -- or just ragequitting.
Last night, the folks at gPotato finally decided to respond to player concerns with a statement many in the player community seem to feel is a far better one than last time. This one not only answers the question as to whether or not the original developers are still on board (short answer: yes), but also addresses the cash shop pricing, and opens a thread where they're soliciting constructive player feedback. if you've been concerned about this, now's the time to head over there and have your say. Also, be sure to check out Massively Speaking tomorrow, when our Editor-in-Chief, Shawn, will be asking a representative from gPotato the hard questions about Allods Online. We're sure you won't want to miss that!
Reader Comments (41)
Posted: Feb 24th 2010 6:00PM lizardbones said
I have agree on the change thing - people don't like their game to change and they sure don't like surprises. They also don't like being told what to do. MMO players are much more invested in a game's development and direction than players in other types of game. I think this is just part of having a virtual world...your customers feel like they have some ownership of the product. They don't, but they feel invested.
There have been enough MMO's released in recent history that what is received well by the public, and what earns you a black eye should be kind of obvious.
* Don't have a system that promotes gold spammers.
* Not only be honest, but be open, up front even with stuff that doesn't work, or doesn't work as well as you intend for it to work.
* Be up front and open about changes you're making to the game. The "why" is as important as the "what".
*Don't keep a secret unless it's something you know your players will love...and you'll need to get to know your players first.
There have been enough MMO's released in recent history that what is received well by the public, and what earns you a black eye should be kind of obvious.
* Don't have a system that promotes gold spammers.
* Not only be honest, but be open, up front even with stuff that doesn't work, or doesn't work as well as you intend for it to work.
* Be up front and open about changes you're making to the game. The "why" is as important as the "what".
*Don't keep a secret unless it's something you know your players will love...and you'll need to get to know your players first.







