Opinions on Changes in Free Trial

[chessack]

As it sits now, with the change, it is going to take people longer to download, install, patch and get into the game than it is going to take them to hit the level caps. I can see a lot of people doing just that and saying Thank You Nevrax for the waste of my time, and word tends to get around. If you are going to offer a trial at all, at least make it worth the time involved to download etc, I would rather see them put a time limit on the trial like it used to be than to see it go this route.

Bingo. Exactly.

It takes a long time to DL the client, because it is the full client (you just can't get off the island). I remember when my good computer went on the blink (I was paying already), I DLed Ryzom to my old dinosaur machine. I started it at 10 PM and had to let the damn thing run all night and it finished at like 6 AM. That's an awful lot of DLing to have 4 total skills (that's all you get until 21) to work, up to only level 21. People will be hitting the level cap in barely more time than it took to DL the client.

I guarantee you if the trial had capped at 21 when I was on it, I would not be here right now -- for just this sort of reason.

People have complained that the "freeloaders" are spending months in game not contributing to anything. If this really is the problem, then the solution is quite simple: limit the trial to 30 days, and that's all you need. It will end 100% of the "stay on the island forever" attitude, while preventing zero people who want to try the skill system more intensely before buying, from doing so.

You have to understand that Ryzom is a wierd and unconventional game. It can take a long time to "get" it. I certainly didn't really "get" it at first. I finally "got" it in the late 30s of several skills, and particularly after I had worked different ones to that level. When I finally "got" it, I realized what a great game it was and that it was worth it. Before "getting" it though, I thought it was strange enough that I wasn't sure I wanted to pay for it. And no, it's not the amount of money... it's the principle of the thing.

A more traditional game like WOW or EQ2, might be able to get away with a super-limited trial because they are just like every other MMORPG out there, so once you get the feel of the UI, there's nothing else to see. But Ryzom is a deep, unusual, strange, and unique (and incredibly cool) game, and it takes time and not just chronological time but LEVELS of skills and work with stanzas, to figure out just what the game is supposed to be. Hundreds of people are going to play to 20, not "get" it, and just uninstall. Just watch.

C

[kybosh]

I agree with the post above, I had started the trial about a week ago. As he said you wont really understand what the heck is going on until your well into the late 20s or 30s lvls much like life butthis abuse of "possible suscribers" was the ultimate offense. I liked Ryzom simply on the Lore alone, but I dont know what would posses them to think that a catchy story would make people pay up. YOU MUST. YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST. Show players "why" they should play your product.

You do not place so many limits and sanctions on the game to the point that playing it becomes a punishment.
Unfortunantely I felt as the master would have being bitten by his favorate pet, leaving me in on of thoes "why would you pull such a stunt" moods and I am deleteing anything related to the game and account as I type this. My response may seem a bit prickily, but what on earth would you have expect. I simply wanted to try a MMO that was not made in Korea for a change and Ill be damned if I didnt get my hand bitten off for trying. My only hope is that while they restock the mothballs for their wallets that have learned a thing or two about the player base.

[moleclme]

I don't know if my opinion means anything in this matter, as I'm just on a trial myself, however, I'll still share my 5 cents.

I feel, like chessack, that the 21 level limit is a bit of a mistake.
It's a bit hard to explain, but I've played many an mmo in my day, and Ryzom is something to itself. It's quite unique.

Many mmorpgs make two base errors that makes people lose interest in them:

1. They're very one sided (Take lineage as an example, all you ever do is fight, fight, fight, fight)
or
2. They're overly complicated and set players off on a bad start, forcing a lot of players to just wander around aimlessly until they think: "shucks to this, I'm out of here".

Ryzom is one of those very complicated mmo's (Granded most of you won't see it as complicated cause everything is easy once you get the hang of it) but let me tell you, when I first laid my hands on this baby I was really really confused at a lot of issues.

However, this is what made the trial so excellent and perfect. I knew I had all the time in the world to explore and learn, I had a lot of ground to cover, and the interface and quest system was decent enough to let me get my way around the game.

I just entered around level 30 in foraging when I really started getting a knack for the game. Learning new stanzas like;
5 and 10 meter prospecting
Prospectin with an angle
Getting to understand the whole difference with recouperating sources, gentle and harmful extration, and just so much much more. Not to mention fine tracking and the likes. It wasn't until level 30 I got this far, and really started getting addicted.

From levels 1-25, I was mostly thinking: "Is this a game I can get addicted to, or is this a game I'll waste hours and hours doing the same thing over and over again for no apperant reason?'.

When I hit level 30 in foraging, I realised that this was at least one skill that just kept getting more and more interesting. Sadly, I still don't know if I want this game or not, because I'd also like to see if the other skills would have the same effect on me, like crafting, fighting, and magic.

Granted of course, it's a really cheap deal for one month, but i've bought mmo's before and played the real thing for 2 days before realising it wasn't any fun at all.

Anyway, enough rant about that. There's no argument that they won't get MORE customers from downsizing the levels. The few people who hang around for months and months without paying are probably doing so because they can't get their hands on a credit card because they're too young. However, I also see a bright thing in that.

As I mentioned eariler, a lot of mmo's are a bit hard to catch on to, and another big problem with that is usually:
DESERTED STARTING AREAS.

I've tried countless of mmo trials where you start off and there's just you around for ages and ages, and if you do meet someone they probably know as little as you do!

The best thing about this Trial was that it was really easy to find other people to play with, ask for help, and generally just have a good time with.

If the level limit is reduced to 21 (as it has been) the beginners Island will be as good as deserted. Now let's make a little overview:

While i've been playing the server has been far from laggy, which means it has loads to go on. This, in other terms, means that they're not afraid of these 3-month-loafers stealing their bandwith, so what's the problem? All they really add is more people on the beginners island, who contributes to the new players on the island. At least I got a really good impression of this game logging on something called a 'beginners island' without it being totally deserted, with so many friendly faces.

If I start an mmorpg and it's really confusing and practically with a deserted beginners area, I usually quit it at once. It just looks so awfully bad. The 51 level limit ensured that the beginning area always had loads of people in it, and that everyone got to really figure out wether they wanted the game or not.

As it stands right now, I really can't see any way that:
1. They're losing money because of the 51 level limit
or
2. They'd earn MORE money by removing it.

None of it makes any sense, really.

O.o.

Well this turned into a long post, i'll just shut down now.

[totnkopf]

1) Do you feel level a maximum level of 21 is enough time for a potential subscriber to determine if this is the right game for them?

yes, it gives them an idea of what the game could offer and it shows the first split in the trees so players can get a better understanding of how skillswill become more and more specialized. They get 84 levels to try out stuff on... seems reasonable to me

2) Do you think it is fair/not fair for people above level 21 in any of the skills that are still on Silan to essentially be 'locked out' of adventuring that skill until they upgrade to a full subscription?

I think its fair, yes. For one, they're lucky enough to be above the limit that was just imposed, so they should already have a good idea of what the skill entailed. Also, theres nothing stopping them from trying stuff out with the skills the currently have. They just won't get xp for it.

3) Do you think there could be some mis-advertising by offering a unlimited free trial and now changing the rules of that free trial mid-stream?

not really... the company producing the trial has altered it. I'm assuming they'll change the text that goes along with the download to inform them that its not unlimited xp and there is a level cap.

4) After a while, the people on Silan that are above level 21 will either join the mainland, or leave the game. Do you think this could affect they experience of individuals seeking help or guidance on Silan as the more developed characters move off to bigger and better things? (such as advice, guidance, buying better quality crafted items, etc)

Well, theres universe chat for any questions a new player might have. Vendors for gear. Region chat for mat locations or help on missions. The above 21s aren't always on and always ready to help someone.

Since the servers do not appear to be under any strain whatsoever (at least in terms of lag, server load, etc), this will not benefit anyone at all.

there have been some server issues recently (two or more crashes this week). Could be related to load from Silan? Think everyone can agree that there are a ton of people on Silan, so its going to create some stress even if its not immediatley obvious

[iwojimmy]

A little bit of both sides here.

Firstly, I dont beleive letting people freeload on Silan forever is worth supporting, so some kind of limit is required.

On the other hand - you do reach level 21 REALLY FAST !
Players trying out the game are going to be slamming into this articial constraint within their first day of play.. and that will negatively impact on their enjoyment of the game.

Level 21 is an obvious breakpoint for Nevrax to use, but I cant help but feel that slowly choking off higher level players xp, as the game mechanics do now, is a better incentive to move players along to the mainland.

As for help and support for new starters.. firstly, Universe channel is still available, and secondly, many veteran players do have an Alt on Silan for the express purpose of helping out newbies.

Overall, I think I would be more in favour of a month or two time limited trial, than a level capped one.
(from a RP point of view that makes sense, too.. its a refugee resettlement and processing camp, isn't it.. they stay there until the paperwork is done and a place is found for them on the mainland )

[motan]

...
1) Do you feel level a maximum level of 21 is enough time for a potential subscriber to determine if this is the right game for them?

2) Do you think it is fair/not fair for people above level 21 in any of the skills that are still on Silan to essentially be 'locked out' of adventuring that skill until they upgrade to a full subscription?

3) Do you think there could be some mis-advertising by offering a unlimited free trial and now changing the rules of that free trial mid-stream?

4) After a while, the people on Silan that are above level 21 will either join the mainland, or leave the game. Do you think this could affect they experience of individuals seeking help or guidance on Silan as the more developed characters move off to bigger and better things? (such as advice, guidance, buying better quality crafted items, etc)

1. I think so. Myself, I knew that Ryzom is the right game for me once I reached lvl 2.
Whoever is not sure... honestly, 15 bucks is not that much.

2. What do you mean fair? Let me get this staraight... when you get something for nothing you have no right to comment.

3. It is a *free* offer. They can change the rules, take it away or give it only to people whose name start with the letter G. You'll also notice that Nevrax was nice enough to not rollback people who already are above lvl 21.

4. Indeed, people above any lvl, be it 7, 21, 50 or whatever will either go to mainland or leave the game. This is how it was and this is how it's supposed to be.

[budr99]

This thread has not only met my expectations, but exceeded them far more than I could have hoped.

People have expressed thier opions w/out flaming anyone, insulting anyone, and have been very respecutful of everyone's ideas and opions. I usually try to avoid forums due to lack of "adult-hood". These forums have proved me wrong that not all forums are for juvenilles. I thank thee all for proving me wrong.

Even though it says I am a free subscriber, the only reason why I am now compared to when I originally posted this thread is because I am pretty drunk right now and I dont want to input the wrong credit card number! hehe

If the subscribers of this game are even half as fair and repsectful of people as the posters of this thread, I will be proud to call myself a subscriber of Atys

My vow to everyone is to subscribe when I sober up! My request to everyone else is to be extra helpful to the newcomers who feel that level 21 may not be enough time to decide that this is game for them, as I will be doing myself.

Ryzom is a unique game. It is a deep game from what I have been able to tell from my 1.5 weeks of playing the free trial. And if the fate of Atys is based on the people that have posted in this thread, Atys has a wonderful future that I hope everyone can enjoy.

[naratuul]

This thread has not only met my expectations, but exceeded them far more than I could have hoped.

People have expressed thier opions w/out flaming anyone, insulting anyone, and have been very respecutful of everyone's ideas and opions. I usually try to avoid forums due to lack of "adult-hood". These forums have proved me wrong that not all forums are for juvenilles. I thank thee all for proving me wrong.

Even though it says I am a free subscriber, the only reason why I am now compared to when I originally posted this thread is because I am pretty drunk right now and I dont want to input the wrong credit card number! hehe

If the subscribers of this game are even half as fair and repsectful of people as the posters of this thread, I will be proud to call myself a subscriber of Atys

My vow to everyone is to subscribe when I sober up! My request to everyone else is to be extra helpful to the newcomers who feel that level 21 may not be enough time to decide that this is game for them, as I will be doing myself.

Ryzom is a unique game. It is a deep game from what I have been able to tell from my 1.5 weeks of playing the free trial. And if the fate of Atys is based on the people that have posted in this thread, Atys has a wonderful future that I hope everyone can enjoy.

No level cap, let them play 100 hours that gives them plenty of time to decide as long as they log off when they arent playing...

[iwojimmy]

So the real flow on effect of this will be.. the loss of the rent-a-crowd players, who make the starter island - and thus the main game - appear to be highly populated and lively.
Im not even going to venture an opinion as to wether thats good or bad.

Sending the Islanders an unequivocal message, to pay to continue, is certainly a good and necessary thing, but I still feel that level 21 is too soon. Especially with all the bonus xp from the tutorial missions.

[fiach]

This thread has not only met my expectations, but exceeded them far more than I could have hoped.

People have expressed thier opions w/out flaming anyone, insulting anyone, and have been very respecutful of everyone's ideas and opions. I usually try to avoid forums due to lack of "adult-hood". These forums have proved me wrong that not all forums are for juvenilles. I thank thee all for proving me wrong.

Even though it says I am a free subscriber, the only reason why I am now compared to when I originally posted this thread is because I am pretty drunk right now and I dont want to input the wrong credit card number! hehe

If the subscribers of this game are even half as fair and repsectful of people as the posters of this thread, I will be proud to call myself a subscriber of Atys

My vow to everyone is to subscribe when I sober up! My request to everyone else is to be extra helpful to the newcomers who feel that level 21 may not be enough time to decide that this is game for them, as I will be doing myself.

Ryzom is a unique game. It is a deep game from what I have been able to tell from my 1.5 weeks of playing the free trial. And if the fate of Atys is based on the people that have posted in this thread, Atys has a wonderful future that I hope everyone can enjoy.

Glad to hear that, you have a big treat in store for you on the mainland, with its multi themed continents.

Join a guild, make friends, kick back and enjoy

Welcome