POLL: Would you pay for extra content for single player?

[rhenry 1]

Originally posted by: JanYpe

Originally posted by: rss334

I have a beef with MC over this free 7 day trail thing.   So I register my product and bam I'm on the PO offer for 7 days - so what????   I could care less about trading with other players and am only interested in the additional content the PO would offer.   Well.... to date nothing - why give me a 7 day offer when it adds nothing to my game.   I'm completly turned off and see no reason to keep paying MC for nothing?  

They should think out the strategy a little more and offer the trail period when something goes out to the clients, allow people to see what they would be missing if they don't subscribe.   At this point no way am I PO subscriber.quote>

You are not paying for the seven day free trial. The name kind of indicates that. If you don't want it after the 7 days, don't get it. How the hell does it make any sense at all to come in here complaining over getting a free 7 day trial?

quote>

I'm getting the impression that the trial begins when you register your game and not when you register for PO membership. I don't like that. I would like to be able to wait a minute for some content to drop and then have a free 7 day trial. That seems better to me. I think they should at least offer the trial to anyone who signs up to the PO version ,regardless of when.

[Ocram's Razr 964]

I would be willing to pay a small fee for a content pack for Solo Mode.

[ScaryMonkey 0]

Well, yes and no... I certainly wouldn't pay for content in the form of new buildings or monuments; That's something I expect community members will eventually be doing of their own accord; On the other hand if by "content" you mean implementing a deeper simulation and more advanced features, then yes... but it would have to be a lot of extra, and I don't really see it happening.

[sparky66 0]

i think we should wait until some of this content is released then put together some sort of petition to make MC let solo players buy and use PO content. We paid for the game too! MC could at least give us the option to buy expansion packs. they would probably make more money that way. i can see people beginning to tire of the PO and then abandoning it completely when the next big game comes along.

~Slightly hijacking this post, so I can say this was read, without bumping it up. JY~

[Overkast 2]

I haven't bought the game yet, and reading all of these issues is really discouraging to me now. I think the game looks fantastic and I really and truly want to get the game. But MC is really pissing me off on a variety of levels because they're getting so much of the equation all wrong.

It seems like every action they've made for this game is centered completely around how much extra cash they can squeeze out of an audience. Don't they even realize they're marketing to a specific niche audience such as the Simtropolis community – who are a collection of insightful, dedicated city-building enthusiasts who have taken countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears of their own time to expand functionality of a game like SC4?

I think MC is completely insulting it's own audience by releasing an incomplete product and trying to buy themselves more time and funding to finish the game through the current PO model. And their extreme measures to segregate against single-players is so morally wrong its... well... opressive. And in the middle of a global recession on top of it!!!

The irony to me is that in trying to build a sustainable cash-flow gimmick in the PO model, MC is doing quite the opposite for themselves with the bad taste they're leaving in our mouthes. Pretty much sealing the fate on their own game IMO.

Oh, yeah –  I'd like to mention that they also dissed me too when I emailed them asking to get an activation to try the demo a day after they closed down the demo trials. They said the "full retail version will have a trial disc in it for a friend." Oh really? Thanks guys... you won't even let me try the game out without trying to guarantee yourself $40 in the pocket from a full game purchase. Really??? Who doesn't offer free trials for their games????!!!!! It was obvious to me from that point that MC had something to hide in this game, or they just didn't give a hoot about a long-term strategy. This thread pretty much reinforces my speculation and highlights how little concern for their audience they really have.

Don't expect much from MC going forward eveyone – I certainly don't.

[Ocram's Razr 964]

They closed the demo because they needed the server space for the paid for Planet Offer. It makes perfect sense to do so.

[deanco 0]

Originally posted by: Overkast

I haven't bought the game yet, and reading all of these issues is really discouraging to me now. I think the game looks fantastic and I really and truly want to get the game. But MC is really pissing me off on a variety of levels because they're getting so much of the equation all wrong.

It seems like every action they've made for this game is centered completely around how much extra cash they can squeeze out of an audience. Don't they even realize they're marketing to a specific niche audience such as the Simtropolis community – who are a collection of insightful, dedicated city-building enthusiasts who have taken countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears of their own time to expand functionality of a game like SC4?

I think MC is completely insulting it's own audience by releasing an incomplete product and trying to buy themselves more time and funding to finish the game through the current PO model. And their extreme measures to segregate against single-players is so morally wrong its... well... opressive. And in the middle of a global recession on top of it!!!

The irony to me is that in trying to build a sustainable cash-flow gimmick in the PO model, MC is doing quite the opposite for themselves with the bad taste they're leaving in our mouthes. Pretty much sealing the fate on their own game IMO.

Oh, yeah –  I'd like to mention that they also dissed me too when I emailed them asking to get an activation to try the demo a day after they closed down the demo trials. They said the "full retail version will have a trial disc in it for a friend." Oh really? Thanks guys... you won't even let me try the game out without trying to guarantee yourself $40 in the pocket from a full game purchase. Really??? Who doesn't offer free trials for their games????!!!!! It was obvious to me from that point that MC had something to hide in this game, or they just didn't give a hoot about a long-term strategy. This thread pretty much reinforces my speculation and highlights how little concern for their audience they really have.

Don't expect much from MC going forward eveyone – I certainly don't.

quote>

BAM!!!

Great post, brutally honest, right on target, well said.

[Overkast 2]

Originally posted by: Ilikeseattle

They closed the demo because they needed the server space for the paid for Planet Offer. It makes perfect sense to do so.quote>

Sure, it makes sense. But my point was more about snubbing me altogether when clearly they have a trial version available. Why not just let people download the trial after closing the demo to see how the game runs? Why snub me after I expressed to them my intent on buying the game upon it's release? They pretty much single-handedly changed my mind for me and cost themselves a sale just like that.

[gabry85 2]

Originally posted by: Ilikeseattle

They closed the demo because they needed the server space for the paid for Planet Offer. It makes perfect sense to do so.quote>

Dude, keep in mind this: Nobody will ever buy a game if they can't try it for free, especially in this crisis. Unless of course they got money to dump somewhere, go ahead. I've seen many people supporting this game because they like it or they want to try it and I'm perfectly fine with that. But, honestly, everyone makes mistakes, even... well... Monte Cristo (oh, the heresy!). Give me a break! You always sound like "It's all fine. Just relax. It has potential. There's nothing wr--"

Hang on a sec... where did I hear this before?

[Woas 0]

No. I would not and refuse to pay for anymore 'content' for this game. Anything that is released in the future in my eyes should be free seeing as the base game is completely unfinished and utter trash.

[ifurkend 0]

Originally posted by: Ilikeseattle
They closed the demo because they needed the server space for the paid for Planet Offer. It makes perfect sense to do so.quote>

It makes perfectly senseless. Most commercial MMOs with subscription model always offer a short-term or limited playability (e.g. level cap or inability to trade) free trial post-release.

Edit: So is the case for solo mode.

[UrbanLegend 63]

Originally posted by: Woas

No. I would not and refuse to pay for anymore 'content' for this game. Anything that is released in the future in my eyes should be free seeing as the base game is completely unfinished and utter trash.

quote>

I don't think it's "trash".  It has the makings of being a very good city sim.  But I agree that the game is unfinished:

-Clunky interface

-No ambient street noise

-Occassional "all your city belong to us" translation goofs.

-No random or custom map options

And their MMO business model is total crap.  I may play a game like this on again / off again every few months.  I don't want to pay a yearly subscription.  I  would happily buy whatever extra contend that appeals to me in the form of expansion packs.  And it seems to me the only gameplay that MMO gives you is their incomprehensible commodities market.  I'm perfectly content to trade with my own cities or some AI offline.

If they want to have an online community where you can trade with other players and view their cities, it should be like EA's Spore.  No monthly fees.  Options to buy expansion modules when they come out.

[Darmok 34]

Let's sum it up,

We'll have to pay to get up to the point where we're already at with SC4 and the custom content...

I admit that the game seems to be visually appealing, but several things I'm reading right now are turning me seriously off.

I'm speaking here of the single player option, since I'm NOT interested AT ALL in playing online games.

1. No Mass Transit

2. We HAVE TO connect to the Monte-Cristo server to play  even if we don't play online! Sorry, but just this one rubs me against the grain!

3. Can't create our own maps

4. Can't create custom contents without MC approval

.... and I'm sure the list will grow

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind registering my game and getting an activation code. I've always paid the games I played.

But somewhere along the lines it seems that the company are only trying to milk us at every corner.

Sorry Monte-Cristo, but for what I can see here, it's like you're trying to beat EA on the GREED department.

As long as you keep this attitude to favor the planet offer over the single players, you may keep your game.

-John

SimCity player since the Classic Version, but sadly, will not be a Cities XL player.

P.S. Still following and reading the various XL threads, just in case of a miracle....

[sparky66 0]

if only MC would give solo players the option to buy PO content for a one-off fee. the way it's going at the moment solo mode will just turn into a 'demo' of PO mode. looking at the official documentation and advertisements for this game, the PO is advertised alot, but so is single player. nowhere does it say that it is all about the PO. but that is what they seem to be doing. also, they need to start sorting out this game properly before they start releasing 'medieval building packs' etc.

[cheuk18me94 0]

The Price of mass transport gem should be less than 10USD. Then it is reasonable.

[Overkast 2]

Originally posted by: cheuk18me94

The Price of mass transport gem should be less than 10USD. Then it is reasonable.quote>

How much was the Rush Hour expansion? $15? I'd pay the same for a Cities XL mass transit expansion.

[smg77 0]

Originally posted by: Overkast

Originally posted by: cheuk18me94

The Price of mass transport gem should be less than 10USD. Then it is reasonable.quote>

How much was the Rush Hour expansion? $15? I'd pay the same for a Cities XL mass transit expansion.

quote>

So would I but it would rub me the wrong way. Even vanilla SC4 had basic mass transportation. But there's a much better chance of me paying a one-time $15 fee than ever paying a monthly fee for something that should be in the base game.

[cheuk18me94 0]

So will there be any extention pack for single player mode of cities xl? I'm looking forward to having there extention pack in future.

[007 0]

I paid for the extra content and I am proud of it! Think about it, the costs that we have to pay are very cheap and I don't know how much the people get paid at Monte Cristo, but they worked very hard to make this game to what it is now. They are constantly adding new content for the game which can sometimes be very hard to do, especially deciding what content goes in and what content stays out. It's the same concept with DLC for consoles, only that this is for the PC market which came out long before any consoles gaming systems. The main point I'm trying to make is that you should give it some time and a few chances, and if you still don't like it, then simply don't play it...I enjoy these games a lot, so that is why I would pay for the extra content!

[JakeMD 107]

read

[cheuk18me94 0]

What is the meaning of read?

Will there have any expansion pack for mass transit?

[Kredit 0]

Originally posted by: deanco

Originally posted by: Overkast

I haven't bought the game yet, and reading all of these issues is really discouraging to me now. I think the game looks fantastic and I really and truly want to get the game. But MC is really pissing me off on a variety of levels because they're getting so much of the equation all wrong.

It seems like every action they've made for this game is centered completely around how much extra cash they can squeeze out of an audience. Don't they even realize they're marketing to a specific niche audience such as the Simtropolis community – who are a collection of insightful, dedicated city-building enthusiasts who have taken countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears of their own time to expand functionality of a game like SC4?

I think MC is completely insulting it's own audience by releasing an incomplete product and trying to buy themselves more time and funding to finish the game through the current PO model. And their extreme measures to segregate against single-players is so morally wrong its... well... opressive. And in the middle of a global recession on top of it!!!

The irony to me is that in trying to build a sustainable cash-flow gimmick in the PO model, MC is doing quite the opposite for themselves with the bad taste they're leaving in our mouthes. Pretty much sealing the fate on their own game IMO.

Oh, yeah –  I'd like to mention that they also dissed me too when I emailed them asking to get an activation to try the demo a day after they closed down the demo trials. They said the "full retail version will have a trial disc in it for a friend." Oh really? Thanks guys... you won't even let me try the game out without trying to guarantee yourself $40 in the pocket from a full game purchase. Really??? Who doesn't offer free trials for their games????!!!!! It was obvious to me from that point that MC had something to hide in this game, or they just didn't give a hoot about a long-term strategy. This thread pretty much reinforces my speculation and highlights how little concern for their audience they really have.

Don't expect much from MC going forward eveyone – I certainly don't.

quote>

BAM!!!

Great post, brutally honest, right on target, well said.

quote>

Funny how you see it that way, while all I see is yet another rant from someone who seems to think companies should design their business plan and marketing strategy around his personal views and ideas...

I'm not a "fanboy", I agree MC has made a couple of "mistakes" with this launch, I also agree that a number of essential features aren't released yet...

However, I most certainly do not agree that  "MC is completely insulting it's own audience", or that "their extreme measures to segregate against single-players is so morally wrong its... well... opressive. And in the middle of a global recession on top of it!!!"

That's just a complete overreaction... it's a game. MC is a company that makes games. They have to balance budget, investments, revenues. They have to come up with a marketing strategy and payment plan to please everyone. They have to actually make the game... And even though reading internet gaming forums would lead you to believe otherwise, all of this is far from easy.

Yes, of course, programmers and game designers would love to make "the perfect game". However, that's not possible. Mainly because of 2 reasons:

-Everyone's "perfect game" is different.

-You have to earn enough to pay for development, which means development resources are limited. So you will have to make concessions, which means it won't be "perfect".

So what they end up doing is to try and make a game "as close to perfect" as they can (and remember that that will be "perfect" defined by a team of programmers, designers, marketing execs, finance execs, etc.) with the available resources. And of course, by trying to increase the available resources, you can get closer to perfection...

Ok, that was a bit of a rant, but there's a point: I see a lot of people on this forum (and other gaming forums as well) getting very worked up about how companies design and market their games. Which is fine, I guess, but often people also seem to think that this should "do" something to companies.... or, that these companies have some sort of "obligation" to gamers to produce the game they want or expect.

Obviously, that's ridiculous. Of course you can offer your opinion. Maybe they will do something with it, maybe they won't. And if you don't like the way they do business, or market their product, or their product itself for that matter, you can choose not to buy it. It's not like food or water or healthcare or education... a "good city building game" is not one of the globally accepted basic rights of humans.

It's the same as people complaining about bands that have "lost their edge" or  "gone commercial". Of course you can think it's a waste (as I often do). Of course you can express this opinion. But would you really expect your opinion to matter? I wouldn't... All you can do is not buy their new album, and not go to their concerts.

So, in short: Stop all the "it's a slap in the face!" "how dare they produce a city builder that doesn't have X/Y/Z!" it's silly...

MC is just another company making another game... they will make it and market it the way they think is best. If you don't agree, you can tell them. And then you can either stay or leave based on their reaction. You can hardly blame them for not agreeing with your vision of "the perfect game", or expect them to value your opinion over those of execs and shareholders though...

[Kredit 0]

Originally posted by: gabry85

Originally posted by: Ilikeseattle

They closed the demo because they needed the server space for the paid for Planet Offer. It makes perfect sense to do so.quote>

Dude, keep in mind this: Nobody will ever buy a game if they can't try it for free, especially in this crisis. Unless of course they got money to dump somewhere, go ahead. I've seen many people supporting this game because they like it or they want to try it and I'm perfectly fine with that. But, honestly, everyone makes mistakes, even... well... Monte Cristo (oh, the heresy!). Give me a break! You always sound like "It's all fine. Just relax. It has potential. There's nothing wr--"

Hang on a sec... where did I hear this before?

quote>

"Dude, keep in mind this: Nobody will ever buy a game if they can't try it for free, especially in this crisis."

Dude, keep this in mind: Nobody will ever be able to make a sweeping generalisation like this without it being rubbish, except for this one.

I bought the game, without trying it... in this crisis, no less! So, you're wrong. And since there was no room for nuance in your statement, you're not just a bit off mark, you're about as wrong as you can be  

... I'm glad you're "fine" with people supporting this game because they like it or they want to try it though. Really, that's very noble of you!

(don't take all of this to seriously, just having a bit of lighthearted fun here... all these "oh noes teh world will end!" posts work on my funny bone)

[nivking 0]

They should first patch the game free of charge with the content i was promised. (micro manegement as a ceo, etc.)

untill than i feel ripped off and will not even concider a subscription to PO.
the pay to play thing is not worth it if you still have to buy the content seperatly.

so my answer is simply NO.
i feel ripped off.

[zerosugar 0]

i wouldnt be happy if they made us pay for the single player stuff.  I payed £29.99 for a single player game and im paying per month for the right to get this new content.  Thats the way they put it in there own words, so no, i expect everything recieve through planet offer to equally work on single player, if i have to pay more, i wont be buying it

[smg77 0]

Originally posted by: zerosugar

i wouldnt be happy if they made us pay for the single player stuff.  I payed £29.99 for a single player game and im paying per month for the right to get this new content.  Thats the way they put it in there own words, so no, i expect everything recieve through planet offer to equally work on single player, if i have to pay more, i wont be buying itquote>

Planet offer only items will only ever be available online. Otherwise people would just subscribe for a month to get the special items and then unsubscribe. Remember--they have been very clear that the $40 you paid for the base game means nothing to them and they don't care if you have a playable game or not.

MC has sacrificed the single player game to try and milk a monthly fee out of people who have more money than sense. Now it's even coming out that people who pay the monthly fee will still have to pay more for additional content. The sheer greed of what MC is doing is astonishing.

[cheuk18me94 0]

Therefore, MC is the most greedy company in the world, even much muchmore greedy than robber,burglar,thief.......