do you think Blizzard will expand F2P?
- Thread starter shanker
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Malgibbon
Veteran
I was actually just wondering this in the context of just adding the shadowlands dungeons to F2P when the next expansion comes out. Its a good question. I doubt it goes beyond 20 though.
Getting me to play WoW outside of just what i need for twinking would be a really hard sell. I played WC3 a huge amount and was subbed in wotlk/cata. They've crapped on the story entirely(its just... bad) and they should have probably made WC4 before WOD - when they exhausted all of the content WC3 made. So while saying i doubt it goes beyond 20, there may be a moment where they shit themselves and up the level cap if subs continue to decline. They've had other MMOS come out and they're always painted as a 'wowkiller' and never really pan out. My guess is they wait and see for an expansion or two.
Getting me to play WoW outside of just what i need for twinking would be a really hard sell. I played WC3 a huge amount and was subbed in wotlk/cata. They've crapped on the story entirely(its just... bad) and they should have probably made WC4 before WOD - when they exhausted all of the content WC3 made. So while saying i doubt it goes beyond 20, there may be a moment where they shit themselves and up the level cap if subs continue to decline. They've had other MMOS come out and they're always painted as a 'wowkiller' and never really pan out. My guess is they wait and see for an expansion or two.
Zemmix
A.B.C.
I dunno.
They already did by a lot. I'd imagine it'd be some time before they do anymore. Maybe the next time they do a level squish? I'm not sure what their plans going forward are for leveling. Will the next expansion be 65? 70? Will they simply not increase level, but find another way to do it so they can retain the endgame level cap the same?
I think, as with most things, they state of F2P depends on the state of endgame.
Considering I have some 3,000 quests or so to burn through now, I'm more than content with what I can do context wise on my F2P account.
They already did by a lot. I'd imagine it'd be some time before they do anymore. Maybe the next time they do a level squish? I'm not sure what their plans going forward are for leveling. Will the next expansion be 65? 70? Will they simply not increase level, but find another way to do it so they can retain the endgame level cap the same?
I think, as with most things, they state of F2P depends on the state of endgame.
Considering I have some 3,000 quests or so to burn through now, I'm more than content with what I can do context wise on my F2P account.
ohti
Guest
They already did
icehawk
The Beast Within
I don’t think it will change from 20. There is so much content at 20, and with 1k gold limit, can’t see a need for them to expand F2P further.
Possibly at the next X-Pac, they may slip in SL’s, but then they may also make it like Cata and just put it out of our reach, which is more likely.
Possibly at the next X-Pac, they may slip in SL’s, but then they may also make it like Cata and just put it out of our reach, which is more likely.
Eleannor
Azeroth's Champion
Next expansion, I believe Shadowlands will enter the Chromie Time and become one of the available expansions to level from 10 to 60 (which might allow F2Ps to experience it).
I think any changes made to F2Ps will mostly be a consequence of increasing the level limit from 20 to any other number that makes sense to them (like 30, for flying mounts and Cataclysm).
Also, depending of how FF14 does it, some features might open for F2Ps, like forming guilds and YELLING!
I think any changes made to F2Ps will mostly be a consequence of increasing the level limit from 20 to any other number that makes sense to them (like 30, for flying mounts and Cataclysm).
Also, depending of how FF14 does it, some features might open for F2Ps, like forming guilds and YELLING!
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Vandiir
Legend
I quietly doubt much more will be added than what's already available (besides shadowlands being added to battlechest when a new expansion comes, which has been a pattern for a long, long time).
As for "possibilities" like access to /yell, or less chat restrictions or anything related to chat limits, I highly doubt that'll happen in the future, if at all.
Long time ago [since before/during Cata expansion], Blizz implemented chat restrictions on trial accounts in response to gold sellers abusing throwaway trial accounts to spam gold-selling/etc. ads in-game [I don't know how accurate this was though]. And prior to Shadowland expansion's arrival, Blizz turned off the ability for higher-levels to see default /emote chats from F2Ps [probably to curb a emote "loophole" involving /point pet {with pet name being an arbitrary name or "sentence-title"}, though that's just my guess]. Given that history, I doubt the chat/communication restrictions within WoW will lessen.
And FFXIV's chat limits for trials (given this FFXIV UI info/terms-"translator") is very similar to WoWs, though a "little more open" in a sense [assuming party chat as a workaround for trials not allowed to "whisper", while trials in FFXIV can chat in /say to everyone(?) close by, and talk in more chat channels (Linkshells)].
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Dragpz
Legend
Yes, of course they will expand it. They already expanded it once, so there's a bright outlook that they will expand it again, even though there's no guarantees. I'm curious if F2Ps will get access to Shadowlands once the next Expac comes out.
It is indeed very similar. You do have access to /say, and linkshells, though most people don't really use it that often. As a Free Trial though in FFXIV, you have access to the Novice Network (NN), which is kinda like Newcomer Chat from WoW, except it's ALOT more active because Veteran players (Mentors) use it as sorta a "Global" chat or "LookingForGroup" chat to talk about random crap or look for groups. You can also VISIT other servers and invade their Novice Network chat, giving you access to almost every server's "Global" chat. This is one of the best things, I'd say about FFXIV's Free Trial experience. However the game itself is very
, and even as a Free Trial, you're looking at least 120 hours of pure Main Story boredom. The Dungeons are good, but I could barely work through main storyline till level 40 (out of the max level 60 as F2P), before I fell asleep and came back to WoW
It is indeed very similar. You do have access to /say, and linkshells, though most people don't really use it that often. As a Free Trial though in FFXIV, you have access to the Novice Network (NN), which is kinda like Newcomer Chat from WoW, except it's ALOT more active because Veteran players (Mentors) use it as sorta a "Global" chat or "LookingForGroup" chat to talk about random crap or look for groups. You can also VISIT other servers and invade their Novice Network chat, giving you access to almost every server's "Global" chat. This is one of the best things, I'd say about FFXIV's Free Trial experience. However the game itself is very
, and even as a Free Trial, you're looking at least 120 hours of pure Main Story boredom. The Dungeons are good, but I could barely work through main storyline till level 40 (out of the max level 60 as F2P), before I fell asleep and came back to WoW
F2P flying mounts 
I don't remember when precisely, but someone told me one day "people playing WoW for free and who are active on it" can be considered as freeloaders. That means they are useful for Blizzard, because even if they don't pay the game they still undirectly contribute to the game by being active on it.
From a marketing point a view, I guess it's better to get most F2P players on its own game instead of another rival game. At least, freeloaders will be more tempted to buy a WoW subscription one day than a FFXIV subscription, for example.
Just saw this article a moment ago:
https://www.engadget.com/2013-03-27-how-freeloaders-help-free-to-play-games-succeed.html
Yep, that's it. That means somehow we are all useful because without us, this game would be dead. And even if we will never pay the game, others would potentially do because they heard about this game thanks to us and would be more tempted to buy a subscription.
I think Blizzard will always try to find the right balance between limitations and free content. How to limitate this game enough to make players want to buy the content, but also how to make sure players will remain here instead of going to somewhere else.
One thing interesting to note is that Shadowlands is the first major expansion in which we got access to a lot of new things. So why did this happen? Why at that time, and not before?
I still don't have the answers, but it's maybe because FFXIV increased his F2P content in 2020.
https://www.pcgamesn.com/final-fantasy-xiv/free-trial-level-60
Blizzard might have felt threatened, which would have led the marketing department to the conclusion the F2P WoW trial should give access to more content, to avoid freeloaders to departure from WoW for ever.
In that sense, we might expect new F2P content in the next years as long as there is still rivalry with others games. Once again, that doesn't mean we'll get better amazing content like level 40 or more. But we'll probably get enough, to make players want to remain on WoW instead of leaving it.
From a marketing point a view, I guess it's better to get most F2P players on its own game instead of another rival game. At least, freeloaders will be more tempted to buy a WoW subscription one day than a FFXIV subscription, for example.
Just saw this article a moment ago:
https://www.engadget.com/2013-03-27-how-freeloaders-help-free-to-play-games-succeed.html
"The article lists three primary reasons why non-paying customers help a game. The first is that they bring new users via word of mouth, and a certain percentage of those new users will become paying customers. The second is that freeloaders can show appreciation in other ways, such as cross-promotion between games and generating community content. Finally, this segment of players can be the targets of advertising, which is in itself a huge revenue generator."
Yep, that's it. That means somehow we are all useful because without us, this game would be dead. And even if we will never pay the game, others would potentially do because they heard about this game thanks to us and would be more tempted to buy a subscription.
I think Blizzard will always try to find the right balance between limitations and free content. How to limitate this game enough to make players want to buy the content, but also how to make sure players will remain here instead of going to somewhere else.
One thing interesting to note is that Shadowlands is the first major expansion in which we got access to a lot of new things. So why did this happen? Why at that time, and not before?
I still don't have the answers, but it's maybe because FFXIV increased his F2P content in 2020.
https://www.pcgamesn.com/final-fantasy-xiv/free-trial-level-60
Blizzard might have felt threatened, which would have led the marketing department to the conclusion the F2P WoW trial should give access to more content, to avoid freeloaders to departure from WoW for ever.
In that sense, we might expect new F2P content in the next years as long as there is still rivalry with others games. Once again, that doesn't mean we'll get better amazing content like level 40 or more. But we'll probably get enough, to make players want to remain on WoW instead of leaving it.
Daltert Moropi
Legend
Like I said in other discussions, I’d think in 2-3 expansions we could see us (both btp and ftp) go to lvl 30.
Flying and a few raids might be fun to do as well.
If they go higher though, that’ll probably incentivise people to think wow is going ftp and might jump ship because of that.
Flying and a few raids might be fun to do as well.
If they go higher though, that’ll probably incentivise people to think wow is going ftp and might jump ship because of that.
Magrain
Veteran
I was thinking of that too way back in MoP and WoD days when I was f2p. But seeing what they did in SL, im not really looking forward for them to expand that bracket anymore than what it is now. Hell rn I dont really like what they did with it, the Chromie thing just bothers the fuck out of me. And getting stuck to 2 shitty dungeons BFA has to offer is an insult. So I cannot imagine Blizzard expanding it and gathering more player-base and community, I have said it and I will say it again, im an asshole gatekeeper im afraid. I hate seeing too many new faces and the off-chance of attracting degenerate people. I loved the f2p thing back when it was only surrounded to a portion of the player-base. Of course im not saying expanding isnt bad either, but to my extent of view, I see the negative aspects of expansion to f2p overweighs the positives. Imagine extending lvl from 20 to 30 while still limiting f2p players to Dazar'alor and Freehold.
(Edit: No, if Blizzard did not fall from its high half-assed horse, they will never consider to extend f2p.)
TLDR: Go read it yourself.
(Edit: No, if Blizzard did not fall from its high half-assed horse, they will never consider to extend f2p.)
TLDR: Go read it yourself.
OP
OP
shanker
OG
FFXIV has a community of players trial capped at 50, playing only free part of game and min/max it. sorta like we have WOW players min/maxing at 50 with BFA capped accounts, but pay to do so.
the BFA players are in a limited time mode though till the next expac rolls when the WOW base game becomes SL capped
right now there is alot of speculation on if blizzard will do continued 50 squishes of only level 60 players back to 50 prior to each expac release? like SL and every expac after will be 50-60 content?
imagine the power creep of 50s with left over systems left intact like HOA and gear was, SL covenant abilites.
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blizzard does alot of stealth changes concerning like players above XX-level no longer seeing chats from F2Ps that you mention. in BFA asmongold went off on store mounts (not new), but he mentioned players should do a /spit on players using store mounts. his army of spergs went to work. i can imagine low level trials also using /say to roast paid account high level players. i believe this may have caused the /say nerf to F2Ps
with SL having so much issues, i am amazed they still mess around with F2Ps wasting time and resources. yet, they use covid as a excuse to lag on SL . at start of SL they nerfed the F2P ability t o use the WOD mission reward tokens that can proc +3/6/9 for armor/weapons. yet you can get missions that award upgrades specifically and use them
prior to SL if you went inactive on a Vet account, you could still turn on XP after the account was unsubbed. now you have to do the GM ticket lottery to get it turned on if you forgot.
recently after patch 9.1 my 20s can no longer open the legion class hall chest/crate of champions. whats next when they figure we are taking followers to 900 they will gate the the armor upgrades also.
yet crusader enchant is still not ever been nerfed or squished for 7 years, 49 art wpn, bramble, etc
Gandara
Veteran
Small correction: FFXIV's free trial goes up to 60, not 50. It offers the entirety of the base game (A Realm Reborn) AND the whole Heavensward expansion, which caps at 60. That being said, the scope of what the trial offers is far more abundant and generous than that of WoW's, even after Shadowlands expanded it. Players have access to high-end PvE content such as hard mode dungeons, Extreme trials, Alliance Raids, regular raids and their savage counterparts, albeit not having access to PvP (but who cares about pvp in FFXIV anyways, it fucking sucks).
On that note I would love to see Blizzard expanding their trial period further to include at least some sort of raiding content. As it is right now, sure, one may be able to explore the world and see a lot of zones, read quest texts and such, but the trial is not enough to have a solid grasp of what the game really has to offer. Needless to say, PvP is the most interesting aspect of the trial. If Blizzard were to expand the trial to say level 30, that alone would open the game a lot more since at least early raiding content would be available. Wouldn't it be cool if players could do something like Project 30 entirely for free? While I doubt this would happen, damn would be it be cool if so! That would also mean, of course, that classes would have more fleshed out kits allowing for a more fun and understanding experience of how they work.
I'm all for a free trial expansion, even though it is not likely to happen anytime soon, if any at all.
On that note I would love to see Blizzard expanding their trial period further to include at least some sort of raiding content. As it is right now, sure, one may be able to explore the world and see a lot of zones, read quest texts and such, but the trial is not enough to have a solid grasp of what the game really has to offer. Needless to say, PvP is the most interesting aspect of the trial. If Blizzard were to expand the trial to say level 30, that alone would open the game a lot more since at least early raiding content would be available. Wouldn't it be cool if players could do something like Project 30 entirely for free? While I doubt this would happen, damn would be it be cool if so! That would also mean, of course, that classes would have more fleshed out kits allowing for a more fun and understanding experience of how they work.
I'm all for a free trial expansion, even though it is not likely to happen anytime soon, if any at all.
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