My doubts | Forums

[Saladcompose]

Stil no news
I thought I would take the advice of ImperialDane and start a topic about it maybe I can start a discussion.


Am I the only one who is bothered by "develop your kingdom without any limits , be a part of the story" and "one of our main objectives is to ensure the game is balanced" ?(these are the paying user features + ranking)

Maybe it's not a big thing and I would subscribe anyway but to me it sounds like paying members do get a gameplay advantage and this "be a part of the story" thing also sounds like you are missing out on the fun or is it just me ?

[vizier.mv]

The most important part of the quote comes next: "that is why we don't plan to include any item selling system or any other buyable features / specific skills."

That single quote really tells me that the devs "get it." Micro-transaction monetization is really just a legitimated form of cheating when it is allows players to buy their way ahead of others. The very fact that players wish to do so indicates that the "game" is really just a grind to punch the clock and collect resources. And that ultimately isn't a very good game at all.

Instead, HOMM:K appears to be monetizing around the idea of having players pay for desirable features that don't effect core gameplay. So things like a narrative/quest layer or appearing on the rankings won't change your ability to enjoy and play the game, but do offer the true fan something extra for their dollars.

As for "develop your kingdom without limits," a plain-language interpretation would seem to say that people who pay won't face a limit on the number of cities they can have. How this actually plays out we'll just have to see. For example, maybe the building cap will limit free players to having 6 cities -- but maybe most players won't bother to make more than 6 anyway.

So I wouldn't worry too much. I really think the devs of this game, guided by the HOMM spirit, are working hard to make it an excellent browser-based strategy game in the best tradition of the series.

[arturchix]

Hi, vizier.mv, that's a nice website you've created - I'm looking forward to read it once the open beta starts.

[Saladcompose]

Originally posted by vizier.mv:
The most important part of the quote comes next: "that is why we don't plan to include any item selling system or any other buyable features / specific skills."

That single quote really tells me that the devs "get it." Micro-transaction monetization is really just a legitimated form of cheating when it is allows players to buy their way ahead of others. The very fact that players wish to do so indicates that the "game" is really just a grind to punch the clock and collect resources. And that ultimately isn't a very good game at all.

Instead, HOMM:K appears to be monetizing around the idea of having players pay for desirable features that don't effect core gameplay. So things like a narrative/quest layer or appearing on the rankings won't change your ability to enjoy and play the game, but do offer the true fan something extra for their dollars.

As for "develop your kingdom without limits," a plain-language interpretation would seem to say that people who pay won't face a limit on the number of cities they can have. How this actually plays out we'll just have to see. For example, maybe the building cap will limit free players to having 6 cities -- but maybe most players won't bother to make more than 6 anyway.

So I wouldn't worry too much. I really think the devs of this game, guided by the HOMM spirit, are working hard to make it an excellent browser-based strategy game in the best tradition of the series.

Yeah that's how I imagined "develop your kingdom without limits" too(city cap) if the cap is high enough it won't affect gameplay but the hardcore players would still see it as desirable but it's still an advantage but not as sever as in other browser games.

Quests and their sort are mostly used as tutorials. I can't imagine how narrative/quest layer would work especially without giving an advantage(I mean you comlete the quest you should get some reward right?)

@arturchix

Hah evil mod derails my thread

@vizier.mv(again)

I think you were a bit unfair with Ikariam considering that it's still beta(a beta with paying features )

[ImperialDane]

Well the story bits are paid for yeah, and yeah that doesn't make much sense to me seeing as i imagine this is a stunt to attract more people before the announcement of HoMM VI and then funnel them towards it, so it would make more sense to have that as a free bit and then let them be a part of the story right away. Of course the other way they ensure that they show it to those who are actually interesting i suppose..

[vizier.mv]

Originally posted by arturchix:
Hi, vizier.mv, that's a nice website you've created - I'm looking forward to read it once the open beta starts.

Thanks! I'm pretty sure HOMM:K is gonna be great so I thought it deserved a proper fan page. And hopefully I get into the beta soon so I can start working up good content and tools for launch day.

As for Ikariam, the flaws in that game are simple: it isn't fun and has no real strategic component.

[Kartabon]

Originally posted by vizier.mv:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by arturchix:
Hi, vizier.mv, that's a nice website you've created - I'm looking forward to read it once the open beta starts.

Thanks! I'm pretty sure HOMM:K is gonna be great so I thought it deserved a proper fan page. And hopefully I get into the beta soon so I can start working up good content and tools for launch day.

As for Ikariam, the flaws in that game are simple: it isn't fun and has no real strategic component. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Webpage is really good vizier.mv I have to congrat you too Hope it will grow up when the game will be released