Guild Wars 2

If the bundling, pricing, and information were fair, would the community be so upset?

That’s a rhetorical question. The answer is obviously no. Given the huge negative response, you can be sure that there are several things wrong with the HoT pre-order options. And it’s not just the marketing.

Fanboy-level devotion is really sort of disgusting. Stop telling people to stop complaining—you have neither the right nor the power.

Edit: to be clear, I don’t like to pre-order games. I occasionally consider it, but honestly, I know it’s always a ripoff. My issue with HoT pre-order options are threefold. I won’t put them here, since there is obviously a lot of discussion in the megathreads about reasons. I’m just speaking the simple truth here that just because you are a devoted white knight of ArenaNet, that doesn’t mean you get to tell agitated consumers to “shut up.”

Haven’t seen this level of fanboying since swtor pre launch era and ff14 original version first launched. Always thought gw2 community was better than this but we’re just human right?

The whining in this forum is quickly reaching ArcheAge levels

its mainly because those who have already bought the game feel slighted because they pay for the same amount as someone who doesnt already have the game, yet the the new person gets the core game as well

the veterans who are complaining are annoyed that newcomers are getting more for their buck

Channel.9402:

Haven’t seen this level of fanboying since swtor

Speaking of crushing disappointments…

It’s just gamer entitlement with a nice thick gravy of greed poured over.

Darkwolfer.7819:

People normally go out of their way to complain. People who are satisfied generally do not. Therefore your numbers are skewed thinking that the mass majority of players are upset.

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

Wow, telling us to shut up? Who do you think you are? I’m not happy either.

Getefix.9150:

its mainly because those who have already bought the game feel slighted because they pay for the same amount as someone who doesnt already have the game, yet the the new person gets the core game as well

the veterans who are complaining are annoyed that newcomers are getting more for their buck

First of all, I’m a veteran and I think the complaining is being done by people who have really kittenty jobs.

Everyone gets the same thing. Just start another account and take advantage of your new “free” core game.

Darkwolfer.7819:

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

well, that’s a nice attitude you’ve got there, but it’s about as constructive as a lit stick of dynamite.

the way that companies and customers get the best relationship – and the best value – form each other is by communicating. after all, you can spend a million dollars on ten ideas and none sell, or you could ask people what they want, spend a fraction of the money, and have it sell well.

feedback is an important source of information to companies. true, much of the feedback on the forums is excessive, confused and contradictory, but knowing what their fanbase thinks is going to help Anet a lot more than not.

if people just don’t buy it, then Anet sees the low sales, and thinks “what went wrong?”
if people don’t buy it, and explain why (preferably with polite, constructive feedback) then Anet can fix the problem.

Thrudrheim.8143:

Darkwolfer.7819:

People normally go out of their way to complain. People who are satisfied generally do not. Therefore your numbers are skewed thinking that the mass majority of players are upset.

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

Wow, telling us to shut up? Who do you think you are? I’m not happy either.

Of course you’re not happy because you not getting what you want. As far as who I think I am… I’m Batman!

Darkwolfer.7819:

Thrudrheim.8143:

Darkwolfer.7819:

People normally go out of their way to complain. People who are satisfied generally do not. Therefore your numbers are skewed thinking that the mass majority of players are upset.

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

Wow, telling us to shut up? Who do you think you are? I’m not happy either.

Of course you’re not happy because you not getting what you want. As far as who I think I am… I’m Batman!

Just leave the topic you’re making yourself look more dumb than you already are.

Maladon.5760:

Getefix.9150:

its mainly because those who have already bought the game feel slighted because they pay for the same amount as someone who doesnt already have the game, yet the the new person gets the core game as well

the veterans who are complaining are annoyed that newcomers are getting more for their buck

First of all, I’m a veteran and I think the complaining is being done by people who have really kittenty jobs.

Everyone gets the same thing. Just start another account and take advantage of your new “free” core game.

i am also a veteran (playing since gw1 and gw2 headstart + beta) but the thing is, you only get one code, HoT + guildwars2 in one code so you cant separate them out, you COULD use the code to create a whole new account, but your main characters wont have access to the expansion – my suggestion is, wait and see if the price drops/you can buy HoT on its own (if you’re THAT bothered, ive already bought the expansion)

Darkwolfer.7819:

People normally go out of their way to complain. People who are satisfied generally do not. Therefore your numbers are skewed thinking that the mass majority of players are upset.

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

This is openly false. Most negative customer comments are circulated within communities of common interest so… nah. The gaslighting is neither cute nor subtle.

If you don’t like the complaining, ignore it and shut up. (See what I did there?)

upsdn.5426:

If the bundling, pricing, and information were fair, would the community be so upset?

That’s a rhetorical question. The answer is obviously no. Given the huge negative response, you can be sure that there are several things wrong with the HoT pre-order options. And it’s not just the marketing.

Fanboy-level devotion is really sort of disgusting. Stop telling people to stop complaining—you have neither the right nor the power.

Free country. We have as much right to have our say. Power, no, but right, yes.

For what its worth, though, I think most people saying to not complain are trying to point out that, aside from free character slot and base game being included, we don’t know enough to say whether the content is worthy or not.

I think my real issue with the complaining is this: the price for the standard edition really is in line with most other expansions of other games, who have tended to average the $40-$60 price range.

Of course, they haven’t generally included the base game, and they HAVE generally included a free character slot, but honestly, if they weren’t including the base game, it would be one character slot shy of what any other mmo expansion has offered.

Which basically translates to, “we are mad because you decided to include for free something that no other mmo has done, even though we are getting an average-priced expansion for the average price. Oh, and no free character slot.”

They are giving newcomers something for free that they aren’t giving veterans. Really, it’s kind of pathetic to whine about that. If this had been most other mmos, it would have been roughly the same cost, WITHOUT the base.

You aren’t losing anything. All this rage is for the company giving newcomers something for free. It seems rather petty to me, to be honest.

They should probably have included the free character slot though.

The level of entitlment is epic

No one hear honestly beleives this will stop even if Anet makes changes this whiny entitled generation of kids has found it’s way into every level of gaming. They lower the price they’ll QQ for a character slot if they do that they’ll complain the $100 is to high.

Vocal minority the same people posting on multiple forums and starting disputes in game with this nonsense. If you don’t like then don’t buy wait a year for when it’s cheaper this kids are out to convince everyone to their own selfish views they wish for people to not preorder HoT so they can attempt to build the numbers to pressure Anet. Which isn’t going to happen as far as I’m concerned these people would rather see an end to the game other than they or even other people pay $50 for the game because they don’t respect other people or there ideals. Sort of like politics getting mixed in with our gaming. I know I’ll get flamed out of the hundreds that viewed this post there is bound to be someone vocal enough to complain about this post.

Getefix.9150:

its mainly because those who have already bought the game feel slighted because they pay for the same amount as someone who doesnt already have the game, yet the the new person gets the core game as well

the veterans who are complaining are annoyed that newcomers are getting more for their buck

Except that isn’t true. You got three years worth of living story, some of it which is still available, but only for a gem cost for those not already on here.

Would they be right to rage because they have to pay for something that veterans got for free?

Getefix.9150:

its mainly because those who have already bought the game feel slighted because they pay for the same amount as someone who doesnt already have the game, yet the the new person gets the core game as well

the veterans who are complaining are annoyed that newcomers are getting more for their buck

Except that isn’t true. You got three years worth of living story, some of it which is still available, but only for a gem cost for those not already on here.

Would they be right to rage because they have to pay for something that veterans got for free?

Maladon.5760:

Getefix.9150:

its mainly because those who have already bought the game feel slighted because they pay for the same amount as someone who doesnt already have the game, yet the the new person gets the core game as well

the veterans who are complaining are annoyed that newcomers are getting more for their buck

First of all, I’m a veteran and I think the complaining is being done by people who have really kittenty jobs.

Everyone gets the same thing. Just start another account and take advantage of your new “free” core game.

Aint that the truth. Seriously. Buy the expansion and use it as a NEW account and you will get everything the newcomers are!

GranspearZX.5624:

Darkwolfer.7819:

People normally go out of their way to complain. People who are satisfied generally do not. Therefore your numbers are skewed thinking that the mass majority of players are upset.

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

This is openly false. Most negative customer comments are circulated within communities of common interest so… nah. The gaslighting is neither cute nor subtle.

If you don’t like the complaining, ignore it and shut up. (See what I did there?)

but constructive criticism is more useful than simply whining though (seriously, have you seen some of the posts? “boycott HoT”, “can anet be prosecuted” etc

i can see where the justfied criticism comes from, my advice is wait and see if they decide to bring out a simple upgrade to HoT (which wont be any cheaper seeing how the core game was added for free) or at least one with a character slot or something… or just wait until release this isnt a preorder, its a pre-purchase so its gonna be more exensive

Windsagio.1340:

It’s just gamer entitlement with a nice thick gravy of greed poured over.

So it’s greed to be asking to be treated fairly like the new customer are ?
Then sure I’m the most greedy man ever.

Maladon.5760:

The whining in this forum is quickly reaching ArcheAge levels

Archeage. We’re still waiting for land…lol

Morfedel.4165:

Except that isn’t true. You got three years worth of living story, some of it which is still available, but only for a gem cost for those not already on here.

Would they be right to rage because they have to pay for something that veterans got for free?

Because they wasn’t there at that time; it’s the newcomers fault if they didn’t experience it; not mine.
Whereas in this case; As a veteran I’m being shafted while I’m there & the newcomer get a bonus.
Double standard between veteran & newcomer.
Sure; this is very fair.

Gray.9041:

Darkwolfer.7819:

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

well, that’s a nice attitude you’ve got there, but it’s about as constructive as a lit stick of dynamite.

the way that companies and customers get the best relationship – and the best value – form each other is by communicating. after all, you can spend a million dollars on ten ideas and none sell, or you could ask people what they want, spend a fraction of the money, and have it sell well.

feedback is an important source of information to companies. true, much of the feedback on the forums is excessive, confused and contradictory, but knowing what their fanbase thinks is going to help Anet a lot more than not.

if people just don’t buy it, then Anet sees the low sales, and thinks “what went wrong?”
if people don’t buy it, and explain why (preferably with polite, constructive feedback) then Anet can fix the problem.

I don’t disagree with what you said however public game forums are not the best way. Perhaps a focus group setting would be better. All I am stating is I’m tired of the forums blown up by a bunch of spoiled brats.

Yes spoiled brats who feel THEY know what is best. Ever heard about opinions? Has anyone stopped and asked, hey I wonder what ANet’s overhead is. I mean everyone seems to forget that game companies have bills. Everything is going up including developer costs. If they have a good developer how are they supposed to keep them if they can’t pay competitive wages because the public is irked about the cost of a product.

Ok so it isn’t the price it is the free core tacked on to xpac. You know what… don’t you want more people to play with? That is all they are trying to do is make it easier for people to get into the game not hurt veteran players feelings. The should know that since most players are prepubescent boys that this is how they would react though. That is their folly. People want an extra character slot… well maybe ANet should do it only for current owners of the core game right? I don’t disagree with that but I also ain’t gonna get my undies in a bunch if they don’t. It is not like I’m going to have a heart-to-heart with whomever is in charge of the decision.

You want to state your opinion, feel free but can all the ragers please do it in one post. We don’t need 10 different posts for/against.

Morfedel.4165:

Getefix.9150:

its mainly because those who have already bought the game feel slighted because they pay for the same amount as someone who doesnt already have the game, yet the the new person gets the core game as well

the veterans who are complaining are annoyed that newcomers are getting more for their buck

Except that isn’t true. You got three years worth of living story, some of it which is still available, but only for a gem cost for those not already on here.

Would they be right to rage because they have to pay for something that veterans got for free?

personally, the price doesnt bother me, how can people get annoyed over costs when theyve had to pay absolutely no monthly fees? if this was WoW, we’d be around… 34 months since release? so we’d have to pay £340 for the same amount of content/playtime…. plus we have no idea how big this expansion will be, giving the content and changes etc, this may well be worth the money

Getefix.9150:

personally, the price doesnt bother me, how can people get annoyed over costs when theyve had to pay absolutely no monthly fees? if this was WoW, we’d be around… 34 months since release? so we’d have to pay £340 for the same amount of content/playtime…. plus we have no idea how big this expansion will be, giving the content and changes etc, this may well be worth the money

I don’t care about WoW, I never will & I never get to that subcription game.
So can we stop with that “oh other MMO have been doing worst”; that I don’t care.

i was just saying that the outcry of price isnt the issue nor should it be one, money to run servers/pay devs and create content has to come from somewhere, all this extra money will give them the funds needed to do extra stuff with the game and make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable

Getefix.9150:

GranspearZX.5624:

Darkwolfer.7819:

People normally go out of their way to complain. People who are satisfied generally do not. Therefore your numbers are skewed thinking that the mass majority of players are upset.

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

This is openly false. Most negative customer comments are circulated within communities of common interest so… nah. The gaslighting is neither cute nor subtle.

If you don’t like the complaining, ignore it and shut up. (See what I did there?)

but constructive criticism is more useful than simply whining though (seriously, have you seen some of the posts? “boycott HoT”, “can anet be prosecuted” etc

i can see where the justfied criticism comes from, my advice is wait and see if they decide to bring out a simple upgrade to HoT (which wont be any cheaper seeing how the core game was added for free) or at least one with a character slot or something… or just wait until release this isnt a preorder, its a pre-purchase so its gonna be more exensive

Yeah, the ‘boycott HoT’ thing is silly. And suing ANet… wow. People being ridiculous on all sides.

I’ve said this before: if people want to drop $50 on what amounts to an Early Access title with no release date… I mean, it’s your money. At this point, even NEW players would be better served buying the Deluxe or Ultimate versions. Which, as far as the marketing team is concerned, the entire point.

papry.8096:

Windsagio.1340:

It’s just gamer entitlement with a nice thick gravy of greed poured over.

So it’s greed to be asking to be treated fairly like the new customer are ?
Then sure I’m the most greedy man ever.

Yes, because it’s not really ‘fairness’.

The entire ‘discussion’ boils down to “I want to pay less”. The rest if framing.

I purchased another copy of the game for my wife not two months ago and now we’ll have to buy the whole thing again at full price to experience the expansion. Not right.

Zephyr.9320:

I purchased another copy of the game for my wife not two months ago and now we’ll have to buy the whole thing again at full price to experience the expansion. Not right.

Customer service. They’re, thankfully, motivated by entirely different parameters than marketing, so they might be able to help.

Maladon.5760:

First of all, I’m a veteran and I think the complaining is being done by people who have really kittenty jobs.

Everyone gets the same thing. Just start another account and take advantage of your new “free” core game.

But if you start a new account you can’t use Heart of Thorns content on your old account with, I assume, your established characters.

papry.8096:

Morfedel.4165:

Except that isn’t true. You got three years worth of living story, some of it which is still available, but only for a gem cost for those not already on here.

Would they be right to rage because they have to pay for something that veterans got for free?

Because they wasn’t there at that time; it’s the newcomers fault if they didn’t experience it; not mine.
Whereas in this case; As a veteran I’m being shafted while I’m there & the newcomer get a bonus.
Double standard between veteran & newcomer.
Sure; this is very fair.

Its the newcomers fault to not get something for free, but you still feel entitled even though you got lots of stuff for free.

Sure. That’s really fair.

Windsagio.1340:

papry.8096:

Windsagio.1340:

It’s just gamer entitlement with a nice thick gravy of greed poured over.

So it’s greed to be asking to be treated fairly like the new customer are ?
Then sure I’m the most greedy man ever.

Yes, because it’s not really ‘fairness’.

The entire ‘discussion’ boils down to “I want to pay less”. The rest if framing.

Gonna selfquote; much faster.

Morfedel.4165:

Except that isn’t true. You got three years worth of living story, some of it which is still available, but only for a gem cost for those not already on here.

Would they be right to rage because they have to pay for something that veterans got for free?

Because they wasn’t there at that time; it’s the newcomers fault if they didn’t experience it; not mine.
Whereas in this case; As a veteran I’m being shafted while I’m there & the newcomer get a bonus.
Double standard between veteran & newcomer.
Sure; this is very fair.

For me the outrage comes from 4 main sources.

Outrage about basic version not including a character slot: Justified. One of the key elements of the expansion is the new class, and doesn’t feel right (to me) to expect people to pay extra money to be able to try it without deleting one existing character. That said, there’s probably enough time between now and release to farm enough gold to buy an extra character slot, specially if they do a sale on them (not unheard of). In my case at least, I did expect a character slot to be included, but just in case I bought one (already had 8 ) on last sale.

Outrage about the price: Personally I don’t think it’s justified. Last WoW expansion was $50, including 30 days game time (have to pay sub after that), the upcoming FF XIV expansion is $40, but from what I’ve read (might be wrong) you don’t get free game time with it. The Secret World Ultimate Edition (which would be equivalent to an expansion IMHO) is $60 including the base game. Unfortunately the days when expansions were $20 or $30 are long over. Personally I was expecting HoT to be between $40 and $60, so I guess I guessed correctly.

Outrage over not being enough content to justify the $50: Personally I’d say it’s not justified… yet. We still don’t know enough to make sure if it’s worth it. We don’t know how many maps, how big they are (we do know about the three levels for each), what kind of instanced content or story will there be, all specializations (what if the spec for your favorite class sucks?) and so on. Whether the little that we know is enough to justify paying the $50 is up to each person to decide. Personally I think the wise thing would be to wait until further info is available before buying. Disclaimer: I’m not wise, I’m buying it as soon as it’s available on amazon (suposedly next week).

Outrage about new players getting a better value: Up to each person to decide, personally I don’t have a problem about the core game being included, and actually I think it was a smart move by Anet. I would have probably gone back to WoW for pandaria if I didn’t have to buy the base game (I had the euro version, wanted to play on US servers) + previous expansions + current one. It cuts down the one big barrier when expansions are released, plus a new player won’t have the three years of gameplay I’ve gotten out of the base game. It’s the same opinions I had when they updated the rewards for the deluxe edition and people were complaining that the ones that bought it earlier didn’t get the new rewards. That said, it would have been a nice bonus (not required, but nice) to existing accounts, maybe by adding an extra character slot or enough gems to buy one (taking care of point 1 above as well).

locoman.1974:

Outrage about new players getting a better value: Up to each person to decide, personally I don’t have a problem about the core game being included, and actually I think it was a smart move by Anet. I would have probably gone back to WoW for pandaria if I didn’t have to buy the base game (I had the euro version, wanted to play on US servers) + previous expansions + current one. It cuts down the one big barrier when expansions are released, plus a new player won’t have the three years of gameplay I’ve gotten out of the base game. It’s the same opinions I had when they updated the rewards for the deluxe edition and people were complaining that the ones that bought it earlier didn’t get the new rewards. That said, it would have been a nice bonus (not required, but nice) to existing accounts, maybe by adding an extra character slot or enough gems to buy one (taking care of point 1 above as well).

I disagree in the bold part this is irrelevant to the discussion.
I’m gonna quote myself:

Morfedel.4165:

Except that isn’t true. You got three years worth of living story, some of it which is still available, but only for a gem cost for those not already on here.

Would they be right to rage because they have to pay for something that veterans got for free?

Because they wasn’t there at that time; it’s the newcomers fault if they didn’t experience it; not mine.
Whereas in this case; As a veteran I’m being shafted while I’m there & the newcomer get a bonus.
Double standard between veteran & newcomer.
This is unfair.

I purchased another copy of the game for my wife not two months ago and now we’ll have to buy the whole thing again at full price to experience the expansion. Not right.

I don’t think the complainers are unanimous. Some want gems, others want slots, some are mad about newbies. Others don’t like the price.

The only valid argument here is the price because of the limited amount of information about the X-pack.

The core game for free to new players is a nice gesture. It’s understandable if existing players cannot receive the core game unless they want to create a new account. Otherwise they can add the X-Pack to their currently existing account.

In terms of cost, after 3 years… video games depreciate fast… go to EB Games and see for yourself. So new players are not gaining alot, I would say the vets still have the advantage, they were able to play and progress throughout the game for 3 years!

Edit: People who recently bought the game should also be considered for some type of expansion arrangement.

evoRobot.4019:

I would say the vets still have the advantage, they were able to play and progress throughout the game for 3 years!

How about people who purchased it during last September’s gigantic marketing push? (AKA NPE/Sept. “feature pack”).

upsdn.5426:

evoRobot.4019:

I would say the vets still have the advantage, they were able to play and progress throughout the game for 3 years!

How about people who purchased it during last September’s gigantic marketing push? (AKA NPE/Sept. “feature pack”).

September was 9 months ago… ages ago.

evoRobot.4019:

I don’t think the complainers are unanimous. Some want gems, others want slots, some are mad about newbies. Others don’t like the price.

Boils down to the very same thing; the current offer is digusting.

evoRobot.4019:

…valid argument here is the price because of the limited amount of information about the X-pack.

On that we agree.

evoRobot.4019:

The core game for free to new players is a nice gesture.

Still agree.

evoRobot.4019:

It’s understandable if existing players cannot receive the core game unless they want to create a new account.
Otherwise they can add the X-Pack to their currently existing account.

No it’s not, you are supposed to get a free copy if you buy the bundle & “the otherwise” is flooded, the very goal of the bundle is to get the expansion

evoRobot.4019:

In terms of cost, after 3 years… video games depreciate fast… go to EB Games and see for yourself. So new players are not gaining alot, I would say the vets still have the advantage, they were able to play and progress throughout the game for 3 years!

this is totally unrelated:

Because the newcomer wasn’t there at that time; it’s the newcomers fault if they didn’t experience it; not mine. I can empathize with them but not be kept responsible for their choice.
Whereas in this case; As a veteran I’m being shafted while I’m there & the newcomer get a bonus.
Double standard between veteran & newcomer; a pretty clear message that Anet doesn’t care about his veteran/existing player.

evoRobot.4019:

upsdn.5426:

evoRobot.4019:

I would say the vets still have the advantage, they were able to play and progress throughout the game for 3 years!

How about people who purchased it during last September’s gigantic marketing push? (AKA NPE/Sept. “feature pack”).

September was 9 months ago… ages ago.

It was 9 months ago. What’s your point? You were wrong in your original statement.

evoRobot.4019:

The core game for free to new players is a nice gesture.

Show me the link where I can download the base game for free. Hint: There isn’t one.

It’s not a nice gesture. It’s a product included in a bundle and given an arbitrary estimated value of $0.

evoRobot.4019:

I would say the vets still have the advantage, they were able to play and progress throughout the game for 3 years.

And they paid $60 for that “privilege”, Anet didn’t do them any favours.

Darkwolfer.7819:

Gray.9041:

Darkwolfer.7819:

If you do not like it, just don’t buy it and SHUT UP

well, that’s a nice attitude you’ve got there, but it’s about as constructive as a lit stick of dynamite.

the way that companies and customers get the best relationship – and the best value – form each other is by communicating. after all, you can spend a million dollars on ten ideas and none sell, or you could ask people what they want, spend a fraction of the money, and have it sell well.

feedback is an important source of information to companies. true, much of the feedback on the forums is excessive, confused and contradictory, but knowing what their fanbase thinks is going to help Anet a lot more than not.

if people just don’t buy it, then Anet sees the low sales, and thinks “what went wrong?”
if people don’t buy it, and explain why (preferably with polite, constructive feedback) then Anet can fix the problem.

I don’t disagree with what you said however public game forums are not the best way. Perhaps a focus group setting would be better. All I am stating is I’m tired of the forums blown up by a bunch of spoiled brats.

Yes spoiled brats who feel THEY know what is best. Ever heard about opinions? Has anyone stopped and asked, hey I wonder what ANet’s overhead is. I mean everyone seems to forget that game companies have bills. Everything is going up including developer costs. If they have a good developer how are they supposed to keep them if they can’t pay competitive wages because the public is irked about the cost of a product.

If you are going to call everyone with a valid reason a ‘spoiled brat’…
Can I call you a mindless fanboy? How about a deluded zealot? You keep trying to defend anet, but you really aren’t helping with the amount of ‘constructive’ posts you’re making.

Also, it is not the player’s job to fund the game developers.
No, far from it.
It is THEIR job to make us WANT to buy the game so they can get money. We are not investors, we are consumers who are looking for something to buy. The fact that they’ve lost consumer trust with fishy marketing, lack of real responses, and not really giving consumers enough details is probably the worst part of this situation. Again, why in the world would you want to buy something from someone you can’t trust?

People like you are making the games industry fail, you are lowering your standards because you are a fan, and you are supporting moneygrubbing attempts, and you seem to believe the playerbase lives to support the developers of any game, but it’s simple. They make something we want, we buy it. We don’t know what they offer, we become skeptical, they lose our trust, we become distrustful.

They can see the opportunity to NOT give us a character slot, so we’d have to get a better edition of the game so we can actually buy or, we’d have to buy gems.

RabbitUp.8294:

evoRobot.4019:

The core game for free to new players is a nice gesture.

Show me the link where I can download the base game for free. Hint: There isn’t one.

It’s not a nice gesture. It’s a product included in a bundle and given an arbitrary estimated value of $0.

evoRobot.4019:

I would say the vets still have the advantage, they were able to play and progress throughout the game for 3 years.

And they paid $60 for that “privilege”, Anet didn’t do them any favours.

The core game comes free with the pre order, look it up on their official facebook.

Yeah it’s great we all bought the game early but they are helping new players, and not obligated to offer us anything. 3 LS and EoTM has been a blast.

Morfedel.4165:

upsdn.5426:

If the bundling, pricing, and information were fair, would the community be so upset?

That’s a rhetorical question. The answer is obviously no. Given the huge negative response, you can be sure that there are several things wrong with the HoT pre-order options. And it’s not just the marketing.

Fanboy-level devotion is really sort of disgusting. Stop telling people to stop complaining—you have neither the right nor the power.

Free country. We have as much right to have our say. Power, no, but right, yes.

For what its worth, though, I think most people saying to not complain are trying to point out that, aside from free character slot and base game being included, we don’t know enough to say whether the content is worthy or not.

I think my real issue with the complaining is this: the price for the standard edition really is in line with most other expansions of other games, who have tended to average the $40-$60 price range.

Of course, they haven’t generally included the base game, and they HAVE generally included a free character slot, but honestly, if they weren’t including the base game, it would be one character slot shy of what any other mmo expansion has offered.

Which basically translates to, “we are mad because you decided to include for free something that no other mmo has done, even though we are getting an average-priced expansion for the average price. Oh, and no free character slot.”

They are giving newcomers something for free that they aren’t giving veterans. Really, it’s kind of pathetic to whine about that. If this had been most other mmos, it would have been roughly the same cost, WITHOUT the base.

You aren’t losing anything. All this rage is for the company giving newcomers something for free. It seems rather petty to me, to be honest.

They should probably have included the free character slot though.

You sir nail it and this should be the face of the people that read your post

evoRobot.4019:

RabbitUp.8294:

evoRobot.4019:

The core game for free to new players is a nice gesture.

Show me the link where I can download the base game for free. Hint: There isn’t one.

It’s not a nice gesture. It’s a product included in a bundle and given an arbitrary estimated value of $0.

evoRobot.4019:

I would say the vets still have the advantage, they were able to play and progress throughout the game for 3 years.

And they paid $60 for that “privilege”, Anet didn’t do them any favours.

The core game comes free with the pre order, look it up on their official facebook.

Yeah it’s great we all bought the game early but they are helping new players, and not obligated to offer us anything. 3 LS and EoTM has been a blast.

Is it really free like they’re saying, or are they tacking on 10 bucks to the expansion and claiming it’s free, so we’d have to pay $50 under the idea that it was free? Also, it’s certainly not ‘free’ for veteran players because they’re still paying $50 and not getting the extra piece, and we’re spending an extra $10 dollars for a character slot if we want to play the new class.

evoRobot.4019:

The core game comes free with the pre order, look it up on their official facebook.

Free for $50 and only if you don’t already own it.

evoRobot.4019:

Yeah it’s great we all bought the game early but they are helping new players, and not obligated to offer us anything. 3 LS and EoTM has been a blast.

Blast or not, we paid for it.

And now, we are not obligated to continue to be their main supporters. It’s strictly a matter of principle, not money. When City of Heroes was shut down, I had spent about $1100 over the years. And I would be happy to spend double that if the game was still running.

But when a company implies that they grew accustomed to milking their loyal customers, so they instead focus on getting fresh blood, I feel the need to point the fact out. And I’m someone who did some whiteknighting for Anet in the past.

And that’s without mention the fact that they LIED about the whole thing, stated that HoT would not be a standalone and would instead require the base version just to grab some cash with their recent sales. And now, they ninja-edit their FAQ and try to charge those same players again. And their “compensation” is allowing them to start a new account and let their existing progress go to waste, which apart from a time investment, might also include gem purchases.

Anet is showing to be either extremely greedy or extremely stupid, and honestly, I’m not having it either way.

Oh yeah, another thread revealed the core game alone is not available, making HoT the new ‘core’ game.