Attention NCSoft: Relook Premium

[MangoHam]

About the inventory and whatever the cashshop has to offer. If they don't change anything to the drop system for level50, you'll be getting over 100-200 ncoins every 3 days. This does mean you'll have to wait for a few months and you know... manage everything. Another method is buying it from people. Aparently its 1gold for 100ncoin. Meaning you can easily get 23 dragon pouches a day if you buy from players and they gift them to you. Personally I've only spend money once on this game and it was for premium, all the other things in the game can easily be gotten by buying it from others.

[Areez]

2 minutes ago, MangoHam said:

About the inventory and whatever the cashshop has to offer. If they don't change anything to the drop system for level50, you'll be getting over 100-200 ncoins every 3 days. This does mean you'll have to wait for a few months and you know... manage everything. Another method is buying it from people. Aparently its 1gold for 100ncoin. Meaning you can easily get 23 dragon pouches a day if you buy from players and they gift them to you. Personally I've only spend money once on this game and it was for premium, all the other things in the game can easily be gotten by buying it from others.

u know thats against the TOS right?^^

u are not able to buy nccoins for gold ingame from other players , will result in a ban

[PandaTakeOver]

10 hours ago, Saccharin said:

 Final Fantasy 14 you get two retainers at about 20 and they each have 100 slots and 20 AH spaces. You can expan that to a further 3-5 but you have to pay a monthly fee. No gil required.

I think you are completely missing the point. That is enough space to play the game forever (as long as you don't horde). Being forced to spend money on space is bullshit because you have to in order to hold just the valuable items NEEDED. With that said if you buy the first few spots and stop because the wheel often will have dragon trade pouches in them it's fine. The part that makes me behind this is they used an old formula on the wheel which made it just stop as soon as you got to the end and not make it go back around meaning the premium bonus and those dragon trade pouches are not happening.Also a log in reward system for the first 2 months of premium would be awesome. (get a dragon trade pouch a day and a skill tree voucher every month <you only really need 2 with an alt>) As far as the costumes go I think it would be fair to make all the in shop costumes account bound but I disagree with the whole wardrobe considering a lot of that is meant to be earned for individual characters.(earning a poh outfit and then wearing it on a level 15 would dilute the achievement of earning it because you didn't earn it with that character) Otherwise I very much like this post.

[PandaTakeOver]

1 minute ago, Areez said:

u know thats against the TOS right?^^

u are not able to buy nccoins for gold ingame from other players , will result in a ban

You know there is a market trading in-game that is going to me implemented to allow people to trade this way? It was in the closed beta and other versions as I recall. Not against TOS or anything, They want that system because it kills a large portion of gold bots.

[EssileathCloud]

1 hour ago, Areez said:

Guys , ur solutions are quit nice, but  what about ppl that already bought this all?

Do they ahve to get a compensation for it?    because i have all inventory slots/ skill tabs on all my chars,  if the pouches would be  half the price   i would be scammed hard  dont u think xD?

 

You're ofc correct and on point and actually I have also everything on all my characters but still I am OK with it  if they do the changes so that community can grow and get what they want/deserve...

 

I really hope B&S team look into this subject matter before we all go wild  :P

[PandaTakeOver]

1 hour ago, Faoladh said:

 

So max 4 slots if all 9 classes are out ? and then you try it out. and face a 9 day deletion timer forcing you to buy a slot almost ? True its not expensive. But so many basic stuff that you get everywhere else is behind a paywall here. able to cost you about a 120 bucks to get you the same as the basics of other MMO's

Max time as i recall is 7 days and if you try out a class and find you don't like it under the margin(10hours or something like that) it only takes 15 minutes for deletion. (I've done it)

[Zaptor]

The other BNS servers are cost similar. But one thing you havent count are the 'Daily Dash'. At the other server 'Daily Dash' is almost on all the time which you can get the keys and pouches or things that we need for real money. Although it might take a while, but do have some people able to open all bank and bag slots. Also, the exist of Hangmoon coins you seem to forgotten as well... 

[Benitora]

I bought the 1 Year Sub and it really would be nice to get more for my money for example Costumes or items for the Longer you Sub or Bonus Log in items.

[Asuka]

11 hours ago, Saccharin said:

Games go free to play because they couldn't survive on a sub so they have to introduce these micro transactions for things like inventory expansion. These days subs are small bonuses and dont massively effect play or else it would be considered pay to win and that's a tag a f2p game doesn't want.

 

So they push you to both sub and micro? Look, I know what you are saying, but the problem isn't about the system per se, the problem is with the quantity/quality and the price and what you get with what.

 

IF prem/sub/xyz (or whatever we should call the monthly subscription option in games) doesn't give you a full or near-full "game experience", than it really shouldn't be as expensive as a p2p subscription model. Wouldn't you agree with that? Those dozens of perks premium members get look nice if you read through them quickly and if you never played the game (like me, for example, when I was contemplating to go premium or not). Bunch of bonuses, bunch of points, bunch of percentage modifiers, shorter cooldowns etc. But in the end, it boils down to wardrobe. Maybe not literally (then again, maybe literally) but that's it. In practice.

For something like that, I think the price that rivals the regular all-or-nothing subscription model is high, don't you think? You pay a decent amount, a regular sub amount and then you have to inject it with bunch of payments on top of it.

You might call that a "quality of life type of premium", but that quality is nowhere near what it should be - at least in my opinion and in opinions of many others, as I can assume.

 

 

Problem with bns in particular is that it's very stingy when it comes to stuff that should be regular game stuff, not some exclusivities.

 

1 - skillset tabs. wouldn't it be normal that this was a pure game feature and not an exclusive one? We have ONE tab. We have to pay quite a bit of sum of money (looking at the feature and its cost relation - AND the fact that it's character-bound and not account-wide (???) ). Ok, f2p, microtransactions, quality of life. I get that. But, why isn't it cheaper, for example? OR, why don't we have two tabs and we have to pay if we want more? Regularly, looking at the gameplay, three tabs should be normal and accessible to anyone, one for party play, one for soloing content and one for pvp. And no, that's not an overkill in generosity, as I can think of like ten more tabs that would be beneficial enough to a player (from arena-specific and class-specific pvp tabs, to specific dungeons tabs, to various experimental builds tabs etc). But no, we get ONE. How much do premium members get? ONE. It's a pretty neat feature (I am extremely annoyed that we have to call it a feature as it should be something so normal and mandatory that even with the most devious f2p model we shouldn't even talk about something like that being behind a paywall).

 

2-inv/bank/blabla slots. Ok, quality of life. But look at the quantity of slots we have. It's one thing to have a decent number of rows and to have to pay for more. It's not exactly cool to have minuscule amount of rows and to have to pay for more. Again, premium does nothing when it comes to this. A premium member needs to reach to his pocket once again in order to deal with this. And again, per character. Do you have to have everything unlocked in order to play normally? No, of course not, after a certain point it's a luxury. But the STARTING POINT is abysmal.

 

3-character slots and deletion time. It's ok that character slots cost money, of course. But that, again, is skewed in the bad direction when it comes to bns. We get TWO character slots. Not two per server mind you, TWO. And it's not enough. It simply isn't. Not to mention the deletion time. I am trying out kung fu master and what if I decide to not go with him at like lvl20 (which you'll get in like AN HOUR)? Nothing, wait for A WEEK in order to try out some other class. My first character is a destroyer and she's sitting at 45 doing dailies, I certainly won't delete that one. So, when summed like this, it's quite ridiculous. Character slots are not only for full dedication play, I for example would like to at least test every class and by that I don't mean play it for five minutes. Which is, again, something I see as normal. But with this system, That's more than a month of NOT PLAYING THOSE CLASSES. Two character slots PER SERVER would be decent. Four character slots overall (so you could juggle with deletion and wait times) would also be decent. But not this. Again, how much character slots premium members get? Two.

 

4-ncoins. Why on earth is there a subscription in the game without the possibility to buy it directly? It just shows either sloppy or greedy attitude. And not only that - but, and this is golden, you can't buy the exact number of ncsoft currency for premium either. Also, ncoin packages all seem to have the same ratio ncoin vs rl currency, which is also a bit funny.

 

 

I mean, I get what you are saying, I really do, but that alone can't be blanketed to every game there is. There are variations, there are high prices, low prices, there are ridiculous levels of microtransaction depths, there are choices what things to put behind a paywall, there are choices what amount of xyz is not behind a paywall, there's a choice whether to make things character bound or account bound and so on and so forth. You can't simply excuse their practices by defending the model. The model isn't the problem, the SPECIFICITY of THIS PARTICULAR bns west version of said model is.

 

edit - you are also forgetting that while paying players are the meat of company's profit, non-paying players are the meat of game's life expectancy and consistency. You can't have a game without both. But what do we have here?

-we have bunch of very normal options behind a paywall. What does that do? For premium players, it deters them from continuing with their payments, as they are STILL put behind a paywall (in a very real sense of that, I am not talking about some soft quality of life unlocks) regardless of them being, well, premium members who pay subscription. For f2p players, on the other side, we have a similar situation, where the game is very uncomfortable to play if you not dive into a number of microtransactions. I get the QoL philosophy, but you have to make f2p player's experience at least a decent one, and paying player's experience more than decent. Not make f2p guy suffer and paying guy suffer a bit less.

[Nakir]

Please, don't let this topic dies.

 

I'm a F2P user, i did not paid a penny for this game, but the most things that OP said are actualy right.

 

Something should be done with dragon pouches, they are expensive, and they're almost basic game feature.

Skillbook pages are also necesary and they're expensive, premium user should cound with one extra at least.

 

Make a way that ingame ppl can trade items in NCcoin Shop for ingame currency, as it is nowadays it's really hard, and gold sellers does not helps at all.

 

Many basic items in the shop (and with basic i dont mean costumes) are expensive if you compare them with premium membership, and premium is not cheap as it is, so please reconsider your prices.

 

And one last thing, DO NOT bring RNG boxes in game, you think that ppl wants to gamble and buy something cheap and get in return an expensive costume, but that's not what normal VideoGame Player do, it's common in ppl gambling in CASINOS, but we're (majority of gamers) interested in playing on casino roulete (if not, we were not here) so please, do not bring more rng boxes, if ppl decides to spend their money in their hobbies (like gaming) make them get what they paid for... not pai for a little chance to get....  Do you know what i mean.

 

I sincerely hope that comunity managers read this thread an realize about the situation, make a poll or talk with game shop developement, i'm pretty sure that they can increase significatively their income making some basic (and fair) changes to their shop and get costumers happier.

 

 

 

 

[lmaogg]

19 minutes ago, Nakir said:

Please, don't let this topic dies.

 

I'm a F2P user, i did not paid a penny for this game, but the most things that OP said are actualy right.

 

Something should be done with dragon pouches, they are expensive, and they're almost basic game feature.

Skillbook pages are also necesary and they're expensive, premium user should cound with one extra at least.

 

 

I pay for premium but I don't see the reason to cry over dragon pouches. Everyone started with that same number of rows, you really want more? Pay for it. It's not even anything that is game breaking.

Skillbook pages? How about stop being lazy and respec when you need it. Even most high ranking arena players in other servers do so. An extra page isn't even needed tbh.

[tetsuo123]

Im not renewing my sub either as was said before there is no value in it, i only bought a month to test the waters and skip the the queues well queues are gone and the only worthwhile thing left in the sub is the wardrobe which is actually free in every other region.

I would sub again in a heartbeat with the Taiwan model:

https://www.reddit.com/r/bladeandsoul/comments/444t7r/naeu_and_taiwan_premium_membership_comparison/

At least give People that sub some shop currency like ESO does.

[Nakir]

It's not game breaking, but look at how much cost the subscription and how much cost dragon pouches... Why they are that expensive? I mean, i'm sure that they're for comodity, but at lvl 45 you need some space in your inventory and with basic inventory space you have to clean it so often. It's not bad at all, but simply they should rethink their price, because if you buy them they only affects one character, and hey, what if you want some extra slots? the amount of $$ you should spend climbs fast.

 

Same with Skillbook pages, they're just for comodity, but why not give to premium users at least one? Why they cost so expensive on coin shop? the almost the same as a montly suscription... it's A LOT.

 

They should look at those prices, and make them fair.

[EssileathCloud]

4 minutes ago, tetsuo123 said:

Im not renewing my sub either as was said before there is no value in it, i only bought a month to test the waters and skip the the queues well queues are gone and the only worthwhile thing left in the sub is the wardrobe which is actually free in every other region.

I would sub again in a heartbeat with the Taiwan model:

https://www.reddit.com/r/bladeandsoul/comments/444t7r/naeu_and_taiwan_premium_membership_comparison/

At least give People that sub some shop currency like ESO does.

This is it , I was just reading it and was gonna post it...

 

Taiwan model is really worth for paying.

[Asuka]

I didn't know about taiwanese model. I can't even digest the difference as I am reading. I would never expect that much of a difference.

[tetsuo123]

It's huge that's for sure tbh i don't see many ppl continue their sub after the first month or whatever they got from their founders packet there is simply nothing worthwhile in it everything that matters you still have to buy separately so why sub at all? For the wardrobe and the windstride effect ? yeah right^^

[Rylaen]

Exactly what the OP and the rest guys said...

 

NCSOFT get this right because you are about to destroy a true GEM... This same topic is very popular on reddit too... All your playerbase demands the same things from you. Ignore it and you will turn the diamond you are holding in your hands into a burned charcoal that noone wants to see, and leave all of us with the most bitter aftertaste ever.

 

I hope you dont ruin this... All that your playerbase asks for, is stated above. You must be clear and respectful towards your customers, make the premium prices with Euros not NCoins and keep everything you do clean. Ninja additions and hidden stuff stink and drive everyone away.

 

I was VERY  sad to see the first "Rng box" in shop without even an official announcement. do more shady things and you will loose everyone.

 

You have your chance, accept your mistakes, fix them and move up. Or... go down.

Be careful.

 

 

[Yongnian]

I agree 100% with the OP.

 

Also, buying a full year's subscription to premium only gets you to level 5 premium level as well.  What the heck is that?!

[GrimmGames]

The Taiwan model is fair, while EU/NA paying players get taken for every penny. This is a decent game, but not so compelling that the current model won't turn away more money than it gains. It's sad that the player base will have to bludgeon NCSoft over the head with far fewer purchases, and forum grumbling, rather than just be treated fairly and with respect from day one. 

[Kimarran]

2 minutes ago, GrimmGames said:

The Taiwan model is fair, while EU/NA paying players get taken for every penny. This is a decent game, but not so compelling that the current model won't turn away more money than it gains. It's sad that the player base will have to bludgeon NCSoft over the head with far fewer purchases, and forum grumbling, rather than just be treated fairly and with respect from day one. 

So instead of more expensive stuff in the shop u rather wanna see all the equipment and stuff in there and therefore cheaper costumes and trade pouches ?

I dont know but i guess people should just wait for the currency exchange ... which will be coming 

[Rylaen]

14 minutes ago, Kimarran said:

So instead of more expensive stuff in the shop u rather wanna see all the equipment and stuff in there and therefore cheaper costumes and trade pouches ?

I dont know but i guess people should just wait for the currency exchange ... which will be coming 

if you ask me, it's not about what is up for sale and what isn't. it's more of an aproach thing.

 

When i see rng boxes implemented 3 weeks after launch, without an official announcement it makes me wonder what ncsoft is thinking. This is not a move that suits to a company wanting to be trusted. No other companies would do this. Check Riot  for example, everything is completely transparent to the player. We are informed about every single thing changed and the reasons behind it. THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE WANT. Customers want to be informed and respected. Noone wants shady moves and things going on "under the table".

 

For example. I have never played BnS on other regions so i have no freaking idea what currency exchange is. Why wasn't i informed that such a feature is about to come? And what the heck is this currency exchange thing used for anyways? People wanna know what they are getting. And what they are expecting in the long run.

 

Why should one buy any Ncoins atm after a "ninja" RNG-box appeared (a very bad sign)? Noone knows what to expect. This is not transparency and honesty.

[GrimmGames]

15 minutes ago, Kimarran said:

So instead of more expensive stuff in the shop u rather wanna see all the equipment and stuff in there and therefore cheaper costumes and trade pouches ?

I dont know but i guess people should just wait for the currency exchange ... which will be coming 

You jumped to a conclusion here that has no basis in my original statement. I have no problem spending money, as I'm level 7 premium now, but the RNG boxes and so many other nickle and dime abuses being leveled at paying EU/NA customers are really heavy-handed and show a terrible lack of respect. 

[Aimscoes]

Yep... & Yeah again.

I have like you, spent money on premium and some keys, a total amount of maybe 50§ on this game and now i am done until i see new changes to the prices or account wide costumes etc, more bag/bank spaces.

This is queit a shame, but like i said, i didn't regret paying 50§, now i feel like i supported them and it's now up to them to prove what they're going for and make some good changes becuase what i get out for 15§ a month for premium is no longer worth it, as i can like you said, spend these money on World of Warcraft as a sub there or maybe start again with FFXIV that actually gives more for the amount of money, maybe save up to some Guild Wars 2 expansion.

 

These 50§ i spent here could bought be GW2 EXP or WoW legion EXP but i rather spent it here. Now i have more money to spend and are again not complaining nor regreting it, i am simply comparing the value of the money i spent. 

 

So at the end of your post you said you're done with spending money here, . SO AM I. and i also suggest others to be done with it until future do. 

[Areez]

2 hours ago, Benitora said:

I bought the 1 Year Sub and it really would be nice to get more for my money for example Costumes or items for the Longer you Sub or Bonus Log in items.

hey , we both got a 1time use(bound to character) costume xD ....   for 130€ xD    ... /feelsbadman

[OriginOne]

2 hours ago, lmaogg said:

I pay for premium but I don't see the reason to cry over dragon pouches. Everyone started with that same number of rows, you really want more? Pay for it. It's not even anything that is game breaking.

Skillbook pages? How about stop being lazy and respec when you need it. Even most high ranking arena players in other servers do so. An extra page isn't even needed tbh.

The problem here is the fact that you already are paying for the premium subscription and then you are required to pay for the items sold in micro-transactions, like any other F2P player. This is why the benefit of the subscription is questioned here.

Practically with the premium subscription you pay more while not having a clear benefit out of it.

And yeah, I have a premium subscription too and right now I am not very happy about this.

 

If would be to point out the most annoying experience, this was the moment when I realized that you can lose a purchased costume if you don't pay attention when you try to equip it by dragging it in the wrong slot. I didn't read the warning pop-up message assuming it is asking for confirmation about binding the item and the game destroyed it. I know it was my fault, but this is not possible in other MMO - look at SWTOR, GW2 or ESO for ex - so it was unexpected. And the support is not very prompt either. I am still waiting for the restoration of the item and it's been almost a week now.

 

So, pay attention how you keep and handle the costumes or skins you buy. Even if they are bonded to one character it doesn't mean that you cannot lose them.