Make the game completely free.
I would like it if the game were completely free, where winners would get points for winning, and spend those points to make games that payers get, and to
I feel the need for this because the ability to get better starbase tech in game by paying money, imbalances the game to those who spend more money.
Currently the bonuses received for paying are:
Ability to raise any starbase tech levels past 7
Ability to join more than 3 games at a time
Access to "Inner Quadrant" games with special add-ons, features, team play and private games
Play against other premium members for better games with less dropped players
Holiday mode
Eligibility to play in championship matches and win prizes!
While I agree this game need money to sustain itself, I think it would help to gather a bigger audience if people had an incentive to play and finish their games. Of those players winners,(or top players) should get points because they not only played the entire game, but they challenged everyone else in the sector to their fullest extent.
This could also help solve the issue of people dropping games early, as they have an incentive to at least stay longer in the game, while putting in more effort, and making the game better for everyone.
Unfortunately, running servers for thousands of players costs money! Planets Nu would be gone pretty fast without the fantastic support of our community. Thanks to everyone who supports Planets Nu!
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Cardno commented
You get what you pay for - or you DON'T get what you don't pay for. There are other places you can go and pay for free - but you still need an initial $20 for the software (non-browser version of the game)
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dtolman commented
If he were open up the game for free players, then something would have to be taken away. Perhaps limit non-registered players to a single public game.
This is not a charity, and he needs both a carrot and a stick to encourage paying customers.
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Anonymous commented
When I posted this I just wanted to get the idea out there. While I don't know the exact benefits that a paying customer should receive, I think that people will still pay, since not everyone can win all the time, or even some in the top 3 (unless your outstandingly good). Whle less people would pay for less rewards, it would (or might) bring in new players, who might become paying customers.
Another game similar to this runs a payment method similar to the one I mentioned, and while they no longer give out points to those who get in the top 3 or first (as it was for playing during beta), they still have a customer base who pays. I have won a few games in that time, and have accumulated a few points, which keeps the game interesting for me.
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Gnerphk commented
While I agree, how would we fund the game? Grants?