NcSoft Q2 Financial Report

[Erowind]

Well we finnaly get to it the point of the threat was to actually discuss what cahnges we can expect from NcWest to all of us, but remember stop talk about europeans only because whatever they plan for US will also come for Europe, they treat you all (I'm South American, but yeah im in the same packet) on the same packet.

Trully introduction of a microtransaction system can change the way L2 works,i wouldn't say it would ruin the game, but change, that's for sure. Altought i can see many downsides, there are other points to consider, like the fact that in a microtransaction model, Nc actually will compete with botters itself (of course depends on what they will sell), so may be a way to get them to really start to fight those guys for real.

The ultimate fact for changes imo is that our branch is losing money, that financial report reports a huge loss of money and that isn't something any company likes.

[MrTwig]

well but remember that NCI (the new NCNA) is only showing a loss because of the legal battle...

Let me work on translating what NCK gets for L2 - some of the stuff was very cool and not game changing.

[Huckleberry]

I think micro-transactions (the NC coin stuff) might actually be good. IMO, xping at this point isn't particularly useful other than to get to the next level, to get new skills, to OE skills, get better weapons/armor, etc. Micro-transactions would bring balance.

If Synergy was on par as the rest of the server, I personally think we'd have a lot more fun as an alliance. We'd spend less time xping on our own or in little groups; instead, we would actually focus on Oly (getting heroes), raidbosses/uberquests/instanced dungeons, sieges, and PvP. At this point, we don't need to learn our characters or their capabilities. PvE wouldn't be so much a grind, but a means to farm for top gear or accomplish specific goals...which would bring us back to PvP for hunting grounds (what many reminisce and think was so fun back in Prelude/Chronicle1 when you had to PK people to get your quest items back in starter towns).

I'd assume we wouldn't be able to buy boss jewels, top gear, etc...but if we could buy territory-war type jewels, low/mid grade armors and weapons, attribute stones/crystals, etc., I think it would definitely make the game more interesting. Obviously, they'd still have to find a certain balance between micro-transactions and the in-game experience--but I don't think it'd be that hard. And I don't think it would take away from the experience of the game for the existing subscriber base.

Microtransactions could also bring personalizations to your character (new skins, unique items, etc.), which I think is sorely needed in this game.

And those that love PvE...can still do it whenever they want.

[Zairakh]

The PvP aspect of L2 is dyieng by his own due to NC policy,who achieve highest lvls does not feel to risk their xp,who does not have high lvls prefeer gain exp than loose it...so NC made spots like rift or delusion where u can exp in safe zone with 0% to meet enemies or other players that might you PvP with.
Now it happens only on rare cases,in the new spots,maybe cause opponents dont have Pr,but its more 'flash gank' than mass fight,also most of the tactics now use to train your enemy by making them have mobs on while you 2/3 shot with over elemented weaps...

About microtransaction,again,it would just unbalance the game more,who can spend lot of € on their toon and who cannot or who just dont cause prefeer earn what he can in the right way the game offer,this will change the game,i think,but depend how...honestly im not trusting Nc soft policy so much as now....

[Huckleberry]

I hear you Zai. But I think NC killed off the PvP aspect because the game was so grind intensive, that's why they had to offer safe pve zones. So by making it less grind intensive, I'm hoping it will bring mass PvP back. I guess I'm looking at the point where everyone is max level...so grinding is of no use.

As for micro transactions...L2 already benefits those who bot and e-bay illegally...that's why it's unbalanced now. I don't think legal micro transactions can make it more unbalanced since it won't offer any of the top gear, boss jewels, etc. The top "pros" won't be able to take advantage of micro transactions in a way to become even more uber (at least that would be my hope). And those who want to "earn what [they] can in the right way" can still do so, just like we do now.

I've been really happy with how Eximius accomplishes its goals and takes care of its business. I would just like to see more parity in a game that is PvP-oriented. It's nice to see a "David" finally slay a "Goliath." But 99% of the time, Goliath wins. I'd rather see things even out as much as possible.