Email to Stefan

[lag_PKer]

Hello,
I'm writing an email to Stefan. It's almost done and I think one of the sections may need fixed up a little because it's the one I have the least suggestions for. Looking for advice.

Originally Posted by lag_PKer

Next I will be talking about player subscriptions.
Why are they ineffective? What can you do to fix it?

A lot of players complain that observer mode is the problem. If it's the sole reason people don't bother subscribing, why does Zodiac have so many trials?
Problem #1 - Zodiac
Zodiac by itself is a trial's haven, therefore the biggest problem to this. They don't have to subscribe to reach max level, freely play events, or own the best weapons and items.
If it were up to me I would force Zodiac into playing a level cap of 55. This level cap would enable useage of most armor anyway so they wouldn't get slaughtered in 3 seconds but it would disable them from being able to use the top tier weapons. It would also allow them to get most of the skills from a single class.

Problem #2 - Possibly Era
Era may be the same way as Zodiac. I went on their server and asked about trial restrictions and all I got was "they can have everything it just takes longer".
I think that's a good thing but this server may need more restrictions for them. Would be able to give more details but Era has an extremely unfriendly playerbase who aren't willing to supply me with basic information.

Problem #3 - Graal Store
A popular misconception is that this game is expensive.

WoW (a major game) costs 15 dollars a month to play.
Graal costs 3 euro (probably 4 dollars) a month to play.
I notice the site says "2400 gelats can be converted to 8 months of play". For some reason, people have a problem with this. I would recommend underlining that citation from earlier because I don't think players understand what a good deal that is, considering Graal's massive replayability.
Another solution is to include relative but shorter and cheaper plans. I assume some players have an issue with spending 24 hours in one go.

Problem #4 - Classic Accounts
Notice I put this at #4. I honestly think this should be the last to be changed but if 1, 2, and 3 are implimented, 4 shouldn't be a problem.
I think a lot of new players move on to different games because they feel it's unfair that they have to pay a subscription fee for things people are paying nothing for and I honestly see their point.

[Tim_Rocks]

Just give up already, he obviously doesn't care.

[fowlplay4]

Supporting the current trial system (Observer mode) is probably one of the easiest ways to "troll" these forums.

Just going to dismiss all of lag_pker's posts from now on.

When you take away a feature and make it require a subscription that is a restriction and always will be, it is absolutely terrible that Zodiac and Era have had to restrict rather than provide benefits in order to get observer mode removed. Observer mode has been bleeding Graal dry since V5 was released and needs to be removed regardless of in-game shop infrastructure.

[ffcmike]

Thinking Stefan will make a meaningful response towards anything regarding the subscription policy or trial restrictions is probably one of the easiest ways to "troll" these forums.

[kia345]

30/100. You didn't make any points that anyone, especially a businessman, would dare listen to, and your writing is subpar at best. Ignoring this if it were to show up in an inbox would be the understandable thing to do. You quite obviously confused your ideas for the best course of action, and somehow maintain the belief that Graal in its current state would ever be worth money. Also, I don't know if you know what this is, but start figuring out what they're used for:




I just bought six amazing games for $3.

[lag_PKer]

I don't necessarily frequent these forums, aside from when I personally post, or something crazy is happening like "Managerial changes" so not sure I'd know what's easy to use to troll on here?

I don't really 100% agree with the subscriptions but it's clear Stefan (or Unix) is never going to completely get rid of them so I may as well come down to his level?

also what's the real problem with observer mode? Trials are given hours of free time, then they're required to pay. IIRC WoW gives you a week of free time then just disabled your account.

Kia, thanks for the feedback! Right now the email is a rough draft so when I go through it again, the language will be a lot more appropriate for what it's worth. It's about 3 pages long already so I'm just trying to rush through it and fix it later.

[lag_PKer]

Originally Posted by Tim_Rocks

Just give up already, he obviously doesn't care.

Doesn't care about what?

He clearly wants restriction to trials (observer mode), and now Zodiac & Era let them run wild.

I've heard from several staff on UN that are "in the know" that Stefan doesn't like the idea of Classic accounts and I give him reason to change them (being unfair to paying players).

I suggest changes in the subscription methods without asking him to lower the costs.

I don't see what's wrong here.

[Felix_Xenophobe]

What is up

with you posting

like this

also your email

is dumb

[Fulg0reSama]

Originally Posted by kia345

I just bought six amazing games for $3.

Humble Indie Bundle?

[TheGodAngelo]

Please, don't email this to anyone. The owners already have low respect for us.

[kia345]

Originally Posted by Fulg0reSama

Humble Indie Bundle?

Humble Indie Bundle.

[NicoX]

Originally Posted by lag_PKer

Hello,
I'm writing an email to Stefan. It's almost done and I think one of the sections may need fixed up a little because it's the one I have the least suggestions for. Looking for advice.

You really telling them to add Observer Mode so people HAVE to upgrade? And add more restrictions on Zod/Era. Seriously.....No words man, no words.
You should be banned on the Forums RIGHT NOW.

[MattKan]

And people say I'm a *****.

[boolean]

Originally Posted by TheGodAngelo

Please, don't email this to anyone. The owners already have low respect for us.

this

[Tim_Rocks]

Originally Posted by lag_PKer

Doesn't care about what?

Your opinion.

Originally Posted by TheGodAngelo

Please, don't email this to anyone. The owners already have low respect for us.

[scriptless]

What's funny is players wan't servers with more players on them. This is proven. Free to play accomplishes this, lifetime classic accomplishes this, and trial restrictions without obs mode accomplish this.

Graal on the iPhone currently has 2 flavors. You can download a free app, or you can buy the "+" app. I think something similar to this should be in place for pc. I mean put OBS mode on the free iPhone app and see if it doesn't ruin it?

The focus for revenue on the PC should shift focus from account subscription, to more of an additional benefit. Lifetime subscription to a game might not be a bad idea.

Reasonable tradeoff's to remove OBS mode. Allow players to play freely, or pay for a lifetime subscription. Charge for gold and allow only gold accounts to use guilds, offer some sort of cap to encourage upgrading (monthly). Right now you can't expect people to upgrade to play a game they are not sure they want to play even, and the current 4 hour free play isnt enough time to experience all of the servers for any reasonable time. A player that goes and explores era may be tempted to purchase a subscription but when his time runs out he can't even play Classic, Zodiac, etc..

Back when I started playing you paid for lifetime (playerworlds) and then they pushed Gold Servers. Right now the current server listing makes no sence because your account is limited equally on both playerworlds and gold servers (unless your lifetime classic).

The future of Graal depends on the adaptation to the players, both new and old.

[Hiro]

stefan pls respond

[lag_PKer]

Got to love how people are negatively repping me with insults and leaving out their name.

If you don't care if this game dies or not, just leave it?

[Crono]

Originally Posted by scriptless

Graal on the iPhone currently has 2 flavors. You can download a free app, or you can buy the "+" app.

the + app is free now :3

[NicoX]

Originally Posted by Crono

the + app is free now :3

Wtf, really? I paid for it.

[Fulg0reSama]

Originally Posted by kia345

Humble Indie Bundle.

Nice.

[scriptless]

Originally Posted by NicoX

Wtf, really? I paid for it.

Yeah, me too. Don't know why tho. So why is there even a + app then?

And honestly, I think Stefan needs to update the main website more.. like the multiple pages you can go to to get to the guilds panel, makes nooo sense. I kinda like the layout it seems age appropriate.

[xXziroXx]

Originally Posted by Crono

the + app is free now :3

No it's not.

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/graal...406419217?mt=8
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/graal...350608510?mt=8

£1.49

[fowlplay4]

Originally Posted by scriptless

Yeah, me too. Don't know why tho. So why is there even a + app then?

It was part of a Freeappaday promotion, which appears to have expired now.

[TheGodAngelo]

Originally Posted by lag_PKer

Got to love how people are negatively repping me with insults and leaving out their name.

If you don't care if this game dies or not, just leave it?

I personally have not neg-repped you. but i understand why others have.
We all understand that the current payment policies and trial restrictions are having a hugely negative impact on graal.
And certainly we're all very frustrated that we're not being listened to.
Don't blame us for being bitter

[Scoper]

Originally Posted by lag_PKer

Problem #2 - Possibly Era
Era may be the same way as Zodiac. I went on their server and asked about trial restrictions and all I got was "they can have everything it just takes longer".
I think that's a good thing but this server may need more restrictions for them. Would be able to give more details but Era has an extremely unfriendly playerbase who aren't willing to supply me with basic information.

I'm gonna ignore the fact that you're being an idiot, and help give you some information about Era.

-Trial accounts cannot work in businesses.
-Trial accounts are limited in mining area access (Last I checked, they can only get into one of the two mines) I am incorrect, this was removed.
-Trial accounts cannot own houses (although I doubt this is enforced anymore, it's still a thing.)It is still a thing
-There is a currently unused -notrials function in the event system, that in theory blocks trials from entering any event. It may have been phased out with some of the new event systems, but whatever.
-Trial accounts have limited options as to what they can use as a head code.

If you're looking for things to suggest removing from trials, I suggest the following (although I completely disagree with every one of them):
-Cap on hp levels
-limited participation in events
-Cap on mining/trash picking levels
-Ability to upload heads/bodies/shields denied
-Inability to purchase cars
-Limited/removed access to gang functionality.


Furthermore, you should remove the bit about era's playerbase being a jerk. They have a dedicated staff team of PRs, who's job is to help answer questions. I am running on the assumption that you were too dumb to ask any of them for help. I am also further assuming that you didn't read the help/information tab that automatically comes up when you log onto Era.
Good ****ing job.

[cbk1994]

This is the full list of restrictions that Stefan and I agreed on for Era to remove observer mode in July of 2010. Some of these are no longer enforced.

Originally Posted by An Old Email

As requested, the full list of restrictions on trial players.

• Can't purchase a car
• Can't participate in gangs or parties at all, including raiding
• Can't participate in a business
• Can't kill players to level up their health
• Can't purchase a locker
• Can't own their own house
• Can't level their strength (carry more items, move quicker with items, more damage with certain melee weapons)
• Can't participate in any team events
• Can't place bounties, and can't accept bounties and kill others
• Can't participate in seasonal events such as snowman building
• Can't use the casino
• Can't use powerful guns
• Can't have bonuses from Bounty Hunter, top gang player, and the spar complex (which tracks sparring stats)

[shrimps]

Well the business one, Trials can be hired, and can mine for you, but just not able to stock.

[kia345]

Originally Posted by cbk1994

This is the full list of restrictions that Stefan and I agreed on for Era to remove observer mode in July of 2010. Some of these are no longer enforced.

I never regularly played Era, but at a glance, that seems very excessive.

[Tricxta]

Originally Posted by kia345

I never regularly played Era, but at a glance, that seems very excessive.

There's still lots of things to do! Like grind away with a shovel.

[Tim_Rocks]

You can fish!

[Scoper]

Originally Posted by kia345

I never regularly played Era, but at a glance, that seems very excessive.

Originally Posted by ChrisV

As requested, the full list of restrictions on trial players.

Can't purchase a car
Can't participate in gangs or parties at all, including raiding
Can't participate in a business
Can't kill players to level up their health
Can't purchase a locker
Can't own their own house
Can't level their strength (carry more items, move quicker with items, more damage with certain melee weapons)
Can't participate in any team events
Can't place bounties, and can't accept bounties and kill others
Can't participate in seasonal events such as snowman building
Can't use the casino
Can't use powerful guns
Can't have bonuses from Bounty Hunter, top gang player, and the spar complex (which tracks sparring stats)
Cannot participate in Auctions
Limited upload/customization functionality

Perhaps this helps. This is the best I could glean from personal knowledge and what Zach told me a moment ago. Red things no longer apply to Era. Green are still (probably) implemented, and I put the business bit in yellow because trials can technically be hired and mine for businesses, just not stock.

[Tim_Rocks]

Seems fairly accurate, uh, as for businesses though, when I updated the business systems I made it so pc:##### accounts are the only ones limited from businesses (hiring anyway, not sure about stocking).

[cbk1994]

Originally Posted by kia345

I never regularly played Era, but at a glance, that seems very excessive.

It is very excessive which is why a lot of them aren't in effect today.

I should have provided more context. I had to bend over backwards to get Stefan to even respond to my emails about observer mode back when I was managing Era. I wasn't going to let observer mode stay around because Stefan and I didn't agree on what constituted reasonable restrictions for trials. The easier route (and the one better for Era) was to get observer mode removed ASAP and then deal with the trial restrictions.

I removed a lot of the restrictions after that because Stefan wouldn't (and didn't) notice. He's made a lot of money off the gelat shop while ignoring things we'd asked for for years, so I don't feel bad about that, either.

[Crow]

Originally Posted by cbk1994

I removed a lot of the restrictions after that because Stefan wouldn't (and didn't) notice. He's made a lot of money off the gelat shop while ignoring things we'd asked for for years, so I don't feel bad about that, either.

That's the best point about this anyway. Removing some of the restrictions again didn't harm anyone at all.

[ff7chocoboknight]

What you cannot do on Era without observer mode: AFK forever.

[lag_PKer]

Lol @ that guy calling me an idiot because I said Era's players are extremely unfriendly (it's true).

Thanks anyway for the restriction list. You guys don't have to be so hard to get along with.

[ff7chocoboknight]

Era is dumb because Zelda doesn't have guns.

[Fulg0reSama]

Originally Posted by ff7chocoboknight

Era is dumb because Zelda doesn't have guns.

But what if it did?!?

[Hiro]

pls stefan

u r r only hop