12-03-2004, 01:58 PM
nobbie,Dec 3 2004, 06:21 AM Wrote:"Guild Wars", and other upcoming free multiplayer online games, are certainly an alternative to the future "pay-per-play" concept, but the old phrase still remains: "You get what you pay for" ;) It's very unlikely that the company behind "Guild Wars" will be able to provide the same support, maintenance and security as Blizzard with WOW. It's the same as if you would compare a Mercedes or Porsche car with a Ford or Volkswagen. The Mercedes and Porsche look better (in my opinion), run faster and smoother, and offer better comfort.
Regarding BNETD, well, now you know why the Vivendi lawyers were after that free multiplayer platform: Once the "pay-per-play" concept has been widely accepted by the gaming community, and Battle.net is dead, then BNETD would be a very unwelcome competitor :) The cancellation of BNETD is actually a good example that shows Vivendi's/Blizzard's long-term strategy of establishing "pay-per-play" in the near future.
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At the risk of going out on a limb, I'd venture to say that Guild Wars will have for sale "expansion packs" about a year after the game debuts, perhaps earlier. One does need a revenue stream, though I'll admit that NCSOFT is a nice Sugar Daddy if your game sells pretty well.
Occhi
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete