Alternative Sales Hook Idea for AH

[Old Sport]

A few threads are currently discussing how to retain new visitors to AH...

I suggest opening one very limited, free visitors arena to let the inquisitive public get a better taste of AH. Others have mentioned that two weeks is not a lot of time to make a decision about a subscription, or about shelling out cash for a better PC and sim gear.

The arena could be based on the following specs:

Only two sides to the arena.

Only two iconic aircraft available from around the Mid War era, e.g. Spit 5 on one side, and 109 F on the other side (or whatever matches up pretty well).

The arena only supports air to air combat, no land grabbing.

No perks awarded, but name in lights would appear.

No stop in the hangar, just an automatic spawn with max load fuel and ammo (perhaps even an air spawn).

No bombs, rockets or DTs.

General functions like clipboard and com could still be available.

This arena would be perpetual free advertising without giving away the store.

Free arena players who do not subscribe cannot access any other AH activities.

Best.

[EDIT: Now that I think about it, might as well put two tanks in the arena as well, with the same kind of limitations.]

[MachFly]

If two weeks are not enough than perhaps HTC should extend it to a month but putting all those limitations would turn people away.

So why do you think two weeks are not enough? It was more than enough for me.

[Old Sport]

Currently the strategy with two weeks free is:

Unlimited access - limited time

I'm suggesting that in addition to two free weeks there be:

Limited access - unlimited time

Not all people are alike Mach. Some may find the two week restriction a bit daunting, if they have other committments in life that allow precious little free time. This would allow those people the opportunity to try out the main aspects of the game over a longer time. It boils down to whether or not hosting such an arena is likely to produce a suitable return. Maybe it won't. But it might be worth considering.

Best.

[MachFly]

Currently the strategy with two weeks free is:

Unlimited access - limited time

I'm suggesting that in addition to two free weeks there be:

Limited access - unlimited time

Not all people are alike Mach. Some may find the two week restriction a bit daunting, if they have other committments in life that allow precious little free time. This would allow those people the opportunity to try out the main aspects of the game over a longer time. It boils down to whether or not hosting such an arena is likely to produce a suitable return. Maybe it won't. But it might be worth considering.

Best.

I see, perhaps instead of the who weeks give people a certain amount of hours?
Or have them choose what they want, two weeks of unlimited time of 12 (random number) hours of AH that does not expire.

[Bruv119]

Maybe put an hour cap on the freeloaders that would end up inhabiting such an arena.  

Or make them buy chunks of hours for $5 or something.

[jimson]

Not a terrible idea, give em bologna and dangle filet minion in front of them. Maybe Spitfires for both sides to prepare them for what they will see in game.

[muzik]

The issue of free stuff has been suggested before. While your idea is a decent one, the problem I see with it is that they dont see enough of what they are missing out on.

I personally liked the suggestion of making the WW1 arena free because of it's horribly low numbers even though i have no interest in that arena. And possibly some variation of that idea with the early and mid war arenas.

Also letting free users have unlimited access to shore batteries, field guns, and resupply vehicles in the MA would be wise.

Now just an FYI, this thread goes in the wish list. Please put them there, your throwing my general discussion groove off!

[Rob52240]

I just had a thought:

Maybe the trial period should be measured in hours spent in the online areas.  
Real flight time is measured in hours spent in the cockpit, maybe Aces High should look at it the same way.


I was also thinking that maybe HTC could include some of the community's actual military pilots could give their testimonials while promoting the game.

One more thing, I think adding the M-18 would also bring more players to the game as well as retain current players.

[BowHTR]

I just had a thought:

Maybe the trial period should be measured in hours spent in the online areas.  
Real flight time is measured in hours spent in the cockpit, maybe Aces High should look at it the same way.


I was also thinking that maybe HTC could include some of the community's actual military pilots could give their testimonials while promoting the game.

One more thing, I think adding the M-18 would also bring more players to the game as well as retain current players.

you've been hanging out with BAR too much but +1

[Plawranc]

Not a terrible idea, give em bologna and dangle filet minion in front of them. Maybe Spitfires for both sides to prepare them for what they will see in game.

Now Now luftweenie, don't get your knickers in a twist 

+1 for free targe... I mean new players.

[flatiron1]

how about some type of basic training component being available. Such as how to set up vox, stick, takeoff etc.

[gyrene81]

how about some type of basic training component being available. Such as how to set up vox, stick, takeoff etc.

you're talking about interactive tutorial...not a bad idea but, it would have to be an offline option. something that could be done much easier is tutorial videos posted somewhere and linked on the ah website with a reference line at the top of the motd in all arenas...perhaps a message in the text box when a player enters an arena.

maybe have the trainers or htc staff create the tutorial videos...one tutorial could be a composite of player submitted clips showing what sticks they use and how they have them setup.

[edge12674]

how about some type of basic training component being available. Such as how to set up vox, stick, takeoff etc.

Good point.  The biggest turnoff is the steep learning curve combined with noobs getting their butt handed to them as soon as they roll.  Some offline training missions would help as well as drones that do more than just fly in circles.  If you can teach a noob some basic SA and ACM then they just might stay on long enough to get hooked on the sim.

[ImADot]

I spent a few weeks offline learning WWII flying instead of modern jets (falcon 4.0).  When I went online, I was hooked the first day...after landing 3 kills in a P-39.

[bangsbox]

i needed more then two weeks to switch from fighter ace, it was 4 to be exact. this was many many moons ago about 8 or 10yrs...how i made a new email and used different computer lol but that trick only worked with a whole new PC i think reinstalling windows worked too lol.
i wouldnt mind letting the 2weeks getting 1 plane type for longer then 2 weeks say like p-38g/ m8/ pt boat. and manned ack for a bit longer.