General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: 99kashus on March 31, 2024, 11:37:07 PM
Title: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: 99kashus on March 31, 2024, 11:37:07 PM
Why not got free to play? Honestly, adding a few payable plane skins that are unique, would earn this game well over their subscription numbers. Why hold on to this archaic model? 2003 player commenting. I'd always play this if it were free to play and contribute. A sub model is just silly. Please devs before your concerns become reality. Such a good game.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 01, 2024, 12:28:34 AM
We have hundreds of players trying out the game every month. They only stay a few short minutes. Free planes don't change that dynamic when 30 free days (of access to ALL the planes) aren't even used...
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 01, 2024, 01:11:23 AM
It cost to run game servers, maintenance and customer service. It could never be free.
Think of it this way. It's the price of a Burger King meal that's gone in 10 minutes :)
In other choices, you're either paying for game play with free planes, or free game play and buy planes or scripted missions with AI.
This is probably the least expensive route you'll find, better yet for 100% multiplayer arenas.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: GasTeddy on April 01, 2024, 02:57:51 AM
We have hundreds of players trying out the game every month. They only stay a few short minutes. Free planes don't change that dynamic when 30 free days (of access to ALL the planes) aren't even used...
I presume it is because of pretty realistic gameplay w/o external views and arcade modes. Probably those who have been playing some of those massive multiplayer arcades like World of Warplanes/Tanks/Gadgets or War Thunder find AH much too demanding.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Skyguns MKII on April 01, 2024, 04:14:20 AM
I presume it is because of pretty realistic gameplay w/o external views and arcade modes. Probably those who have been playing some of those massive multiplayer arcades like World of Warplanes/Tanks/Gadgets or War Thunder find AH much too demanding.
This games greatest strength is how dynamic it is but the Achilles heel is not having the population to support it. Aces high when prime had populated lobbys with no shortage of things you could pick to do from defending against GV attacks to flying 5 hours for a back door HQ kill. All while you are able to pick whatever base to tend to how high, or crowded you wanna fly. You had options unlike these competitors where spawns are fairly predictable and maps aren't even close in size.
When it came to dynamic gameplay Aces high was unmatched when it had its numbers. My personal opinion of course.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Lusche on April 01, 2024, 05:35:48 AM
Basic: Early war planes (or some basic planes/GVs) are free. Other than that..pay for perks. All planes/GVs outside early war cost perks. Yes you can earn perks but at a much lower rate than a subscription.
Subscription: Exactly what we have now but maybe with an option to buy perks.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 01, 2024, 09:16:01 AM
Well, not entirely true. Mid and Late war games are available minus perks. Spits, 51s, 47s, 38s and many more. The list of perked planes is very small.
Earning perks for planes still works because many fly perked planes.
Paying for perks destroys the entire ranking system, which makes players try harder to be better, goals to meet. I’ll go to Vegas and bet HT would never change that.
Paying for perks would change the dynamics to arcade, a negative from its current status.
Side note; It amazes me when people complain about $15, its .50 cents per day. An arcade game will give you 5 min. In fact I’m not sure you can play an arcade game for .50 cents these days.
Most that complain about sub throw money out the window for much less several time per day. I can sneeze $15.
Its human nature to want something for nothing. 25 yrs of coding and running the game for free is absurdity from unreasonable people. Not worth a listen.
They should code their own game, pay for all the gear, and give it away for free ir “donations” <eye roll>.
Some of the same people are buying every plane or staged AI missions that well exceed 1yr of AH just for a few items. I don’t listen to these types at all. Disingenuous.
I’d pay $30 for AH. One scenario like MotA is worth $15 all by itself. If there were updates I’d pay $40.
If someone can’t afford $15 they have much bigger financial problems than they ever thought, while sitting in a $2k computer.
The complaint about a $15 sub is nonsense.
<shrug>
Please
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 01, 2024, 09:24:50 AM
Basic: Early war planes (or some basic planes/GVs) are free. Other than that..pay for perks. All planes/GVs outside early war cost perks. Yes you can earn perks but at a much lower rate than a subscription.
Subscription: Exactly what we have now but maybe with an option to buy perks.
See my prior post as to why this suggestion is useless to solving the problem.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Prayer on April 01, 2024, 10:49:08 AM
Id like to see a free month offer with the right promotion on the nerd thunder platform. More players seem to be getting real sticks and vr. 2 weeks for the average working player is not enough time especially with most of the players being vets now. Just need to increase numbers outside of peak time. Mornings are not worth it for me and late night either anymore. This is coming from someone who hasnt played but 3 times in 2 months and still pays. I know its a pointless post and will fall upon deaf ears.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 01, 2024, 11:48:29 AM
We have hundreds of players trying out the game every month. They only stay a few short minutes. Free planes don't change that dynamic when 30 free days (of access to ALL the planes) aren't even used...
Correction. 14 free days. The premise remains.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Shuffler on April 01, 2024, 12:48:38 PM
If you can't afford 15 bucks, you might want to hang on to your funds for food.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Eagler on April 01, 2024, 12:57:48 PM
Instead of free planes for beginners maybe experienced players should be limited to ew and mw planes in ma to give beginners a fighting chance and maybe they'd stick around longer..
This should be voluntary with enormous guilt and shame awarded when any decent stick is caught buzzing around in a late war plane..
HT has already stated he's against any kind of free to play setup beyond the 2 week trial
Eagler
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Lusche on April 01, 2024, 12:58:35 PM
Subscription: Exactly what we have now but maybe with an option to buy perks.
With AH's setup of a single, non-tierd free for all arena, this would be purely pay-to-win. Pay a bit to have some chance of survival, pay more to slap everyone around.
Introducing any kind of micropayment would require a totally new game to make it work.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 01, 2024, 01:08:30 PM
If you can't afford 15 bucks, you might want to hang on to your funds for food.
You might want to think about this. I have 3 kids that would like to play. If I pay for an account for me and them it's $60 a month. While it's not a huge amount of money it's not an amount I can justify for playing all together once on twice a week.
I would however be willing to pay a family plan or play with them on a limited free account.
That's 4 players AH3 doesn't have because of $15 a month that I'm saving for food...
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 01, 2024, 01:10:53 PM
Instead of free planes for beginners maybe experienced players should be limited to ew and mw planes in ma to give beginners a fighting chance and maybe they'd stick around longer..
This should be voluntary with enormous guilt and shame awarded when any decent stick is caught buzzing around in a late war plane..
HT has already stated he's against any kind of free to play setup beyond the 2 week trial
Eagler
Aye. I get the feeling HT will pull the plug before he does any sort of free to play :)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 01, 2024, 01:32:45 PM
Instead of free planes for beginners maybe experienced players should be limited to ew and mw planes in ma to give beginners a fighting chance and maybe they'd stick around longer..
This should be voluntary with enormous guilt and shame awarded when any decent stick is caught buzzing around in a late war plane..
HT has already stated he's against any kind of free to play setup beyond the 2 week trial
Eagler
Telepathy I just had this very thought last night. HT seems to be into goals and rewards.
Had we had higher numbers to still get 200-300 in two arenas, I thought of an arena similar to AW’s Relaxed Realism arena. Their goal system was to move up to Full Realism arena. RR was packed FR was half empty. It didn’t really work out for various reasons.
I know HT is against splitting the crowd. Above is good reason.
A new ayer going up against these vets can be discouraging. That fact alone could be a number deterring factor. Why newbies don’t last long. Shot down too fast to learn quick enough.
Its a science.
Its hard for me to pick at any skilled vet willing to share their skills with the underdog. That is a form of promotion.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 01, 2024, 01:48:36 PM
The average new player stays in the game less than five minutes. Hitech tracks all this stuff. 1000s a month come in.
All this stuff you guys are pontificating about is IRRELEVANT. People don't stick around long enough for free planes to matter.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 01, 2024, 02:02:08 PM
The average new player stays in the game less than five minutes. Hitech tracks all this stuff. 1000s a month come in.
All this stuff you guys are pontificating about is IRRELEVANT. People don't stick around long enough for free planes to matter.
It's also possible that the decision to uninstall has already been make when the first dialog pops up telling them it is only a two week trial.
That knowledge, the UI and initial graphical impression, they have already decided it isn't worth giving ten minutes much less two weeks. Much less tediously setting up all their controls. They might spawn once just to see what in game graphics look like, but they have probably already decided to uninstall.
The charms of AH aren't going to be immediately obvious. However people like free stuff. If there is a populated arena they can play in long term, it might be worth them taking to time to configure.
I bet 99.999% of the people who pay for WT probably started out thinking they never intended to pay. But they had a free portion they could F2P, so that kept them from uninstalling long enough to be turned over time. And no, empty side arena's don't meet that criteria.
But it is academic. Nothing will change.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Lusche on April 01, 2024, 03:12:56 PM
Instead of free planes for beginners maybe experienced players should be limited to ew and mw planes in ma to give beginners a fighting chance and maybe they'd stick around longer..
I can't really imagine a lot of subscribers being happy to pay the same money for having 39 (out of 120) planes and vehicles unavailable after X months of gameplay :noid
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 01, 2024, 04:08:51 PM
No matter what anyone says, its no more than guess work. Its the wrong approach to put s blanket answer on it. People make individual decisions snd reasons change with time.
Its a science with no single definitive answers. If someone had all the correct answers, they would own a $billion sim.
And some have agendas in their wording.
Here’s how it works. We do not and will not know the answers unless we talk to over 100 player who left. Anything else is speculation.
A good way to look at it is multiple answers. For cod sakes don’t listen to a known skimmer..
50% of mentioned 2 post above can be said about every game made, including his own, which is ok for what its made for.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 01, 2024, 04:30:41 PM
It's also possible that the decision to uninstall has already been make when the first dialog pops up telling them it is only a two week trial.
I happened to read some comments on steam and it looks like you may be on to something. It appears that they decided they're not interested in it at the point where they realize they have to pay a subscription. Seems there needs to be a better bait and switch. Tell them it's free to play and then after 2 weeks ask them for a credit card?
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 01, 2024, 04:32:42 PM
Now you guys are onto something...
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 01, 2024, 04:46:33 PM
I happened to read some comments on steam and it looks like you may be on to something. It appears that they decided they're not interested in it at the point where they realize they have to pay a subscription. Seems there needs to be a better bait and switch. Tell them it's free to play and then after 2 weeks ask them for a credit card?
Bait and switch isn't something I'd care to engage in at all. And I still don't know that two week would be long enough to decide the game is worth it. You think they would have experienced an FSO or Scenario Event within two weeks?
In a perfect world, I think you'd have a two week trial of everything, and after than they still have a minimal F2P set (in the Melee they they see as THE game not some side arena).
At one time I sat and read through everyone of the 200ish reviews on Steam. Subscription (in general and feeling baited and switched in particular) model, dated graphics, strange UI seemed to be the core of the complaints. Pretty much in that order of volume.
But that is academic. Nothing will change. Especially F2P portion which HT has specifically rejected as not going to be considered.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: GasTeddy on April 01, 2024, 05:19:27 PM
Bait and switch isn't something I'd care to engage in at all.
You don't think listing it as free to play on Steam and then asking for a credit card is a sort of "bait and switch"?
Aye. I didn't read 200 comments. I was waiting for IL2 CLOD to download so I didn't have that long, but from what I saw most of the comments were about the "free to play" subscription model.
That's why I said that they might stick around for 2 weeks instead of 10 minutes if they weren't asked for the credit card at the beginning. I'm pretty sure close to the same amount would quit after 2 weeks but at least it would be better then 10 minutes :)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 01, 2024, 05:27:21 PM
Or they tune to 200 and get overwhelmed by intelligent change of ideas and politeness.
Hahaha. I doubt they're paying attention to 200 when they're trying to figure out how to get their controllers setup.
Speaking of 200. IL2 servers seem to have their fair amount of talk that I feel would make somebody get butthurt but I've never seen anybody get warned or banned for things they typed. Have you?
I have seen them get bounced and banned right quick for griefing.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 01, 2024, 05:33:26 PM
You don't think listing it as free to play on Steam and then asking for a credit card is a sort of "bait and switch"?
I think they felt that way. What I was referring to was,
Quote
Seems there needs to be a better bait and switch.
I think any perceived bait and switch is going to do more harm than good. Pushing the realization to the end of the two week trial wouldn't be any better. Might be worse.
I'd suggest not baiting and switching at all, or even allowing the misunderstanding. I think the better solution would be to actually have a F2P portion to satisfy the expectation they seemed to be assuming based on experience with other games.
And then the two week trial dialog would stay at the beginning and simply explain that the first two week trial is for the entire product. After that the player is invited to still play the F2P planes in the Melee until they are ready to move to a full subscription.
But it won't happen.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 01, 2024, 05:43:29 PM
Surely by now you realize I was being sarcastic with that comment? Seems there needs to be a better bait and switch.
I agree with the rest of what you said. Especially the part that it's not going to happen :)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 01, 2024, 05:51:54 PM
Surely by now you realize I was being sarcastic with that comment? Seems there needs to be a better bait and switch.
I agree with the rest of what you said. Especially the part that it's not going to happen :)
;)
I don't think there was any deliberate attempt at bait and switch, but if you read the reviews, none the less, that is how many reacted.
One way to avoid that would be to convince Steam not to force HTC to list it that way, another is to consider whether there might actually be an advantage to adopting some portion of that model for other benefits as well as avoiding confusion.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: TryHard on April 01, 2024, 06:09:42 PM
How about a system that allows say X amount of play time per month for free?
In other words if you exceed lets say 12 hours of play time in a week then you need to wait 3 weeks until the next month for you "free" play time to reset.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 01, 2024, 06:22:28 PM
How about a system that allows say X amount of play time per month for free?
In other words if you exceed lets say 12 hours of play time in a week then you need to wait 3 weeks until the next month for you "free" play time to reset.
I'd think anything your could do to maintain contact with that potential customer, rather than have them uninstall, is better than nothing.
For instance, just to give Animl an aneurism, DCS (standalone not Steam) has a two-week trial per module\terrain. And it can be repeated every 6 months.
So you could trial a pony. Then trial a spit. Then trial an F-16, etc. Keep going through all the modules and in six months come around time to trial the pony again. ;)
That is kinda like what you describe. That essentially is another flavor of F2P but a rotating model. They are betting that eventually with enough experience you might fall in love with one of the modules and decide it is worth it to buy have have whenever you want.
In any case, it provides a reason to keep the game installed and allows them multiple bites at the apple to convert you.
Never give a potential customer and excuse to uninstall if you can avoid it. Every day they don't uninstall is another chance to convert them.
$0.02.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 01, 2024, 06:59:53 PM
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: SuperDud on April 01, 2024, 07:51:50 PM
A free to play model would help the game grow. Its been proven to work and you don't really have subscription based games anymore, particularly with this genre. However, it doesn't seem HTC cares much about growing the game at this point and I say that in no way an insult or his neglect. He seems to be making the profits he wants with the work required and his core base don't seem to pay a monthly subscription as we can see by the replies here.
AH has become a small community relatively speaking and both the owner and most the users seem happy with the situation.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Shuffler on April 02, 2024, 08:53:11 AM
I don't play the others because I never liked a scam. They are not free to play. You have to buy every plane. Folks can even buy themselves better. All just a scam.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Dadtallica on April 02, 2024, 02:57:16 PM
A free to play model would help the game grow. Its been proven to work and you don't really have subscription based games anymore, particularly with this genre. However, it doesn't seem HTC cares much about growing the game at this point and I say that in no way an insult or his neglect. He seems to be making the profits he wants with the work required and his core base don't seem to pay a monthly subscription as we can see by the replies here.
AH has become a small community relatively speaking and both the owner and most the users seem happy with the situation.
The entire world of media has moved to a subscription base. Most apps are sub based.
This is not AH’s biggest problem.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 02, 2024, 03:18:31 PM
The entire world of media has moved to a subscription base. Most apps are sub based.
This is not AH’s biggest problem.
When you say "media" that is mostly stuff like Netflix and Disney+, etc.
But those services are based on a never ending river of constantly updated new content coming monthly. Constant new content. If Netflix stopped adding any new shows or movies for 5 years, would people keep their subscription for long?
Subscription models in software are generally hated.
I was a life long Photoshop guy. They went sub, I dumped them and now use something not quite as good, but not subscription. Most users hated the change to sub.
I used to have older versions of MS Office installed. They went sub, I dumped it for Libre Office.
Subscription software is a very hard sell. Most people hate paying for the same software again every month.
It's not impossible, but it is a very big resistance.
That and the graphics are the two biggest beefs I get when I've tried to get others to try out AH. Didn't you have similar reaction with those you talked to?
Subscription and no F2P was probably the biggest common gripe I saw in the Steam reviews.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 02, 2024, 03:41:24 PM
Don’t ever think your supreme immaturity and Dunning-Kruger mentality has me captured in your small little world of punkville. Your words make rocks appear brilliant and way mire mature.
Your Pretty Manikins sales thread finally cough blood? Your clan of narcissist going back to vomiting here?
The funniest part of you is I’m the only one who sees you for who you are, a scamming skimmer over the top obsession with selling horse crap. I’m not alone.
I just think you’re low class and I’m more than glad I’m not you, or your chimps on leashes attached to the music box.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 02, 2024, 03:43:08 PM
Don’t ever think your supreme immaturity and Dunning-Kruger mentality has me captured in your small little world of punkville. Your words make rocks appear brilliant and way mire mature.
Your Pretty Manikins sales thread finally cough blood? Your clan of narcissist going back to vomiting here?
The funniest part of you is I’m the only one who sees you for who you are, a scamming skimmer over the top obsession with selling horse crap. I’m not alone.
I just think you’re low class and I’m more than glad I’m not you, or your chimps on leashes attached to the music box.
Sig line.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 02, 2024, 03:49:47 PM
I'd think anything your could do to maintain contact with that potential customer, rather than have them uninstall, is better than nothing.
For instance, just to give Animl an aneurism, DCS (standalone not Steam) has a two-week trial per module\terrain. And it can be repeated every 6 months.
So you could trial a pony. Then trial a spit. Then trial an F-16, etc. Keep going through all the modules and in six months come around time to trial the pony again. ;)
That is kinda like what you describe. That essentially is another flavor of F2P but a rotating model. They are betting that eventually with enough experience you might fall in love with one of the modules and decide it is worth it to buy have have whenever you want.
In any case, it provides a reason to keep the game installed and allows them multiple bites at the apple to convert you.
Never give a potential customer and excuse to uninstall if you can avoid it. Every day they don't uninstall is another chance to convert them.
$0.02.
Not only is that stupid, it comes from a coward who hides behind a pc. You’re just a coward on every level.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 02, 2024, 03:52:32 PM
You read it coward. You got my point, my lil squeak toy
Sig line.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: 327thBS on April 02, 2024, 07:50:41 PM
I haven’t played this game in a while. I think the world has moved on from gaming subscriptions.
I don’t see why this game couldn’t be free to play for early war planes. If nothing else it’s easy targets in the sky. I would gladly take a P40 up for fun.
Applications are sub based not games. The games that are sub based have constant CONTENT upgrades. If I were to sub to this game it would be to reconnect with old friends and spend time with them.
I do think Hitech should allow for an annual free weekend for returning players to try the game out for free; reconnect with old squad mates and the likes.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: SuperDud on April 02, 2024, 07:54:23 PM
I don't play the others because I never liked a scam. They are not free to play. You have to buy every plane. Folks can even buy themselves better. All just a scam.
It'd be easy to implement and wouldn't be "cheating". Free would be early war planes. Maybe half of current subscription price would be Mid war rides. And you can just continue paying fill sub price for all rides. Super easy to implement cost wise and doesn't interfere with people such as yourself who just want it to stay the same. Hardly a scam.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 02, 2024, 11:01:07 PM
How is "I think you're low class" not a shining example of Dunning-Kruger? Seems him thinks him perdy smart!
I don't read the posts but I still see the quotes.
There times when wonder if Animi and double 00PK er are the same animal...
One says he lives in Chicago and one says he lives in California...
In my experience the people who talk the most and beat their chest the most and don't get sarcasm might have been better off with a little bleach in their gene pool :)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 02, 2024, 11:09:35 PM
I haven’t played this game in a while. I think the world has moved on from gaming subscriptions.
I don’t see why this game couldn’t be free to play for early war planes. If nothing else it’s easy targets in the sky. I would gladly take a P40 up for fun.
Applications are sub based not games. The games that are sub based have constant CONTENT upgrades. If I were to sub to this game it would be to reconnect with old friends and spend time with them.
I do think Hitech should allow for an annual free weekend for returning players to try the game out for free; reconnect with old squad mates and the likes.
Pleeeeze! Stop with the logic! :)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 02, 2024, 11:17:07 PM
It'd be easy to implement and wouldn't be "cheating". Free would be early war planes. Maybe half of current subscription price would be Mid war rides. And you can just continue paying fill sub price for all rides. Super easy to implement cost wise and doesn't interfere with people such as yourself who just want it to stay the same. Hardly a scam.
I think it s a good idea to have free to play and a limited lessor sub would help with the numbers. I would be willing to pay for 4 accounts that were say $5 each for a total of $20 a month to play with my kids. I'm not willing to pay $720 a year to play once or twice a week with my kids. But then again it's logic and it will make somebodies head explode. /sigh
I think HTs fear is that all the paying subscribers who who have stuck with him all this time and have paid for multiple accounts would all switch to free to play. Maybe he's right?
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: GasTeddy on April 03, 2024, 03:38:45 AM
The feeling is quite mutual. Has been since your first stupid thread.
Animal, you once wrote in a topic, that if someone has no positive input to give, better not to write anything. Please, try to follow your own advice. AH forum is not correct place to pour in your own bad feelings, mental nausea, possible depression or frustration. There are other places and people, who can help with those.
-Peace-
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: GasTeddy on April 03, 2024, 03:39:25 AM
Accidental double posting removed.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: SuperDud on April 03, 2024, 08:22:22 PM
I think it s a good idea to have free to play and a limited lessor sub would help with the numbers. I would be willing to pay for 4 accounts that were say $5 each for a total of $20 a month to play with my kids. I'm not willing to pay $720 a year to play once or twice a week with my kids. But then again it's logic and it will make somebodies head explode. /sigh
I think HTs fear is that all the paying subscribers who who have stuck with him all this time and have paid for multiple accounts would all switch to free to play. Maybe he's right?
I think you're right on that last part and fair enough for Hitech. I think I stated earlier that I believe HTC is happy with his income to effort ratio at this point. He has a core base and the games "finished" so it just needs minimal maintenance.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Dadtallica on April 03, 2024, 10:51:38 PM
Sorry I was being too myopic for you all… not just media has moved but…almost every app you’ve ever tapped which includes pretty much all traditional channels of commerce, including most all gaming apps, nearly all newspapers minus the free ones, numerous retail giants, all tv and movies in essence, even how we hunt and gather food and supplies for the home cave.
All those and many several other parts of our lives are all subscription based now and/or always have been. Paperboy anyone? Plus, the price of AH is less than probably half of all of those subscriptions above… I’m guesstimating.
In almost no restaurant or QSR establishment can you get one single meal a month for less than $15.
BUT it is a value proposition always. Whether or not you can “afford” $15 is irrelevant. My wife and I do ok for ourselves and can afford such things but the minute I find that AH is no longer worth my perception of $15, see ya errrrbody. Probably won’t happen for me anytime soon before it’s gone for good but I understand the decision for all.
If you think your money is better spent elsewhere then guess what? Who cares it’s your money. (Use it when you need it…) We can all find the right arguments for and against any flight sim or game… or anything really. Yet when it comes to the wallet… it’s a unique experience completely subjective to the exact end user and none of us can tell the other who did it right.
One man’s trash as it were. :old:
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Shuffler on April 04, 2024, 12:55:14 PM
Has the OP ever wondered why stores don't give away their inventory?
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 04, 2024, 01:27:40 PM
:rolleyes:
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: xanax on April 04, 2024, 03:35:14 PM
Has the OP ever wondered why stores don't give away their inventory?
My local grocery did it with Tillamook cheese the other day. They had little cubes of the stuff with tooth picks spread out on a table in the deli. After eating a half dozen or so, I convinced myself to buy a block of that cheese.
That loss-leader stuff works sometimes.
Just sayin'
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 04, 2024, 03:47:58 PM
My local grocery did it with Tillamook cheese the other day. They had little cubes of the stuff with tooth picks spread out on a table in the deli. After eating a half dozen or so, I convinced myself to buy a block of that cheese.
That loss-leader stuff works sometimes.
Just sayin'
I guess War Thunder must not make any money either.
I wouldn't want their micro transactions, but the F2P layer keeps potential customers around long enough to convince them it is worth "subscribing".
The other two big air combat games, IL2 and DCS, aren't subscription at all.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 04, 2024, 03:50:45 PM
Time passes, products change. I tried shaving with a straight razor but it was too much work.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 04, 2024, 03:54:59 PM
Not sure how I screwed this up but this is what I was trying to quote:
My local grocery did it with Tillamook cheese the other day. They had little cubes of the stuff with tooth picks spread out on a table in the deli. After eating a half dozen or so, I convinced myself to buy a block of that cheese.
That loss-leader stuff works sometimes.
Just sayin'
Please stop with the logic! You will make somebodies head explode!
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: xanax on April 04, 2024, 04:09:59 PM
Time passes, products change. I tried shaving with a straight razor but it was too much work.
Same. took too long and I barely had enough TP for the blood. I looked like a cherry blossom tree in full bloom. I coulda swore I heard my Norelco laughing from the drawer.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: SuperDud on April 05, 2024, 05:09:04 PM
Still funny to see all these analogies as to why F2P is a bad idea as all the modern and biggest flight Sims are doing that. Just be honest and say you're happy how things are as the game slowly dies. It's your own little play ground, used by mostly older players and you'd get a larger variety if it went F2P.
To keep using these analogies that don't relate to flight sims and with having all sims using a F2P model is just silly. At this point to say F2P wouldn't work is just a dumb statement, it's literally the business model of all the big successful sims out there.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: guncrasher on April 05, 2024, 05:16:46 PM
Not sure how I screwed this up but this is what I was trying to quote:
My local grocery did it with Tillamook cheese the other day. They had little cubes of the stuff with tooth picks spread out on a table in the deli. After eating a half dozen or so, I convinced myself to buy a block of that cheese.
That loss-leader stuff works sometimes.
Just sayin'
Please stop with the logic! You will make somebodies head explode!
how many shoppers just eat the cheese and walk by withouth buying a block?
semp
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Lazerr on April 05, 2024, 05:33:17 PM
how many shoppers just eat the cheese and walk by withouth buying a block?
semp
How many buy the block without hearing or trying it?
At this point the current base is keeping the servers afloat. If some free to play guys want to come get addicted and end up subscribing to enable skins and all aircraft... well.. sounds like a win win.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 05, 2024, 05:35:16 PM
At this point it won't hurt to try it. 16-player is what convinced me to sub.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 05:42:33 PM
how many shoppers just eat the cheese and walk by withouth buying a block?
Does it matter if the net sales increase enough to make it worth it?
Many, many moon ago I was playing a game where the devs were still trying to charge by the hour.
I begged and pleaded with those guys to try going flat rate. They were so terrified that 5 guys in a dorm room might all share the account and take turns playing. I was like, "What do you care? More than likely those guys wouldn't have gotten individual accounts anyway and worse case scenario you have players in the arena so the people who are paying have someone to shoot at." Never could convince them. Arena had fewer and fewer paying customers with less and less action. No critical mass. Colony collapse. Game shut down.
But boy they made sure there wasn't two guys in a dorm room robbing them of a subscription. They showed them.
At the time AH went flat rate that was revolutionary. They saw the market had changed and they innovated and crushed the competition that still stubbornly trying to stick with an outdated hourly monetization model. It was a risk, but failing to evolve with evolving market expectations is also a risk.
The market has not stopped evolving since.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 05, 2024, 05:46:08 PM
Still funny to see all these analogies as to why F2P is a bad idea as all the modern and biggest flight Sims are doing that. Just be honest and say you're happy how things are as the game slowly dies. It's your own little play ground, used by mostly older players and you'd get a larger variety if it went F2P.
To keep using these analogies that don't relate to flight sims and with having all sims using a F2P model is just silly. At this point to say F2P wouldn't work is just a dumb statement, it's literally the business model of all the big successful sims out there.
Boomer thing?
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: xanax on April 05, 2024, 05:51:43 PM
I don't know but they keep doing it. Today I had 2 of those mini pigs in blankets. I didn't buy any but I'm sure some did.
I see it at Costco all the time too.
I wasn't making a case for or against FTP, I was only pointing out that the loss-leader concept is real and seems to work in many instances.
You know a lot of gas stations make very little off the fuel they sell. Some might even take a slight loss. What they make their money on is when you go in while you are there and pick up a 12-pack an bag of chips and a slim-jim. The fuel was just the loss-leader to pull in the traffic.
Same with big store sales in Walmart and such. They may even take a slight loss on the sale items. What they are hoping is while you are there you will buy other stuff and the net result is profit.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 06:13:10 PM
Still funny to see all these analogies as to why F2P is a bad idea as all the modern and biggest flight Sims are doing that. Just be honest and say you're happy how things are as the game slowly dies. It's your own little play ground, used by mostly older players and you'd get a larger variety if it went F2P.
To keep using these analogies that don't relate to flight sims and with having all sims using a F2P model is just silly. At this point to say F2P wouldn't work is just a dumb statement, it's literally the business model of all the big successful sims out there.
So your tribe wants players who are used to 120-700 in the same arena to then step down 5 steps into F2P with 30-50? These people are upset when it drops below 100. What you don't understand is that's why most are here. Massive Multiplayer, which those games do not have, nor 100% human piloted scenarios. We don't use AI to make up the number differences with lameness.
I find it belittling to try to make these people out as stupid because they don't see things their way of fools gold. They are money pits for lameness.
Let us know when you can fit over 100 humans and maybe we'll give it a brief thought.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 08:06:44 PM
(https://i.stack.imgur.com/jiFfM.jpg)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: The Fugitive on April 05, 2024, 08:14:37 PM
Still funny to see all these analogies as to why F2P is a bad idea as all the modern and biggest flight Sims are doing that. Just be honest and say you're happy how things are as the game slowly dies. It's your own little play ground, used by mostly older players and you'd get a larger variety if it went F2P.
To keep using these analogies that don't relate to flight sims and with having all sims using a F2P model is just silly. At this point to say F2P wouldn't work is just a dumb statement, it's literally the business model of all the big successful sims out there.
I dont think anyone here is against F2P (free to play), except Hitech. Most of these guys are just parroting what Hitech has said in the past when these things have come up. He has his reason but I dont think he has ever explained them on the boards. I know he hate explaining things on the boards as it always turns into "but did you think of this?? ....or maybe try this instead!...... or I have a better idea!" and he just doesnt want to deal with it.
Personally Id try it. I cant think of any down sides. Have a dozen or so mid/early war planes as free to play. You want the hot rods or bigger bombers, perk rides..... get a subscription. I think Lusche said once in a thread like this that he'd end his subscription and fly the free rides. Well he has stopped his sub, but if there was some free rides headed be back. The more the merrier. I doubt that running the servers with 600 players on it vs 125 isnt any different.
But, here is all speculation. It is all up to Hitech and he has said he wont do it. I wish I knew why if only to put this topic to bed.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 05, 2024, 08:22:08 PM
We have hundreds of players trying out the game every month. They only stay a few short minutes. Free planes don't change that dynamic when 30 free days (of access to ALL the planes) aren't even used...
That's basically what he told me.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 08:25:42 PM
I dont think anyone here is against F2P (free to play), except Hitech. Most of these guys are just parroting what Hitech has said in the past when these things have come up. He has his reason but I dont think he has ever explained them on the boards. I know he hate explaining things on the boards as it always turns into "but did you think of this?? ....or maybe try this instead!...... or I have a better idea!" and he just doesnt want to deal with it.
Personally Id try it. I cant think of any down sides. Have a dozen or so mid/early war planes as free to play. You want the hot rods or bigger bombers, perk rides..... get a subscription. I think Lusche said once in a thread like this that he'd end his subscription and fly the free rides. Well he has stopped his sub, but if there was some free rides headed be back. The more the merrier. I doubt that running the servers with 600 players on it vs 125 isnt any different.
But, here is all speculation. It is all up to Hitech and he has said he wont do it. I wish I knew why if only to put this topic to bed.
There are no guarantees that adding some portion of F2P would help at all.
There is a guarantee that just doing what already hasn't work for over a decade isn't suddenly magically going to start working.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 05, 2024, 09:02:52 PM
I dont think anyone here is against F2P (free to play), except Hitech. Most of these guys are just parroting what Hitech has said in the past when these things have come up. He has his reason but I dont think he has ever explained them on the boards. I know he hate explaining things on the boards as it always turns into "but did you think of this?? ....or maybe try this instead!...... or I have a better idea!" and he just doesnt want to deal with it.
Personally Id try it. I cant think of any down sides. Have a dozen or so mid/early war planes as free to play. You want the hot rods or bigger bombers, perk rides..... get a subscription. I think Lusche said once in a thread like this that he'd end his subscription and fly the free rides. Well he has stopped his sub, but if there was some free rides headed be back. The more the merrier. I doubt that running the servers with 600 players on it vs 125 isnt any different.
But, here is all speculation. It is all up to Hitech and he has said he wont do it. I wish I knew why if only to put this topic to bed.
Those biz models are only good as long as new planes are made. Once people have all they want there’s no more revenue from those people. Then you end up with skimmers on other sim boards to aid that lost revenue for sales perks. That's an indicator of not going all that well. So they dump out planes full of bugs just to get revenue back.
I doubt it. Every time you see sales, something took a dive. Bean counters probably loath this concept as nothing is predictable.
Subs are more predictable monthly revenue
I just don’t get the $15 whine. Can afford a $2k computer and 20 other games and planes, but $15 bothers them? Seriously. If someone can’t or won’t pay 15$ is probably not a customer worth bending for.
I’m totally burnt out on this repeat whine.
Next they will want us to pay for them to play. Like other subjects, as mentioned 20k times. If you can’t afford $15 you best stop all games and save for food. Nonsense convo IMO
Like other subjects, it will be repeated and every response will be repeated.
I’m totally with HT on this subject.
Ideas like put HT in a corner for an interview where the only subject would finish the game off.
Stop listening to money perk/commission chasing morons who sell chit.
Glittery Fools gold talk for a fools gold sim struggling with a bad biz model.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 09:05:14 PM
(https://i.stack.imgur.com/jiFfM.jpg)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 05, 2024, 09:13:31 PM
How many tried these other sims for free play and didn’t stay? I’d live to see that data. I can name 10 right now.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 05, 2024, 09:15:06 PM
Okay, name them, right now.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 05, 2024, 09:16:04 PM
Boomers control the world and will be around a while yet. If you don't want us to take it with us be nice.
I was called a "boomer" once as an attempted insult by one of those younguns. He was completely confused when I said: "Nice try, I'm GenX"
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 05, 2024, 09:30:06 PM
Trips and I have probably played a lot more Aces High than you Animl. We don't want to see it fail. I'm perfectly happy to see the current subscriber base continue it's support indefinitely.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 09:30:51 PM
Maybe they stay until they figure out it's a monthly fee and the "free" is 2 weeks. You should read the steam comments. There is a quiet common complaint about the monthly sub.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 05, 2024, 09:36:29 PM
If we're gonna "forgive" student loans let the colleges pay for that. Why should you and I?
True, they're already using the money they stole from us to send to Ukraine to try to start WW3 and to the illegals to try to encourage more to come. The colleges should pay their fair share!
I just realized you and my plumber are from Sherman. Small world.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 05, 2024, 09:51:19 PM
Trips and I have probably played a lot more Aces High than you Animl. We don't want to see it fail. I'm perfectly happy to see the current subscriber base continue it's support indefinitely.
You speak for yourself.
I got 9-10 yrs in here, I’m not new. Plus my own contributions in those years. Been into MMP fir 35 yrs. I’m not new to anything. Trips operates like drug dealer con. Literally mention that game 1500 times. Heard this frog fart in the water 300 times. Not a damn thing hionest about him. Its slow manipulation, make mentions non stop. Seen 200+ marketing conferences by the big boys.. I know every slithering trick.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 10:00:41 PM
(https://i.imgflip.com/1b35g8.jpg)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: The Fugitive on April 05, 2024, 10:05:48 PM
Maybe they stay until they figure out it's a monthly fee and the "free" is 2 weeks. You should read the steam comments. There is a quiet common complaint about the monthly sub.
I think a lot of them login and start to figure out how to fly and say.."OMG! there is so much to learn!" and they leave. Todays market is more about "FREE" this and that. Free apps, free games, there are a million of them. In most cases they all have some pay version that have the "extra stuff" or the ability to save a game, or any of a hundred other things they want to charge you for. That is what todays gamers are playing. That is what they are doing, its the way of the industry.
HTC took a chance and went subscription based in a time when that wasnt the norm. Well its time to move on from that now. People will keep plugging away at a free game until they either get the hang of it and realize that they want more and so buy in, or finally give up.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 05, 2024, 10:15:51 PM
I got 9-10 yrs in here, I’m not new. Plus my own contributions in those years. Been into MMP fir 35 yrs. I’m not new to anything. Trips operates like drug dealer con. Literally mention that game 1500 times. Heard this frog fart in the water 300 times. Not a damn thing hionest about him. Its slow manipulation, make mentions non stop. Seen 200+ marketing conferences by the big boys.. I know every slithering trick.
I've known Trips for 25 years. I know he does not want to see Aces High fail. Give it a rest.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 05, 2024, 10:19:07 PM
Something you probably didn't know Animl. Trips made the first user made map for Aces High. With a little help from his friends. He probably won't appreciate me mentioning that though. He'll get over it. ;)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 10:23:58 PM
Something you probably didn't know Animl. Trips made the first user made map for Aces High. With a little help from his friends. He probably won't appreciate me mentioning that though. He'll get over it. ;)
Yeah. That worked out well. ;)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 05, 2024, 11:13:54 PM
The first two statements are fact. The third is an assertion. Not the same as a fact.
His assertion.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 11:14:22 PM
Bottom line, to answer the OP, IMHO, a portion of F2P is worth a try unless the decision has been made as SuperDud said to just let it fade.
I see few other viable strategies.
Vulkan? The only thing I can really see that buying is cross platform. It doesn't seem to me that performance is a problem for AH.
So, to Mac? LoL. Linux? I don't know that world. Is there a gamer culture on Linux? With numbers?
Console? Big money there but the current graphics would be insufficient I would think. Console players really expect AAA graphics.
If there is another more likely successful strategy, I can't guess what it is.
Maybe HT should just ... advertise! Yeah that's it. All you have to do is advertise. Why didn't anyone think of that? Maybe set up a table at air shows and hand out t-shirts and bumper stickers? Has anyone suggested that? :rolleyes:
So what is the best strategy? If not limited F2P, what is the next best option?
For those against limited F2P, I'm all ears and interested. Honestly interested. School me.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 05, 2024, 11:16:01 PM
Maybe they stay until they figure out it's a monthly fee and the "free" is 2 weeks. You should read the steam comments. There is a quiet common complaint about the monthly sub.
They stay less than five minutes after their first login....
Five MINUTES.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 05, 2024, 11:20:50 PM
They stay less than five minutes after their first login....
Five MINUTES.
Which is after they have been shown the trial only dialog, right?
Don't you think it is possible they have already made the decision to bail and uninstall at the point of seeing that?
If you had already made the decision that a subscription is unacceptable, would you bother going through and configuring all your controls or just pop in to look at the graphics on the runway out of curiosity and then bail and uninstall?
As opposed to a dialog like,
"Your two week trial will allow you to experience all the vehicle and planes that Aces High has to offer. If at the end of your trial you have still not decided, you are invited to continue to enjoy the reduced set of Free-To-Play planes and vehicles for as long as you like. Have fun and enjoy yourself."
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 06, 2024, 12:08:07 AM
The only other viable strategy I could see is admitting that new players are beyond your reach focus on some way of contact former players with some special deal to bring them back for one last hurrah! Like a 1 month Welcome Back Trial Period to rekindle the old magic.
That would take a willingness to go out and market to those guys. They're not going to come to you. I would hope HTC still has emails of former players in the DB archives. A lot of those are probably dead letters but some may work and word of mouth can get around on the old friends network. If they were one time customers that is not spam. They are not strangers, you have had a previous business relationship.
I get emails all the time form services I have had at one time offering me deals to come back.
"You don't get what you don't ask for in this life."
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Oldman731 on April 06, 2024, 07:33:28 AM
Which is after they have been shown the trial only dialog, right?
Don't you think it is possible they have already made the decision to bail and uninstall at the point of seeing that?
If you had already made the decision that a subscription is unacceptable, would you bother going through and configuring all your controls or just pop in to look at the graphics on the runway out of curiosity and then bail and uninstall?
As opposed to a dialog like,
"Your two week trial will allow you to experience all the vehicle and planes that Aces High has to offer. If at the end of your trial you have still not decided, you are invited to continue to enjoy the reduced set of Free-To-Play planes and vehicles for as long as you like. Have fun and enjoy yourself."
There is merit in this.
- oldman
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Meatwad on April 06, 2024, 07:48:09 AM
Or the fact that he could be teetering on the edge of his comfort zone on the number of paying subs from "this is good enough" to "oh crap can i pay my house payment this month"
Its a true fact that things have changed compared to 25 years ago and you must adapt to stay alive in the gaming world. When you refuse to adapt, you die out. When the other developers "retired" (laid off due to lack of subs) and there is nobody left to create new content because he cant afford to pay them for the time and effort, you are on a slow downhill spiral until the last of the loyal playerbase leave and its lights out.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 08:51:06 AM
You guys still playing oughta make some how to videos. Maybe there already is an Aces High youtube channel with videos on mapping controls, flying the aircraft, tips on engaging, etc...? Instructional for the brand new to flight sims and Aces High in particular.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 08:55:58 AM
Not just look at me, see how great I am videos. A walk through on getting started, step by step. Then the basics of flying. The basics of communication. Start a squad for noobs and offer regular training sessions. You want your community to grow make it attractive.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 08:59:11 AM
I got over 10,000 views in less than a month for just a silly little video that has tags DCS and F-14. Be shameless, add tags, DCS killer, better than the F-14. ;)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 09:05:09 AM
Most people know squat about Air Combat Maneuvering. My brother flew choppers for the Army including the Cobra and Apache. Then Jets for the airlines until he recently retired. He knew squat about ACM. Helicopters don't dogfight in real life and the airlines discourage it. Record your fights. Make detailed analytical videos.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: The Fugitive on April 06, 2024, 09:53:52 AM
You guys still playing oughta make some how to videos. Maybe there already is an Aces High youtube channel with videos on mapping controls, flying the aircraft, tips on engaging, etc...? Instructional for the brand new to flight sims and Aces High in particular.
There are videos out there.
VuduVince has "Is AH worth it?" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoGp1QCtjtc&list=PL7VvGQQXDHVCq8SC0cqbC4o07_38zjUS6&index=48) An honest take on the game.
AH also has "Training videos" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52i5Yr73V8&list=PLr4GpS0ovt8pJFsEIstKyACJc4FJ3io6X&index=6)
Searching "Aces High Video game" (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Aces+high+video+game) brings up a bunch of videos. Maybe Iron Maiden having a song of the same name hurts the search which is too bad for Aces High.
I think if Aces High were to relaunch on Steam add a bunch of these videos, along with some VR videos and maybe add a new manager ( some volunteer just to have a new name and erase any bad memories)to add the "Under NEW Management" tag it would get a lot of action. Add in a free plane set and we might get back to good numbers again.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 10:10:26 AM
Not many views on those. Add a few tags to those videos, More realistic than War Thunder. Bigger furballs than DCS World. The hits will be on War Thunder and DCS.
Don't see a video on setting up HOTAS controls. Need one with step by step hand holding instructions.
Tags. I've made videos haphazardly and usually to help someone specifically. They are very unprofessional. I have only 85 subscribers yet have over 10k views on this video. It's simply the tags/name of the video that comes up in searches. Much as I'd like to believe otherwise. ;)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 10:21:57 AM
I'll make a video on setting up the HOTAS controls for Aces High and tag it as I mentioned. We'll see how many views it gets.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 10:42:31 AM
Going through the setup I see there are already tutorial videos tied in. Maybe getting these some widespread attention on youtube will be a draw.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Banshee7 on April 06, 2024, 10:52:59 AM
I have also been preaching about presence in the Training Arena. No one is going to go into an empty arena. I don’t mind sitting in there for a little bit when I first log in or when the MA is dull. Need a couple of other likeminded folks willing to help out. This game has a big learning curve, and it can be intimidating for those that have never played a flight sim before. There’s no real instant gratification, which is what most gamers now expect.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 11:00:25 AM
Just a test to see how adding a few key words in the description draws views.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 11:19:08 AM
Most people want to belong to a team. They get more satisfaction in being appreciated as a valuable team member than in beating down an opposing player. Of course there are exceptions which is why there can be vitriol on public channels. The always online environment where players can come and go as their own schedules permit and still find friends is Aces High biggest asset imo. Introducing new people to this aspect quickly is its greatest challenge.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 11:33:43 AM
Automatic squad assignment availability on a noobs first venture online might work if there are people willing to take these noobs under their wing.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 06, 2024, 01:43:34 PM
So, to Mac? LoL. Linux? I don't know that world. Is there a gamer culture on Linux? With numbers?
Console? Big money there but the current graphics would be insufficient I would think. Console players really expect AAA graphics.
As a longtime Linux user I think that if you average the total number of Linux users and of that number the total number that would be interested in AH3 that it wouldn't be a lot. Also from what I've seen many of the Linux users are in countries that could not afford a $15 a month subscription. Maybe SteamOS?
I don't recall the console thing being brought up. I know there is a Steam deck but I don't know if it would run AH3. This is an interesting idea.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: guncrasher on April 06, 2024, 02:46:25 PM
Ya but a bunch of those "females" today could have man parts...
what you taking about. all women have man's parts. just ask man that wants to get laid.
semp
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 04:54:33 PM
Is there a mechanism in game to request and assign squad membership? I believe that could be both a marketing and selling point. Let squads sign up for this and list their attributes. Let newcomers select a squad based on that. If it's not in place it would of coarse require a bit of coading.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: AKIron on April 06, 2024, 05:00:24 PM
We all need friends. Many look for them in online games. This, more than anything, is what keeps customers.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 06, 2024, 10:51:11 PM
Not many views on those. Add a few tags to those videos, More realistic than War Thunder. Bigger furballs than DCS World. The hits will be on War Thunder and DCS.
Don't see a video on setting up HOTAS controls. Need one with step by step hand holding instructions.
Tags. I've made videos haphazardly and usually to help someone specifically. They are very unprofessional. I have only 85 subscribers yet have over 10k views on this video. It's simply the tags/name of the video that comes up in searches. Much as I'd like to believe otherwise. ;)
Wow. I noticed how close that one final checker was to that engine in afterburner in the video. I don't think it would be possible to breath that close. Those Tomcat afterburners put out an incredible amount of heat! I for one wouldn't want to be that close to one in afterburner.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CptTrips on April 06, 2024, 11:14:20 PM
Wow. I noticed how close that one final checker was to that engine in afterburner in the video. I don't think it would be possible to breath that close. Those Tomcat afterburners put out an incredible amount of heat! I for one wouldn't want to be that close to one in afterburner.
No problem. Just wear sunscreen. (https://i.redd.it/1uae2nrc6dn81.gif)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Vraciu on April 07, 2024, 12:44:12 AM
Not many views on those. Add a few tags to those videos, More realistic than War Thunder. Bigger furballs than DCS World. The hits will be on War Thunder and DCS.
Don't see a video on setting up HOTAS controls. Need one with step by step hand holding instructions.
Tags. I've made videos haphazardly and usually to help someone specifically. They are very unprofessional. I have only 85 subscribers yet have over 10k views on this video. It's simply the tags/name of the video that comes up in searches. Much as I'd like to believe otherwise. ;)
Roll spoilers are a b with thrust asymmetry. Keep the stick aileron neutral and see if that helps.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Shuffler on April 07, 2024, 11:20:06 AM
My local grocery did it with Tillamook cheese the other day. They had little cubes of the stuff with tooth picks spread out on a table in the deli. After eating a half dozen or so, I convinced myself to buy a block of that cheese.
That loss-leader stuff works sometimes.
Just sayin'
Did you try anything else? If AH were a store, you could try anything in it for free up to two weeks.
Using your comparison.... AH should have one free plane for a day.
Just sayin'.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: hazmatt on April 08, 2024, 10:19:27 AM
Has the buy a plane model like DCS and IL2 been discussed? Maybe you could buy the 40 eny planes for $4.99 and the LW rocketships for $49.99? Seems to be working for those sims.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Eagler on April 08, 2024, 11:27:23 AM
Has the buy a plane model like DCS and IL2 been discussed? Maybe you could buy the 40 eny planes for $4.99 and the LW rocketships for $49.99? Seems to be working for those sims.
Then the graphics in AH would have to be improved
My guess it's the look and feel as much as the $15 and complex learning curve
Eagler
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: RichardDarkwood on April 08, 2024, 11:33:56 AM
Has the buy a plane model like DCS and IL2 been discussed? Maybe you could buy the 40 eny planes for $4.99 and the LW rocketships for $49.99? Seems to be working for those sims.
There are only a few planes you can buy individually in IL-2. And the DCS planes are in a totally different league in graphics and complexity. Who in the world would pay $50 for something like AH's La-7???? :headscratch:
You would need a new game for this approach (Which, in my personal opinion, wouldn't be a bad thing)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: CAV on April 08, 2024, 08:21:32 PM
Quote
You would need a new game for this approach (Which, in my personal opinion, wouldn't be a bad thing)
I'm holding out hope for this....
https://combatpilot.com (https://combatpilot.com)
CAV
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Lusche on April 09, 2024, 12:01:24 AM
Well, I more thought along the lines of a new game by Dale incorporating some of the key elements of Aces High, but with a new approach. Very unlikely it will ever happen in the way I'm envisioning it, but hey, a man can dream, can't he? :)
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: Animl-AW on April 15, 2024, 01:00:14 PM
Wishlist material. Ya are asking for rewriting scripts for a new payment method. Ya can’t get basic changes that take 5min-1hr, so this thread is moot. Not goin to happen.
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: bluemax on April 18, 2024, 04:42:24 AM
Alot of people keep going on about how the game is only 15$ a month. Well that adds up to 180$ a year and no game is really worth it at that point when you think about long term costs. I played on an off from 2009 to 2017. The quality of engagements dropped with the player counts to the point it wasnt worth it. Now think of this as a new comer,you download a free game see the main server maybe topping 150players on a weekend and the game is asking 15$ a month to play in that server. so thats 15$ for really only 8 days a month when the game is actually somewhat active. Hell i quit because Generally speaking things start loosing interest once the player counts would dropped below 200 back in the day and once that became a consistent issue i dropped the game.From a quick tread of the current state of a forums it seems like this place is just a bunch of crabs in a bucket now and its sad.
PS if your reading this Hi HighEye its been a long time since ive talked with the Aerofighters hope all is well
Title: Re: Why not go Free to play?
Post by: 1stpar3 on April 18, 2024, 06:32:27 AM
"30 days" :rofl My Bro forgot about the "2 WEEKS" :rofl "2 weeks" has been a Staple since all time I have known in this game/forums..10 years........wait what? 10 years? OK, HO, where is my Vraciu and what did you do to him? :furious Blink twice if you are in danger... :rofl Love ya Brother