ENY again

[AKIron]

Give every trial period player an ace level AI wingman. One that can take the lead or follow orders. One that will communicate with the player. Reassign the AI wingman to an AI squad after a few weeks.

AI has been in flight combat games since the start. They now have a potential unlike ever before.

[LilMak]

   

I see a problem with veterans flying around in their Uber planes beating up on the new guys just trying to get the hang of the game.  This already happens and the above just makes it worse, which in turn hinders building the population.  I would suggest the opposite by giving the new pilots a longer trial period to get hooked.  Giving them full access to the plane set.

One-eye

I tend to agree with your assessment. However, the actual point would be to encourage subscribers. If they started with a bank of perks, they could actually use them until they ran out. Thinking about this from a new player perspective, it’s very similar to COD and other games where average or below average players buy skins and packages because they think they’re going to be more competitive. And they actually do get better. Meanwhile they’re learning the game at no cost and there isn’t a two week timer counting down so they can do it at their own pace. AH has a steep learning curve and the hook is when you have some success. There’s a mentality (human nature?) where they’ll want to buy some perks or get that subscription going because they’ll believe (because it’s true) they’re better at the game with better equipment. Basically there needs to be time for them to learn and get better at their individual pace. Crew chief is going to help. The radar adjustments are going to help too.

Still. I just play in the sandbox. Offer my ideas. Throw out criticisms. I do believe the core of the game is player vs player. And the fundamental problem is we need more players. I think the FTP model will bring some in and provide a consistent source of new ones. Even if the thought in the past was to dismiss it maybe it’s time for a revisit? I think this because I was gifted an X-box during COVID and played a lot of COD. I swore I wouldn’t buy any battle passes. I was wrong. I think something would work similarly here.

[-gg-]

Ideas for a free to play system.

1. Give players an extremely limited plane set, but not crap planes. Like maybe let them have only a 16 for a fighter, maybe one bomber maybe one gv. But not a crappy one something that they can at least do well in.
I think it's spit 16 would be good because it's easy doesn't have a big range and not a lot of people really use that except for maybe base defense.
2. Let them earn perks and rank but not let them use anything until they have a real account
3. Make them automatic side switchers with no option to change countries.
4. Give them a limited amount of hours to play per campaign until the timer kicks in and they're prompted to pay for an account

That's just off the top of my head. But basically you give people a taste of the game. Maybe even just one plane that they can fly and if they like the game they're going to pay for the game to get more. To use the perks. To not have to switch sides. Or to join a squad or whatever.

[LilMak]

Ideas for a free to play system.

1. Give players an extremely limited plane set, but not crap planes. Like maybe let them have only a 16 for a fighter, maybe one bomber maybe one gv. But not a crappy one something that they can at least do well in.
I think it's spit 16 would be good because it's easy doesn't have a big range and not a lot of people really use that except for maybe base defense.
2. Let them earn perks and rank but not let them use anything until they have a real account
3. Make them automatic side switchers with no option to change countries.
4. Give them a limited amount of hours to play per campaign until the timer kicks in and they're prompted to pay for an account

That's just off the top of my head. But basically you give people a taste of the game. Maybe even just one plane that they can fly and if they like the game they're going to pay for the game to get more. To use the perks. To not have to switch sides. Or to join a squad or whatever.

The point of FTP would be to encourage them to upgrade and pay.

Going over you suggested ideas one by one…

1. Give them planes that can be competitive but struggle. Spit16 would be reserved for pay for perks kinda deal I discussed earlier. Using the Spit as an example, I would stop at a Spit5. A Spit9 might even be a step too far. 109F, C205, all the Zekes, Brewster, birdcage Corsair, B-25s, Bettys, M4, M-16, anything that carries troops is kinda where my mind is at. Or maybe anything with a 35 ENY?
2. Let them grind to earn perks if they don’t want to pay. Something like playing for 4 hours gets them a perk they can use so they can get that Spit16 or Wirble.
3. This seems viable but could force them away if they’re constantly being horded.
4. No time limits. They need to learn and the curve is steep.

[-gg-]

I think you need to give them a good plane though. They're going to suck anyway and they need to see that they might be able to compete. Making them struggle with a bad plane will frustrate them.

A spit 9 might be better.                                                               

Let them build perks but not use them until they upgrade.

When they only have one plane, one bomber and one GV - and a bunch of perks they can't use, that's a big incentive to upgrade. Badger them with the AI crew chief - "you have 500 perks and can fly xxxx planes. upgrade to use" Have it suggest planes for ground attack. Upgrade to try them.

Also, it puts planes in the air.

[LilMak]

When they only have one plane, one bomber and one GV - and a bunch of perks they can't use, that's a big incentive to upgrade. Badger them with the AI crew chief - "you have 500 perks and can fly xxxx planes. upgrade to use" Have it suggest planes for ground attack. Upgrade to try them.

Also, it puts planes in the air.

One of the greatest aspects of the game is the diversity. Hard to get that if you’re overly limited. Also, many folks would want to use the equipment and countries they represent. This requires diversity in being able to fly off carriers, dive bomb, level bomb, GV and so on. German, Japanese, American, British, Russian, and even Italian equipment could and should be represented.

[-gg-]

One of the greatest aspects of the game is the diversity. Hard to get that if you’re overly limited. Also, many folks would want to use the equipment and countries they represent. This requires diversity in being able to fly off carriers, dive bomb, level bomb, GV and so on. German, Japanese, American, British, Russian, and even Italian equipment could and should be represented.

That's exactly what I'm thinking. They will see that they can use all of that if they sign up and pay. The FTP gets them in the game and that stuff gets them to pay.