We need a better F2P model

What the hell? I have no intention or desire to go F2P. This is about showing players who ARE playing for free, what they could do MORE of if they subbed - it's giving them a taste of something in the hopes that they'll want more of it. That's missing in the current model, as is the "bonus" and incentive for paying players. Also, as so many of you have been kind enough to point out, most everything a sub gets, can also be purchased on the GTN - decreasing the current value of subs, which is why I feel Bioware needs to toss subscribers a few bones.

And I'm lost...what are you saying about RIFT and what the hell does it have to do with this game? Go post your thoughts about RIFT on their forums, not these.

The issue is he wants more for his sub money. If F2P got more, subs would get more. He doesn't really care if F2P get more per se.

Nur weil im deutschen Forum nix mehr los ist musst du hier nicht anfangen solche Threads zu starten.

I leveled my Sith Sorcerer from 1-50 as a Preferred played, and in terms of restrictions, the only ones that bothered me were the -25% XP, the Mail (not being able to send money and only 1 item), and the 2 hour fast travel cool down. Other than what I listed everything else can be bought on the GTN like the Artifact Authorization, Titles, Hide Head and so forth. I say if any changes were to be made BW should change the XP to -15% or at least give Preferred players rest xp, and also reduce the QT cool down. Other than this I say the F2P system is fine.

OP is a self admitted subscriber.

*thread over*

Really, I was F2P for 1 hr before subbing. I have 3 new guild members that were f2p for 2 days before subbing. I have another one who is a f2p who is subbing too. I think you're wrong there. Bioware's model is definitely getting my people to sub.

Agreed. And whether the differences are characterized as "penalties for being F2P" or "bonuses for being a sub," the end result is the same regarding F2P limitations.

The OP's point was "Gimme more for my sub fee." Now who wouldn't want more product for the same money (or the same product for less money), but companies don't lower their prices just because some customers ask them to (none of this last paragraph is directed at you).

Most people who post about the limitations (or lack there of) on F2P really have no idea what's going on. Having done it both ways here's my thoughts:

The mail limitation to 1 item is dumb because about the only time it comes into play is if you need to mail a massive number of companion gifts.

Inability to send credits is stupid because you can just send stacks of 99 slicing blue components (they're useless for anything else so just send it to whoever needs money and vendor it).

Quick travel in 2H is reasonable, though kind of pointless in any world where you can jump off a cliff as that basically does the same thing as quick travel.

Limiting crew skills to only making 1 item at a time is beneficial because this limitation will prevent someone from ever getting started on crafting skill to begin with. Likewise having 50% chance to learn RE is a benefit for F2P, as it'd stop you from wasting money on crew skills in the first place.

The decreased XP means you can actually do the bonus or heroics without having the next planet's quest grey out. The F2P XP rate probably should be the default rate for pacing purposes. It's kind of stupid to just skip everything on a planet besides the class quest which is what you'll be doing as a subscriber quite often.

In summary the limitations for F2P is pretty weak and probably too leninent. Nobody's going to subscribe just so that they can send more items in mail, or have infinite field revives. The decreased XP and crew skill restrictions can both be seen as a plus, though to be fair the latter is because doing crew skills is just a complete waste of money (so restriction on F2P players makes it less likely they'll ever step into this path). Everything else can be bought with credits through GTN, though you may need to look for a while to find certain things.

I think there is some potential for improvement in the F2P system that is currently offered.

I have one post and one thread discussing some of the issues I see with the current model.

http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=636710

http://www.swtor.com/community/showt...2p#post6351448

My main problem with the current system is that the way the gate works....coin purchases required outside the game, and the fact that unlocks do not exists at the character creation screen makes the system less approachable for new players IMO.

I also think the medical probe restriction is a bit draconian.

Restrictions to chat and general mail are understandable, but not having a legacy unlock for unlimited legacy mail seems a bit odd (for preferred or subs only naturally)...it would only benefit that player directly.

At any reason, my suggestions and concerns are listed in the links above.

Speak for yourself.