FREE PLAY ACCOUNT?
(48 votes, average 4.77 out of 5)
Written by RAFTER   
Friday, 20 August 2010 09:34

The question about introducing a free play option to WWIIOL:BE has been brought up a few times over the past year: Other MMO's going free. Anything ever come of the idea of making free accounts with access to only limited weapons/units? looks like lots of MMO's doing it now". It seems to be a very popular model that more and more MMOs are adopting. We haven't been unaware of it. We started talking about it quite a while ago. It's not a decision that can be made lightly, however, which is why we haven't pulled the trigger on it.

We've been looking seriously at a "free play" option for more than two years.

Our current definition of "free play" is as follows (note this is not written in stone):

**********

  •     Army Persona only
  •     Rank level 2 ceiling
  •     Rifle and SMG only
  •     No CS&R
  •     No Forum Access
  •     Limited squad rank
  •     Gets up sell ads (in-game/email)


This account would be heavily promoted in order to attract more players to the game. This account could be upgraded to a full premium account anytime but premium accounts would not be eligible for downgrading to the "free play" account.

**********

We have run an invitation-only poll and the results have indicated that we have the support of the existing player base. We measure that by seeing the percentage of respondents who indicated they would unsubscribe their premium account in favor of a "free play" account. Our poll results showed less than 5% of premium account holders would unsubscribe in favor of creating a new "free play" account.

A "free play" account solves a couple of issues. Firstly it provides a player an indeterminate amount of time to experience the game and convert to a premium account. We have data that shows one of the reasons we convert fewer trial players is the 14-day window. Even at 30 days, many trial players don't become game-educated enough to get a grasp on what its all about. This also provides Playnet more time to try and convert a player through in-game up sell messages and direct e-mail. It also allows us to offer small bonuses such as "a weekend pass" with access to all equipment as a way to further encourage a player to convert to premium.

The goal of a "free play" subscription is to attract a larger number of players to try the game and provide Playnet better and more effective ways to convert them to premium.

The risk is that our anticipated acceptance of the "free play" account by our current player base turns out to be incorrect and/or the increase in new players who try the game isn't as high as we want. Any combination that doesn't add up to a significant increase in premium subscribers could be problematic. Simply increasing the number of players in-game would be a benefit to everyone but the bottom line does count.

So we've been looking for the right time and the right circumstances to test the waters with "free play". We identified several areas that we needed to improve the game to better the chance that a new "free play" player has a good first impression (1.31) and we have more in the works (1.33) and we've been getting our ducks in a row regarding billing systems and up sell systems.

As of today we have no firm idea if or when "free play" might be available but in any event you can count on it having a very short leash should it ever see the light of day.

I hope this gave you a peek at some of the issues we've been wrestling with. We're interested in your comments. Post them below.
 

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Comments (90)
1 Friday, 20 August 2010 09:57
dojo
interesting. I love reading grown up replies to all the childish bickering in the forums. It's nice to know we are being listened to, and our views respected though.
2 Friday, 20 August 2010 10:18
nonvalid
hmmmm.

you blokes(and chick) aren't as dumb as you look.

i'm pleased you are being careful with the implementation, as something like this could be game making or breaking. i await the result.
Administrator's reply:
Friday, 20 August 2010 10:19
MOTORMOUTH
[Thank you? - MM]
3 Friday, 20 August 2010 10:30
Art
I could see FP or Welcome Back working only during Intermission. Seems fair enough and would boost population during those periods.
4 Friday, 20 August 2010 10:31
dotsie
For me the real boon will be in player numbers. Nothing shows this game's good side like a massive battle. If it doesn't work out you can always yank it. Nobody can complain about loosing something they ever paid for.
5 Friday, 20 August 2010 10:35
romzburg
Perhaps the free account should also be required to join a "willing-to-train-n00bs" squad, that is, one that has players online and actually playing as a squad during the free-player's typical playing hours.
6 Friday, 20 August 2010 11:02
Whitten
in Planetside they have the free account thing called "Reserves" the Reserves can only join the underpopulated side.. and only if there is less than say 500 other Reserve units(players) currently deployed.(server wide) [We've discussed restricting fp accounts to the underpop side but we're weighing that against the benefit of allowing a player to remain with a group (squad) which has shown better premium conversion ratio. -Rafter]
7 Friday, 20 August 2010 12:06
Petie
I think excellent idea, increase in numbers could lead to larger battles which equals more fun which could also lead to more people subbing and less people cancelling.
All in all it should help boost numbers and subscribers and Imo it will
8 Friday, 20 August 2010 12:53
Lob12
Free account could also give new players the time they need to figure out how to rig their PCs so they can run the game ^^
9 Friday, 20 August 2010 13:16
Smythes
Im very suspicious of 3 accounts. It cant take anything away from CRS or reduce the quality of play of those premium players; spam, equipment burning from those paying premium player at low levels.

I honestly hope theres away you can do it.
10 Friday, 20 August 2010 13:38
Warsaurus
I like the idea! =) However i wouldn't mind them being forced to play on the UP side. Also, Normally if you give someone something for free, they don't respect it. So, their attitudes may not be the greatest.
11 Friday, 20 August 2010 14:11
Hodo
I have to say this is a great idea, I wonder who thought of it.... 5 years ago... But it would be a good step in trying to populate a thinning population.
12 Friday, 20 August 2010 14:39
RAFTER
Regarding supply, we've discussed the issue of "free play" accounts depleting spawn lists. Since the plan could mean Rifleman and SMG only, we feel we can adjust spawn lists to compensate any population increase due to "free play" accounts.
13 Friday, 20 August 2010 15:08
cid250
Ummm... a pre-spawn UI with advertisements, and some delay to group them in waves. This can work better, if the delay contributes to allow chat between free players in the next spawn wave, (simultaneous spawn waves with a common timer).
14 Friday, 20 August 2010 17:55
karita
I think any free play would be good, but I also agree there is a time and a place to implement it, right after Player placed objects are in game with the bugs worked out I think would be the best time.
15 Friday, 20 August 2010 18:03
WilliJ
Excellent
16 Friday, 20 August 2010 18:10
willij
Excellent.We need more targets that’s the best thing you can do for your customer. This will lead for more Subscribers I am 100% certain.
This is businesses happy players with lots of action rolling effect more Subscribers.
17 Friday, 20 August 2010 19:23
noons
If it is only for a short period of time like 14 days or 28 days then make sure you have your timing right. No point doing it at the end of a campaign or during intermission. You want these new players to be impressed so they become premium.
18 Friday, 20 August 2010 22:32
JWilly
Maybe someday WWIIOL can generate add'l $$ with premium uniforms, especially iconic or exotic infantry weapons, special loadout combinations, personal- or squad-specific aircraft graphics...etc.
19 Saturday, 21 August 2010 02:09
AJ1874
Great idea folks! :-)

Obviously, like with any business the bottom line is vitally important and must be the prime consideration in any potential changes you make.

I hope it works if implemented and give's us more targets to kill. woot!
20 Saturday, 21 August 2010 08:36
Geckopow
Sounds interesting, only downside (my perspective), would be idiots on chat, if its free, then there will be more spam on chat channels, but if it boosts player numbers, then i can use the "ignore" command finally! :)
21 Saturday, 21 August 2010 14:32
DaVNiz
Fantastic idea, this will show to the people the game and how it works.
22 Saturday, 21 August 2010 14:55
JWilly48519
Perhaps rather than no forums access, read-only forums access in the open discussion forums only, and visibility of the section titles of the bug reporting and side-discussion forums but not their post titles or content.
23 Saturday, 21 August 2010 18:55
Jay
I support. You can yank it if you ever want to, and there would be much more inf., even if they're always low rank (much bigger battles and inf. have a bigger role)
24 Saturday, 21 August 2010 19:22
arisaka
This would actually get me to resubscribe my premium account. My biggest problem with BGE is the highly unrealistic tank to infantry ratio. This would solve that problem.
25 Saturday, 21 August 2010 19:50
Tyler
I dont see any harm at least in trying it..Maybe around christmas time? Give the whole month of December a free to play month or something like that..
And if it doesnt work as planned...just end it.
26 Sunday, 22 August 2010 02:57
Rick
Brilliant idea!. Dangle the bait of free smg then watch em yern for LMG etc for a measly $15 a month. Suggest you extend it to include worst fighter and tank of each tier. Inf flyboys tankers all different peeps.
27 Sunday, 22 August 2010 08:28
Koalasalad
I would love it if you made a "free play" account. I used to play but I cant afford the monthly fee anymore. I hope you make a "free play" account.
28 Monday, 23 August 2010 13:01
big time fan
hey this "free play" option sounds amazing, i understand the big risks that are involved, but other MMO's have been very successful at becoming F2P.
29 Monday, 23 August 2010 16:48
Kilowolf
Keep it up guys!
30 Monday, 23 August 2010 19:55
Maxxim
Army only? If you multicrew a Havoc, join crew can go to #4, sees what pilot sees. Let freeplayers join willing pilots/tankers & see what the rest of the game is like (without blocking any function) using code in already in place - Doesnt work on Db7
31 Tuesday, 24 August 2010 06:56
liangkwang
i want to play
32 Tuesday, 24 August 2010 13:09
haug116
There is alot of interest for this genre, and CRS is so far the only that have made a masterpiece MMOG mixing the wargame/FPR/sim genre.
In my opinion the free 2.nd class infantry should have less ammo, and less stamina.
33 Tuesday, 24 August 2010 18:41
Bigguz
The answer is simple: Free Beer
34 Tuesday, 24 August 2010 19:54
VonJake
Its a good idea. Another possibility is a much cheaper but still pay account - much the same, but with a small price tag - eg $5 per month or even $2 - so some base revenue is generated - but a whole lot more inf are introduced to the game.
35 Tuesday, 24 August 2010 21:10
ocidean
they'll need their own channel which premium players can access. however the rest of the channels are view only.

Id 100% support this if this was done.
36 Wednesday, 25 August 2010 04:59
Ploker
that is a great idea there will come more people and bigger battles!
37 Wednesday, 25 August 2010 15:27
Mauserk90
I dont think you guys should do it , It's to risky but why not turn 14 day trial in a free no card require to register. I know many friends who would try it just by disabling this option.
38 Wednesday, 25 August 2010 21:19
inteuniso
Having a battle with rifleman supply running out is the kind of battle I want to see; pure balls to the wall action. With the current playerbase, it just isn't possible. With free accounts enabled, it would be commonplace, not to mention epic.
39 Thursday, 26 August 2010 04:23
kulik
I unsuscribed cause the low pop battles, masive infantry battles would surely make me subscribe again.
40 Thursday, 26 August 2010 07:47
blupete
gun fodder, YUMMMMMMMMMMY
41 Thursday, 26 August 2010 13:28
Dunlop
It's definitely time. Other MMO's are using F2P as a marketing tool to get new players in the door. I think it would do wonders for our game. More players = larger battles = more excitement.
42 Friday, 27 August 2010 10:37
eagle7295
free play should include forum access all branches more weapons premium stuff increase income form a squad good idea to have them pay a fee/add on to subscription prem levels faster than the free and as such there will be no need for a level cap
43 Friday, 27 August 2010 13:52
kc23
I was going to drop my 2nd account when it comes up, but to help support this idea (if it happens) I will keep up the 2nd account.

So, in my case. You will LOSE a premium account if you do NOT put in free play. Not joking btw.
44 Friday, 27 August 2010 22:14
derathi
It sounds like a great idea, although CRS need to be weary of their in game up sell ads. As long as it doesnt constantly nag the free player to upgrade, then it sounds like it couled work just fine.
45 Friday, 27 August 2010 22:17
derathi
Although, I'm not sold on free players having access to SMGs. There needs to be a percentage supply for free players, so theres enough for subscribers to still defend cps and whatnot.
46 Saturday, 28 August 2010 04:42
wildman4
I think you should force fp accounts complete rifle/smg training. Also, give them full access to the training server and see if some of the player base will to hold training classes for them. Limit fp to 3 months.
47 Saturday, 28 August 2010 12:30
pakl
Many guys play the trial and think that the game is not good YET. But can see a light in the end of the tunnel.
In that way they would be able to come back and try the game
48 Saturday, 28 August 2010 16:03
kr0kodil
great idea will definately help marketing like demo in the Fry's Electronics or any other stores where u can create free account and let anybody play. Also many ppl can try it. Try longer - get adicted :)
49 Sunday, 29 August 2010 07:23
Sid49
Even at 30 days, many trial players don't become game-educated enough to get a grasp on what its all about.

WHY NOT JUST INCREASE THE TRIAL TO 3 MONTHS ?
50 Sunday, 29 August 2010 08:23
jck2
I see my K/D ratio going up in the future, I like it.
51 Sunday, 29 August 2010 11:20
Dr.M
yeh great idea. I dont really like this free trial system. And paying for it isnt really for me so, I say go for it.
52 Monday, 30 August 2010 13:30
Starioshka_Prokol
Maybe a lil higher rank posibilities and more weapons :). So free players could lead atleast a small squad and always would jump on enemy MGs while higher rank players would push em into action.
53 Tuesday, 31 August 2010 06:59
Cody Sturgeon
Bad idea! You would see a whole lot more spy action going on. People making accounts and playing both sides at the same time. You already have a small group paying for two accounts to cheat. Make it free and this will become the norm.
54 Tuesday, 31 August 2010 13:35
Csm308
Try free play for 120 days. That is plenty of time to learn the game and "value" the account more before giving it up.

Also, delete FP accounts if they go dead for more than 30 days. That would help eliminate the "clutter" of dead FP accounts.
55 Tuesday, 31 August 2010 16:10
Radar17
What about Spies? It is a problem in the game now with MSPs getting smoked so EA can strafe but it will be way more rampant with the free play because people no longer have to pay 2 subscriptions.
56 Tuesday, 31 August 2010 17:21
WockaWocka
Make people choose "side" during first login for ALL players and then lock that choice for Campaign.

Ops-channels should always be locked for low ranks.

Also I think smg:s are to powerful for free players. But let people try them for $5 :)
57 Wednesday, 01 September 2010 14:05
Riccardo
Beware, free account will increase the number of players but even the number of dumbass. Look at Warrock for example....it's full of cheaters.....so, free account is a good idea to attract more players but try to keep under control the situation ;)
58 Wednesday, 01 September 2010 14:50
pzjager9
Let then have all level 2 weapons so they can get a taste of the game for infantry, Armor and Planes so they get a flavor for the game and want to subscribe to it.
59 Thursday, 02 September 2010 12:20
RastaBob
good idea
60 Thursday, 02 September 2010 12:26
volcol
All of the above sounds good, but perhaps also adding a time cap too - say - 2 hours a day or arround that...
61 Friday, 03 September 2010 02:22
Matthew
I think free to play is a great idea the way your guys are doing it. you should release it as soon as possible. I think if you did that maybe you would get more people to pay for it.
62 Friday, 03 September 2010 12:01
Noda503
Is a GREAT!!! idea I support it 100% but my fellows are right: What about spies? maybe lock ips for only 1 accoint at once? I am not computer engeneer but mmust be a solution fot this. Finally you ( Rats ) will need to offer free play accounts.
63 Saturday, 04 September 2010 05:58
khsolo
I suggest no SMG, only rifle
64 Saturday, 04 September 2010 15:17
zod
what with all the free to play war games/sims out there eg american army 3
or even better the one time payfor armaII
i would recomend a limited freeplay account that does not need up grading to premium
think of all that fodder for premium non noob
65 Sunday, 05 September 2010 01:57
rdmenace
I am very encouraged that you are actually considering doing this.
66 Sunday, 05 September 2010 14:43
jfjacob
please create a free account, i can't afford the game but really want to play it, your conditions are fair but i request you raise the level cap by 1 and allow the choice between 2 main classes (ie; support and rifleman)
67 Wednesday, 08 September 2010 20:39
bzrdbird
$14 a month is a very fair price to pay for the great fun I have on line. No way I'm giving up my hard earned rank for demotion to level 2. I freaking love this game!!!
68 Thursday, 09 September 2010 19:47
sullie
THIS WAS MY FAVORITE GAME.this game was 100 times more fun compared to battlefield 2.FREE PLAY FOR 60 DAYS THEN $5 TO CONTINUE INFANTRY ONLY $10 TO UPGRADE TO SMG AND SOME OTHER AREAS $15 FOR FULL PLAY. $15.00 bucks is to steep $5 yes $10 maybe
69 Friday, 10 September 2010 00:50
Avguste
I would strongly discourage you from limiting forums to premium accounts.
70 Saturday, 11 September 2010 08:09
Syme
Forum needs to be open enough to allow the FP players to seek help and advice.
71 Saturday, 11 September 2010 16:48
LockDown
What about allowing the free player to lightly experience the other divisions and be available to spawn transport vehicles? It could open them up to more of what the game offers and want to purchase an account to try a combat vehicle in game.
72 Sunday, 12 September 2010 03:14
Tom
Look this could possibly the best idea you ever come up with except for inventing the game. I haven't played this game for over a year now because of the money. If Don't ask for our credit card det and it would seem far more attractive. ILOVETHEIDEA
73 Sunday, 12 September 2010 20:10
wqert
It makes sense to increase infantry numbers with the coming of infantry fighting positions. And nothing gets the blood going like a wall of f2p zergs in your LMG sights. This is a good idea. Not only does it add more action it promotes the game.
74 Tuesday, 14 September 2010 12:31
jak
I would come back just to use this f2p method to check out how the game is doing and evaluate further to see if I would subscribe. Only reason I'm not subscribed is because I don't have time to really dedicate.
75 Thursday, 16 September 2010 07:49
barkas
IMO increasing the numbers of players in-game would be enough benefit - it would keep existing players in the game.
How about restricting free play to Tier 0 stuff only regardless of branch?
76 Friday, 17 September 2010 06:51
Supremacy
This would be so great! more players big battles and always the option too get a payware acount so im for it yes!

but also free players must engage tanks too so nades!

Supremacy
77 Friday, 17 September 2010 16:07
ajax101
saw this i thought that would be good for resupply and towing of guns and it seems that would not be the case. But free play would help bring people into the game and mabay increase the game numbers back to the old days.
78 Friday, 17 September 2010 19:41
endtyranny
I would only do that as a last resort other than discontinuing the game. the pb here would reject the type of player that frequents free mmo's for any other reason than to save the game.
79 Friday, 17 September 2010 20:25
Dan Roberts
I would join now and so would some of my friends if this was an option. I subscribed many years ago and had no plans of doing so again any time soon, but would definitely play with this type of free account occasionally.
80 Friday, 17 September 2010 21:19
Porkpie
I've been playing on and off for years and my opinion is if you increase the numbers to a point where there are multiple large scale battles it'll at least get old timers like me back in the game.
81 Saturday, 18 September 2010 21:24
David
Just got done with most MMOs and am a World War 2 fanatic that doesn't enjoy the current state of FPS. Have been thinking about trying this game for a while. However if there was a freeplay I would've been on here by now.
82 Sunday, 19 September 2010 08:29
wizardd
Free trial is enough. Free play isn't good, you need money. And for that 11 euros, players get tons of quality gaming. You just need better marketing, that's my advice. Everyone in this planet can afford on that.
83 Sunday, 19 September 2010 08:32
wizardd
Also, you have to think about how many premium subscriptions would you lose by giving free play. There are players who do play mostly with rifle, and by that they wouldn't have to actually pay from the game at all.
84 Wednesday, 22 September 2010 07:16
Supremacy
I hope it gets free! would be cool just tier 1 unlimited time and maybe grenade for tank :D

Supre!
85 Wednesday, 29 September 2010 16:00
khsolo
no smgs pls, only rifles
86 Sunday, 10 October 2010 16:08
John
I love this idea, free play account would boost your popularity and attract ALOT more people to play, alot of people i know dont play with because they have to pay EVERY month for a game that isnt as advanced as the others on the market. go for it
87 Saturday, 18 December 2010 08:42
Dgdc
Please, DO IT!
I always wanted to play this game, but if i have to pay...
88 Tuesday, 04 January 2011 21:39
My name is mikey cuff
i have a few things to say on this matter
If a free player abused the rights such as bosses people around that are above thier rank then if its not for a good reason or if not explained then bump em down to PVT or whatever.
89 Sunday, 21 August 2011 15:19
flyswat
i think these restrictions are FAR too heavy. especially no Capture ability? that makes the game practically unplayable. luckily i find the sub fee very agreeable but these free account ARE making people very depressed and will continue to do so.
90 Saturday, 03 December 2011 19:01
mike armstrong
is the smg and rifle class 4 free becuase i just seen this game today and someone on youtube said these 2 classes were free already
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