**** Peni Parker (Spider-Bot BFF) ****

DAZ0273

@Borstock said:
To be fair, roster slots aren't 2k anymore.

True but I can still hope!

Jacklag

Is she time displaced? I thought she was just dimension displaced.

DAZ0273

Well the text says this:

Peni protects her futuristic neighborhood

But that means nothing as she could live in a futuristic neighbourhood but not actually in the future.

entrailbucket

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

DAZ0273

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

I suppose it could be perceived as predatory behaviour as a marketing tool (not saying it is myself - I have no opinion either way) - obviously both parties benefit so there are no down sides?

Bowgentle

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

I never said it was a cash grab, I was only commenting on the increase in offers.

Borstock

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

Sales, especially where the product is not inventory dependent, are designed to increase consumer spending and encourage the buying to become a habit. They aren't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

Pantera236

You'd get a kick EB out of some of the Reddit posts about the lightning deals. When they put the 100 5* shards for $2 instead of how much ever HP someone made a post calling it greedy, lazy and hostile 🤦

entrailbucket

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

Sales, especially where the product is not inventory dependent, are designed to increase consumer spending and encourage the buying to become a habit. They aren't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

They aren't doing...any of this out of the goodness of their hearts. There is not one single action they've ever taken, or change they've made, in 10 years, that isn't ultimately designed to generate spend.

entrailbucket

@Pantera236 said:
You'd get a kick EB out of some of the Reddit posts about the lightning deals. When they put the 100 5* shards for $2 instead of how much ever HP someone made a post calling it greedy, lazy and hostile 🤦

Like...where have these people been? What kind of game do they think they've been playing all these years? How can it possibly be news to anyone that this game exists to make as much money as possible?

Borstock

Yes, but the new devs are much more aggressive about it, constantly shoving new offers in our faces. That's the point. They also like asking for money to unlock new supports and for covers of the newly released characters.

Pantera236

@Borstock said:
Yes, but the new devs are much more aggressive about it, constantly shoving new offers in our faces. That's the point. They also like asking for money to unlock new supports and for covers of the newly released characters.

Asking. Not forcing. If they started those bundles and then scaled back how earned covers for new stuff your point could be valid. They've increased most things you can earn and even supports they say they are increasing soon™️.

entrailbucket

@Borstock said:
Yes, but the new devs are much more aggressive about it, constantly shoving new offers in our faces. That's the point. They also like asking for money to unlock new supports and for covers of the newly released characters.

Demiurge sold new characters, all the way back to 2013. They also sold supports, ever since those were created. They've sold roster slots since day 1.

The new deals, in almost every case, are better value for money than anything that's ever been offered, in the entire 10-year history of MPQ. That's not "aggressive." The only thing that's new about what these guys are doing is offering significantly more stuff for what you spend.

If you want to play a fair game, where spending doesn't provide an advantage, that is not this game and it has never pretended to be anything else.

Scofie

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

Sales, especially where the product is not inventory dependent, are designed to increase consumer spending and encourage the buying to become a habit. They aren't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

They aren't doing...any of this out of the goodness of their hearts. There is not one single action they've ever taken, or change they've made, in 10 years, that isn't ultimately designed to generate spend.

Saved covers? I'd say it did the opposite (unless you assume it was entirely designed to allow a faster release schedule).

DAZ0273

@Scofie said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

Sales, especially where the product is not inventory dependent, are designed to increase consumer spending and encourage the buying to become a habit. They aren't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

They aren't doing...any of this out of the goodness of their hearts. There is not one single action they've ever taken, or change they've made, in 10 years, that isn't ultimately designed to generate spend.

Saved covers? I'd say it did the opposite (unless you assume it was entirely designed to allow a faster release schedule).

Also:

Well apart from medicine, irrigation, health, roads, cheese and education, baths and Circus Maximus, what have the Devs ever done for us?

entrailbucket

@Scofie said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

Sales, especially where the product is not inventory dependent, are designed to increase consumer spending and encourage the buying to become a habit. They aren't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

They aren't doing...any of this out of the goodness of their hearts. There is not one single action they've ever taken, or change they've made, in 10 years, that isn't ultimately designed to generate spend.

Saved covers? I'd say it did the opposite (unless you assume it was entirely designed to allow a faster release schedule).

Saved covers fixed a huge problem at lower tiers of the game that was causing newer players to get frustrated and quit -- thus costing them revenue.

It also saved the devs a ton of hours/cash on customer service cover swaps (remember when that wasn't reserved for just free-to-play hoarders?).

Scofie

@DAZ0273 said:

@Scofie said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

Sales, especially where the product is not inventory dependent, are designed to increase consumer spending and encourage the buying to become a habit. They aren't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

They aren't doing...any of this out of the goodness of their hearts. There is not one single action they've ever taken, or change they've made, in 10 years, that isn't ultimately designed to generate spend.

Saved covers? I'd say it did the opposite (unless you assume it was entirely designed to allow a faster release schedule).

Also:

Well apart from medicine, irrigation, health, roads, cheese and education, baths and Circus Maximus, what have the Devs ever done for us?

There was the viaducts. And the wine.

Scofie

@entrailbucket said:

@Scofie said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Bowgentle said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:

@Borstock said:

@entrailbucket said:
...every single character they've ever released is a cash grab. This entire game is a cash grab. It's never pretended to be anything but -- this is not new information.

You can either accept it, as most of us have, or move on.

To be fair, the new devs basically put the for money offers on steroids when they came on. I would argue it's more of a cash grab now as a result.

Someone's going to have to define "cash grab" more specifically then, because as far as I can tell, the goal of this game has always been to sell stuff to players on an ongoing basis (as opposed to other games where you pay $50 or whatever up front and you're done). This game has always sold competitive advantages, too -- not just cosmetics or whatever. I remember paying money for Nick Fury covers back in 2014.

I'm simply noting the measurable increase in the number of for $ packs available on the offers tab. Once the new devs took over, the number of options at least tripled. I have 6 $ options on my offers tab right now.

They also advertise them like crazy with popups when you start the game or click into a new event screen.

Also constant HP sales.
We used to get them twice a year, now they're monthly.

Sorry, how is running an HP sale a "cash grab?" Isn't it...the opposite of that?

Sales, especially where the product is not inventory dependent, are designed to increase consumer spending and encourage the buying to become a habit. They aren't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

They aren't doing...any of this out of the goodness of their hearts. There is not one single action they've ever taken, or change they've made, in 10 years, that isn't ultimately designed to generate spend.

Saved covers? I'd say it did the opposite (unless you assume it was entirely designed to allow a faster release schedule).

Saved covers fixed a huge problem at lower tiers of the game that was causing newer players to get frustrated and quit -- thus costing them revenue.

It also saved the devs a ton of hours/cash on customer service cover swaps (remember when that wasn't reserved for just free-to-play hoarders?).

I'm skeptical. There's always an element of win/win. If you assume that more people playing = more revenue and happier players = greater retention then ultimately, you could attribute anything to driving income. My personal view is that they want to make a great game that people want to play and they want them to enjoy it. Of course, costs need to be met, and licences are what they are etc so there needs to be a compromise between gifting shards like confetti and selling things. It doesn't mean that's always the primary focus.

entrailbucket

If the game didn't make money, it wouldn't exist. Whether or not you think revenue is the primary focus (it is) you can't deny that revenue is a focus, and always has been.

So...explain to me how Peni Parker is a "cash grab?" (Or, how she's somehow more of a cash grab than literally anything else they've ever sold?)

Scofie

It's a question of extent and it's not a binary thing. You can make money without it being the reason for making changes. It can be a happy side effect. And hey, I'd rather this game carried on forever, so I'm all for them making money and I'm happy to contribute to that. If I honestly thought they didn't care about the game or the players, I wouldn't be.

As for the "cash grab" question - I don't believe it is. Not an amazingly popular character, not overpowered, not required for anything, nothing special really. Just another character.