Out of curiosity, have there been any ios-specific characters/promotions? I've been playing for a while (over a year at least ... I believe Bistan was a login character around when I started) and I don't recall seeing any, but this is now the second Android exclusive I remember, after K2SO.
The only time iOS got something that Android didn't, was April 2016, GoH participated in the Apple Earth Day event, and there was an Ewok event and packs.
There was also the Lando promotion that was quickly shut down due to abusers.
It's worth keeping in mind that these "platform specific" promotions are paid for by the respective platform companies (i.e. Google and Apple). Regardless as to which side of the discussion you fall, it is a little short-sighted to "blame" CG/EA if the platform you chose to play on doesn't chose to pay for the various perks.
I completely understand this, but what reason is there for not allowing Apple users to purchase this for the same price? Take the amount per player you get from Google and offer that to Apple players. Google players will still be happy with Google for paying for their free stuff, while Apple users can get the same deal as well.
That defeats the purpose of the Google promotion and would likely deter Google from doing any more in the future. The promotion isn’t just a thank you to their costumers it’s also an enticement for Apple users to switch to android.
How does it defeat the purpose of the promotion? Android people would still free stuff that iOS wouldn't. For example, let's say Google/Wal-Mart gives EA $15 (made up number) kickback for this deal per person as a promotion. Why not offer iOS members a $65 package that includes $50 in crystals plus the bonus crystals and Rey shards? Android members still get their bonus, and it is made clear that they are offering extra to their customers.
Because you can just buy crystals like you usually do and there is also a resistance pack.
Does no one see that this potentially has an effect on game balance? I know that Google will have an inherent bias that it "won't", and iOS will be the opposite, but there is an impact, and it should be considered.
I agree. I think it doesnt effect mature leaderboards, but for players that start now or started the last weeks/months getting a 7* character that easy will have a not to be underestimated effect. The free ressources and that while Rey is maybe not a top tier character but still good will lead to an impact in Arena and other game modes.
You understand that part of the analysis is for non-players to pick up the game with a headstart and a good character. It pops up whenever you load the card into the account and is shown as a "reward". Win/win for everyone.
Guys. This promo has nothing to do with CG/EA. The issue here is apple's refusal to match the google promo.
If you want to be angry at someone, please direct your anger towards the Apple customer service line. Apple is well known for firmly adhearing to their premium pricing model and not allowing discounts. If enough players make it clear to apple that they are disappointed they may be inclined to work with EA in the future, but blaming CG/EA is the wrong move here.
I feel like a broken record here... How exactly does a deal between Google, Wal-Mart and EA/CG have nothing to do with EA/CG? They had to approve this deal and accept whatever money exchanged hands. They've adopted this business model and marketing "strategy."
You can still blame Apple for not engaging in this particular activity but ultimately it's up to EA/CG to even allow this sort of thing to happen. It's their game and if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it. Like I said above, that may not even be in their best interest and there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here.
They should turn down promotion money because you think it is unfair?
Guys. This promo has nothing to do with CG/EA. The issue here is apple's refusal to match the google promo.
If you want to be angry at someone, please direct your anger towards the Apple customer service line. Apple is well known for firmly adhearing to their premium pricing model and not allowing discounts. If enough players make it clear to apple that they are disappointed they may be inclined to work with EA in the future, but blaming CG/EA is the wrong move here.
I feel like a broken record here... How exactly does a deal between Google, Wal-Mart and EA/CG have nothing to do with EA/CG? They had to approve this deal and accept whatever money exchanged hands. They've adopted this business model and marketing "strategy."
You can still blame Apple for not engaging in this particular activity but ultimately it's up to EA/CG to even allow this sort of thing to happen. It's their game and if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it. Like I said above, that may not even be in their best interest and there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here.
They should turn down promotion money because you think it is unfair?
Wow. I'm just going to quote myself to answer you:
"...there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here."
No judgement. I.E, I'm not making a call whether EA/CG should do something or not.
I also said that clearly EA/CG doesn't want an even playing field:
"if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it" (implying that they don't want an even playing field)
BUT went on to say it may not be in their best interest to tell Google to shove it. Translation: they probably make more money by adopting this business strategy. Further translation: IT'S A GOOD IDEA.
I couldn't care less if the game is fair and am not advocating anyone changing anything. All I'm saying (for the third time) is that EA/CG needs to weigh the potential costs, both tangible and intangible, both short- and long-term, of whatever business deals they strike with whomever.
The field of battle is like the mongoose. Slow to joviality, but thirsty for morning sunshine.
-Sun Tzu
Guys. This promo has nothing to do with CG/EA. The issue here is apple's refusal to match the google promo.
If you want to be angry at someone, please direct your anger towards the Apple customer service line. Apple is well known for firmly adhearing to their premium pricing model and not allowing discounts. If enough players make it clear to apple that they are disappointed they may be inclined to work with EA in the future, but blaming CG/EA is the wrong move here.
I feel like a broken record here... How exactly does a deal between Google, Wal-Mart and EA/CG have nothing to do with EA/CG? They had to approve this deal and accept whatever money exchanged hands. They've adopted this business model and marketing "strategy."
You can still blame Apple for not engaging in this particular activity but ultimately it's up to EA/CG to even allow this sort of thing to happen. It's their game and if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it. Like I said above, that may not even be in their best interest and there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here.
They should turn down promotion money because you think it is unfair?
Wow. I'm just going to quote myself to answer you:
"...there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here."
No judgement. I.E, I'm not making a call whether EA/CG should do something or not.
I also said that clearly EA/CG doesn't want an even playing field:
"if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it" (implying that they don't want an even playing field)
BUT went on to say it may not be in their best interest to tell Google to shove it. Translation: they probably make more money by adopting this business strategy. Further translation: IT'S A GOOD IDEA.
I couldn't care less if the game is fair and am not advocating anyone changing anything. All I'm saying (for the third time) is that EA/CG needs to weigh the potential costs, both tangible and intangible, both short- and long-term, of whatever business deals they strike with whomever.
1) You assume they have not
2) Promotions like this happens all the time with other games and business in general. Clash Royale and the Transformers game did it...standard practice in the industry.
3) I don't think it is a good idea at all...I think EA/CG should take money from all sources to reduce price on the players. No different than a sports team taking advertising dollars for its stadium to reduce ticket/concession prices. Maybe Apple will realize that it made a mistake after seeing the huge response from Android players and do the same for iOS player. They have run iOS only promos before.
How such forum post go off topic slowly always amuses me.
Companies may make promotions. Some of those may be limited to some countries. I have no issues with that.
But in a new shard, for a non established roster, 7star rey is a very big addition. Resistance is non arguably best tank and tb team now. Rey is except bb8/r2 hardest farm for resistance. I have new level 68 alt now, and rey is really very good in arena at that level. For players at that level of game progress, this promotion is very punishing if they are at wrong platform, or country and if they were at wrong store while purchasing gift cards, thx to poor communication.
In a day one shard, for an established roster, the gifts given with this promotion won't be game breaking. Or wouldn't be, if gifts were one time only. Do the math for yourself, but basically they are offering a 100 usd Vault for 50 usd. Ppl got the gifts multiple times. I don't know whether there is a limit to this.
This is alarming. There shouldnt be such a promotion or sales in worldwide game like swgoh limited to platform, country and store. Platform specific discussions are irrelevant imo, you all got biggs and wedge now, or poe and phasma. All ios users got k2 from gwar, and it never became useful for anything before it is given to ios players.
But we are talking about a permanent advantage here, worth of upto 50 usd with every purchase. We won't have %50 sales worldwide soon I guess so could we please hear from devs what is happening?
This was well said.
I actually was thinking about doing the method described on reddit.
But i'm not sure why i should even spend money and support such bussiness practices, which clearly put whole countries or platforms on a huge disadvantage "in a worldwide multiplatform shardgame"
At the moment my trust in the decision making for this game, especially regarding economics, communication and fair treatment to the customers is on another low.
Guys. This promo has nothing to do with CG/EA. The issue here is apple's refusal to match the google promo.
If you want to be angry at someone, please direct your anger towards the Apple customer service line. Apple is well known for firmly adhearing to their premium pricing model and not allowing discounts. If enough players make it clear to apple that they are disappointed they may be inclined to work with EA in the future, but blaming CG/EA is the wrong move here.
I feel like a broken record here... How exactly does a deal between Google, Wal-Mart and EA/CG have nothing to do with EA/CG? They had to approve this deal and accept whatever money exchanged hands. They've adopted this business model and marketing "strategy."
You can still blame Apple for not engaging in this particular activity but ultimately it's up to EA/CG to even allow this sort of thing to happen. It's their game and if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it. Like I said above, that may not even be in their best interest and there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here.
They should turn down promotion money because you think it is unfair?
Wow. I'm just going to quote myself to answer you:
"...there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here."
No judgement. I.E, I'm not making a call whether EA/CG should do something or not.
I also said that clearly EA/CG doesn't want an even playing field:
"if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it" (implying that they don't want an even playing field)
BUT went on to say it may not be in their best interest to tell Google to shove it. Translation: they probably make more money by adopting this business strategy. Further translation: IT'S A GOOD IDEA.
I couldn't care less if the game is fair and am not advocating anyone changing anything. All I'm saying (for the third time) is that EA/CG needs to weigh the potential costs, both tangible and intangible, both short- and long-term, of whatever business deals they strike with whomever.
1) You assume they have not
2) Promotions like this happens all the time with other games and business in general. Clash Royale and the Transformers game did it...standard practice in the industry.
3) I don't think it is a good idea at all...I think EA/CG should take money from all sources to reduce price on the players. No different than a sports team taking advertising dollars for its stadium to reduce ticket/concession prices. Maybe Apple will realize that it made a mistake after seeing the huge response from Android players and do the same for iOS player. They have run iOS only promos before.
Direct any anger and frustration to Apple..not EA.
1. No, I assume they have done many cost-benefit analyses because they keep doing these types of promos and apparently they keep turning a profit as I said a few posts ago.
2. Yeah, obviously.
3. It appears to be a good idea because they keep doing it. Also, that's not how the economics of a freemium game work. You can't compare it to something like a sports stadium with physical beverages, food and merchandise- a better analogy would be a casino. In a freemium game the Dev tries to convince the player to trade real currency for something completely intangible - they could make a $100 crystal pack which gives you 1,000,000,000 crystals or 1,000 crystals and their investment in capital (buildings, server farms) and labor (employees) would be exactly the same. This doesn't apply in a sports stadium. Demand and a monopoly on the refreshment market drives up the cost of soda and hot dogs. The stadium will charge as much as they can for refreshments without regard to advertising revenue; same for ticket costs (this is why the Super Bowl costs more than a random mid-season game, even though the cost of advertising at the super bowl is much greater).
Anyway, the Developer has to worry about devaluing the intangible currency, but that's a different issue altogether.
"Maybe Apple will realize that it made a mistake after seeing the huge response from Android players and do the same for iOS player. They have run iOS only promos before."
Yes, indeed, this is absolutely possible. Maybe Apple will realize they missed out on a lot of iTunes gift card sales. Who knows.
The field of battle is like the mongoose. Slow to joviality, but thirsty for morning sunshine.
-Sun Tzu
There is another thread that people can rage and vent on this thread to make sure it still working and how many time it can be done. I did buy at Walmart.com (online) $10 X 4 times yesterday and got credit for 3 ..the 4th one did NOT get reward. Need to buy from walmart.com or the physical card from walmart store. US & Canada only I believed.
***Not sure if the 3 limit is per day or per account, if anyone can verified this that be great***
***You can use Walmart Employee Discount Card & Get 10% on online order, not sure for physicial bought cards***
Guys. This promo has nothing to do with CG/EA. The issue here is apple's refusal to match the google promo.
If you want to be angry at someone, please direct your anger towards the Apple customer service line. Apple is well known for firmly adhearing to their premium pricing model and not allowing discounts. If enough players make it clear to apple that they are disappointed they may be inclined to work with EA in the future, but blaming CG/EA is the wrong move here.
I feel like a broken record here... How exactly does a deal between Google, Wal-Mart and EA/CG have nothing to do with EA/CG? They had to approve this deal and accept whatever money exchanged hands. They've adopted this business model and marketing "strategy."
You can still blame Apple for not engaging in this particular activity but ultimately it's up to EA/CG to even allow this sort of thing to happen. It's their game and if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it. Like I said above, that may not even be in their best interest and there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here.
They should turn down promotion money because you think it is unfair?
Most games don't do things like this because they aren't willing to sacrifice competitive balance for a quick buck. They believe having competive balance is more important, and will result in more money in the long run.
SWGOH clearly doesn't operate that way. They rely on the Star Wars brand to keep players engaged while they soak them for money. Its what they've done from the beginning. It's why there are so many complaints yet very few ever leave.
Yes. Digital cards from Walmart.com are not working any more. I just bought x3 $25 cards from my local Wal-Mart and all three worked. On top of buying x3 $10 from Walmart.com yesterday.
Promotions like this happens all the time with other games and business in general. Clash Royale and the Transformers game did it...standard practice in the industry.
Most games don't do things like this because they aren't willing to sacrifice competitive balance for a quick buck. They believe having competive balance is more important, and will result in more money in the long run.
Okay....hold on. The two posts above are obviously in direct contradiction. Can we agree to at least stop the hyperbole and "made up facts" in a poor attempt to make a point? I presume since Calbear could easily state 2 games (both fairly well known) that have done it - and there are presumably many more, that this is not uncommon.
Carry on.
In game name: Lucas Gregory FORMER PLAYER - - - -"Whale blah grump poooop." - Ouchie
In game guild: TNR Uprising I beat the REAL T7 Yoda (not the nerfed one) and did so before mods were there to help
*This space left intentionally blank*
Promotions like this happens all the time with other games and business in general. Clash Royale and the Transformers game did it...standard practice in the industry.
Most games don't do things like this because they aren't willing to sacrifice competitive balance for a quick buck. They believe having competive balance is more important, and will result in more money in the long run.
Okay....hold on. The two posts above are obviously in direct contradiction. Can we agree to at least stop the hyperbole and "made up facts" in a poor attempt to make a point? I presume since Calbear could easily state 2 games (both fairly well known) that have done it - and there are presumably many more, that this is not uncommon.
Carry on.
I said most, not all. I've never played a game that has done one. I haven't played those 2 games. They most I've ever seen in games I've played is certain carriers/consoles getting early access. For example, it would be like Android getting the Thrawn event 3 days before Apple. This gives an advantage but doesn't interfere with competitive balance.
Regardless of how many games do it, it's indisputable that this is done at the expense of competive balance. And on a massive scale if you are a new player. I stand by my thoughts.
Guys. This promo has nothing to do with CG/EA. The issue here is apple's refusal to match the google promo.
If you want to be angry at someone, please direct your anger towards the Apple customer service line. Apple is well known for firmly adhearing to their premium pricing model and not allowing discounts. If enough players make it clear to apple that they are disappointed they may be inclined to work with EA in the future, but blaming CG/EA is the wrong move here.
I feel like a broken record here... How exactly does a deal between Google, Wal-Mart and EA/CG have nothing to do with EA/CG? They had to approve this deal and accept whatever money exchanged hands. They've adopted this business model and marketing "strategy."
You can still blame Apple for not engaging in this particular activity but ultimately it's up to EA/CG to even allow this sort of thing to happen. It's their game and if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it. Like I said above, that may not even be in their best interest and there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here.
They should turn down promotion money because you think it is unfair?
Most games don't do things like this because they aren't willing to sacrifice competitive balance for a quick buck. They believe having competive balance is more important, and will result in more money in the long run.
SWGOH clearly doesn't operate that way. They rely on the Star Wars brand to keep players engaged while they soak them for money. Its what they've done from the beginning. It's why there are so many complaints yet very few ever leave.
Are you kidding? SWGOH is one of the best games out there for F2p players...most of the other games have a ridiculous paywall like a week in.
Casino analogy is off because you cannot play in a casino for free. You can play f2p in this game (which is one of the best out there) as long as you are focused and patient.
Again...promos like this happens all across the gaming and business spectrum. Other games have made similar offers both for iOS and Android. Certain retailers give you special edition CDs/DVDs with exclusive content. CC companies offer discounts and extra points if you frequent particular establishments or business.
My Samsung Pay comes with loyalty points that gives me free stuff. It makes me use my Samsung Pay a lot more that I would otherwise.
EA also wins because Google is giving SWGOH free advertising to non-players. Just like Clash Royale and Transformers game did. I got a free 2 star optimus prime and tried the game for like 15 minutes...it was boring but it did get me to download the game and play it.
BTW: It seems like a bigger deal than just EA and Google.
This holiday season, we’ve teamed up with Google to give Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes players up to a $50 in-game bonus with the purchase of Google Play gift cards. These in-game bonuses include Rey from Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™ as well as Crystals. In the weeks ahead, you should start to see Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes branded Google Play gift card kiosks at major retailers around the world, so keep an eye out for them.
Guys. This promo has nothing to do with CG/EA. The issue here is apple's refusal to match the google promo.
If you want to be angry at someone, please direct your anger towards the Apple customer service line. Apple is well known for firmly adhearing to their premium pricing model and not allowing discounts. If enough players make it clear to apple that they are disappointed they may be inclined to work with EA in the future, but blaming CG/EA is the wrong move here.
I feel like a broken record here... How exactly does a deal between Google, Wal-Mart and EA/CG have nothing to do with EA/CG? They had to approve this deal and accept whatever money exchanged hands. They've adopted this business model and marketing "strategy."
You can still blame Apple for not engaging in this particular activity but ultimately it's up to EA/CG to even allow this sort of thing to happen. It's their game and if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it. Like I said above, that may not even be in their best interest and there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here.
They should turn down promotion money because you think it is unfair?
Most games don't do things like this because they aren't willing to sacrifice competitive balance for a quick buck. They believe having competive balance is more important, and will result in more money in the long run.
SWGOH clearly doesn't operate that way. They rely on the Star Wars brand to keep players engaged while they soak them for money. Its what they've done from the beginning. It's why there are so many complaints yet very few ever leave.
Are you kidding? SWGOH is one of the best games out there for F2p players...most of the other games have a ridiculous paywall like a week in.
Where have I said anywhere that this game isn't good for FTP? I have entirely different opinions on that, but that's a whole different subject I haven't attempted to touch.
Out of curiosity, have there been any ios-specific characters/promotions? I've been playing for a while (over a year at least ... I believe Bistan was a login character around when I started) and I don't recall seeing any, but this is now the second Android exclusive I remember, after K2SO.
The only time iOS got something that Android didn't, was April 2016, GoH participated in the Apple Earth Day event, and there was an Ewok event and packs.
There was also the Lando promotion that was quickly shut down due to abusers.
It's worth keeping in mind that these "platform specific" promotions are paid for by the respective platform companies (i.e. Google and Apple). Regardless as to which side of the discussion you fall, it is a little short-sighted to "blame" CG/EA if the platform you chose to play on doesn't chose to pay for the various perks.
I completely understand this, but what reason is there for not allowing Apple users to purchase this for the same price? Take the amount per player you get from Google and offer that to Apple players. Google players will still be happy with Google for paying for their free stuff, while Apple users can get the same deal as well.
That defeats the purpose of the Google promotion and would likely deter Google from doing any more in the future. The promotion isn’t just a thank you to their costumers it’s also an enticement for Apple users to switch to android.
How does it defeat the purpose of the promotion? Android people would still free stuff that iOS wouldn't. For example, let's say Google/Wal-Mart gives EA $15 (made up number) kickback for this deal per person as a promotion. Why not offer iOS members a $65 package that includes $50 in crystals plus the bonus crystals and Rey shards? Android members still get their bonus, and it is made clear that they are offering extra to their customers.
Because you can just buy crystals like you usually do and there is also a resistance pack.
Once again, you are presenting a straw mans argument. If you started the game today as an iOS player, how could you possibly compete in arena with an Android player who got this bonus? You would have to buy a couple of vaults to do so. How much do you think CG/EA gets per person to give this stuff out? Surely it's nowhere near that.
It just comes down to more bad blood with the devs/game for these exclusives. It stinks of K2S0 again. It's a good deal for $10 or $20, I don't blame anyone for going after it, it'd have been nice to get a similar chance in what is a competitive resource management game.
I try to keep liking the game but they do everything they can to make it really, really, hard.
Is there any restriction to buying multiple $10 cards? For example, you can only get each tier once.
The other question I have is about where to get the cards. Everyone I see is talking about Wal-Mart, but the Road Ahead post didn't specify any specific place, just Google Play cards in general
Out of curiosity, have there been any ios-specific characters/promotions? I've been playing for a while (over a year at least ... I believe Bistan was a login character around when I started) and I don't recall seeing any, but this is now the second Android exclusive I remember, after K2SO.
The only time iOS got something that Android didn't, was April 2016, GoH participated in the Apple Earth Day event, and there was an Ewok event and packs.
There was also the Lando promotion that was quickly shut down due to abusers.
It's worth keeping in mind that these "platform specific" promotions are paid for by the respective platform companies (i.e. Google and Apple). Regardless as to which side of the discussion you fall, it is a little short-sighted to "blame" CG/EA if the platform you chose to play on doesn't chose to pay for the various perks.
I completely understand this, but what reason is there for not allowing Apple users to purchase this for the same price? Take the amount per player you get from Google and offer that to Apple players. Google players will still be happy with Google for paying for their free stuff, while Apple users can get the same deal as well.
That defeats the purpose of the Google promotion and would likely deter Google from doing any more in the future. The promotion isn’t just a thank you to their costumers it’s also an enticement for Apple users to switch to android.
How does it defeat the purpose of the promotion? Android people would still free stuff that iOS wouldn't. For example, let's say Google/Wal-Mart gives EA $15 (made up number) kickback for this deal per person as a promotion. Why not offer iOS members a $65 package that includes $50 in crystals plus the bonus crystals and Rey shards? Android members still get their bonus, and it is made clear that they are offering extra to their customers.
Because you can just buy crystals like you usually do and there is also a resistance pack.
Once again, you are presenting a straw mans argument. If you started the game today as an iOS player, how could you possibly compete in arena with an Android player who got this bonus? You would have to buy a couple of vaults to do so. How much do you think CG/EA gets per person to give this stuff out? Surely it's nowhere near that.
Then Google is getting exactly what they are paying for...an advantage provided to an individual using their product.
It just comes down to more bad blood with the devs/game for these exclusives. It stinks of K2S0 again. It's a good deal for $10 or $20, I don't blame anyone for going after it, it'd have been nice to get a similar chance in what is a competitive resource management game.
I try to keep liking the game but they do everything they can to make it really, really, hard.
Blame Apple...maybe next time Apple will decide to pay money to help its users.
This is not a blame Apple situation. It most definitely is a blame CG/EA problem. As a top level marketing person, I can assure you of that.
That said, this is one of the most unbalancing and unfair promotions I have seen in this game yet. Within my community of players at least two dozen who use iOS are already talking of leaving the game as a result.
In a game where the entire basis of significant reward gain is from competitive arena, fleet arena and, soon, guild vs guild, this is unheard of. That fact that you can stack the google cards over and over to maximize crystals is even more disturbing. Basically, Android users are getting a MASSIVE advantage from what would cost iOS users $100's to offset.
It is not fair at all and it's the mouth of fools who would argue it is in anyway.
Replies
Because you can just buy crystals like you usually do and there is also a resistance pack.
You understand that part of the analysis is for non-players to pick up the game with a headstart and a good character. It pops up whenever you load the card into the account and is shown as a "reward". Win/win for everyone.
They should turn down promotion money because you think it is unfair?
Wow. I'm just going to quote myself to answer you:
"...there's no judgement coming from me, but people need to be realistic about what's going on here."
No judgement. I.E, I'm not making a call whether EA/CG should do something or not.
I also said that clearly EA/CG doesn't want an even playing field:
"if they wanted an even playing field they could tell google to shove it" (implying that they don't want an even playing field)
BUT went on to say it may not be in their best interest to tell Google to shove it. Translation: they probably make more money by adopting this business strategy. Further translation: IT'S A GOOD IDEA.
I couldn't care less if the game is fair and am not advocating anyone changing anything. All I'm saying (for the third time) is that EA/CG needs to weigh the potential costs, both tangible and intangible, both short- and long-term, of whatever business deals they strike with whomever.
-Sun Tzu
1) You assume they have not
2) Promotions like this happens all the time with other games and business in general. Clash Royale and the Transformers game did it...standard practice in the industry.
3) I don't think it is a good idea at all...I think EA/CG should take money from all sources to reduce price on the players. No different than a sports team taking advertising dollars for its stadium to reduce ticket/concession prices. Maybe Apple will realize that it made a mistake after seeing the huge response from Android players and do the same for iOS player. They have run iOS only promos before.
https://forums.galaxy-of-heroes.starwars.ea.com/discussion/22249/instructions-for-free-lando-for-ios
Direct any anger and frustration to Apple..not EA.
This was well said.
I actually was thinking about doing the method described on reddit.
But i'm not sure why i should even spend money and support such bussiness practices, which clearly put whole countries or platforms on a huge disadvantage "in a worldwide multiplatform shardgame"
At the moment my trust in the decision making for this game, especially regarding economics, communication and fair treatment to the customers is on another low.
1. No, I assume they have done many cost-benefit analyses because they keep doing these types of promos and apparently they keep turning a profit as I said a few posts ago.
2. Yeah, obviously.
3. It appears to be a good idea because they keep doing it. Also, that's not how the economics of a freemium game work. You can't compare it to something like a sports stadium with physical beverages, food and merchandise- a better analogy would be a casino. In a freemium game the Dev tries to convince the player to trade real currency for something completely intangible - they could make a $100 crystal pack which gives you 1,000,000,000 crystals or 1,000 crystals and their investment in capital (buildings, server farms) and labor (employees) would be exactly the same. This doesn't apply in a sports stadium. Demand and a monopoly on the refreshment market drives up the cost of soda and hot dogs. The stadium will charge as much as they can for refreshments without regard to advertising revenue; same for ticket costs (this is why the Super Bowl costs more than a random mid-season game, even though the cost of advertising at the super bowl is much greater).
Anyway, the Developer has to worry about devaluing the intangible currency, but that's a different issue altogether.
"Maybe Apple will realize that it made a mistake after seeing the huge response from Android players and do the same for iOS player. They have run iOS only promos before."
Yes, indeed, this is absolutely possible. Maybe Apple will realize they missed out on a lot of iTunes gift card sales. Who knows.
-Sun Tzu
***Not sure if the 3 limit is per day or per account, if anyone can verified this that be great***
***You can use Walmart Employee Discount Card & Get 10% on online order, not sure for physicial bought cards***
Most games don't do things like this because they aren't willing to sacrifice competitive balance for a quick buck. They believe having competive balance is more important, and will result in more money in the long run.
SWGOH clearly doesn't operate that way. They rely on the Star Wars brand to keep players engaged while they soak them for money. Its what they've done from the beginning. It's why there are so many complaints yet very few ever leave.
Did you try the restored content through the ingame setting?
Okay....hold on. The two posts above are obviously in direct contradiction. Can we agree to at least stop the hyperbole and "made up facts" in a poor attempt to make a point? I presume since Calbear could easily state 2 games (both fairly well known) that have done it - and there are presumably many more, that this is not uncommon.
Carry on.
In game guild: TNR Uprising
I beat the REAL T7 Yoda (not the nerfed one) and did so before mods were there to help
*This space left intentionally blank*
Digital or in store?
The problem seems to be buying more than 3 from Walmart.com. They cancel orders after 3.
I said most, not all. I've never played a game that has done one. I haven't played those 2 games. They most I've ever seen in games I've played is certain carriers/consoles getting early access. For example, it would be like Android getting the Thrawn event 3 days before Apple. This gives an advantage but doesn't interfere with competitive balance.
Regardless of how many games do it, it's indisputable that this is done at the expense of competive balance. And on a massive scale if you are a new player. I stand by my thoughts.
Are you kidding? SWGOH is one of the best games out there for F2p players...most of the other games have a ridiculous paywall like a week in.
Casino analogy is off because you cannot play in a casino for free. You can play f2p in this game (which is one of the best out there) as long as you are focused and patient.
Again...promos like this happens all across the gaming and business spectrum. Other games have made similar offers both for iOS and Android. Certain retailers give you special edition CDs/DVDs with exclusive content. CC companies offer discounts and extra points if you frequent particular establishments or business.
My Samsung Pay comes with loyalty points that gives me free stuff. It makes me use my Samsung Pay a lot more that I would otherwise.
EA also wins because Google is giving SWGOH free advertising to non-players. Just like Clash Royale and Transformers game did. I got a free 2 star optimus prime and tried the game for like 15 minutes...it was boring but it did get me to download the game and play it.
BTW: It seems like a bigger deal than just EA and Google.
This holiday season, we’ve teamed up with Google to give Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes players up to a $50 in-game bonus with the purchase of Google Play gift cards. These in-game bonuses include Rey from Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™ as well as Crystals. In the weeks ahead, you should start to see Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes branded Google Play gift card kiosks at major retailers around the world, so keep an eye out for them.
https://forums.galaxy-of-heroes.starwars.ea.com/discussion/136809/the-road-ahead
Where have I said anywhere that this game isn't good for FTP? I have entirely different opinions on that, but that's a whole different subject I haven't attempted to touch.
Once again, you are presenting a straw mans argument. If you started the game today as an iOS player, how could you possibly compete in arena with an Android player who got this bonus? You would have to buy a couple of vaults to do so. How much do you think CG/EA gets per person to give this stuff out? Surely it's nowhere near that.
I redeemed 3 cards but not the promotion yesterday. Redeemed 2 cards and 5 promotions today.
I try to keep liking the game but they do everything they can to make it really, really, hard.
The other question I have is about where to get the cards. Everyone I see is talking about Wal-Mart, but the Road Ahead post didn't specify any specific place, just Google Play cards in general
Then Google is getting exactly what they are paying for...an advantage provided to an individual using their product.
Blame Apple...maybe next time Apple will decide to pay money to help its users.
That said, this is one of the most unbalancing and unfair promotions I have seen in this game yet. Within my community of players at least two dozen who use iOS are already talking of leaving the game as a result.
In a game where the entire basis of significant reward gain is from competitive arena, fleet arena and, soon, guild vs guild, this is unheard of. That fact that you can stack the google cards over and over to maximize crystals is even more disturbing. Basically, Android users are getting a MASSIVE advantage from what would cost iOS users $100's to offset.
It is not fair at all and it's the mouth of fools who would argue it is in anyway.
This is bad marketing, plain and simple.