Why the slot machine mechanics for packs

Replies

  • Ravens1113 wrote: »
    StarSon wrote: »
    Just going off that image, they should easily hit $110M, which would be 2019 levels. A "normal" month is about $12M. If they have 2 normals, puts the calendar year at just over $110. However, if we assume November and December are higher than normal, they could easily approach $120.

    As for the other comments: plenty of people are buying the calendars and the battle passes.

    So far they are averaging about $8.5 mil a month. November isn’t really offering much as far as deals or big upcoming GL’s n such (depending on crumbs puzzle) so I don’t see November being that big. December could indeed show some uptick and make up for that to keep up with the current monthly average but even then you’re barely cracking 100 much less 110. Idk, I just can’t see the trajectory of the game supporting 12 million+ in sales to push 110 mil for the year

    No deals? Did you miss the 50th anniversary thing, and the 50% off HDB?
  • As far as the slot machine packs go.

    There are plenty of opportunities to buy gear for crystals for a set price. Shipments weekly store ect...

    Crystals are sold for $ at a set price. So you can spend without gambling.

    Some people like to gamble though so there are packs that offer a chance to get more.

    Some are a good deal when compared to the crystal or $ cost of what you get and some aren't. But the options are there. Unless you are a kraken and maxing out all the places you can buy gear for crystals, then you can spend without the gambling.
  • From what I can tell about the packs, they are designed to mislead the player. They are very confusing.

    For example, the $19.99 LV bundle looks like a HUGE value if you just look at the items shown. When you look how they are divided into 'cards' and how that is visually represented, is not the same.

    You don't get everything shown, only a chance to get part of what is shown. They really need to do a better job of separating what is in each card instead of the block of text and pictures, but then again, they rely on that misunderstanding to get people to buy.

    That's my biggest complaint about CG. Miscommunication either purposefully or by mistake.
  • zatho wrote: »
    Ravens1113 wrote: »
    zatho wrote: »

    The info is paywalled off lol. What’s the data showing on revenue compared to their peak year in 2017?

    via google I can see it
    jlr1ncd2q5c9.png

    Surprise surprise 2021 is down, and they are pushing hard for you to spend now. They must have a goal of 120 million to better like previous years.

    SAD sooooo SAD even if you have 100 developers (very generous, more like 50) at 200k each per year that’s 20 million OpEx.

    And you still not satisfied with 80% profit (100mil) from just 1 of your games, shame, shame, shame.
  • Probably they threw quality control out to reduce costs
  • StarSon wrote: »
    Ravens1113 wrote: »
    StarSon wrote: »
    Just going off that image, they should easily hit $110M, which would be 2019 levels. A "normal" month is about $12M. If they have 2 normals, puts the calendar year at just over $110. However, if we assume November and December are higher than normal, they could easily approach $120.

    As for the other comments: plenty of people are buying the calendars and the battle passes.

    So far they are averaging about $8.5 mil a month. November isn’t really offering much as far as deals or big upcoming GL’s n such (depending on crumbs puzzle) so I don’t see November being that big. December could indeed show some uptick and make up for that to keep up with the current monthly average but even then you’re barely cracking 100 much less 110. Idk, I just can’t see the trajectory of the game supporting 12 million+ in sales to push 110 mil for the year

    No deals? Did you miss the 50th anniversary thing, and the 50% off HDB?

    You can’t buy it twice. The HDB was one of their best deals they’ve had and many people who spend have already bought it
  • I can't remember where it read this, but I'll try to remember the analogy as best I can.

    How many people would spend $50 for a 50% chance at doubling your money and a 50% chance at losing it?

    How many people would spend $1 for a 1% chance at $100 and a 99% chance at losing it?

    More people would opt into the latter deal than the former because $1 is basically nothing to lose.

    Expanding on that, I think CG/EA have some analytics that tell them what price most gamers feel to be trivial. And if there's a potential huge return, albeit remote, more folks will jump at that deal than a straight up here's $100 worth of stuff for $100.

    To be clear, I cannot stand slot machine packs. The only chance packs I've spent on since Ahsoka (Fulcrum) was a Marquee (she's my waifu) are the ones for crystals where the bad return is a better deal than shipments. But there appear to be enough gamblers out there that CG's chosen path is more profitable. <sad panda>
  • scuba
    14034 posts Member
    The gaming industry will not stop this until players stop buying them.

    Frustration breeds spending on these things (same as casinos where the house always wins)
    It was nice when the only RNG packs where for crystals, however it was only time till "real" money packs also got the RNG feature.
  • Lol, this should make it illegal to buy these packs in countries and states where gambling is illegal.
  • Decicrim wrote: »
    Lol, this should make it illegal to buy these packs in countries and states where gambling is illegal.
    No it wouldn’t.

    These packs, even if you get the least desirable outcome, see you get something for your money.

    Gambling, by definition, sees you get nothing for your money when you don’t get the outcome you desire.
  • Ravens1113 wrote: »
    Monel wrote: »
    While I agree it would be better for the players to know exactly I highly doubt the gaming developers of world agree with you. Soooooo many games out there do the exact same thing, and I am sure they know how much money they need/want to make better than us at this point.

    I’d disagree. I don’t buy a single one of those packs because of how random it is. In MSF they tell you exactly what you’re getting and I’ve spent more on that game than here simply because of that. So many people in my guild and on my discord servers don’t buy the packs simply because it’s so random and they’re so expensive for such high variations on what you get. If I wanted to spend $50 I’d just go to an actual casino or buy a platform game. This isn’t even touching on how expensive there packs are to begin with any way, especially their new calendars lol

    Almost all of the purchase options are nonsensical purchases. I actually want to be a big advocate for CG cause I enjoy much of the game, but their monetization strategies are just horrible in my opinion. The hyperdrive bundle is like an Easter Basket you could buy at Walmart for $30-50, full of 90% of garbage you don't want. All packs are like that except the rare pack of 1 stungun for $10 USD.
  • DinoMight
    57 posts Member
    edited November 2021
    murmur wrote: »
    From what I can tell about the packs, they are designed to mislead the player. They are very confusing.

    For example, the $19.99 LV bundle looks like a HUGE value if you just look at the items shown. When you look how they are divided into 'cards' and how that is visually represented, is not the same.

    You don't get everything shown, only a chance to get part of what is shown. They really need to do a better job of separating what is in each card instead of the block of text and pictures, but then again, they rely on that misunderstanding to get people to buy.

    That's my biggest complaint about CG. Miscommunication either purposefully or by mistake.

    This is done purposefully and is probably the scummiest thing that EA/CG does. Literally tricking people out of their money. When someone says, "you need to read the fine print to know what the real deal is," then it isn't a deal you want.

    Of all the things they do, it is by far the most predatory. They know exactly what they are doing, and yes, they know exactly how to make a lot of money. Which is why I'm glad to not contribute to their poor behavior that relies on taking advantage of people for their gain.

    Instead of a cooperative scheme where both parties get what they want, these folks have made it a zero-sum game. It is prisoners dilemma, and EA/CG will *always* betray.
  • Imagine how many people spend the $20 from misreading the text and not knowing it's a gamble. Because those people are why CG keeps doing it, it's that quick cash
  • Xhowrude wrote: »
    Imagine how many people spend the $20 from misreading the text and not knowing it's a gamble. Because those people are why CG keeps doing it, it's that quick cash

    It is a business model predicated on tricking people. A literal scam.
  • Decicrim wrote: »
    Lol, this should make it illegal to buy these packs in countries and states where gambling is illegal.
    No it wouldn’t.

    These packs, even if you get the least desirable outcome, see you get something for your money.

    Gambling, by definition, sees you get nothing for your money when you don’t get the outcome you desire.

    Are you sure it isn't gambling?

    https://definitions.uslegal.com/g/gambling/#:~:text=Gambling is accepting, recording, or,conduct an 'illegal gambling business.

    Whether it rises to the level of regulation is a separate question, but it seems to be gambling to me.
  • Decicrim wrote: »
    Lol, this should make it illegal to buy these packs in countries and states where gambling is illegal.
    No it wouldn’t.

    These packs, even if you get the least desirable outcome, see you get something for your money.

    Gambling, by definition, sees you get nothing for your money when you don’t get the outcome you desire.

    Are you sure it isn't gambling?

    https://definitions.uslegal.com/g/gambling/#:~:text=Gambling is accepting, recording, or,conduct an 'illegal gambling business.

    Whether it rises to the level of regulation is a separate question, but it seems to be gambling to me.
    “Risks something of value” - that’s the point. There’s no “risk”. If you buy the pack you are guaranteed to get something.

    When one gambles, the possibility that the money you stake will not be returned is present, so your money is at risk.
  • I said this. It’s gambling. There’s kids on the game, Gambling buying stuff and not knowing what they’re buying. Everything else is clear but the packs are a disgrace.
  • I said this. It’s gambling. There’s kids on the game, Gambling buying stuff and not knowing what they’re buying. Everything else is clear but the packs are a disgrace.
    It’s not gambling.

    Kids shouldn’t be able to buy stuff on a mobile game like this. That’s what parental controls are for.
  • I said this. It’s gambling. There’s kids on the game, Gambling buying stuff and not knowing what they’re buying. Everything else is clear but the packs are a disgrace.
    It’s not gambling.

    Kids shouldn’t be able to buy stuff on a mobile game like this. That’s what parental controls are for.
    Ok. I’m an adult. Its gambling.
  • I said this. It’s gambling. There’s kids on the game, Gambling buying stuff and not knowing what they’re buying. Everything else is clear but the packs are a disgrace.
    It’s not gambling.

    Kids shouldn’t be able to buy stuff on a mobile game like this. That’s what parental controls are for.
    Ok. I’m an adult. Its gambling.
    It’s not gambling, as discussed above.

    When you gamble, you place your stake at risk. The potential to get nothing in return is present.

    These packs will always give you something. So there is no risk.
  • I said this. It’s gambling. There’s kids on the game, Gambling buying stuff and not knowing what they’re buying. Everything else is clear but the packs are a disgrace.
    It’s not gambling.

    Kids shouldn’t be able to buy stuff on a mobile game like this. That’s what parental controls are for.
    Ok. I’m an adult. Its gambling.
    It’s not gambling, as discussed above.

    When you gamble, you place your stake at risk. The potential to get nothing in return is present.

    These packs will always give you something. So there is no risk.
    That’s the definition you use. Legally that’s not a universal truth.
  • Looks like CG has a plan to recoup some losses… a new event approaches.
  • I said this. It’s gambling. There’s kids on the game, Gambling buying stuff and not knowing what they’re buying. Everything else is clear but the packs are a disgrace.
    It’s not gambling.

    Kids shouldn’t be able to buy stuff on a mobile game like this. That’s what parental controls are for.
    Ok. I’m an adult. Its gambling.
    It’s not gambling, as discussed above.

    When you gamble, you place your stake at risk. The potential to get nothing in return is present.

    These packs will always give you something. So there is no risk.
    That’s the definition you use. Legally that’s not a universal truth.
    Ok.

    One of 2 things is happening:

    1) a billion dollar company with access to a colossal legal team is wilfully breaking the law by selling packs in this manner.

    2) some disgruntled forumers don’t understand the legal ramifications of what constitutes gambling.

    Would you care to gamble on which of those is the most likely?
  • I said this. It’s gambling. There’s kids on the game, Gambling buying stuff and not knowing what they’re buying. Everything else is clear but the packs are a disgrace.
    It’s not gambling.

    Kids shouldn’t be able to buy stuff on a mobile game like this. That’s what parental controls are for.
    Ok. I’m an adult. Its gambling.
    It’s not gambling, as discussed above.

    When you gamble, you place your stake at risk. The potential to get nothing in return is present.

    These packs will always give you something. So there is no risk.
    That’s the definition you use. Legally that’s not a universal truth.
    Ok.

    One of 2 things is happening:

    1) a billion dollar company with access to a colossal legal team is wilfully breaking the law by selling packs in this manner.

    2) some disgruntled forumers don’t understand the legal ramifications of what constitutes gambling.

    Would you care to gamble on which of those is the most likely?

    It's absolutely not as clear cut as you imply it to be...which is up for debate all across the world as well. See regulation and legislation.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loot_box
  • I walk into my favourite shop to by the paper. I go to pay for it and the guy behind the counter pulls out this magic, mystery box. I said, what have you got there sunshine? The guy behind the counter says inside this box are 3 smaller boxes. Each has a different prize. He says

    One of the boxes has a prize worth = £2

    Another of the boxes has a prize worth = £10

    And the final box has x200 kyrotech pieces

    I say, oh yeah is it free to have a go. He says No? It will cost you £5.

    The minimum I’m coming away with is £2 if I have a go. The guy behind the counter says, don’t worry mate, it’s not gambling. Your getting something back regardless. It’s all good. I promise you, it’s NOT gambling it’s something else, but it’s not gambling.

  • I walk into my favourite shop to by the paper. I go to pay for it and the guy behind the counter pulls out this magic, mystery box. I said, what have you got there sunshine? The guy behind the counter says inside this box are 3 smaller boxes. Each has a different prize. He says

    One of the boxes has a prize worth = £2

    Another of the boxes has a prize worth = £10

    And the final box has x200 kyrotech pieces

    I say, oh yeah is it free to have a go. He says No? It will cost you £5.

    The minimum I’m coming away with is £2 if I have a go. The guy behind the counter says, don’t worry mate, it’s not gambling. Your getting something back regardless. It’s all good. I promise you, it’s NOT gambling it’s something else, but it’s not gambling.
    Forum analogies are always amusing - thanks for brightening up my morning.

    Which pack is offering you less than the purchase price as one of the outcomes?
  • I walk into my favourite shop to by the paper. I go to pay for it and the guy behind the counter pulls out this magic, mystery box. I said, what have you got there sunshine? The guy behind the counter says inside this box are 3 smaller boxes. Each has a different prize. He says

    One of the boxes has a prize worth = £2

    Another of the boxes has a prize worth = £10

    And the final box has x200 kyrotech pieces

    I say, oh yeah is it free to have a go. He says No? It will cost you £5.

    The minimum I’m coming away with is £2 if I have a go. The guy behind the counter says, don’t worry mate, it’s not gambling. Your getting something back regardless. It’s all good. I promise you, it’s NOT gambling it’s something else, but it’s not gambling.

    Bad example. In reality, it's more like 100 boxes, 90 worth £2, 9 worth £10 and 1 with the best prize.
  • Nauros wrote: »
    I walk into my favourite shop to by the paper. I go to pay for it and the guy behind the counter pulls out this magic, mystery box. I said, what have you got there sunshine? The guy behind the counter says inside this box are 3 smaller boxes. Each has a different prize. He says

    One of the boxes has a prize worth = £2

    Another of the boxes has a prize worth = £10

    And the final box has x200 kyrotech pieces

    I say, oh yeah is it free to have a go. He says No? It will cost you £5.

    The minimum I’m coming away with is £2 if I have a go. The guy behind the counter says, don’t worry mate, it’s not gambling. Your getting something back regardless. It’s all good. I promise you, it’s NOT gambling it’s something else, but it’s not gambling.

    Bad example. In reality, it's more like 100 boxes, 90 worth £2, 9 worth £10 and 1 with the best prize.

    The gamble is your getting 1 of the 3. Not 1 for 1
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