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Entropia Universe - Econ 101 - Catching Up with MindArk - MMORPG.com
SBFord
Former Associate EditorMember LegendaryPosts: 33,129
Entropia Universe - Econ 101 - Catching Up with MindArk - MMORPG.com
What MMO currently holds the record for the highest priced item sold for real, not virtual, cash? What long running MMO has a central focus around their economy? I don't blame you if you guessed Second Life or Eve for either of those questions but turns out you'd be wrong. The answer to both of those is Entropia Universe a game from developer MindArk. We recently linked up with Klas Moreau, Chief Executive Officer at MindArk, to catch up about the game.
Comments
No fate but what we make, so make me a ham sandwich please.
Maybe there is a reason. But while we are on the topic I'll give my opinion.
I would have played this long term but there is nothing to do in it without breaking out my credit card. The ammo costs money, everything costs money. You can not do anything in this game without dumping real money into it, and I'm not just talking $50 bucks, hundreds to thousands to even make it feel enjoyable. You can't even make ingame currency in it without dropping real money.
This game is designed to keep people out who do not want to spend thousands on it. It is literally custom built for super whales. The very first time I logged into it many years ago all I saw where these zombie players standing around trading machines just dumping in their money, no one talked. I've tried it many more times and experienced the same thing every time, boredom and deafening silence. Maybe it costs $10,000 to actually read and participate in chat and that's why it was so quiet.
It would be nice if they restructured some of their game (maybe a few new planets) to allow other types of gaming consumers in, but based on what I just read above they think they are are doing fine with their niche audience. In my opinion it would have better if they had offered a subscription based structure for those who wanted it; they might have actually caught all the displaced SWG vets. I honestly have no idea how this game has remained sustainable for so long other than by people with serious gambling addictions and more money than sense; but I'm sure someday it will all come crashing down biggly.
It wasn't a bad game and did enough slightly different to make me want to log in and enjoy myself when I did. But I finally found out the pertinent information I wanted - you can max everything on one character. I cannot stand this type of character development. I want to plan out a build.
When I quit the game I had made about $10 in actual money I built up not counting if any of the stuff I had was worth anything. I didn't cash it out, just like I don't give my stuff away when I quit any game. There is a chance that what I dislike about the game will eventually change. Like EQ2 had pretty much zero character development when it came out, and then added a bunch of character development after.
I think this game is for whales and no spenders. I could have done okay with spending no money and enjoyed my time, knowing I would never be as affective and powerful as a whale. Even if I cashed out every cent I earned rather than investing it into my character. The divide would probably be as significant as a Freeb in AO versus a subscription player.
The people who want to be able to spend a reasonable amount of money and be a power player should avoid this game. But, people who want to make a little money and spend nothing can and do enjoy it. I made money not even trying. It wasn't a lot. But I bet the type of person who play games like LotRO and DDO and somehow earn a bunch of TP would enjoy this if you'd like the option to cash out the TP rather than opening new content. I play games to have fun, and I'm willing to spend money to have fun. I'm not willing to treat a game like a job, and I'm not willing to spend a ton on a game to be more powerful (even though my weak will has me spend way too much on DDO than I should). And I'm not willing to spend time or money on games with no character development like WoW or any of the other major MMOs, or open max everything systems like Runescape or whatever.
Starting fresh today... You are going to have to put in maybe double or triple that each month, everything has become more expensive and any good or even decent gear is crafted or farmed in zones that you pay per minute to use, run by other players.
It was a nice game back in the days "project Entropia" but today it is a bit rich... But with that said i should dig out my old account and have a look around... If it is still there that is.
This have been a good conversation