Let's discuss IAP

Discussion in 'General Game Discussion and Questions' started by Bronxsta, Jan 9, 2014.

  1. Bronxsta

    Bronxsta Well-Known Member

    #1 Bronxsta, Jan 9, 2014
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2014
    I'm seeing more and more threads become nothing but complaining about IAP, questioning IAP, and whatnot for pages, to the point that sometimes it's hard to find impressions. I'm sure I can't be the only one who notices this trend. And with the way IOS gaming had evolved, I'm sure it's a trend that won't be dissipating any time soon.

    So let's discuss IAP.

    Now as much as we hate to believe it, IAP is probably here to stay for the long run. I applaud the developers who stay completely premium, but more often than, an IOS game today will have some kind of IAP.

    But IAP by itself. Is. Not. Bad.

    I don't think a lot of people have seen that yet or perhaps they've become so jaded that even the slightest mention of IAP turns them off of an anticipated game. IAP is not bad. It's how the IAP is used that can make or break a game.

    It's clear that by now that IAP can be separated into several distinct categories. There are the full game unlocks and expansions. These are probably the most accepted and most traditional uses of IAP. Jet Car Stunts 2, Ninjin, Paint It Back are examples of this kind of IAP.

    Then there is what I'd call "lazy" IAP. Unlock all levels, all vehicles, all weapons now, hints, those kinds of things. They don't affect the gameplay in any way, shape, or form; it's merely there for the gamers who for some reason bought or downloaded a game but don't want to play it through it as intended. I believe this kind of IAP is also pretty well accepted.

    There's also the rare donation IAP, which merely is there to help out the developer. The only game I know that has donation IAP is Beat Leap.

    Now we start moving into more gray territories. I'd place ad removers in their own categories. Sometimes they're the lone IAP in an app, sometimes they're bundled with coin packs, but the need to purchase an ad remover is solely based on how obnoxious the ads are. Some devs do their best to make ads as unobtrusive as possible while others have video ads during gameplay. One is okay, one is just frustrating.

    Boosters is another kind of IAP that can be ignored...or not. It all depends on how generous a game is, but for the most part, boosters just make a game easier and aren't really necessary.

    Now we reach the currency packs. It comes in many different forms, many different styles and prices, but the idea is always the same. The rate currency is gained is critical in regards to packs, at least for a non-causal gamer. A game like Starborn Anarkist just throws money at the player so its two currency packs are hilariously unnecessary. Then you have other games (can't remember any names, because they're the kind I delete fast) that reward coins at the slowest pace, that abuse dual currencies, and have insanely high prices for items and upgrades.

    But I can deal with paywalls and grinding if a game is fun enough. What I will never tolerate, and what I consider the most unacceptable IAP is buying time. We've seen timers go by many names - energy, damage, etc. - but it's all the same. You're on a clock and when that clock runs out, you either pay or you don't play. It really seems so counterintuitive, maybe not for causal gamers but for the hardcore crowd. You download a game to play it, to invest your time into it. If your time becomes something to be priced and measured by a game, to be bought in increments, then that game doesn't deserve your time.

    So not all IAP is bad. Not all free-to-pay games are freemium. A free game can be balanced and fair. And a paid game with IAP can still offer a premium experience.

    What kinds of IAP do you find acceptable, if any? Which can't you tolerate? Is there any worth or merit to IAP, or the freemium model? Do you distinguish between F2P and freemium?
     
  2. RaindropGames

    RaindropGames Active Member

    I prefer free demos with the option to purchase, like Shareware. Unfortunately these are not the norm. Also think episodic is fine like TWD.
     
  3. I miss the good old days of premiums with lites.
     
  4. psj3809

    psj3809 Moderator

    Jan 13, 2011
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    The 'shareware' model is great, eg you download a free version or lite, you then pay x amount to unlock it.

    Basically when games are free you now get really suspicious ! You then see the list of IAP's on the app store and you realise there'll 'probably' be a paywall somewhere. Theres been lots of stories about it, these games suck you in and then you basically buy IAP after IAP as you want to get further.

    Does make me laugh when people think no to a 1.99 game but then later that month theyre playing a freemium game and spending 5-10 dollars on IAP's !

    I still think if we all bought games on launch price it would help with the amount of freemium coming our way. Problem is toooo many people wait for a price drop or are cautious with a game asking for 17 opinions before they splash out 99c

    Yes devs need to eat, lets help them buying games at premium prices rather than freemium
     
  5. Echoen

    Echoen Well-Known Member

    May 16, 2012
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    #5 Echoen, Jan 9, 2014
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2014
    I don't like buying consumable IAPs such as gold, gems, booster packs, energy refills, and lives. Heck, I don't even use boosters in most games as a way to test the game's balance. If I need these consumable IAPs, I delete the game.

    Some freemium games let you earn premium currency or "the best there is" through other methods like earning ranks and topping tournaments and that's perfectly fine with me. As long as everything's within reasonable reach of fair play. Hello Hero is free-to-play with ranked battles where cheapskates can eventually find their way at the top if they're persistent enough because of the many avenues the game throws at you to get currency and top tier items. (However, the game is a bit shallow and won't appeal to Western gamers. :p)

    IMO, everything in a game should be obtainable with an above average amount of game time (many won't finish the game) without having to resort to buying their way to it, be it direct purchase or by acquiring currency. There's always a way to gate every tier and the devs just have to figure out the best method for it. It feels great when you earned godlike status rather than buying it. Some of the recent Kemco games have the idea but could use some tweaking in prices here and there.

    I highly value purchases that will last and that you can restore later on such as full game unlocks, expansions, extra characters, and alternative gameplay modes. The extras shouldn't detract from the core of the game though (Reaper's tiered unlocks are a good example). Extra characters should offer enough varied content (hey, high five, Phoenix HD). Ad removers are fine if it makes the game feel premium enough (like if the IAP could revert what they did to House of the Dead).

    Full game unlocks are a bit of a concern down the line when say support is dropped for that very app and in a worst case scenario, Apple shuts down. Still, you probably get your money's worth around the time you buy it anyway and presuming you get around playing it. I'll continue to support this model however.

    Doublers also have a lasting and greater value over time but can fail its purpose if not planned out right. Steam Punks has a doubler but it hardly reached its worth in my time with the game because the currency drop rate was far too low to begin with. I'll drop a bomb and mention Punch Quest here. :D I still love the game for the play though. Crabitron has a doubler and tripler that combine to a sextupler. It's a bit over the top but... well, you decide. :) (Great game btw).

    IAP unlocker shortcuts are lame if you can already unlock the feature through normal play. An example is one that unlocks all stages and character classes without having to work your way through the campaign one stage at a time. Might as well pay to see the credits roll. Castle Raid 2 has such an option but redeems itself only if you see the app as a purely multiplayer game (a good one at that).

    I'd really like to see less inclination to consumables and more to additional content. Telltale has fine examples of premium apps with add-on content as is Plague Inc. in its fine execution of expanding what it offers with new plagues and scenarios.

    One other thing: a premium game + consumable IAP = no no no no no no no no. Big hitter: Echo Prime
     
  6. TheFrost

    TheFrost Well-Known Member

    Nov 18, 2010
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    I didnt like IAP last year, but this year I made a resolution (and a worse attitude against it): Dont buy games with lots of IAP, much less with gems in it. And much less if it comes with a price attached. I already have enought games and that game that Im looking at with lots of IAP will probably go free in some weeks. I can wait. I have anough games as I already said. No need to rush for every new game. I dont trust the system as before. Even now, what I thought was "premium" isnt anymore.

    Even some games are trying to force people to buy costumes with IAP, which I find absolutely greedy. I will be a lot more cautious now, asking about IAP before buying. How many games that seemed good in the beginning ended up deleted because of paywalls and greedy designers? Hundreds and hundreds paid with my hard earned money. I am not rich and I cant afford every game on the AppStore.

    I came from a time where it didn't exist, so its effect is bigger in me, Im not used to it, and what I see there worries me a lot. I dont want a freemium future, I want a REAL premium priced game.

    There are different kinds of IAP, listed from normal to indecent.

    Shareware IAP: A good model where you get some stuff for free and if you want the whole thing you pay. Pretty good to try things out.

    Coin Doubler IAP: A way to speed things up nice and easy. And they can be restored in case of data loss. Lately, Coin Doublers have sky rocketed and now they ask insane quantities of money.

    IAP Shortcuts: For people lazy or that dont want to go through everything to enjoy the game. As long as they arent required for regular play, I dont mind them.

    Coin Pack IAPs: Designed to rip you off. Whenever I see those I fear for some paywall or some ultra expensive items (the best of them) that cannot be bought otherwise.

    Consumable Items IAP: One of the worst. Having to buy in-game stuff with IAP is a rip-off. Cut the Rope 2 introduced them to me and I wanted to vomit when I saw it. Paying IAP for costumes is just plain ridiculous and an outrage. In fact, paying real money for in-games things is a rip-off.

    IAP on a premium priced game: Shouldn't exist. Wont buy these games anymore. I have enough. I am fed up with this.

    Freemium games: They are design to keep things happy until you are addicted (some kind of scheme), and then they will start asking real money from you, but you are already hooked and don't think like a person anymore, you are suck in and you brain have been washed. And you pay money. Then the same person complains about the price of a 0.99 app not realizing they spent much much more on the freemium game. Ive seen it. It happens. Its how those games are designed. Hook you up and then rip you off nicely and with a smile. Fight it.
     
  7. TheFrost

    TheFrost Well-Known Member

    Nov 18, 2010
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    Also, to everyone: If you are suspicious about a game that has lots of IAP, dont buy it. Wait, it will be free soon enough, and you have many games installed so you can still play those, they are awesome, thats why you bought it on the first place. Dont follow the AppStore trend to buy new games every week and leave the ones from the previous week behind. Its a trend and you can overcome it. I still have plenty installed that I can go back to. No need to buy every week. Thats a wrong thing that capitalism/consumist societies have implemented in our brains.
     
  8. Destined

    Destined Well-Known Member

    Aug 11, 2013
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    Well I wanted as many people as possible to try my latest game and I have had almost 1K downloads across all platforms and 1% have chosen to pay. The free is same as paid except for ads.

    I am okay with that as I really just want people to play!
     
  9. psj3809

    psj3809 Moderator

    Jan 13, 2011
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    Yep thats a great point and one i need to do ! As you say there are SO many new games every week, i look back to classics i want to play more or complete. He-Man i want to get to the later levels, want to finish Bastion, Limbo, so many games.

    On one hand its amazing how many games come out on the app store but then i sadly leave my favourite from last week behind. Ideally i should just stop, play the games i've got, finish them, delete them and then buy more, but i just buy buy buy ! (As prices are so cheap)

    Swings and roundabouts, amazing time for portable gaming but its so saturated as well
     
  10. iPadisGreat

    iPadisGreat Well-Known Member

    Dec 10, 2012
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    Arranged in declining order of acceptability:

    Expansion packs (new levels)
    Full game unlocks (for free downloads)

    Unacceptable:
    Consumable IAPs
     
  11. Foghorn Irrascible

    Foghorn Irrascible Well-Known Member

    Jul 20, 2013
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    I would like to play this game but it's a paid game that has IAPs. I have a real problem with this and rather than just slag off the game without having played it, I'm curious what other people would say about my thoughts:

    My feeling is that if you don't ever need to buy IAPs in this game, why are they there? And doesn't their existence point irrefutably to the suggestion that the gameplay has at some point been designed to force you into a 'Grind Or Pay' situation?

    No matter how many reviewers earnestly report that you don't ever need to purchase an IAP in this game, if that's the case why design them into the game and presumably the business model?

    I just can't enjoy a paid game that has put time and effort into incorporating a system that requires there to be some element are arbitrarily designated grind purely to warrant te inclusion of IAPs.

    Either sell a game for the price it's worth, or make it properly freemium. Why do both?!
     
  12. TheFrost

    TheFrost Well-Known Member

    Nov 18, 2010
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    Highly agree with you Foghorn (I just pictured myselft saying that in the real world, lol). Thats why I am really reluctant to buy games with IAP anymore. And then I read Exact-Psience opinions (which I respect a lot) and find that I was wright all along. Seems that even with a doubler it seems grindy. So that makes me think that games are designed for BOTH IAP packs and Doublers. And that makes me really sad. Man I want games like Indiana Stone: The Brave and the Bold or Badland, not IAP riddled games. Sigh...
     
  13. TheFrost

    TheFrost Well-Known Member

    Nov 18, 2010
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    Seems you have a lot of games to play (bastion and Limbo nonetheless!), no need to buy new stuff. Enjoy those games you bought. I didn't buy any games this week (all seemed fishy) and I am being entertained by all the ones I have from previous weeks.
     
  14. Bronxsta

    Bronxsta Well-Known Member

    #14 Bronxsta, Jan 10, 2014
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2014
    As much I applaud premium games with no IAP, I don't see why there can't be a balance. I mean in a purely business sense, IAP allows a dev to make money beyond the initial purchase. And from a gameplay perspective, IAP can be present in a paid game for those who find it too difficult to play through or just does want to play through the game and earn things through normal progression. A presence of IAP doesn't mean a game is reliant on IAP. Starborn Anarkist is probably the most generous premium game I've played and has two currency packs to buy

    I actually started a discussion about this topic, if you wanted to contribute: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=215288
     
  15. psj3809

    psj3809 Moderator

    Jan 13, 2011
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    Telling me ! Plus i bought a cheap Android tablet this morning and i'm loving all the nostalgia i'm getting from lots of old DOS games i used to play back in the day.

    Too many games not enough time ;)
     
  16. PeteOzzy

    PeteOzzy Well-Known Member

    Oct 30, 2013
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    Nice piece, well-worded, constructed and thought out. Unfortunately no one will listen. IAP is evil to most people, rather than judge each game under it's own merits - which let's face it, should be the only way to do things - people see "Offers IAPs" and would rather overreact and condemn the game.

    I have no issue with IAPs whatsoever. I have issues with how some developers make their games, but those examples are actually pretty rare. The only one I can think of from recent times is Star Trek Trexels and even that has it's fans and good on them.

    There are plenty of people that rage against IAPs and their names are high on the score boards in games like Ski Safari: Adventure Time which are premium with consumable IAPs. I'm sure I'll get lambasted for expressing it but I genuinely don't like the average gamer's attitude at the moment. It's so difficult to get a discussion started about some of the amazing games we have available because they're all in forums starting flame wars over a 69p hat...
     
  17. gcl

    gcl Well-Known Member

    Jan 1, 2009
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    I think the OP did a great job of laying out my preference.

    In descending order:
    Premium > expansion packs IAP > character / costume IAP > donation IAP > lazy extras booster IAP > currency IAP > ad removal IAP > candy crush timer IAP

    I am not a hard core gamer.

    Je deteste crush de candy.

    The game is casually entertaining but the IAP ruins it for me. I trashed it off iTunes and disregard any of devs with game policies like this.

    iTunes sez I haz1600 apps, oh my.
    I buy games that I'm curious about, swayed by recommendation and indies.
    I too miss the premium / lite days. I like sales, but will pay full usually to support smaller devs or something unique.
    I think of games as interactive Art.
    They worked and made something special and should be noticed.

    A clear example is continue?98765...0 which hasn't stuck on me but I still voted GoTY. I'm still waiting for the sub machine gun + extra mansion IAP in that one :)
    I like what that zemind starboard anakrist dev did by offering his photo mosiac app if you bought the game. I bought both anyway. Any lil ways we can help indies raises the bar on diversity.

    These type of devs should get my patronage over sickly sweet top grossing crap that bait and switches a la Pavlov.

    That is why TouchArcade and its community is important to help educate about quality and hopefully company feedback.

    Life is short, time is valuable.

    Let me play the game I paid for.

    I don't want to waste time worrying about more IAP.
     
  18. PSquared

    PSquared Active Member

    Nov 4, 2013
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    Not that I expect any changes to be made but count me amongst the players who do not pay for games that also have IAP premium/dual currency systems. Either charge me for the game or charge me for dual/premium currency through IAP... But not both at the same time.

    I understand that you can earn the premium currency in game. I understand that some people believe the IAP premium currency is not needed because they subjectively feel it can be earned fast enough for their particular playstyle. If there is no need to buy the premium currency through IAP then why have it? Devs going out of their way so a tiny percentage of players who want to buy a game and then pay to beat it in an hour can? I simply don't believe that. It seems like either bad game design or a money grab by the developers to make even more cash after charging multiple dollars for the purchase in the first place. (The price seems fine to me if they weren't hawking premium currency for what it's worth. I'm a huge supporter of AAA games and don't bat an eyelash at paying up front for a quality product).

    Whether or not its a scam... It smells like a scam and like most iOS gamers I've been burnt before. Luckily most Adult Swim games go on sale eventually and with the plethora of high quality TD games on the market I feel no need at all to rush and buy this at full price and then be nickle and dimed by a dual currency system. If it was removed and the price tag raised a couple bucks I'd be a happy customer... But paying up front for a game with dual currencies that are sold through IAP... Not for me.
     
  19. ste86uk

    ste86uk Well-Known Member

    May 9, 2012
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    I really do get tried of IAP moaning especially when people don't even bother to read the forums or understand the game at all before they complain about something that's been covered multiple times.

    IAP is here to stay and will still be around in many paid games yet hopefully in paid games it will be unnecessary or just for DLC.
     
  20. Bronxsta

    Bronxsta Well-Known Member

    #20 Bronxsta, Jan 13, 2014
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2014
    So you haven't played the game? But have you read all our impressions in the thread?

    The IAP here is merely for lazy gamers or people who find the game too hard. Like any other game, there is one currency that is used to unlock and upgrade everything. In-game, just like any other TD game, you need to build up resources to create traps. You can't purchase this Scream resource

    The only real "IAP" currency are the blue coins but those are your rewards for completing missions and incentive to actually do the missions. And you use them to purchase temporary special abilities that you only need when you have a crappy strategy and don't plan well

    This game is as premium an experience as can be. Even more so than most paid games. Everything you earn is earned through your own skill and strategies. Nothing is locked behind stupid paywalls. This is not some "paid-ium" game
     

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