The IAP/Freemium Thread

[Lost_Deputy]

Lets put all our cards on the table. In app purchases/freemium games are not only here to stay in portable gaming but its pay model is infiltrating its console brethren.

The standard method of paying for a finished and complete product is not gone but it is becoming a minority.

This is not a whinge thread. Lets assume that we all prefer the pay for product business model. This thread is for:

-Highlighting games that do not require IAP
-Highlighting games that do IAP well
-Highlighting games that do IAP poorly
-Ideas for a fair and balanced IAP model
-Alternatives to IAPs not including premium models-advertising etc.

[Connector]

Oh no, another Real Racing 3 hate thread in the making.

I get mad about videogames.

[racer-007]

Originally Posted by Lost_Deputy

This thread is for:

-Highlighting games that do not require IAP
-Highlighting games that do IAP well
-Highlighting games that do IAP poorly

Dude, thats basically like every single game included in this thread. Narrow down the focus.

[racer-007]

Originally Posted by Connector

Oh no, another Real Racing 3 hate thread in the making.

I get mad about videogames.

Dude, I think you have been causing some slight problems today. NO one mentioned that name here, so dont sully this thread.

[Lost_Deputy]

Originally Posted by racer-007

Dude, thats basically like every single game included in this thread. Narrow down the focus.

Whatever the case there is heaps of random rage out there spewing in every which way. It would be cool to focus the rage into something constructive so maybe devs could look at and re think their options

[Lost_Deputy]

The games that just use IAPs as enhancers are obviously stomachable. Jet Pack Joyride springs to mind. You could get an advantage or a small shortcut but it wasn't rammed down your throat

[racer-007]

Just my 2c

IAP for new content, vanity, and maybe early unlocks of levels/items are fine by me

IAP in games for primary currency, secondary currency is nono. And also timers is no.

[september]

I was thinking about this today, but doing a review site based on the IAP types, frequency and requirement to gameplay for new games.

It's become such a minefield, good devs getting blasted for truly optional IAP, bad devs gouging unashamedly people trying to support indies. It's not a bad system in itself, it's just really overly abused. Some warning specific to game titles would be good, seems to be the first thing people (no doubt previously burnt) ask in release threads.

[Connector]

Originally Posted by racer-007

Just my 2c

IAP for new content, vanity, and maybe early unlocks of levels/items are fine by me

IAP in games for primary currency, secondary currency is nono. And also timers is no.

Yeah, I can go with this, but heck no to wait timers and huge pay walls.

[Lost_Deputy]

Originally Posted by september

I was thinking about this today, but doing a review site based on the IAP types, frequency and requirement to gameplay for new games.

It's become such a minefield, good devs getting blasted for truly optional IAP, bad devs gouging unashamedly people trying to support indies. It's not a bad system in itself, it's just really overly abused. Some warning specific to game titles would be good, seems to be the first thing people (no doubt previously burnt) ask in release threads.

Agreed. Its the wild West out there. Huge problem is that (believe it or not) we are relatively knowledgeable gamers/consumers. We check forums, we read previews, we ask questions. The majority of people don't. They just go along for the ride. So far Gameevil and Glu Games are two of the worst repeat offenders I've encountered.

For example Contract Killer 2 is not a game. Its an advertisment/cash sponge. This is a big turn off for me for the advertising model as an alternative to IAPs