Hello All.
It was upon the urging of
@Sarumonin that I am posting this. For those who have limited attention spans or believe in minimalist writing, this post is not for you, and you'd be better served by moving along. Don't say you weren't warned.
I'd like to start by saying that Loot Boxes are a necessary evil in "Free to Play" games. Few things in life are free, and even those that are, come with some kind of cost or investment. When TERA started off on PC, it was a paid game that cost $15/month. The game struggled with competition from similar games like World of Warcraft that had similar pricing, but a much larger fan base. Despite TERA's "True Action Combat" system being a legit draw, the game was losing momentum. The powers that be decided to take a gamble by making the game Free to Play to entice more players to at least give the game a try, confident that it's unique properties would win over old and new gamers to MMOs. The gamble paid off, at least initially, and TERA was able to keep its head above water for a while.
As the years carried onwards, newer designed games with superior graphics and more detailed modeling brought new competition. Enhancements to customization, personalization, and the selling of cosmetic items were the order of the day, and kept TERA going a bit longer. But even that wasn't enough for very long. An odd decision to separate female Popori and make them their own Elin race brought new attention to TERA. And the embracing of 'Loli Culture' and unique item personalization of these Elins was a huge financial success, and saved this game from extinction. Not too long thereafter, TERA was overhauled from a slow-progression Level 60 game to a faster progression Level 65 game. It was this faster paced game that made its way to Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
With that history in mind, this game (like many things) cannot and will not exist without a steady flow of cash. The selling of cosmetic items and in-game services is what keeps this game alive. When the funds stop, TERA won't exist. I feel the need to draw attention to this fact because there are going to be naysayers to a few points I will make here that will state things like: 'No one made you spend that money.' 'Cosmetics are optional.' 'Loot boxes are a gamble.' And other such similar comments that fail to address the root problem here. Sure, I didn't have to spend that money or any money whatsoever on TERA, but someone did. When the players stop buying digital items and services, we lose our game. So I try to buy a few things every month (or two or three) as my contribution to keep this game afloat. You're welcome.
That having been said, En Masse and Bluehole, you guys are killing this game. Yes, you have legal descriptions of Loot Boxes that state that they're really just Semi-Enigmatic Scroll boxes that "may" include bonus items, etc., etc... That's to avoid the comparisons to and definitions of online gambling. It works here in the U.S., but in other TERA areas loot box percentages and other concessions have to be published for them to sell Loot Boxes. But that's not my point or my argument, just stating facts that show that some governments have stepped in to minimize their citizens being shafted by predatory practices.
Now for why I'm pissed enough to write this novel of a post. During the TERA Store Black Friday Event, an item I desired but missed out on purchasing when it was initially offered was reintroduced into the TERA Store for a limited time. The item was called "Seren's Night School Uniform", a dyeable Elin-only costume item obtained from Seren's Night School Locker (a Loot Box). I imagine if directly priced, it would compare to the Ingenue's Costume which is priced at 1795 EMP. With the Black Friday discount, each Loot Box was 100 EMP. I purchased a total of 76 boxes (7600 EMP spent) and got absolute crap as a result. Unlike Loot Boxes for things like Royal Dragon Flying Mounts, this box didn't include any alkahests or anything useful. It did, give me quite a few Master Enigmatic Scrolls, but seeing as how I had well over 1100 of them before opening my first box, adding to my stash did absolutely nothing for me. It did cause me to say "Screw TERA" and not touch the game for a month outside of logging in to collect Elite Gift Boxes and then log back out. Had it not been for that chat with Sarumonin , I'd likely have dropped TERA altogether. But he is a wise one, that Saru, and he convinced me to give TERA another try. I even bought some EMP items (of the non-RNG variety) as a show of good faith.
I told him I was trying to work on a suggestion for the powers that be within En Masse and Bluehole that would make unsuccessful Loot Box attempts for cosmetic items less of a pain for those who seek pretty pixels. So I came up with a solution I think would work, and am working on some implementation details, and then today happened. I get paid, and purchase 12000 EMP (that's $100 USD). Plenty enough to obtain one of the limited-time Starglow Weapon Skins, right? Wrong! Money and EMP spent, and no weapon skin to show for it. I don't mind alkahests, but why in the hell are Health Potions even in the loot tables for these boxes, seriously?!
So, frustrated, pissed, but with a solution in mind here I am, and here it is: Loot Boxes will no longer award random items if you don't get their themed item, but instead include a fixed number of "coins" (En Masse and Bluehole can come up with a name). Cheaper boxes would have one, more expensive boxes would include two or more. These coins (account bound and bankable, but not tradable) when clicked on would access a store where by the redeemer can choose what they'd like to purchase with it. Items like Semi-Enigmatic Scrolls, varying alkahests, Master Enigmatic Scrolls, etc. Pretty much all the random items presently being awarded, but with the random aspect removed. En Masse and Bluehole could even go one better and use this as a way to create new demand for the purchasing of Loot Boxes by making some harder to obtain consumables like Blessed or Noble Enigmatic Scrolls costing a higher number of these coins. Or creating new items like a universal Feedstock that can be used for any level of item.
I'll be honest with you all, I don't see En Masse and Bluehole implementing any of this. They have these abysmal odds with no failure caps (except for Elleon's) in place for a reason. They are falsely mistaken that this is a way to earn money and succeed. It is not. It is a way to infuriate your player base to the point that they look elsewhere for their online entertainment. TERA isn't the only game in town, and non-En Masse forums are ripe with disgruntled players fed up with fighting ridiculous odds to get gear (whether by drop or a design to craft), then masterwork it, then roll it's abilities, then enchant it to +12, awaken it, then get it to +15. As well as players (called "whales") like me that spend money on cosmetics because we like to personalize our characters, but that also know that without ours or someone's spending, this game will cease to be supported.
Well, it's been a marvelous journey, fellow denziens of Arborrea, but my time amongst you has reached its end. I'm grown enough to accept responsibility for my real and virtual spending, and wise enough to see no future in it. When my Elite Status expires next month, I don't intend to renew it. I sincerely hope the powers that be within En Masse and Bluehole take my "coin" suggestion to heart. I've spoken with other players, Sarumonin being one of them, and many think this will take the sting out of not hitting that jackpot... I mean, obtaining that chance item, from the various Loot Boxes. I'm happy that I was able to support this endeavor for as long as I did, but today's burn has solidified my decision to depart.
@Halrath @Denommenator Thank you both for your service to this community, and for fighting an often unappreciated uphill battle with the powers that be for the players you represent. If the time comes that En Masse and Bluehole adjusts their policies and reduces the gear maximising and obtaining RNG, or introduces failure caps, my coin idea, or other consumer friendly practices, I may well return. But I wanted to convey my thanks, should that day never come, as well as submit my suggestion for a solution to curb the frustration we smaller "whales" face, because when we all leave or stop buying stuff, TERA loses.
Sincerely,
~Groove
