Hi all, I'm developing a study that involves forces that affect MMORPG subscriptions, and the reasons why (if applicable). For example, factors which increase subscriptions: - initial launch (due to pre-launch marketing blitz) - new content (e.g. new races, new areas, new items, new decor, etc) - fresh content (e.g. saving players from the inevitable boredom; not the same as new content) - bugs which increase character advantage (e.g. dupe bugs) Factors which decrease subscriptions: - bugs which decrease character advantage (e.g. getting stuck, unexpected loss of items/stats/wealth) - release of similar games by competition - addition of features which players feel is detrimental to gameplay - feature nerfing I'd love to hear your opinions. Thanks, - DH

Quote:Original post by DarkHorizon
For example, factors which increase subscriptions:
- initial launch (due to pre-launch marketing blitz)
- new content (e.g. new races, new areas, new items, new decor, etc)
- fresh content (e.g. saving players from the inevitable boredom; not the same as new content)
- bugs which increase character advantage (e.g. dupe bugs)

Apart from the first one, I don't think the others have any effect. Unless you consider expansion packs that are marketed as heavily as the initial release as "new content" (e.g. the WoW Lich King expansion pack).

The normal cycle of new content that happens would be unlikely to attract new subscriptions, it's more a way of keeping existing subscriptions. The reason being that people who are not already playing the game simply wouldn't know about it. Same with "advantagous" bugs (though to me, there's no such thing)

In my opinion, the number one way that an established MMO game would increase subscriptions is via regular advertising (WoW still runs TV ads, for example) and good old word-of-mouth.

Quote:Original post by DarkHorizon
Factors which decrease subscriptions:
- bugs which decrease character advantage (e.g. getting stuck, unexpected loss of items/stats/wealth)
- release of similar games by competition
- addition of features which players feel is detrimental to gameplay
- feature nerfing

It's much easier to lose subscriptions than to gain them! I can think of plenty more: too much lag/congestion, boredom, economic downturns, and as I said above, a lack of new content (which contributes to boredom), etc.