Curse

Loviatar · Jan 16, 2008, 07:02 PM // 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

Loviatar: I understand that NCSoft owns Anet. But do you really believe Anet has absolutely no say in how their games are marketed? The lines from Gaile suggest that Anet has it's own marketing department, and they are at least somewhat responsible for planning promotions.

Or do you think that every single mini-pet that gets released as a "bonus" comes under orders of NcSoft directors?

hi

NCsoft is not just the publisher of Anets game. they own GW as well as ANET outright.

NCsoft owens them completely right down to the financial statement and all GW rights/income/etc.

there is no independent Anet it is a department of NCsoft and NCsoft has the online store as well as the ingame store is a gateway to the NCsoft store (permalink reminder)

Keithark · Jan 16, 2008, 07:03 PM // 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcsumo

Originally Posted by www.guildwars.com
For a limited time, when you spend $29 USD (€26/£17) or more in the Guild Wars In-Game Store or through the PlayNC Store, you will get a Guild Wars Bonus Mission Pack for free!
The Guild Wars Bonus Mission Pack will allow you to play through four pivotal moments in Guild Wars history. Earn unique rewards as you go face-to-face with Palawa Joko and his undead army as one of the key figures in the Battle of Jahai. Experience part of Cantha’s turbulent past as you witness the violent Tengu Wars. Learn firsthand how the White Mantle rose to power in Kryta. And, finally, discover what became of Gwen after the Charr invaded her home and the Searing destroyed everything she’d ever known.
Spend a total of 26€ ($29/£17) or more in the Guild Wars In-Game Store or purchase and activate any product worth 26€ ($29/£17) through the PlayNC online store, between 20:00 BST July 5, 2007 and 19:00 BST October 31, 2007.
You can spend the required amount all at once, or over time; your purchases will be tracked and once you meet the requirement, you will qualify to receive the Bonus Mission Pack!
The Bonus Mission Pack will release in November. This promotion is non-transferable and is limited to one per account. The Bonus Pack will only be available to the exact account that fulfills this promotion in the in-game store or the exact account on which a qualifying Guild Wars product is activated that has been purchased in the PlayNC store.

This information wasn't very clear to MANY players. So some of us looked around for confirmation as to future availability. Some asked questions directly.

I can't even find the stuff I read on wiki talks back then, but......

The Bonus Mission Pack is a four mission collection we're giving away as a thank you to players who've spent at least $29 (€26/£17) or purchased Guild Wars: Eye of the North during our in-game store and PlayNC promotion (note: this promotion ends October 31, 2007).

This quote came from an 'interview' here http://www.guildwars.com/events/pres...017-colinj.php

Interesting words from Gaile here.

http://guildwars.incgamers.com/forum...78#post4972978

Another very interesting line taken from here

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...light=petition

and each subverts the very promotional intention of BMP's creation

Although admittedly that was after the promotion period, it still does clearly confirm that the impression we got before making our purchases was the correct one.

A few random threads to show that so few people believed it was a one off!!! /endsarcasm
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...mission+ pack
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...mission+ pack
And freeked obviously believed all along it was going to be released seperately
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...m ission+pack

No whining at all there

At the end of the day, Anet made the BMP purely as a reward for using the online store. Many MANY people believed Anet about the fact that they would HAVE to spend money in the store or not get the BMP at all. Anet knew this and encouraged that view, even when people were openly stating that the only thing they could buy was 3 character slots, purely so they could get the BMP. Anet told us we would get a special reward unavailable through any other method by spending £18 at their store. We didn't we got screwed.
Lies, lies lies, lies, lies.

Still saying that we were never told that it wouldn't be offered in the future? "the BMP will ONLY be available to those that meet the criteria" sounds to me like saying it is the ONLY way to get it..not that you can just wait and guy it seperate later

Mordakai · Jan 16, 2008, 08:07 PM // 20:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loviatar

hi

NCsoft is not just the publisher of Anets game. they own GW as well as ANET outright.

NCsoft owens them completely right down to the financial statement and all GW rights/income/etc.

there is no independent Anet it is a department of NCsoft and NCsoft has the online store as well as the ingame store is a gateway to the NCsoft store (permalink reminder)

I understand that.

But just because you own a company, doesn't mean that company has no voice in how their game is marketed. After all, GW makes alot of money for NCSoft, if they see NCSoft his hurting their customer relations, you don't think they have any say in how their game is marketed?

I'm not saying NCSoft is blameless, obviously they are in charge. But just because Anet is owned by NCSoft doesn't excuse Anet's customer relations.

Anywho, Anet does have Marketing Manager, although I'm not sure how much power they have when it comes to setting price points or things of that nature... but do you think NCSoft told Anet to release a BMP, or that Anet pitched the idea to NCSoft?

Quote:

Michael Gills, Marketing Manager, has worked in the gaming industry since 1999. As a Program Designer at Wizards of the Coast, Mike created retail and community programs for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and several Avalon Hill board games. In addition he worked several years in game retail management, software multimedia production, QA, game support, and even worked for 3 years at Disney World in Florida. Mike handles ArenaNet's licensing and partnership relationships as well as managing its Organized Play and Trade Show programs.

http://www.arena.net/team.php

The question is, how much freedom is Anet given under NCsoft? I can't imagine NCSoft telling Anet how to do every little thing. There probably is some separation of powers, with the final decisions always being approved by NCSoft.

Remember: Vivendi Universal owns Blizzard/Activison. But you can bet your ass, Vivendi doesn't tell their cash cow how or when to release their games!

http://blizzard.com/press/activision-faq.shtml

jezz · Jan 16, 2008, 08:17 PM // 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithark

Still saying that we were never told that it wouldn't be offered in the future? "the BMP will ONLY be available to those that meet the criteria" sounds to me like saying it is the ONLY way to get it..not that you can just wait and guy it seperate later

IMHO i can not see the logic in saying that...during that exclusive and limited time promotion (purchase in the online store, in time frame and get BMP free) that the BMP would for sale in online store a few months after promotion ended.

the promotion would of failed..

nobody would of bothered with the promotion...

Keithark · Jan 16, 2008, 08:23 PM // 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jezz

IMHO i can not see the logic in saying that...during that exclusive and limited time promotion (purchase in the online store, in time frame and get BMP free) that the BMP would for sale in online store a few months after promotion ended.

the promotion would of failed..

nobody would of bothered with the promotion...

thats the point they said it wwould NOT be offered if you didnt get it during promo by saying it was ONLY way to get it

Mordakai · Jan 16, 2008, 08:27 PM // 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by jezz

nobody would of bothered with the promotion...

So, you agree Anet mislead its customer base then?

mrvrod · Jan 16, 2008, 11:42 PM // 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by pamelf

It's not about scoring points, it's just about opinion. We have a right to talk about this, since it's something that has made a quite big difference in how we are viewing this game, whether for better or worse. This discussion isn't about resolution but about discussion, and as so shouldn't be closed.

I think you missed my point. I'm not about stifling free speech. I'm ex Navy, I joined because I believe in freedom. I continually talk my wife into voting with me every year even though she usually votes opposite of me, because I think it's great that everyone has a chance to voice their opinion with a ballot.

But all debates eventually end. I see the same "I didn't know" "well you should have" arguments rehashed, hence the ball bouncing back and forth. I just don't see anything new being added, and I sincerely doubt anything productive will come out of this, unless it's just a cathardic outlet of emotions.

And my opinion that it was time to close the thread was just that, an opinion. Others have the final say on that.

Reptile · Jan 17, 2008, 12:14 AM // 00:14

“I'm ex Navy, I joined because I believe in freedom.”
“I continually talk my wife into voting with me every year”..
Anyone else see a problem with these two lines together? Lol
Anyhow.. on topic..

The Bonus Pack will only be available to the exact account that fulfills this promotion in the in-game store or the exact account on which a qualifying Guild Wars product is activated that has been purchased in the PlayNC store.

We took the risk.. not knowing what it was, but putting our faith into Anet that it would be worth it. Now I’m happy for some, they missed out coz they though it might be crap.. But that was their choice…
If this continues.. can I buy Devine Aura. You see.. I saw the Collectors edition, but didn’t know there was more to it the big box… follows that I should be able to look back and buy it now….. right?

Maybe just give those who took the BMP chance Devine Aura to make up for it….

lol I know I’m in dream land.. but can you make the leap of faith, lack of GWEN box etc worth it now?

Croco Clouds · Jan 17, 2008, 01:02 AM // 01:02

To piss the complainers even more, anet decides to give this:

BMP Wallpaper

I'll translate it: "In your face!!!"

Thanks anet!

mrvrod · Jan 17, 2008, 01:10 AM // 01:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reptile

“I'm ex Navy, I joined because I believe in freedom.”
“I continually talk my wife into voting with me every year”..
Anyone else see a problem with these two lines together? Lol

Talk is different than force last time I checked. It seems you can't post in any thread without someone flaming you.

jezz · Jan 17, 2008, 01:11 AM // 01:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordakai

So, you agree Anet mislead its customer base then?

yeah i agree it was misleading deliberate or not...i did at the time think this was my only opportunity..and i purchased 3 char slots...(preordered GW:EN)
it was a tough choice..and i made it on the last day of promotion.

but at the end of the day..Anet can actually do whatever they want..it is there product and they can distribute it how they choose. i doubt they planned on this..they just decided some missed out on BMP due to lack of purchase options in some parts of the world anyway.

if the BMP hadnt been successful it probably would never be given the option to purchase in online store.

cheers
jezz

Sirius-NZ · Jan 17, 2008, 01:54 AM // 01:54

I suppose it would be nice to hand out e.g. some mini as a "thank you" for getting in on the promotion (though the BMP was supposed to be that of itself, so not really likely), but I can see all the people decrying it as an insult then.

You can't win.

Pro-Monk · Jan 17, 2008, 02:21 AM // 02:21

After reading the numerous posts from disgruntled customers there's no doubt that Anet will see reduced interest in special promotions in the future. I'll add myself to that list as well, no more on-line store usage or attempting to do ANYTHING that will differeniate me as a long time customer, etc. Expect the same treatment if you're planning on buying GW2.

Apparently Anet does deliver cheese to their whiners.

pumpkin pie · Jan 17, 2008, 03:59 AM // 03:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by freekedoutfish

Lonesamurair and Pumpkin pie, you have nothing to complain about then. You bought GWEN and got the BMP free right?

Correct, i am not complaining, I am here because this is a very interesting thread, and saying what I feel

hehehe, you get "insights" into what consumers/players/human think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcsumo

Originally Posted by www.guildwars.com
For a limited time, when you spend $29 USD (€26/£17) or more in the Guild Wars In-Game Store or through the PlayNC Store, you will get a Guild Wars Bonus Mission Pack for free!
The Guild Wars Bonus Mission Pack will allow you to play through four pivotal moments in Guild Wars history. Earn unique rewards as you go face-to-face with Palawa Joko and his undead army as one of the key figures in the Battle of Jahai. Experience part of Cantha’s turbulent past as you witness the violent Tengu Wars. Learn firsthand how the White Mantle rose to power in Kryta. And, finally, discover what became of Gwen after the Charr invaded her home and the Searing destroyed everything she’d ever known.
Spend a total of 26€ ($29/£17) or more in the Guild Wars In-Game Store or purchase and activate any product worth 26€ ($29/£17) through the PlayNC online store, between 20:00 BST July 5, 2007 and 19:00 BST October 31, 2007.
You can spend the required amount all at once, or over time; your purchases will be tracked and once you meet the requirement, you will qualify to receive the Bonus Mission Pack!
The Bonus Mission Pack will release in November. This promotion is non-transferable and is limited to one per account. The Bonus Pack will only be available to the exact account that fulfills this promotion in the in-game store or the exact account on which a qualifying Guild Wars product is activated that has been purchased in the PlayNC store.

This information wasn't very clear to MANY players. So some of us looked around for confirmation as to future availability. Some asked questions directly.

I can't even find the stuff I read on wiki talks back then, but......

The Bonus Mission Pack is a four mission collection we're giving away as a thank you to players who've spent at least $29 (€26/£17) or purchased Guild Wars: Eye of the North during our in-game store and PlayNC promotion (note: this promotion ends October 31, 2007).

This quote came from an 'interview' here http://www.guildwars.com/events/pres...017-colinj.php

Interesting words from Gaile here.

http://guildwars.incgamers.com/forum...78#post4972978

Another very interesting line taken from here

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...light=petition

and each subverts the very promotional intention of BMP's creation

Although admittedly that was after the promotion period, it still does clearly confirm that the impression we got before making our purchases was the correct one.

A few random threads to show that so few people believed it was a one off!!! /endsarcasm
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...mission+ pack
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...mission+ pack
And freeked obviously believed all along it was going to be released seperately
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...m ission+pack

No whining at all there

At the end of the day, Anet made the BMP purely as a reward for using the online store. Many MANY people believed Anet about the fact that they would HAVE to spend money in the store or not get the BMP at all. Anet knew this and encouraged that view, even when people were openly stating that the only thing they could buy was 3 character slots, purely so they could get the BMP. Anet told us we would get a special reward unavailable through any other method by spending £18 at their store. We didn't we got screwed.

Lies, lies lies, lies, lies.

Read the first line of your post, from: Originally Posted by www.guildwars.com
what part of for free for a limited time only as a bonus do you not understand, The bonus mission pack it now and "forever"* will be a merchandise and not free anymore.

*if they give it out as a free bonus again, then I'll have a big problem

strcpy · Jan 17, 2008, 04:32 AM // 04:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by pumpkin pie

Read the first line of your post, from: Originally Posted by www.guildwars.com
what part of for free for a limited time only as a bonus do you not understand, The bonus mission pack it now and "forever"* will be a merchandise and not free anymore.

*if they give it out as a free bonus again, then I'll have a big problem

I suppose no more trouble than they are currently in for not folowing through with "any NCSoft purchase" which was in all those releases and no way to wiggle out of.

Well, other than just ignoring it - I'm sure their response would be something along the lines of it was obvious they actually meant GW purchases - yet they do not want to "obvious" to count in the first part. Hey, at least those of us that thought the BMP was the promotion got a nice response calling us stupid!

If Anet wants to be that exact with their wording there are MANY they ripped off (quite a few posts about it, though no one seems to care about those people), if they want to go with what was obvious then they ripped a great deal off too. As is they are doing what they want and rationalizing the press releases claim by claim in different ways.

Nomme Moon · Jan 17, 2008, 04:55 AM // 04:55

I don't want to read through 37 pages so I'll just ask - has ANet clarified at all how the sale through retail outlets is going to work? It's less than two weeks away and nobody I ask has any idea what I'm talking about.

pamelf · Jan 17, 2008, 05:32 AM // 05:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ork Pride

Customers have a problem with everything...

Fixed it for you.

And it's our right as consumers to agree or disagree with the decisions of the product's creators. They only exist because their customers are happy, they cease to exist when a majority of customers become unhappy. This is the world of production and marketing, not an isolated GW incident.

And at Nomme Moon: This particluar thread has had no response from Gaile, or anyone else from Anet. They are staying suspiciously silent. If they had said anything on any other boards about this incident and retail promotions I'm sure someone would have posted a link by now.

enmitee · Jan 17, 2008, 09:41 AM // 09:41

[QUOTE=tyla salanari

"You whiners"...I remember a time when people like you were doing the exact same thing.
Being lied to by a buisness company you trust is incredibly....BAD.[/QUOTE]

bet your still gona play gw2 one way or the other.

strcpy · Jan 17, 2008, 10:24 AM // 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by enmitee

bet your still gona play gw2 one way or the other.

I am (I purchase games, and things like the BMP because I like them), though I will no longer do something just because Anet asks me to (and I have more than once in the past due to them living up to their end). Had I not been trusting I would have done like others and purchased the game cheaper and assumed that if it was worth getting it would be available later. For us it is the total and complete breaking of said trust that angers us and nothing else (along with calling us stupid for not realizing that is what they were doing - just some icing on the cake I guess).

So far, from forum posts here and elsewhere there are VERY few people who have done as I have (trust them) who will do so in the future - the rest didn't trust them and they acted just as expected. The next time they ask us to trust them it will be interesting to see how it goes and which side is correct. I will, as they are obviously now doing, only be out for myself with respect to them - I rather suspect they lost a HUGE amount of trusting individuals with this and it will not end up as a long term profit maker.

Miss Puddles · Jan 17, 2008, 03:24 PM // 15:24

i got the bmp from buyin gwen in the online store. now since i don't care about the box (as there was no collector's edition and nothing very shiny inside it otherwise) i don't feel like i've missed out on or lost anything. i think this was the effect they were going for, but obviously a lot of people wanted a shiny box but bought gwen in the online store or bought extra character slots they didn't even need and are now unhappy.
people whined that they didn't get the bmp and now we have 37 pages of whining that ppl ARE getting it! people are just impossible to please.