Thread: On the subject of the Mann Co Store

So, I recently watched a video from the Escapist regarding Micro transactions.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/vide...rotransactions

And after watching, I have to say, he makes a lot of good points. At first, I hated the idea you could buy stuff, but after using it, it wasn't too bad. The only real issue with the store atm, is the fact that they sell items that affect gameplay. Sure you can get it in game, but the fact is, it's still VERY close to a pay2win scenario.

Say you had two new players who come in, one buys all the weapons he wants from the store, while the other player tries to earn them all in game. This is pay2win, because the player that spends money suddenly has an advantage over a player who doesn't spend a cent. And though you could argue that none of the weapons are upgrades and are strictly sidegrades, the thing is, that's not entirely true is it? There's still items in the game right now that are essentially upgrades, Equalizer, Solemn vow, GRU, Enforcer, Bushwacka, Axetinguisher, there's still quite a few items in the game that are better than the stock weapons. And some can be arguably better, such as the Liberty Launcher, Sandvich, Blutsauger, Overdose, Atomizer, and so on.

To sum things up, there's quite a few things in the game that need to be buffed, nerfed, or tweaked slightly. But we'll have to leave it up to Valve to decide how to handle it.



So, what are your thoughts?

TF2 has implemented this stuff ok, but there is a lot of room for improvement. One big thing he said that pertains to TF2 is that the store was not build along side the game, and instead came later, which has made it completely mess with the game play and change the game as a whole (for better or worse). Which gives me enough reason to wait for TF3 where hopefully all the problems will go awayyyyy

Originally Posted by Watsyurdeal?

This is pay2win, because the player that spends money suddenly has an advantage over a player who doesn't spend a cent.

This implies that new/dropped/purchased weapons are better than stock weapons, which is false. While there are some weapons that are pure upgrades they don't win you the fight.
All the stock primary weapons are still great options. (Which is what you'll be using the most)

Solemn vow- Seriously?
Enforcer- Only if you are DR.
Bushwacka- The fire vulnerability (especially now that back-burner has airblast) is very noticeable.
GRU- Heavy shouldn't have it anyway
Axetinguisher- Best example of getting an advantage, but you can get it from achievements so its not that hard to get.
Equalizer- Good for running away but doesn't win you many fights, again achievement item.

Two good points he made:
Something Valve did well- Don't split your audience. (Cough cough Battlefield booster packs and CoD map packs)
Something Valve could do- Allow players to earn currency (even if it is very slow) once they use the store they will be more likely to use it in the future. If Valve made some kind of earned token/exchange system for the store it might attract a large audience. The problem with such a system is making something that can award people who play and stop people from exploiting the system with multiple accounts and idling.

Originally Posted by insanegammer109

Something Valve could do- Allow players to earn currency (even if it is very slow) once they use the store they will be more likely to use it in the future. If Valve made some kind of earned token/exchange system for the store it might attract a large audience. The problem with such a system is making something that can award people who play and stop people from exploiting the system with multiple accounts and idling.

Doesn't crafting already fill this role? Money just buys items at the store, which random playing already helps you get (smelting and combining using blueprints).

on a tangent, I heard a great anaolgy for TF2's hats and weapons and stuff. "It's like taking a perfectly good wedding cake (that has great visual design) and sprinkling jelly beans all over it"

thought I'd put that out there

Originally Posted by insanegammer109

This implies that new/dropped/purchased weapons are better than stock weapons, which is false. While there are some weapons that are pure upgrades they don't win you the fight.
All the stock primary weapons are still great options. (Which is what you'll be using the most)

You missed the point, say there were 2 brand new players, one bought all his stuff from the store, the other played the game and got his items from drops, crafting, and achievements. The player who bought items would have the advantage because the other doesn't have his unlocks yet, plus, unless he buys something, the other player can NOT equip the Set Hats.

Originally Posted by insanegammer109

Solemn vow- Seriously?

Well would you use the Bonesaw over the Solemn Vow? A weapon that has no visible downsides? Or any donwsides at all?


I rest my case

Originally Posted by insanegammer109

Enforcer- Only if you are DR.

Even without the DR, there's literally no reason not to use the Enforcer. Adjusting to that cloak delay is not that hard.

Originally Posted by insanegammer109

Bushwacka- The fire vulnerability (especially now that back-burner has airblast) is very noticeable.

And when's the last time you were killed by a Pyro as a Sniper? Or as Engi for that matter?

Originally Posted by insanegammer109

GRU- Heavy shouldn't have it anyway
Axetinguisher- Best example of getting an advantage, but you can get it from achievements so its not that hard to get.
Equalizer- Good for running away but doesn't win you many fights, again achievement item.

So you agree they're upgrades then, glad we are on the same page.