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Different Subscription Plans?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Revenant07
Nov 09, 2009 22:34:30
Will there be different subscription plans? I really don't care about anything except the character builder. No, I really mean it. I don't care to read articles or use tools except the character builder. 9.95 is a bit too much just to use a char builder.
#2
asmodeuslore
Nov 10, 2009 7:57:49
The most recent information indicates there are no plans for tiered pricing.
#3
whitebaron
Nov 10, 2009 10:03:37

The most recent information indicates there are no plans for tiered pricing.

which is a shame, as the more stuff they add, the less likely I'm to subscribe due to price increases.
they really need to rethink that decision once they'll have their full suite of tools out. I fear however that this decision was made due to current backend-restrictions, and not because of business decisions... but we'll see.
#4
The_Jester
Nov 11, 2009 22:54:23 In this age of modular DLC (downloadable content) for every video game it's a shame not to have customizable add-ons for D&D.
Players do not need Dungeon or the Monster Builder, and DMs do not need Dragon or the Character Builder. Likewise, someone who plays an eladrin warlord, doesn't need to download the defender or warlock articles.
It's NOT a real magazine. Dividing it into monthly compilations is just using an old template or paradigm on a new product. Mandatory monthly payments for a modular product that updates daily is, well, archaic.

I imagine it's a programming limitation that prevented WotC setting-up a dated system for the articles (so new subscribers don't have full archive access) or a pay-for-view system where you can purchase individual articles, and it's too late now to attempt it.

It's a shame because different packages would really help sell DDI. As someone who only DMs I've held off on DDI because it didn't really have anything for me until the Monster Builder (which I'm told is still in Beta). I'd love a reduced DM rate where I only have access to the one magazine and the Adventure Tool(s).
Likewise, there could be Player rates, magazine rates, tool rates, or group rates (pay for more downloads so you can share the programs with your gaming group and split the cost).
#5
Herrozerro
Nov 11, 2009 23:20:03 I disagree that a DM does not need Character builder, in fact as a DM its essential for keeping my party's characters in order, and a lifesaver when a new player shows up.

Aside from that I would not mind seeing a Dungeon or dragon only plan but even breaking it down further would probably be a mistake. How would you propose a defender only or Striker only plan to work? In my opinion that would be taking it too far, limiting too much.

Imagine Wow where you only got the divine classes unless you paid for the others. No this is not the same as the expansions where the D&D connection would be on a tiered package according to the book numbers. Want more then the PHB? Sign up for the Tier 2 package that includes all of the PHB 2 material!

I could hop on board for player and DM teirs but anything less then that is a bit silly. I think PA hits it right on the head with this comic.

In a world of modular DLC there is also a hoard of bad examples such as Bad Company.

While I think that a Tiered package could do some good, lets not be too hasty.
#6
asmodeuslore
Nov 12, 2009 8:11:45
In this age of modular DLC (downloadable content) for every video game it's a shame not to have customizable add-ons for D&D.

You do realize that if wotc did that, people would complain that they are trying to make D&D too much like a video game, right? :D
#7
chanter_hound
Nov 12, 2009 8:35:14 They already do.. so if wotc did it, nothign would change. :P
#8
The_Jester
Nov 12, 2009 19:51:22
In this age of modular DLC (downloadable content) for every video game it's a shame not to have customizable add-ons for D&D.

You do realize that if wotc did that, people would complain that they are trying to make D&D too much like a video game, right? :D

I was thinking along the lines of Newspapers as well, but the video game show fits.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Revenant07 Nov 09, 2009 22:34:30	Will there be different subscription plans? I really don't care about anything except the character builder. No, I really mean it. I don't care to read articles or use tools except the character builder. 9.95 is a bit too much just to use a char builder.
#2 asmodeuslore Nov 10, 2009 7:57:49	The most recent information indicates there are no plans for tiered pricing.
#3 whitebaron Nov 10, 2009 10:03:37	The most recent information indicates there are no plans for tiered pricing. which is a shame, as the more stuff they add, the less likely I'm to subscribe due to price increases. they really need to rethink that decision once they'll have their full suite of tools out. I fear however that this decision was made due to current backend-restrictions, and not because of business decisions... but we'll see.
#4 The_Jester Nov 11, 2009 22:54:23	In this age of modular DLC (downloadable content) for every video game it's a shame not to have customizable add-ons for D&D. Players do not need Dungeon or the Monster Builder, and DMs do not need Dragon or the Character Builder. Likewise, someone who plays an eladrin warlord, doesn't need to download the defender or warlock articles. It's NOT a real magazine. Dividing it into monthly compilations is just using an old template or paradigm on a new product. Mandatory monthly payments for a modular product that updates daily is, well, archaic. I imagine it's a programming limitation that prevented WotC setting-up a dated system for the articles (so new subscribers don't have full archive access) or a pay-for-view system where you can purchase individual articles, and it's too late now to attempt it. It's a shame because different packages would really help sell DDI. As someone who only DMs I've held off on DDI because it didn't really have anything for me until the Monster Builder (which I'm told is still in Beta). I'd love a reduced DM rate where I only have access to the one magazine and the Adventure Tool(s). Likewise, there could be Player rates, magazine rates, tool rates, or group rates (pay for more downloads so you can share the programs with your gaming group and split the cost).
#5 Herrozerro Nov 11, 2009 23:20:03	I disagree that a DM does not need Character builder, in fact as a DM its essential for keeping my party's characters in order, and a lifesaver when a new player shows up. Aside from that I would not mind seeing a Dungeon or dragon only plan but even breaking it down further would probably be a mistake. How would you propose a defender only or Striker only plan to work? In my opinion that would be taking it too far, limiting too much. Imagine Wow where you only got the divine classes unless you paid for the others. No this is not the same as the expansions where the D&D connection would be on a tiered package according to the book numbers. Want more then the PHB? Sign up for the Tier 2 package that includes all of the PHB 2 material! I could hop on board for player and DM teirs but anything less then that is a bit silly. I think PA hits it right on the head with this comic. In a world of modular DLC there is also a hoard of bad examples such as Bad Company. While I think that a Tiered package could do some good, lets not be too hasty.
#6 asmodeuslore Nov 12, 2009 8:11:45	In this age of modular DLC (downloadable content) for every video game it's a shame not to have customizable add-ons for D&D. You do realize that if wotc did that, people would complain that they are trying to make D&D too much like a video game, right? :D
#7 chanter_hound Nov 12, 2009 8:35:14	They already do.. so if wotc did it, nothign would change. :P
#8 The_Jester Nov 12, 2009 19:51:22	In this age of modular DLC (downloadable content) for every video game it's a shame not to have customizable add-ons for D&D. You do realize that if wotc did that, people would complain that they are trying to make D&D too much like a video game, right? :D I was thinking along the lines of Newspapers as well, but the video game show fits.