The world of business and consumer wishes infrequently go hand-in-hand. I don't play anymore, but atleast this new development aroused my interest. The silver plan seems like a fair step up from the very basic plan, and works well with the casual player, newcomer, or long time returning player. Though the monthly subscription still feels harsh for a game so old, even despite the new content from so many expansions. I'm certain that in time these plans will be tweaked... I found myself wanting a somewhat more customizable silver plan... for example I would rather have one character I could take very far in gameplay, than 4 halfway characters and I probably would put up more money for it, too.. Not to mention the other criteria I would modify a bit, such as AA's, cash limit and so on. Though I'm sure for a "modest" fee these will be upgradeable - I wouldn't be surprised to see 5 bucks for 50-100 aa packs coming.

But what really restricts the silver plan in growth is that the gold plan isn't really that special. What I mean is that it is really hard to push for more in the silver package without really just getting basically full access (getting the cap levels so high on the restrictions that the average player wouldn't reach them to ever notice). If they added master mercs, special events like MM's, and maybe some abilites/spells/aa's for gold members only, that might open up for a little bit more for silver flexibility. Though I think, this would only serve to segregate the gold hardcore from the silver casual/moderate players more. EQ has always had some split like this, though it was more between the endgame raiding players and the casual group players.

Ultimately, they probably should have just lowered the subscription price to 7.99/month... still added free to play... have all the sellable items ppl need to play uber... etc...

Though as much as I love EQ, after the hundreds of dollars I've spent on it, it's really hard to see myself paying to play again. Not to mention the opportunity cost lost to other games and just general time lost.

But beyond that it's a wonderful game and even if I don't play it again... I'll still push people it's direction :)

Been waiting for this move for a while, I've wanted to come back to EQ but couldn't justify the monthly fee. Unfortunately... my two highest characters are a Drakkin Cleric and a Halfling Ranger. So I'm a bit screwed on that one -.-

Most people don't realize how much influence paying members have. in the past i have seen soe change their policies and even the placement of items because of an outpouring of responses. I am not against the free to play plan, but they will lose a lot of people if the existing raf isn't honored. First, do feedback daily on all of your toons. then post in every forum, on the facebook page and twitter them.

Personally the raf doesn't affect me, but i have friends who worked hard to get those mounts and the bonus xp and it isn't fair to them.

don't think "great i can make a trader with a free account" because it ain't happening. SOE has stated that there will be limited access to the ingame market and barter system--which means, i presume, no traders on the free accounts-- which is unfortunate in a way because if you are playing you would like to support the merc and the toon, however there are other limitations-- like only 200 pp allowed on the freebie and 500 pp allowed on the silver -- although you can have land on the silver so i don't know how that will happen and there are no shared bank slots -- also the freebie gets 2 characters and the silver gets 4 and there are only 4 races and 4 classes allowed.very limiting -- obviously designed for a child or a poor person or an elderly person who just wants to enjoy something in their spare time.

Edited, Jan 30th 2012 5:52pm by iyeni

I just hope it isnt like eq2s free to play and forces you onto 1 server with all the other f2ps. Which in eq2 ftp its actually a whole different game.