The premium app is what finally made me unsub.

[ManuelBravo]

However it is a failed dilemma. They know they need money to meet the expectations, but because they have the ideology of keeping everything under wraps until the last second, they generate these controversies and the drama surrounding them. Insisting on using the term optional will not change the facts of


* Need financial resources but have a horrid way to handle it in a pr effective way.
* Need better communication and proper disclosure in this regard.

While your example is educational, it is currently moot since that was the "excuse" in the ps3 limitations days, this is without addressing things like the spaghetti code with the inventory "update".

If you're on the business side of things you can't just dismiss them as rage even if a good portion of them are. Perspective is reality, some of these people see this as a cash grab and refuse to pay for it, or pay for the game anymore. Is it true? Not for you, and for me its something irrelevant, but for them it is. Labeling as optional is not a "simple way to explain it to those who lack understanding" its a simple way to say "you don't have to get this but we know you want it".

You make very good points and respect your perspective. Being that the gaming industry is a competitive nature and they keep things under wrap is to avoid unnecessary competition from the start of the idea. Revealing it near the end of completions is a strategic way of maintaining an edge against competitors. ( from a business analytical perspective ) I agree it does bring out controversies within the community and lets face it drama is part of human nature no matter what in one way or another. The fact of the matter is that it is a source of revenue so yes waving a free version to entice the consumer may seem as not being fair, however it si fair play in the business world.

As for their communications and proper disclosure ( http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...1&tag=users_en ) it is very detailed and communications are done properly that gives SE the rights to do what they are doing. They are being disclosed just misinterpreted or like some people ( if not most ) have not read them properly. Certain benefits come from certain things a good example is how we Legacy members are treated based on fee;s and housing regulations. ( http://support.na.square-enix.com/fa...la=1&kid=64539 )

As for your PS3 example, SE did offer to upgrade them if they had a PS4, they did give plenty of time to get a free upgrade version if using a PS4. Along with this they also mentioned in Fan Fare that PC systems with a 32bit system are recommended to be upgraded to 64bit based for the best experience based on technological changes. You Can use it, however we recommend a 64bit system. These were options given to the consumer and as per the terms of use section 11.8 Changes to this User Agreement it is something that entitles them to do what they are doing and we as consumers have choices. Once again we have agreed to these terms as consumers. However, many players choose not to read or even take the time to comprehend these things and just want the easy way out.

Now as for the cash and grab perspective, yes based on the user base it may seem that way, what did people expect based on so many subscribers. Would it make a huge difference if they were only 5000 players? Do the numbers of potential subscribers dignify the means of these results? No it comes with the idea and potential. What I fail to understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, why consumers see it as scheme? its a product that justifies the needs of their players with both options of subscription and free versions. If people want to pay fine, if not don't? Yet to rage quit over this, I would think as a matter of principle will only show how many hypocrites there are. We all know eventually the majority will accept the fact and just come back just on the fact that this game is meeting their current entertainment need which is really what business do to begin with. If people don't accept it this simple concept and see it as evil they are welcome to perceive that. I just wonder what is the greater evil, what SE is doing, or ignorance of blaming a company for a product that meets consumers needs and thriving from it as well.