Online Store is Getting Worse!

[SturmChurro]

We know that someone on the Nightmare mount has put in the time and effort to get it and we respect the player for that. We also know that someone riding the Megashiba bought it and as such, don't hold that player in regard the same way we do a player with the Nightmare mount. Yes, both are cosmetic, but I would argue their cosmetic importance is based on the mode of acquisition, not the mount itself.

Cosmetic importance is a big factor, otherwise people would literally not buy most cash shop mounts. The mode of acquisition is certainly a factor, but if something that isn't desirable is locked behind a grind, or achievement, less and less people will do it. There will always be collectors and the like out there, but the more aesthetically pleasing something is, generally, plays a big factor. Similarly, if something very desirable is locked behind low chance in a lootbox or the like (gacha games?), for example, people will feel a very similar sense of 'prestige' for having this item.

[Illmaeran]

I think you definition of what qualifies as predatory monetization is a bad one because it only considers pay to win aspects. In reality looking good and showing off is a considerable driving force in any game that allows for customization, the acquisition of that is evidently only one aspect of it.

You say that everything sold on the mogstation has no substantive impact on the game (excluding the bike) but looking good has a substantive impact on our enjoyment of games in general.

You bring up a good counter-point. I agree that looking good and showing off are considerable driving forces; though I can only look good as I'm not good enough to show off. You're right though, customizing appearance is a significant and meaningful aspect of how people enjoy the game. Frankly, it's one of the reasons I love this game so much. Perhaps substantive wasn't the right word, but I can't think of anything more succinct than that to describe an item with stats that gives a tangible improvement to gameplay outside of strictly visual considerations. IWSTGATITGOOSVC? :P

Cosmetic importance is a big factor, otherwise people would literally not buy most cash shop mounts. The mode of acquisition is certainly a factor, but if something that isn't desirable is locked behind a grind, or achievement, less and less people will do it. There will always be collectors and the like out there, but the more aesthetically pleasing something is, generally, plays a big factor. Similarly, if something very desirable is locked behind low chance in a lootbox or the like (gacha games?), for example, people will feel a very similar sense of 'prestige' for having this item.

As I said to Saraide, I agree that appearance is a big and important factor. I've spent a fair amount of time unlocking raids I never intended to do or leveling jobs I never intended to level strictly for a piece of glamour (NiER dresses anyone?). I've also passed up a lot of things because they're locked behind a grind, achievement, or raid/trial that I don't want to do.

I get where you're coming from and in the context of what you and Saraide have said, perhaps Excessive would be a better term than Predatory. Everything on the Mogstation is still a luxury item, in that they're not required for play but enhance enjoyment of the game, and as such command a luxury price. Would it be nice if the prices were lower? &$@( yes! Do the normal prices stop me from buying stuff? Absolutely. Do I think the prices are outrageous? $42 for a whale mount?? Nnnnooooooooothankyouverymuch. Even so, I can't blame a company in a capitalist nation for charging what the market will bear, or in this case, cat.