Thread: Can I bring a friend?

I've been trying to get a couple of my friends to try this game, and it's been an uphill battle. One (we'll just call him "A") just picked up the game two weeks ago, another (we'll call her "B") still hasn't got it. When I passed along today's bombshell news posts to them.

A responded he would no longer be playing, but would give it another look in 2.0.
B responded she'll probably hold off until 2.0.

At first, I agreed with them. "They shouldn't charge for the game as it is now," but now that I've had a few hours to mull it over, I've changed my mind. I wouldn't be trying to get my friends to play this game if I didn't think it was worth playing, so I will probably be subscribing.

My friends (outside the game) won't be.

Then there was a wonderful suggestion on the big questions/feedback thread, though.

Originally Posted by Davorok

Perhaps give each remaining paying customer a 1 year Buddy Pass (expires when 2.0 goes Live). We played free for a year, now as we pay, allow us to invite a friend to play free until 2.0 goes Live. You might just get more people hooked with the right lure. Heck some folks might use the Pass for an Alt and then keep both accounts after 2.0.

If they only keep 1 acct, or even quit after 2.0, at least you get 1 years worth of subs but I am guessing the vast majority will renew (assuming you guys can deliver...which I believe you can).

Not so much a year-long buddy pass, so much as dependent accounts - let me pick one person who can play for free for as long as I stay subbed. (They'd still need to acquire their own copy of the game.)

When I brought this suggestion up to my friends, A said that he'd "probably" still play if his account was free with mine. B said that she'd get the game herself if it meant she could bring another friend.

I know it's a small sample size, but it looks to me like this would only be a good thing. It would mean being able to charge the "full" subscription rate while still appeasing the people who think the game should be 50% off because it's "only 50% done" - and it's also a chance to hold onto players who otherwise might fall to other MMOs (like ToR) - and would help capture some of the Christmas market (at least on box sales), since we can give it to a friend without having to slap them with a subscription fee.

Is there any chance of this happening?

Three likes, but no discussion before this got buried.

Now that the bulk of the traffic has died down and the forum is moving a little slower... sending this back to the top.

(Those who read already - I'm sorry for the bump)

Same boat. I used my CE buddy pass on a friend who has been playing with me all this time and but she won't play for the game in it's current state.

Sounds great, then my mule will be free and i can pay normal price

People who pay and stick around will also get to witness the 7th Umbral Era

This would be nice! I could get my brother and my friends play If it were the case