Why are extra characters still $3?

[redmage]

You sure?

"As before, and until the release of Version 2.0, players will be entitled to employ two Retainers at no charge."

I take that as meaning that while we'll have our two retainer for free, there's also no option for purchasable retainers until at least 2.0, especially since they made no mention of the purchasable retainers at all

if you have info that indicate otherwise however, I'd love to see it, since I was really hoping to get some extra retainers :/

I wonder if it may mean that new accounts created at or after 2.0, are only eligible for the one free retainer per character. So existing accounts will not be charged for the second retainer after 2.0 drops? Just my take on it, could totally be wrong.

[Aenarion]

It sounds like no one was right? I see your point.

yea... I guess one can read it either way :/ I was really hoping for some clarification from SE on this

[Aenarion]

I wonder if it may mean that new accounts created at or after 2.0, are only eligible for the one free retainer per character. So existing accounts will not be charged for the second retainer after 2.0 drops? Just my take on it, could totally be wrong.

since they said this...

The fee structure for after the release of FINAL FANTASY XIV Version 2.0 (including those of retainers) is unconfirmed at the time of writing.

there's no telling what'll happen at 2.0

[Kinseykinz]

Honestly I think $3 is fine for additional characters...if you need more than 1 additional character as a 'mule' type, well you might need to consider being in an episode of FFXIV hoarders ...

By making each additional character cost $3 dollars on your account SE is pretty much saying 'You can have a full army of mules, but it'll cost you.' At the same time, SE knows most people won't mind paying an extra 3-6 dollars a month for 1-2 'mules' that might operate as LS banks and/or storage mules. I get how this can be upsetting, but controlling how much inventory each player has is a way of controlling the in-game economy. Right now, people can just stockpile every mat, Rare/ex drop, and 'maybe I can use this somehow' item they desire. That just means that there are less mats and lower end crafted mats/items for sale on retainers (if you lack storage you sell/NPC/trade/ drop more stuff). But by charging $3 for each additional character, it will force some people to decide which is more important...more cash in real life, or a better stockpile/more gil in game.

[OMEGA_HACK]

Their dropping retainers (and giving us houses for storage) and the MW is why and gonna go with a full-fledged AH! /speculation

[Aenarion]

Honestly I think $3 is fine for additional characters...if you need more than 1 additional character as a 'mule' type, well you might need to consider being in an episode of FFXIV hoarders

Pfft, an episode? there's a whole season of FFXIV hoarders dedicated to me!

also, it's not just $3 for an additional mule, at minimum you'll require to have a separate account, which means it's another $9.99 per month if you want to have a mule.

Why another account you say? well, unless you have figured out a way to transfer items between different characters on the same account.... :P

and no, having a friend or ls member serving as a intermediary doesn't count, not only is it a huge inconvenience to both you and your friend by doubling the amount of trading needed to be done (who may reconsider being your friend after your 48th request for transferring stacks and stacks and stacks and stacks of items..), it is also unreliable at best, as you may not always find people to serve as a virtual deposit box when you need one.

[AmyRae]

When it comes to extra characters, there are those that, say, prefer to spend time in RP than grinding out endgame gear. Having extra characters to play different roles would be more valuable to such as those, but of course, $3 per month per character is pretty dissuasive.

It's too bad there couldn't be a multiple character plan that charged the same, but say, used less inventory space as a trade-off.

[Renshi]

I don't see the problem, it's a Coca-cola in a restaurant. Don't tell me you're that stingy?

[Aenarion]

I don't see the problem, it's a Coca-cola in a restaurant. Don't tell me you're that stingy?

if you need the extra character as a mule, then it's at least $10 more per month, not $3.

also, there's also something called perceived value, just because it may be of the same price as an overpriced drink at a restaurant, doesn't mean that people will be willing to pay it if the perceived value is less than that.

would you pay $3 for a piece of post-it notes?

[OMEGA_HACK]

Why yes I would pay 3 dollars instead of 4...or where you meaning 1 single post it note tab? :P