Hello all,

I noticed that a development in future updates of an In-Game Currency (IGC) would not only provide for much more interesting strategy but a new financial option for the Developers to generate revenue. Maybe mines could be purchased with 1,000 (units) or drillers can be purchased / converted to/from this currency.

The reason I thought of this is because of an article I read recently about currencies in video games, and how they are being studied. This topic should provide for interesting debate.

Any questions/comments, let me know.

-Tortillion

I like the idea of using igc but I don't like the idea of using it for in match boosting. I think it should be used to purchase skins and maybe upgrades or extra specialists.

Pay-to-win options would make me quit this awesome game I've only just started to enjoy.
Were there in-game currency, I'd hope its purpose would be for additional game types (different winning conditions?) or expansion packs that add new specialists or troop types or whatever, so long as they're limited to games where others also have said expansion packs.
I liken this game to a board game; that's why I had no problem popping for the L2 pass. I'd certainly enjoy and purchase additional reasonably-priced expansion packs that add more options. But I would never support pay-to-win options. They're a bane on the gaming industry.
EDIT: Quite frankly, this game really doesn't need in-game currency. It's usually a rip-off; rather than buying an add-on directly, you're forced to buy packs of IGC, which rarely add up to the exact amount needed to purchase the add-on, meaning you need to over purchase, leaving you with dregs of IGC that are ultimately wasted $$. I hate it.

I like the aesthetics add on, but definitely despise the in game match boost.
Perhaps those who have L2 get 10 pts a game, and L1 get 2 pts a game which can only be spent on outpost and sub skins.
Here are some suggestions (there could be multiple skins):
Generator skin (40pt): instead of 2 circles with dots around, its a lightning bolt in a circle
Factory skin (45pt): instead of box with 2 stacks and line of dots, its two gears with dots running through their teeth
Mine skin (50pt): instead of two triangle shaped objects with line going up, its a downwards pointing drill with line on both sides
Sub skin (30pt): instead of oval shaped sub, subs look sleek with pointed tip and a circle on the back (propeller)
Gift skin (20pt): instead of present box, its a smiley face

I would pay for art sets. Whole new sets of icons, backgrounds, UI and sound packs.

I would be severely disappointed with anything that gave advantage to those who pay vs those who don't.

And I'm not wild about the idea of breaking the player base up into various groups based on expansion packs.

I think there is a community here. We don't need to stratify it by differentiating between "rich" and "poor." I'm uncomfortable enough with the L2 thing, though I've come to peace with it by thinking of it as some sort of trial mode.

I agree, the pay-to-win would kinda kill the atmosphere of free play vs paid play. I do like the idea of skins paid for by IGC, and I would love a new background maybe.

Maybe (one) could "speed up" specialist hiring with IGC (earned) or sub speed. Only the devs have the answer.

I think adding IAP would alienate many players me included if they weren't done sensibly.

Things I would like are:

Different skins for subs
Different icons
Different colour for maps
Different sound effects

(Paid for with either in game currency only earned by playing or paying with real money.)

Things I would dislike:

Paid advantages: This is a game of strategy not wallet size, being out played is hard to take for some people imagine how outraged they would be if someone narrowly beats them by just purchasing a victory??

Anything that gives an advantage over non-paying players.

I'm netural to paying to unlock an achievement system. Seeing as it's usually a standard feature in games I can see people being hesitant with this, unless they love the game.

I think In game currency that is only earned by participating in games for a certain length or until a number of players have been eliminated or resigned would be fun or a mixture of these. Could also award higher amounts for winning medals. (Yay more reason to love medals)

It would be cool to log into a game you've been losing and be greeted by a message saying something like "survive another day and earn 1000 points". You would have something to play for then even if you were hopelessly outgunned.

Maybe the host of games could decide the conditions for earning credits as well so instead time it's elimination or vice versa. Maybe with a default that if x number of players resign In the first y days then everyone left gains some points.

This in game currency could then be used to save up to buy the cheaper skins, etc

People could still support the game by paying with real currency rather than saving up for more expensive cosmetics but by paying the Full amount rather having to exchange for in game currency. =)

I agree, I think only a really good use for IGC is for visuals. There could be two currencies however, one that is paid for and use for visuals for personal use and an earned currency. Maybe there could be an exchange system.

I also like the game mode idea of biggest "in game wallet" as in earn the most currency instead of just hoarding neptunium. Or using neptunium you earn as currency.

The world of numismatics is amazing, whether IRL or in game (which is why I study it )

tortillion wrote:I agree, I think only a really good use for IGC is for visuals. There could be two currencies however, one that is paid for and use for visuals for personal use and an earned currency. Maybe there could be an exchange system.

An exchange system to exchange between the in-game currency and the real money currency? Then why two currencies at all? You could still by in-game advantages with real money. This would be the definition of pay to win.

kinc4id wrote:

tortillion wrote:I agree, I think only a really good use for IGC is for visuals. There could be two currencies however, one that is paid for and use for visuals for personal use and an earned currency. Maybe there could be an exchange system.

An exchange system to exchange between the in-game currency and the real money currency? Then why two currencies at all? You could still by in-game advantages with real money. This would be the definition of pay to win.

I never said anywhere that the exchange would provide game winning benefits from purchase.