Is Blizzard setting a new trend for MMO companies?

[riwdlytt]

Originally Posted by Zookz

1. They don't mess with game-play, only aesthetics.
   
2. Half of the money for the next 2+ months will be going to charity.

Those are the main points to why i don't mind them doing it.

It doesn't affect my gameplay at all (it's not like they are giving away 25-man hardmode IIC gear to people paying RL money, it's just a non-combat pet) And for a good chunk of time, they are donating to make a wish, which whether or not it lasts forever, is better then them not doing it at all.

They will probably add heirloom items, mounts, xp-potions and more. There is a gray area and it is debatable if something is really affecting gameplay. People that are doing raids would probably not think that leveling items that are far from raid quality would change gameplay.

They did not start this service just to sell a few pets. Of course they have plans and intend to sell as much as possible.

[Howling]

I don't know if you've been corrected on this at all, since there's 13 whole pages that I completely am not going to read through... But Blizzard didn't think up this idea O.o
CCP incorporated a legitimate RMT system in Eve, and it's been there for quite a long time and is rather successful. As usual blizzard are copying already successful ideas and then somehow getting the praise for coming up with the idea.

[Eulolia]

Originally Posted by Howling

copying already successful ideas and then somehow getting the praise for coming up with the idea.

That's what pretty much every example of "setting a trend" entails, yes. So the OP is kind-of valid.

Case in Point: APPLE.

[Dakho]

Originally Posted by riwdlytt

They will probably add heirloom items, mounts, xp-potions and more. There is a gray area and it is debatable if something is really affecting gameplay. People that are doing raids would probably not think that leveling items that are far from raid quality would change gameplay.

They did not start this service just to sell a few pets. Of course they have plans and intend to sell as much as possible.

Yeah, making assumptions is pretty awesome.

[Howling]

Originally Posted by Eulolia

That's what pretty much every example of "setting a trend" entails, yes. So the OP is kind-of valid.

Case in Point: APPLE.

Actually setting a trend is doing the idea first and other's follow suit. Point in case, CCP set the trend and blizzard merely followed.

[Alph]

I'm sure this has been stated already but I'm not going to bother reading through 13 pages which is probably a train wreck.

Anyway, setting a trend usually implies doing something new and making it catch on. Focusing on the 'doing something new' part answers the question easily with a simple 'no'.

Novelty items, cash shops etc have been around for a very long time now. I do have to say though, Blizzard does a good job in somehow making people think they're pioneers of something that's existed for such a long time already. I still can't figure out how so many people get fooled into that. I'm not Blizzard hating, just saying it how I see it.

[Zookz]

Twains Observation On Originality - Television Tropes & Idioms

This sums it up nicely:

Which brings us to this reminder. If you seek novelty, do not expect a polished experience. If you seek a polished experience, do not expect novelty.

Just because something isn't orignial, doesn't mean it sucks, nor does it suck vice-versa.

[riwdlytt]

Originally Posted by Dakho

Yeah, making assumptions is pretty awesome.

Being able to think can be a great help. Think about this 12-18 months from now and you might learn something.

[Dakho]

Originally Posted by riwdlytt

Being able to think can be a great help. Think about this 12-18 months from now and you might learn something.

Yep. Still making more assumptions. It's fun, isn't it?

[Mendolus]

Originally Posted by riwdlytt

Because they will offer more items in the future. This is just the first step... And they will sell anything they believe the players can accept. They do this to make a profit. There are no principles based on idealism or anything of the sort that they follow. Even if they want you to believe that...

Hey you! Yes, you! Hey buddy, welcome to life! Here's your number. Please wait in an orderly fashion for your time to come up. Until then, enjoy your stay, and feel free to help yourself to any of the amenities life has to offer.

We regret to inform you that most people are not only incapable of understanding what a principle actually is nor are they willing to covet it unless it directly benefits them or their interests.