It gets people to sub.

Currently, there's value in a lifetime although not for everyone and value in a month to month.

I think hitting, say, one thousand days should trigger a lifetime level sub, minus the stipend.

Actually, Cryptic introducing grab bags is what is going to control inflation. What if there is a 500% in the number of people getting free CP? If more than half of them use that to buy grab bags for a chance of getting some special treat, then inflation won't be an issue. Also, by giving these people an LTS, they are more likely to keep playing and earning dilithium, off-setting the free CP.

If their data shows the average subber plays for only 6-9 months, then getting them to committ to a rent-to-own LTS actually gets more out of the average player. And I think Cryptic should only offer this a couple times a year like they do the $200 LTS (though obviously not at the same time).

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Originally Posted by Commadore_Bob Actually, Cryptic introducing grab bags is what is going to control inflation.

But why would Cryptic need to in the first place? I mean, it's not Cryptic that needs this change to the subscription plans, is it now?

All they need to do is continuously offer more grab-bags and since many people will simply grind one character anyway, Lifetime status would seem wasted on them except for not having to pay their subscription fees.

If somehow those players would be convinced that they need to buy more Cryptic Points, this could work, but if Cryptic could convince players to buy more Cryptic Points anyway, why would Cryptic offer to liberate the players from their subscription fees?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Commadore_Bob If their data shows the average subber plays for only 6-9 months, then getting them to committ to a rent-to-own LTS actually gets more out of the average player. And I think Cryptic should only offer this a couple times a year like they do the $200 LTS (though obviously not at the same time).

Well, that's an entirely different deal then... Now we're talking...

They don't need many of them to bite. But just as the LTS is a fresh infusion of cash, this would offer that as well. I imagine the bulk of players would balk at this either because they can add (360>300 or 30>15) or because it would be cheaper to go Silver and pay for CPs. Most players cannot see a year down the road. But some players would buy this in a heart beat.

I'll add that as a person with an LTS, I'm more likely to buy CPs than if I was paying a monthly sub.

I like Commodore Bob's idea. Cryptic benefits because then people will pay over a year's time instead of just settling for a Silver membership. I'm no bean counter but I know something > nothing.