Steel Beasts patches paid for?

[Asid]

Steel Beasts patches paid for?

I get asked this question quite often. The simple answer is yes.

Here is why. When esim games releases a paid update, it usually contains a lot of bug fixes. If you do not purchase this update then you are left with the bugs. Therefore the bug fix patch has to be paid for. A paid update comes out every 18/24 months, while free patches are released before and after the paid updates.

However, when esims releases a paid for update. It contains a lot of new/extra/upgraded content. A lot of time effort and research goes into this. It adds a lot to the simulation.

Quite a few people to not pay to upgrade. I do not know what is involved in producing a free patch to fix problems for people who do not want to pay for the next update.

Regards

[Longknife]

I think the reason people take issue with it is the way it is presented. A "paid patch" is something new in this industry or at least I have never heard of it before.

Probably a better way to handle it is to charge "Maintenance". This is what most software companies do for users of evolving products. You have a flat annual fee & with the fee comes all updates & patches. You can chose not to pay it but then you dont get the updates & get left behind. Moreover if you decide to get back on board you have to pay a penalty or back maintenance to get current. This is good for all parties. Because more people will be on board with the maintenance this has the cumulative effect of making the maintenance fees lower. The developer also sees higher income because of the more inclusive nature & more people participating in it.

It always comes down to how something is presented.

Diplomacy is telling someone to “Go to Hell” in such a way, that they look forward to taking the trip.

[Asid]

It always comes down to how something is presented.

I do not think that is the case here. The fact is that if you do not buy the paid for update then you are stuck with the bugs in your current version.

[Longknife]

I do not think that is the case here. The fact is that if you do not buy the paid for update then you are stuck with the bugs in your current version.

Indeed, all the more reason to charge an annual maintenance if thats what they need to do to keep the lights on. At least then we can feel like we are investing in something as opposed to having a patched ransomed to us under the guise of a "paid patch".

Lets face it, the real joy of this sim comes from the MP battles. What they are forcing their customer base to do is decide do they stay pat with the product as it is, requiring them to make sure everyone they play with stays on that same version or do they create a more inclusive system via a maintenance program where all who contribute are automatically kept current.

I really dont have a dog in this fight. This is just my perspective on how they might make this decision more palatable.