EA's statements on Swtor.

[RoninaThorstone]

First, the game many of you have been tracking closely, Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Although it launched well, subscriptions have been on a declining trajectory and have now
slipped below one million. Last year we announced that the breakeven point was roughly
500,000 subscribers. And while we are well above that today, that’s not good enough.
The message from players exiting the game is clear – 40 percent say they were turned off by
the monthly subscription. And many indicated they would come back if we offered a free-to-play
model.
Our plan now is to pivot and provide a two-tiered pricing plan which will make the game more
accessible and grow the audience. The new pricing will go into effect in November.
The first tier is a Premium Players membership for Star Wars fans who want everything the
game has to offer. For $15 a month, Premium Players will receive comprehensive access to the
game plus monthly infusions of in-game currency which can be used for boosts, customization
and for moving more quickly through each level.
The second tier is a free-to-play option which allows consumers to experience the first 50 levels
at no charge, but with some restrictions on content and advanced player features. Upgrades to
the experience can be purchased with in-game currency. Players will move at their own speed
and comfort level. If and when they’re ready, they can easily switch to the Premium tier.
Additionally, we are introducing new pricing next week in North America and Europe. Beginning
August 6, Star Wars: The Old Republic will retail for $14.99 – essentially offering the first month
free.

The disappointing results of Star Wars: The Old Republic were largely offset by a powerful
performance from Battlefield 3 Premium service – although revenue-recognition rules will push
this very significant EPS driver into our fourth quarter

Subscriptions, advertising, and other digital revenue grew 69% year over year, driven by
Star Wars: The Old Republic.

For those who are interested.

Also, somewhat related:

A clear trend-line is emerging here. When I look at the quality of these games and the revenue
they produce, I’m convinced that free-to-play will soon emerge as the leading business model
for PC and mobile gaming.

[Odegon]

in-game currency which can be used for boosts, customization
and for moving more quickly through each level.

[BrerBear]

What choice did they have?
Even if they were still over 500K, they seem to have dropped at least 500K in the last quarter alone. That's an acceleration downward from 400K in the previous quarter.
And that's before MOP and GW2 launched, and the 6 month subs ran out.
I wasn't a fan of the game, but this is just sad.

[Flappy]

in-game currency which can be used for boosts, customization
and for moving more quickly through each level.

the second part isn't really all too bad. Think about it, essentially it's a time saver for those willing to spend a bit extra, no different than buying champions in LoL. You have 2 options: grind it out or buy your way to max level. Remember a majority of content should be endgame to keep the players invested, so distracting them with a long boring grind is a great way to make them lose interest in the game and quit. Which is evident in the subscription numbers.

[Kelimbror]

in-game currency which can be used for boosts, customization
and for moving more quickly through each level.

And? This is a staple of F2P and has no correlation on paying to win. Please don't give me the tired leveling fast is winning at competition. FFS no it is not. Put on your big boy pants compadres, because here comes the thunder:

The faster the cap out of the free content, the faster they will have to spend money to play the end game. It is as simple as that. It is designed to maximize income for people who are dodging a subscription. In the long run it is only punishing people who are trying to play the game past the leveling point, so should have no relevance to people whatsoever.

[Deleted]

What choice did they have?
Even if they were still over 500K, they seem to have dropped at least 500K in the last quarter alone. That's an acceleration downward from 400K in the previous quarter.
And that's before MOP and GW2 launched, and the 6 month subs ran out.
I wasn't a fan of the game, but this is just sad.

Pretty much this. Whoever was put in charge of the game needs to take a good luck at themselves if they think the finished product was good enough.

[shimargh]

well that makes it, i'm no coming back ever...

[RoninaThorstone]

in-game currency which can be used for boosts, customization
and for moving more quickly through each level.

Would only bother me if leveling was ranked.

[Deleted]

Just reading the official forums, they aren't happy.

[RoninaThorstone]

Just reading the official forums, they aren't happy.

Official forums are never happy.

[The One Percent]

I'll try SWToR now, since I heard the leveling is awesome. For 15 bucks I can level all the classes and see the stories, sounds like a great deal.

[Pipboi]

in-game currency which can be used for boosts, customization
and for moving more quickly through each level.

I like this. It means that people with max level characters (who are already probably sticking with the game) can level faster through content they've already seen. It doesn't negatively effect other players not quite sure they want to pay for the sub fee.

[davispunx]

Official forums are never happy.

Yea the official forums of every game make it seem like the world is ending

[Deleted]

It was fun while it lasted.

I have bad experiences with F2P MMOs so this will probably be the end of my SWTOR times.

[ShimmerSwirl]

They're gonna sell a bunch of game copies for $15 based purely on the name value of the game. Only thing I can think of is how the next report is gonna look...sheesh:

-Six month subs will be expired
-Normal continued attrition
-Addition attrition from players who don't want to pay now knowing it'll be free soon
-Stiff competition from GW2 and MoP

[Edge-]

They're gonna sell a bunch of game copies for $15 based purely on the name value of the game. Only thing I can think of is how the next report is gonna look...sheesh:

-Six month subs will be expired
-Normal continued attrition
-Addition attrition from players who don't want to pay now knowing it'll be free soon
-Stiff competition from GW2 and MoP

I'm actually super optimistic for the first report after it transitions, even with competition from MoP/GW2. I' wouldn't be surprised if subscribers increased and absolutely expect total revenue to increase.

[Fencers]

There is the potential for TOR to pick up a lot of players that might stick around for & after the fantastic story missions. Those are quite the "hook", so to speak. Barrier of a sub fee to get to that great story presentation likely turned off many more than it gained.

If EA don't screw over free players and offer current subs a nice, fat wallop of coins-- I think TOR is in a better position now than it has been... ever, really.

[Edge-]

There is the potential for TOR to pick up a lot of players that might stick around for & after the fantastic story missions. Those are quite the "hook", so to speak. Barrier of a sub fee to get to that great story presentation likely turned off many more than it gained.

If EA don't screw over free players and offer current subs a nice, fat wallop of coins-- I think TOR is in a better position now than it has been... ever, really.

Can you please get out of my head now? It's getting really crowded up here.

[Minky]

in-game currency which can be used for boosts, customization
and for moving more quickly through each level.

The problem is that there's nothing to do -but- level.
TORtanic shooting itself in the hull.
Again.

Infracted

[Window]

At the end of the day you had to expect it i was following that game for so many years when its was just a rumour
Bioware making a mmo what could go wrong ...
I tried so hard to like that game after leveling a few characters past 30 and my main but couldnt keep with it, the free to play model seems the best course i may even reinstall