PVP!

[Kresslack]

Actually, I'm not kidding. If Avalon were to go Free Play, it could be expanded a lot in a short ammount of time. In fact, it would probably have to due to the immediate boost in players. More cities would have to be constructed. The ammount of new players signing up would in turn force the game to bring in more coders to make room for them all, and ensure they stick around.
 
As to people that procure lessons, while it may seem cheap just because everyone doesn't do it, those that do are well within their rights, and if they have the money to throw away like that then more power to them. Most people either don't and gain lessons the old fashioned way, or they do have the money but don't see the sense in wasting that much to procure lessons. Either way, it is what it is, and it isn't going to change.
 
This is all contreversial in any case, as Avalon has been Pay-To-Play since the early 80's I believe. It started out in a garage with four computers and kids would come over and pay a dollar an hour to play.

[Jashiri]

She isn't arguing that it wouldn't expand Avalon. There are plenty of things Genesis could do, which I'm sure he's aware of, to make lots more money. The way you describe is certainly a way to make Avalon grow larger, but the quality of player and the quality of game play would almost certainly go down.
 
That isn't to say there aren't other things that could be done that would not only expand the player base, but keep Avalon what it is: employing coders, lowering the monthly charge, making it easier for fighters to fight and pacifists to be pacifists, etc, etc. Basically, a think tank that thoroughly tests things, discusses things, and maintains a level of stability in the lands would go a long way to improving Avalon without having it become some IR style world.
 
It'd also be nice if there were more deities who were diametrically opposed to each other. The conflict between cities really isn't enough.

[Vargo]

I remember being told that for a time first-age was free, and apparently a failure full of mudsex and failbots. so ill pay my 20 something a month kthx

[Kresslack]

Making Avalon free play isn't going to lower the game and player quality...it's already there. If anything, it opens it up to changes, and more interesting RP. How tiring is it to see the exact same handfull of people on all the time, with everyone just sitting aroud town squares, doing nothing really, besides a few people like Tukar who is always running around, Elmak, etc? Avalon is small, and it gets old fast. Paying for something that isn't worth it doesn't make sense. It's like paying almost $2 for a bottle of water in a store, when you can just walk over to the fountain and get a drink. Of course, some people don't mind doing that, others do.

Easy way to make up the differance of money by going free play? It's easy, put in a credit system. People can by credits via donation to the game, or can buy them for gold IG. Credits can be converted to lessons, or saved to purchase special, unique items, ships, pets, custome mounts, etc. There's plenty of people that just have to have the unique stuff, and are willing to throw money away on it.