I stopped buying the 10 for 10 months ago since my last one had multiple all honor beholds. just monthly card player now. This would help a little, but in all honesty, it would likely just double the amount of all honor beholds I'd get.
I had a double SR behold in a event pack, both were already FF. There are a few ways to solve this issue. 1) give the offer of a citation if they are all FF, 2) allow us to re-roll, 3) increase the portal pool
I'd guess 1 and possibly 2 are non-starters (not saying they wouldn't be nice, just don't see them doing it). 3 would help and hurt. I can only use myself as an example, but increasing the pool wouldn't help me much...
Of the 221 4*'s in the game I have 31 that aren't immortal.
Of those 31 I have 28 of them between 1/4 & 3/4 which means only 3 that I don't have any copies of (Gabriel Bell, Friar Tuck & Armed Georgiou). Six of the 1/4's are voyage crew.
Of the 28 I need stars on 19 are currently in the portal. If I discount the voyage crew, adding the 3 I need stars on plus the 3 I have zero copies of to the portal would certainly be better in a way, but not enough better to help much if at all with honor beholds because the pool is so large.
They could start offering packs with limited pools/loot tables. So pick a 1, 2, 3 dozen 4's and a set number of 5's and have those be the only 4 & 5's in the table (kind of like theme packs, but those are too limited). Sure there will be packs people still won't touch if they have a high % of the 4's immortal, but if the combo is right they might be more willing to pull than from the diluted regular pack or a theme pack where the three 4's are already immortal.
I don't know how well it would work/be received, but they could take it further like one game I've played casually and put X number of copies in the pool so say if you've pulled two Friar Tuck's (or four or six or whatever) you know you won't get any more copies if you continue pulling that pack. If you were to "buy out" the packs you'd know exactly what you'll get. They could even put a citation(s) in there as a possible pull. They could either make this a single pull per pack (X dil for each single pull and only 4's and 5's) or base it on the 10 pulls (1x guaranteed 4/5 and 3's/schems with a chance at a 4/5 in the other slots). So, pack A has 20 4's, 3 5's and a 4* cite in it's pool. Some 4's have 3 copies, some 2, some 1. The 5's each have 1 copy and there are two cites. As you pull and you get certain things you'll know they're eliminated from your pool and this can keep going until you've "bought out" the pack if that's what you chose to do.
Hope some of that made sense, time to go start the event.
I like the idea but I’ve not seen anything to believe that player retention is a primary concern of this company. Their various tweeks and fixes or lack thereof are much more about turn em and burn em...keep the player base renewing...
I've always thought that I would dial back the spending (just a monthly card, with the occasional special offer) when I got my first FF behold. Whelp. It happened today. This will probably be my last pack for a good long while. Dilithium will go elsewhere. Sigh.
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Having had my first all immortal SR behold some weeks ago, I can relate to the hurt feelings. But then again, it also hurts when you get a straight drop of an immortalized SR. It's simply a fact that is common to all CCGs. There are always going to be those elusive cards, and you'll have to buy many many packs to finally get them.
In the mean time, I'm trying to reduce the chance of getting an SR behold by not FFing characters if I get a behold if I have a choice, but instead adding stars to 1/4 or 2/4 crew, or even adding an entirely new crew.
The only reason DB should consider fixing this "problem", is when it hurts their sales, imho.
The CCG analogy is flawed. If I buy cards in my local store I can trade them with people there or my mates, so we can much more cheaply get what we want. You cannot do that here,
Furthermore, digital CCGs like Elder Scrolls and Hearthstone allow you to trade with the house at a far more reasonable rate than DB do.
So if a trading option were implemented, it would take your concerns away?
Or a better exchange rate than 90:1.
The game wants to give me a 4* crew, yet I'd have to trade 90 such opportunities where a duplicate is received (200 honor each), for a single 4* citation to add a star to a crew that actually still needs one (18,000 honor). That is a little ridiculous.
I have 320 immortal crew, and only have about 40-45 4* crew that still require stars (only 10 are still missing from my crew altogether), and my spending has basically come to a stand still other than the monthly card, since the odds are stacked against me. In my case (and many others I'm sure), the poor honor exchange rate does (or eventually will) impact spending negatively.
As the OP said - a conservative approach, so in case DB should implement something like that no harm done and I would enjoy it 2 Some things have to be kept in mind though:
In a card collection game like this in time dublicates are the most normal thing in the world. Especially with those cards who have a high droprate. Aka up to 4*. Also since they even drop in Voyages.
Personally I don´t see it too gloomy. Sure, there are some cards I don´t even want one copy of But:
Let´s say you are a fan of a certain character. And in a shuttle event the coolest and strongest version of that character will be introduced.
The more variants AND COPIES you have the better your chances in that event.
Also I surely would not mind FF second copies of FO Burnham, Durango Troi, Dr. Culber or Zhian'tara Odo for example.
Aka cards with a strong base and in the case of Zhian'tara Odo helpful in both Odo and Dax events.
And finally sometimes the most desired card is basically only a copy of another card in new clothes anyway. Like say Captain Killy was of EV Suit Archer.
The problem is that the game also has a deck building element. If you have two Killys you either airlocked something else or spent an impressive amount of dil on crew slots. Collectors are loathe to airlock anyone, especially to make space for two of something else. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a turn-off to people who enjoy the collecting aspect of the game. I also am close to opting out of the 10 for 10 deals because of the low rate of return. A refresh would extend the life of the game. Another option would be a fourth option for a modestly enhanced amount of honor. 1800 would mean you need 10 for a citation and would still be enough motivation to keep me buying the packs.
I like the idea but I’ve not seen anything to believe that player retention is a primary concern of this company. Their various tweeks and fixes or lack thereof are much more about turn em and burn em...keep the player base renewing...
Player retention is never the goal of freemium mobile games. The goal is to get as much money as possible as quickly as possible from a player and constantly attract new players as the old players quit out of frustration. That's the model that freemium mobile games have used and I don't see that changing until the industry is regulated, which I'm sure is just a matter of time. It's starting to happen in Europe so it will happen in the US eventually.
That's why most mobile games only last a year or two. They do a big cash grab and once new players trickle to a craw, they replace the game with a whole new game. Rinse and repeat.
They surely have to realize that if they don't fix this their profits will begin a steady decline into a death that not even a comic book character can revive from.
They surely have to realize that if they don't fix this their profits will begin a steady decline into a death that not even a comic book character can revive from.
There is always another fool. As Althea pointed out, they don't care about keeping you playing/buying forever. They will grab the money they can from you, and then when you stop spending they will count on a new player joining who will pick up your spending.
They surely have to realize that if they don't fix this their profits will begin a steady decline into a death that not even a comic book character can revive from.
There is always another fool. As Althea pointed out, they don't care about keeping you playing/buying forever. They will grab the money they can from you, and then when you stop spending they will count on a new player joining who will pick up your spending.
That might be true in other mobile games, but it's not clear that is as true with the Star Trek fan base that is playing this game. The number of Level 60, 70, or even 80 Captains is clearly increasing based on what I see in Gauntlets, etc. There's a loyal fan base that is worth keeping around and engaged for this game.
perhaps it might be better for DB to reduce the chance of getting a FF crew, as they can already show us what statistic we have of the crew we have and their status, how hard would it really be to have it automatically re pull that crew.
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I think people would buy more packs if we were allowed one reroll on beholds. But that reroll should be for anyone that gets a behold not just those with immortalized beholds. DB need not take my word on it or anyone else's. All DB needs to do is send an in game mail saying that they are going to try the reroll behold for a month to see its applicability and profitability. If the players buy more packs and DB makes more money then they keep the reroll going, If Db does not sell more packs and get more money then end the behold reroll. Or DB could just do the reroll on the regular premium packs as those are in my opinion less desired than event packs.
I think people would buy more packs if we were allowed one reroll on beholds.
I agree. I don't buy the argument that "it won't happen because DB will lose money" if they do this. I think they're losing money right now, because I cut way back on pack spending once I started seeing all-Honor Beholds a lot of the time. I would certainly take a chance more often if I knew there was this option.
I'm not saying that re-rolls are the only viable alternative, but I would love to see something done.
Could you please continue the petty bickering? I find it most intriguing. ~ Data, ST:TNG "Haven"
This has been my biggest complaint. I already know the statistical math, and how DB isn't doing anything 'wrong,' and I agree. I still would argue against having new meat come in constantly to replace the dormant whales. Why not mine the 'sure thing' that they have in all these CURRENT spenders?
Like I said, I get the math, but I also have my own. When I first started the game, new crew was free to me. Then the money spending starts and I have to evaluate what new crew costs. The net cost of new crew has simply become so high that I'm not willing to put the money and time into new crew anymore.
I'd like it to change, sure. I don't think things are currently 'unfair,' in the game.. Neither do they even slightly cater to the players that have spent money. I'm not saying they should or have to either. I've reached a "you keep yours and I'll keep mine" mentality.
It is still a really good game though, even if F2P.
The reason they aren’t going to do that, which would benefit the current whales, is because it would alienate the creation of new whales. The current group is going to keep spending until they quit. They need that new group of big spenders to come in and stay for a while. If those new big spenders can’t compete because the current whales thrash them in events constantly, they won’t become new whales and the game dies an earlier death than it would have. The constant turn around in players is what adds to the longevity of a game. The game companies count on the big spenders going away and being replaced with new ones. The old players that stick around anyway and keep spending are just gravy.
Something in some way needs to happen..
What exactly I don't know..
But this was -one- of the reasons why I created the controversial thread (rip)
Honor was added to slowly build to help the players ff non dropping stars and slightly off set issues like full house beholds.
But simply put, it's just not quite enough.
Either turning up the drip a bit..
(20% even) would help..
Or an out right "purchase bonus" on 10x's
(So comp or community packs wouldn't provide)
Maybe.. 250 or 400 Honor when you buy any Premium crew 10x
Or..
Some other additional value added when you buy a 10x Like.. a behold between any of the following --1x10 standard shuttle boosts, 150 chronitons, 70,000 credits, A supply kit, 1000 honor An additional single or 3 single premium pulls, 70 Dilithium, 500 Merits
Something more then the low side low ball of 400 honor / 500 honor which has happened to most of us in packs with 8 or 9 schematic slots.
Don't have to reinvent the wheel..
But putting a bit more on the wheel could make a useless waste of dilithium feel a lot more useful and like a smart choice
I've mentioned this before in another similar thread, but I feel that this is important enough to rehash. No disrespect to anyone who has posted, especially the older, more experienced players with good ideas. Also, I just want to mention that I'm on the boat with you all, and I wish there was an amicable solution to this issue. However, there are several reasons why I think that players shouldn't be too upset about the FF behold, and why I think there won't be any change in the near future.
1. The more crew you acquire, the more often that this will happen. As seen with the post that @Data1001 made, there's a finite number of crew in the game. Regardless of the beholds, the longer you play, the closer you'll be to having all of the crew. Many players already don't make pulls at all because they're just not worth it anymore.
2. Beholds are a gift already. DB doesn't have to give them at all. If they didn't you'd just get a straight drop of a FF/FE crew. We also get duplicate 4* crew in voyages all the time. For some reason, this doesn't instill the rage that is realized in the FF behold. Anyway, DB doesn't have to give us the beholds at all, so from their perspective, asking them to add a "fix" to this is like getting the toy you wanted for Christmas, but then telling your parents that it's not the correct model or version. Asking for a citation is taking it a step further and is like demanding the CASH VALUE for the gift.
3. Offering a citation (as nice as it would be) is WAY overcompensating for an all FF/FE behold. Instead of getting a copy of a specific crew, you get a chance to fuse ANY crew? Think about it, why would they do that?
4. Asking for a reroll is like asking a casino to give you a free spin on a slot machine when you didn't win. Even for 100 dilithium, it's like asking the casino to give you a spin for $1 on a $5 machine when you didn't win. Would any of us even consider asking for that? The RNG, as disappointing as it is at times, is part of the game. We accept that there's a chance that we won't "win."
5. If you're not already used to RNG kicking you in the face and dealing with it (gauntlet crits, voyage drops, shuttle fails, arena evasion, as well as 10x packs) then this may not be the game for you.
If you were that kid at Christmas, how do you think that made your parents feel? They probably felt very hurt, and they were probably less likely to get you what you wanted the next time, maybe only to teach you a lesson. In the interest of our continued entertainment with this game, let's just try to enjoy what gifts have been given to us because no one likes a kid like that. Don't be that kid.
With all do respect, there are quite a few things that are completely wrong about this post;)
First off the comparison between DB and parents of a kid at Christmas is seriously ludicrous.. Last time I checked my parents did not charge me for my gifts lol, so unless you are assuming that all portals are free, which for most of us they are not. This is a seriously flawed analogy.
When you say, why would DB do this? why would they offer an alternative to being stuck with characters you already have when they dont have too. Lets think on this, I Think the better question is why wouldn't they do this? They are in effect a customer service based game, so if it doesn't cost them anything, and since we are talking about icons on a game, I would say it doesn't, or the fact that it keeps there customer base who pays for the game, happy, Again I ask why wouldn't they ?
You say the RNG is part of the game, well if that RNG can be improved, why would you not do so? if it makes the game more enjoyable and less fustrating for the people who pay to play it...
Since the developers more than likely do not even read these post, It probably does not matter anyways;)
@Marko Ramius - "We also get duplicate 4* crew in voyages all the time. For some reason, this doesn't instill the rage that is realized in the FF behold."
The reason (in my opinion) this doesn't bother anyone is a) voyages are essentially free (just a minimal bit of clicking effort), and b) many people are just using them for honor farming anyway. So if you get a needed 4*, great! If you get an airlocked 4*, great! You win either way.
The primary reason (again, IMO) it angers people with portal pulls is that most portals are not free. We acquire them via dilithium, real cash, and/or significant effort playing events. So players want something tangible in return, and 200 honor just isn't enough to meet that desire.
@ not-just-Marko
I do want to point out one flaw in the "solution" that many people propose - that DB should keep "rolling" until at least 1 card in the behold is someone we don't have (or still need stars for). Here's the problem - if you are a big-time collector, you have most of the cards/stars already. That means that to get that last 5* card that has eluded you, all you need to do is buy a single 10x portal and you would automatically get the card, despite the 150-200 (I don't know the current count) legendary cards in the game. So instead of getting cards randomly, you would actually start to get them by default. That's backwards for the business model. I don't see them ever implementing this mechanism.
I have a feeling that the only way we would get a "re-roll" option would be if they monetized it. First re-roll would be a small amount of dilithium with each additional re-roll costing more and more
The CCG analogy is flawed. If I buy cards in my local store I can trade them with people there or my mates, so we can much more cheaply get what we want. You cannot do that here,
Well, THAT analogy is flawed. While you cannot do that here, especially in certain shuttle events dublicates are very useful to get a much desired card for free instead of having to buy packs to get it.
Aka they have gameplay and other uses. Real card collecting and STT card collecting are 2 completely different things.
Good suggestion. The behold problem is just another clear indication of how you get less the more you spend in this game.
But isn't diminishing returns expected in just about any investment activity? You, first, spend on the item featuring the best ROI (in this case, the monthly card). Every subsequent expenditure will be less and less efficient. This is normal and expected, no?
I've mentioned this before in another similar thread, but I feel that this is important enough to rehash. No disrespect to anyone who has posted, especially the older, more experienced players with good ideas. Also, I just want to mention that I'm on the boat with you all, and I wish there was an amicable solution to this issue. However, there are several reasons why I think that players shouldn't be too upset about the FF behold, and why I think there won't be any change in the near future.
1. The more crew you acquire, the more often that this will happen. As seen with the post that @Data1001 made, there's a finite number of crew in the game. Regardless of the beholds, the longer you play, the closer you'll be to having all of the crew. Many players already don't make pulls at all because they're just not worth it anymore.
2. Beholds are a gift already. DB doesn't have to give them at all. If they didn't you'd just get a straight drop of a FF/FE crew. We also get duplicate 4* crew in voyages all the time. For some reason, this doesn't instill the rage that is realized in the FF behold. Anyway, DB doesn't have to give us the beholds at all, so from their perspective, asking them to add a "fix" to this is like getting the toy you wanted for Christmas, but then telling your parents that it's not the correct model or version. Asking for a citation is taking it a step further and is like demanding the CASH VALUE for the gift.
3. Offering a citation (as nice as it would be) is WAY overcompensating for an all FF/FE behold. Instead of getting a copy of a specific crew, you get a chance to fuse ANY crew? Think about it, why would they do that?
4. Asking for a reroll is like asking a casino to give you a free spin on a slot machine when you didn't win. Even for 100 dilithium, it's like asking the casino to give you a spin for $1 on a $5 machine when you didn't win. Would any of us even consider asking for that? The RNG, as disappointing as it is at times, is part of the game. We accept that there's a chance that we won't "win."
5. If you're not already used to RNG kicking you in the face and dealing with it (gauntlet crits, voyage drops, shuttle fails, arena evasion, as well as 10x packs) then this may not be the game for you.
If you were that kid at Christmas, how do you think that made your parents feel? They probably felt very hurt, and they were probably less likely to get you what you wanted the next time, maybe only to teach you a lesson. In the interest of our continued entertainment with this game, let's just try to enjoy what gifts have been given to us because no one likes a kid like that. Don't be that kid.
With all do respect, there are quite a few things that are completely wrong about this post;)
First off the comparison between DB and parents of a kid at Christmas is seriously ludicrous.. Last time I checked my parents did not charge me for my gifts lol, so unless you are assuming that all portals are free, which for most of us they are not. This is a seriously flawed analogy.
When you say, why would DB do this? why would they offer an alternative to being stuck with characters you already have when they dont have too. Lets think on this, I Think the better question is why wouldn't they do this? They are in effect a customer service based game, so if it doesn't cost them anything, and since we are talking about icons on a game, I would say it doesn't, or the fact that it keeps there customer base who pays for the game, happy, Again I ask why wouldn't they ?
You say the RNG is part of the game, well if that RNG can be improved, why would you not do so? if it makes the game more enjoyable and less fustrating for the people who pay to play it...
Since the developers more than likely do not even read these post, It probably does not matter anyways;)
They read every word on this forum. You can test this by posting a comment that will be moderated.
The CCG analogy is flawed. If I buy cards in my local store I can trade them with people there or my mates, so we can much more cheaply get what we want. You cannot do that here,
Well, THAT analogy is flawed. While you cannot do that here, especially in certain shuttle events dublicates are very useful to get a much desired card for free instead of having to buy packs to get it.
Aka they have gameplay and other uses. Real card collecting and STT card collecting are 2 completely different things.
Duplicates are quite useful. I have duplicates on lots of shuttles and Voyages.
Comments
I'd guess 1 and possibly 2 are non-starters (not saying they wouldn't be nice, just don't see them doing it). 3 would help and hurt. I can only use myself as an example, but increasing the pool wouldn't help me much...
Of the 221 4*'s in the game I have 31 that aren't immortal.
Of those 31 I have 28 of them between 1/4 & 3/4 which means only 3 that I don't have any copies of (Gabriel Bell, Friar Tuck & Armed Georgiou). Six of the 1/4's are voyage crew.
Of the 28 I need stars on 19 are currently in the portal. If I discount the voyage crew, adding the 3 I need stars on plus the 3 I have zero copies of to the portal would certainly be better in a way, but not enough better to help much if at all with honor beholds because the pool is so large.
They could start offering packs with limited pools/loot tables. So pick a 1, 2, 3 dozen 4's and a set number of 5's and have those be the only 4 & 5's in the table (kind of like theme packs, but those are too limited). Sure there will be packs people still won't touch if they have a high % of the 4's immortal, but if the combo is right they might be more willing to pull than from the diluted regular pack or a theme pack where the three 4's are already immortal.
I don't know how well it would work/be received, but they could take it further like one game I've played casually and put X number of copies in the pool so say if you've pulled two Friar Tuck's (or four or six or whatever) you know you won't get any more copies if you continue pulling that pack. If you were to "buy out" the packs you'd know exactly what you'll get. They could even put a citation(s) in there as a possible pull. They could either make this a single pull per pack (X dil for each single pull and only 4's and 5's) or base it on the 10 pulls (1x guaranteed 4/5 and 3's/schems with a chance at a 4/5 in the other slots). So, pack A has 20 4's, 3 5's and a 4* cite in it's pool. Some 4's have 3 copies, some 2, some 1. The 5's each have 1 copy and there are two cites. As you pull and you get certain things you'll know they're eliminated from your pool and this can keep going until you've "bought out" the pack if that's what you chose to do.
Hope some of that made sense, time to go start the event.
PM for details.
So long and thanks for all the fish.
Or a better exchange rate than 90:1.
The game wants to give me a 4* crew, yet I'd have to trade 90 such opportunities where a duplicate is received (200 honor each), for a single 4* citation to add a star to a crew that actually still needs one (18,000 honor). That is a little ridiculous.
I have 320 immortal crew, and only have about 40-45 4* crew that still require stars (only 10 are still missing from my crew altogether), and my spending has basically come to a stand still other than the monthly card, since the odds are stacked against me. In my case (and many others I'm sure), the poor honor exchange rate does (or eventually will) impact spending negatively.
The problem is that the game also has a deck building element. If you have two Killys you either airlocked something else or spent an impressive amount of dil on crew slots. Collectors are loathe to airlock anyone, especially to make space for two of something else. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a turn-off to people who enjoy the collecting aspect of the game. I also am close to opting out of the 10 for 10 deals because of the low rate of return. A refresh would extend the life of the game. Another option would be a fourth option for a modestly enhanced amount of honor. 1800 would mean you need 10 for a citation and would still be enough motivation to keep me buying the packs.
Player retention is never the goal of freemium mobile games. The goal is to get as much money as possible as quickly as possible from a player and constantly attract new players as the old players quit out of frustration. That's the model that freemium mobile games have used and I don't see that changing until the industry is regulated, which I'm sure is just a matter of time. It's starting to happen in Europe so it will happen in the US eventually.
That's why most mobile games only last a year or two. They do a big cash grab and once new players trickle to a craw, they replace the game with a whole new game. Rinse and repeat.
There is always another fool. As Althea pointed out, they don't care about keeping you playing/buying forever. They will grab the money they can from you, and then when you stop spending they will count on a new player joining who will pick up your spending.
That might be true in other mobile games, but it's not clear that is as true with the Star Trek fan base that is playing this game. The number of Level 60, 70, or even 80 Captains is clearly increasing based on what I see in Gauntlets, etc. There's a loyal fan base that is worth keeping around and engaged for this game.
Captain Level: 95
VIP Level: 12
Unique Crew Immortalized: 525
Collections Completed: Vulcan, Ferengi, Borg, Romulan, Cardassian, Uncommon, Rare, Veteran, Common, Engineered, Physician, Innovator, Inspiring, Diplomat, Jury Rigger, Gauntlet Legends
[FSC] Peace Keepers
Gryphon [****] Adm
I agree. I don't buy the argument that "it won't happen because DB will lose money" if they do this. I think they're losing money right now, because I cut way back on pack spending once I started seeing all-Honor Beholds a lot of the time. I would certainly take a chance more often if I knew there was this option.
I'm not saying that re-rolls are the only viable alternative, but I would love to see something done.
Could you please continue the petty bickering? I find it most intriguing.
~ Data, ST:TNG "Haven"
Like I said, I get the math, but I also have my own. When I first started the game, new crew was free to me. Then the money spending starts and I have to evaluate what new crew costs. The net cost of new crew has simply become so high that I'm not willing to put the money and time into new crew anymore.
I'd like it to change, sure. I don't think things are currently 'unfair,' in the game.. Neither do they even slightly cater to the players that have spent money. I'm not saying they should or have to either. I've reached a "you keep yours and I'll keep mine" mentality.
It is still a really good game though, even if F2P.
It's requests like that that make DB tune us out. We must strive to be reasonable. To find a solution that still respects their bottom line.
Yes to this for sure!
What exactly I don't know..
But this was -one- of the reasons why I created the controversial thread (rip)
Honor was added to slowly build to help the players ff non dropping stars and slightly off set issues like full house beholds.
But simply put, it's just not quite enough.
Either turning up the drip a bit..
(20% even) would help..
Or an out right "purchase bonus" on 10x's
(So comp or community packs wouldn't provide)
Maybe.. 250 or 400 Honor when you buy any Premium crew 10x
Or..
Some other additional value added when you buy a 10x Like.. a behold between any of the following --1x10 standard shuttle boosts, 150 chronitons, 70,000 credits, A supply kit, 1000 honor An additional single or 3 single premium pulls, 70 Dilithium, 500 Merits
Something more then the low side low ball of 400 honor / 500 honor which has happened to most of us in packs with 8 or 9 schematic slots.
Don't have to reinvent the wheel..
But putting a bit more on the wheel could make a useless waste of dilithium feel a lot more useful and like a smart choice
With all do respect, there are quite a few things that are completely wrong about this post;)
First off the comparison between DB and parents of a kid at Christmas is seriously ludicrous.. Last time I checked my parents did not charge me for my gifts lol, so unless you are assuming that all portals are free, which for most of us they are not. This is a seriously flawed analogy.
When you say, why would DB do this? why would they offer an alternative to being stuck with characters you already have when they dont have too. Lets think on this, I Think the better question is why wouldn't they do this? They are in effect a customer service based game, so if it doesn't cost them anything, and since we are talking about icons on a game, I would say it doesn't, or the fact that it keeps there customer base who pays for the game, happy, Again I ask why wouldn't they ?
You say the RNG is part of the game, well if that RNG can be improved, why would you not do so? if it makes the game more enjoyable and less fustrating for the people who pay to play it...
Since the developers more than likely do not even read these post, It probably does not matter anyways;)
The reason (in my opinion) this doesn't bother anyone is a) voyages are essentially free (just a minimal bit of clicking effort), and b) many people are just using them for honor farming anyway. So if you get a needed 4*, great! If you get an airlocked 4*, great! You win either way.
The primary reason (again, IMO) it angers people with portal pulls is that most portals are not free. We acquire them via dilithium, real cash, and/or significant effort playing events. So players want something tangible in return, and 200 honor just isn't enough to meet that desire.
@ not-just-Marko
I do want to point out one flaw in the "solution" that many people propose - that DB should keep "rolling" until at least 1 card in the behold is someone we don't have (or still need stars for). Here's the problem - if you are a big-time collector, you have most of the cards/stars already. That means that to get that last 5* card that has eluded you, all you need to do is buy a single 10x portal and you would automatically get the card, despite the 150-200 (I don't know the current count) legendary cards in the game. So instead of getting cards randomly, you would actually start to get them by default. That's backwards for the business model. I don't see them ever implementing this mechanism.
Well, THAT analogy is flawed. While you cannot do that here, especially in certain shuttle events dublicates are very useful to get a much desired card for free instead of having to buy packs to get it.
Aka they have gameplay and other uses. Real card collecting and STT card collecting are 2 completely different things.
But isn't diminishing returns expected in just about any investment activity? You, first, spend on the item featuring the best ROI (in this case, the monthly card). Every subsequent expenditure will be less and less efficient. This is normal and expected, no?
They read every word on this forum. You can test this by posting a comment that will be moderated.
Duplicates are quite useful. I have duplicates on lots of shuttles and Voyages.