DCS Economics

[Boberro]

There are no free things over the world. Today even if you want to be beaten you have to pay :D

 

I wouldn't expect less prices or something like free gifts. Everything costs, and even if you get smth really "free" that means somebody had to pay for this before (or will).

[Lucas_From_Hell]

I think 120 dollars is very prohibitive. Although a vast number of simmers is past their 30s, another big share of the market still lies in the younger people - kids, teenagers, university students and fresh graduates, that gang who very often aspires to fly the real thing, they also buy the sims, and part of the reason why they buy it is because the price makes it accessible. Sure, a lot of them won't learn how to start the aircraft properly, or will tone down the complexity, but point is they'll buy it and they'll enjoy it. I grew up on Chuck Yeager's Air Combat off a diskette, it was nearly DCS, vast choice of aircraft, maps, and merging a lot of generations together :D

 

120 dollars is easy money for a middle class lad with a stable career, but for a flat broke student it gets a bit tougher.

 

I think the relatively low prices for fully functioning aircraft are compensated by the sales increase really - let's not forget, if it wasn't working, they wouldn't be doing it and they wouldn't be here in the first place. ED's been in the top ranks of combat flight simulators for over a decade, those people know how to make simulaators, and how to sell them too.

[NineLine]

 

120 dollars is easy money for a middle class lad with a stable career, but for a flat broke student it gets a bit tougher.

 

Tougher for a virtual pilot with kids as well :)

 

I know I would be a lot more selective with my module purchases with a 120 price tag, that's for sure... Right now the price is right for me... and the wife doesnt get too grumpy ;)

[Scarecrow]

Well we'll see what F15c and Su27 cost and to be honest I'm expecting a higher price tag. I think once those are out A10c should be the free aircraft in DCS to bring 'em and get them hooked:D

Or give the 25T a 3d pit, as it stands the 25T doesn't really show how amazing DCS World is imho. That's if they're going to continue with the one free map and aircraft approach.

Edited May 4, 2013 by Scarecrow

[Rusty_M]

I'm not sure I can see them putting out a module for more than £50-60.

 

I think the piecemeal model suggested above, similar to Rise of Flight's field mods would put me off. What's the point in paying for half an aircraft in effect? Rise of Flight's structure was different, because these planes were frequently modified in such ways.

 

For that reason, I think that structure would work better in the Shark, as there seem to be as many variants as there were models made. However, would the fragmented user-base and split development priorities be a good thing overall?

 

Edit: please note, I really don't know what I'm talking about. I know nothing about how to price things or how to run a business.

[Scarecrow]

I'm not sure I can see them putting out a module for more than £50-60.

 

I think the piecemeal model suggested above, similar to Rise of Flight's field mods would put me off. What's the point in paying for half an aircraft in effect? Rise of Flight's structure was different, because these planes were frequently modified in such ways.

 

Agreed the "in App purchase" model wouldn't work in multiplayer and by dumbing down systems it would be more work after making them. It's a horrible model for DCS :no_sad:.

£59.99 wouldn't bother me if I get to own an F15c, it'll probably take me a year to learn and a lifetime to master or probably not master:smilewink:

[Kaktus29]

okei, i agree, maybe add-on buying certain "fidelity system" of a certain plane could be weird.. how about enabling a purchase on "credit"..what i mean is, DCS sells you the product that cost lets say 80-90 €.. but you can pay for it in installments.. like 40€ up-front and 5€ per month for 10 months.. its way easier to afford such a purchase for the cash strapped.. and to avoid "criminal delinquents)" the module could "CLOSE" if you miss a payment.. so people wouldn't abuse this system to pay 40$ and then play 4 months and then not pay any more..

 

but all this business models are just icing on the cake.. what is really needed is market share.. if DCS is only for the simmers its tough no matter how you turn this.. one needs to expand the player base .. how to do that? Include more infantry-company based battles on the ground.. and go for stealing some CoD and BF market share?.. God knows DCS has them beat at high fidelity machines.. all that is needed is the ground battle's with infantry and support vehicles+logistics to make it really realistic.. maybe this can be done with partnership with other teams.. like 1C company -Russian company i think as well, .. because the lion's share of money in military games is the CoD and BF franchises ..

 

as they say, if you play to win then go for it.. no need to hide and be happy you get crumbs .. attack the top dogs.. sadly this would mean a war with the giants who have a huuuge money reserve to use to batter you down in case such a challenge is given..

[basset]

Based on Wags comments you could assume that we will see some WWII objects added with their expansion into that era, whether its by ED or by 3rd Parties.... How those would be added I have no clue... my dream would be "Combined Arms - WWII" :)

 

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