Global Agenda Erez Goren Interview

26 Jun 2010 at 01:46:55 by Paul Younger

Hi-Rez studios has just announced that they are to remove al subscriptions from their MMO shooter Global Agenda so we pinned down Hi-Rez CEO & Chief Designer Erez Goren to find out how they plan on implementing the changes and what the future holds for current and new players.

Global Agenda has done something very different in the MMO space and some may see this move to a subscription free model as a first sign of the game struggling to make its mark in the competitive market. Could you tell us why the business model for the game has changed?

 Even before the payment model change our numbers we had a steady increase in new purchases and number of player subscribing, on the other hand we did not believe that we would reach our full potential.   Our single purchase and optional subscription plan was confusing many potential buyers and limiting the size of the community.   In addition, developing the content for subs vs. non-subs was getting complicated and difficult to balance.

Have you decided to remove the subscription because you have found a good uptake of the game through digital downloads, and how have boxed copy sales performed?

The overwhelming comments from most players is that Global Agenda is one of the best games  they have bought for a single purchase price, on the other hand we had many negative comments on the optional subscription model.  With no subscriptions hanging over player's heads we expect (and have already seen) a large increase in purchases.  Most of our current sales have been through digital distribution but we expect to increase our retail sales.

Is the plan to increase the playerbase at a quick rate by removing the subscription model?

Yes, we expect the player base to increase more quickly when players do not need to purchase a subscription.

The upcoming Sandstrom patch features some quite significant updates and this update will be available to all for free. In the future content updates will be available through optional content updates which will be charged for. What will happen to players who do not purchase the new content and how will you separate the those who have paid and those who have not

Players will always have the option to play together on content they already purchased, our content will always allow players to level up to the max levels no matter which content they purchased.

How do you think this new business model will affect the Agency vs Agency element of the game?

It will allow more players to be involved which will make it more competitive and interesting.

Do you plan on any major changes to cope with more players in Agency vs Agency?

We can easily add additional zones or increase the zone sizes as needed.

Moving forward, the plan is to charge for new content so how often are you planning on pushing out this new content to the community?

Once or Twice a year for new paid expansions.

Are you looking at, or currently testing, new types of gameplay modes for future content updates?

Yes, several will be introduced in the newest Sandstorm patch (free to everyone) including open zone, 10 person PvE defense missions, and Tournaments.  We also expect to introduce additional game modes in the future such as larger PvP battles and Open PvPvE zones.

What kind of content updates have you got planned after Sandstorm has completely rolled out?

There will be content updates between expansions especially for new loot/crafting/achievements/etc

How much do you think the playerbase will increase by now that the monthly subscription model has been removed?

We expect that we will have a substantial increase in the play-base given the surveys and feedback that we have gotten.

Do you plan on adding smaller micro-transactions to the game at any point to help fund future development?

There are a few non-combat/account micro-transaction that will be available.  Those are posted in our forum and will be added to the web site info.

Have you made this change now because you are already developing a new title or sequel?

No, there are no current plans for any other game development other then continuing work on the Global Agenda.

Finally, based on your decision to change the subscription model, do you see this as something that will become more common in the MMO subscription model space?

We think that over time subscriptions will be used less frequently.

Gamers can check out the trial now through IncGamers along with a whole host of Global Agenda content.

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