The Monthly Fee and You

[Carlo210]

PSU will have a monthly fee whether you like it or not. By now, we should all know why ST needs the continuous cash flow from their online gamers, but there are reasons why many gamers shy away from games requiring these fees. To some, it's downright undesirable to spend money on a game 'after' you payed 70-80 bucks for it. To others, they just don't have the money to spare on 'more' gaming.
To those who would be willing to pay a fee to play PSU online, how easy/hard will the likely 10$ U.S (approx.) a month be to access and pay off?

---
By the way, in the poll, what I mean by 'access' in terms of your credit card is if you are old enough to freely use your credit card for regular payments. Also, it may be hard to 'access' the money inside because of other reasons, such as an instable cash amount inside or the fact that you just simply don't use your card's money (saving purposes).
I suspect anyone above 18-20 can access their Credit Card freely.

EDIT: Alright, maybe the 'OK access to CCard, but $$ is not for games' choice shouldn't be 'Hard', so just forget about the easy/hard in front of each option.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Carlo210 on 2006-07-09 09:46 ]</font>

[VioletSkye]

Actually for those of us who have played pc games online for years and years, the monthly fee seems normal. I think it's mainly younger console players who have issues with the monthly fee. For me personally it will be a piece of cake to pay for. I'll put it on one of my platinum cards and game away http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

People who bitch about it clearly don't understand that bandwidth costs money, running servers costs money, maintaining those servers costs money, providing new content costs money. Yes there are a few companies that provide/have provided free online play, but it can end up taking a heavy toll on the company. For big sellers like Guild Wars, it's not as bad, but for smaller titles it can be a real problem.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: VioletSkye on 2006-07-09 10:07 ]</font>

[Carlo210]

I agree. The monthly fees are absolutely necessary (hope I didn't make it sound like I thought otherwise). I am turning 17 in a couple of weeks and I don't have a credit card worked out for myself yet. I mean, I have a credit card, but I haven't had any steady cash flow from a job until recently. Most of my cash is in savings, and the rest is spending money.
I voted 'Medium - Enough cash on CCard, but hard to access' because it's hard for me to access right now, but I'm sure I'll be able to freely access it in the near future since I'll actually have some spendable moolah in it. http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
Now to see if Xbox 360 servers get linked to PS2 and PC servers...
I mean, I doubt the online Xbox 360 PSU community will be large enough to really enjoy. I mean, imagine playing FFXI on the 360 without being able to play with ps2 and pc users.
It'd be like Diablo 2 'Classic' (hopefully not if x360 servers do have to be seperated from ps2/pc). http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Carlo210 on 2006-07-09 10:34 ]</font>

[AlaskaMan]

Eh i wont be able to play psu online EVER. My mom is already paying for my other game FFXI. She will never pay for this

[hypersaxon]

Tell your mom that FFXI sucks and you'd rather play PSU because it's a kajillion times better http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Anyway, I have no problem paying any monthly fees, now that I'm starting my new job and am going to be working full time http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[VioletSkye]

Yeah, I definitely hope that all the servers end up being linked. I'll be on PC and I have a Ventrilo server running for those that would like to use voice chat. For those that don't want to use it, text chat will be just fine with me. I'm of the opinion: the more the merrier. It would be nice to be able to level with anyone here at PSOW regardless of what version they get http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

BTW congrats on the new jobs Carlo210 and hypersaxon http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: VioletSkye on 2006-07-09 10:43 ]</font>

[Sevenfold]

Im down with some vent man.

[DikkyRay]

10 bucks? I heard it was like 5

[VioletSkye]

On 2006-07-09 11:01, Sevenfold wrote:
Im down with some vent man.


excellent http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif BTW did you mean that you will be running a server also?



On 2006-07-09 11:02, DikkyRay wrote:
10 bucks? I heard it was like 5


An older EGM magazine quoted a price of around $13. I'm not saying EGM is a reliable source but I'm thinking the monthly fee would more likely be around the $10-$13 range as opposed to the $5 range. Time will tell though lol.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: VioletSkye on 2006-07-09 11:16 ]</font>

[Blitzkommando]

Not an issue here. So long as it is under $15 a month I can see myself playing for a while.

[Inazuma]

the thing about games w/ monthly fees like this..

once your playing it, you dont really need to play other games. having monthly fees ends up saving me money every time.

before i started PSO, i was buying like 10 games a month 0_0! but pso was such an amazing game, everything else sucked in comparison so i hardly bought any other games.

i will prob end up paying for 2 psu hunter licences but the only other video game i see myself buying is smash bros online for the wii. these monthly fee games pay for themselves, at least in my case.

[ShadowTH1000]

Well, my parents have internet shopping phobia. They think everyone is going to take their money away on the internet. I've told my parents that its Nintendo, or Sega they are not going to steal their money, but they say no. I'm 17 so as soon as I get a drivers license the first thing I'm going to do is get a job to pay for PSU

[StarLionsX]

The fees are what keeps cheaters and hackers from ruining the game for people. Not only that it keeps new updates and stuff like that coming in so we can all be happy! YAY

[Sevenfold]

On 2006-07-09 12:17, StarLionsX wrote:
The fees are what keeps cheaters and hackers from ruining the game for people. Not only that it keeps new updates and stuff like that coming in so we can all be happy! YAY



Amen.

[Saner]

hmmm there is no option in the poll about using pre-paid credit cards you buy at a store.

or possibly account cards for this game you buy at a store, like those Xbox Live Gold subscription cards you scratch off the back for the code.

well that is if Sega will offer account cards you can buy at a store like EB, I think that would be a great option because not everyone has a credit card, etc. etc.

http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/pizza.gif

plus buying those cards, you are basically paying for your account and their service up front, that way you owe them nothing in the future until the time you subscribed for is over and therefore buy another card to continue for another month/year/etc.

http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/burger.gif

[EnixBelmont]

My parents will be paying with thier debit card. I have to give them the money, but if its anything like the other MMOs I have played, they end up forgeting and pay for it anyway http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

[Rubesahl]

Well, I'm 20 and my bank only gives CCs to people 21 and older XD So I use my mother's. As for the money for online fees, she doesn't mind since she 'pays me' that way for errands and stuff I do >_> I guess my mom is really nice though O_o I've heard such horror stories about parents and gamer's online fees that I'm amazed how uptight parents can really be (and I mean in financially stable families btw). Well, I'm pretty sure I'll be a really cool dad http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Pyronin]

I need a job. >.< And a debit card.
Why is this world so cruel?!

[TheGreyCliche]

I'm a definate medium, I have my own checking account and support my self (as much as a college student can) and work a regular part time job as well as going to school full time. So after various payments for school, housing, books, food and other "luxury" items, i should have enough to cover a montly fee. However, in the past with PSO i found myself having to cancel and reopen my account a few times when my funds began to deplete.

[Carlo210]

I have a bankers card (card the bank gave me), so I assume I'll be using that.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Carlo210 on 2006-07-09 14:24 ]</font>

[Mewn]

I have a debit card of my own, but since it's Solo neither JP nor US PSU will support it (barring a miracle, heh).

I'll just use my mom's debit card, since it's Visa, should work at least for US PSU. I have the money to pay for online, and as Inazuma pointed out, playing games with monthly fees tends to be pretty long-term, so you don't buy as many 'offline' games.

[FlakariLeader]

I'd easily be able to pay for this. Although my dad has the credit card that I use, I paid for a different MMO that costed more per month.

[tank1]

Im unemployed so money is a problem i make cash doing cash in hand work on the side but ive been putting a little aside here and there so when PSU comes out ill have enough money for a bout a years worth of online gaming woot!

[TheyCallMeJoe]

Well unfortunately my age prohibits me from getting a credit card...so I have to use my parents. Sometimes I have to pay half, and always have to keep the grades up -_-. But other than that there isn't too much controversy.

[Shivore]

Well, my parents view $50 for a game as near highway robbery. There is NO way they would ever agree to help me pay $10+ every month for a game. Fortunately, I'll turn 18 August 31st, and my parents want me to have a credit card after that to start building a credit history. So that will make it feasible, but they will probably prefer to see the monthly statement. I intend to order a Christmas gift online the same month I make my first PSU payment so I have an excuse to hide the statement. I have a job, it's my money, and I'll be 18 so... yeah sneaky, but I don't think it's anything wrong.

A note about my parents allowing this though: My Uncle on my mother's side had PS 1-3 on the master system and Genesis. Don't know why, but I think from something she saw in them from long ago, she has always carried a fairly severe hatred of the Phantasy Star series. Hmmn, better hide the box too.

Sneaky little devil aren't I? http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Kayai]

I'm, like many others, going to use my parents debit card and give them money per month (i have 3 other bros to split the cost though so divide the fee by 3) So its going to be VERY cheap for me

[Abaru-FP]

Well, I'll be moving around the time that PSU comes out so money will be really tight. But for PSU, I'll make the money come from somewhere.

[Sev]

Well... As long as I don't get fired money won't be a problem. Even then, I would probably be ok for a little while, but my car insurance and car note are no joke... I don't think I'll see myself having to cancel PSU at anytime though.

[Hrithmus]

$10 a month is nothing, For PSOU i'll be willing to pay $45 a month

[Ikubi]

The money is no big deal for me, i have a full time job that pays well. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, my credit is shot and i have to wait another year before i can get an account with a bank. ;-; So that means i have to get a pre-paid CCard, which are kinda a hassle. XD But i will be paying for months in advance, if i do. >w<

[Alisha]

On 2006-07-10 05:43, Sev wrote:
Well... As long as I don't get fired money won't be a problem. Even then, I would probably be ok for a little while, but my car insurance and car note are no joke... I don't think I'll see myself having to cancel PSU at anytime though.



car note?

i have a discover card so i will use the same reloadable master card ive been using all this time for ffxi

[Tystys]

Bah, my family has hit a snag in the money inventory, so at the current moment, I don't think it's possible that I can use my mother's CC(yes, I am below the age of 18 SHUT UP XD). However, let's hope things lighten up come October.

[Kyuu]

On 2006-07-10 07:20, Alisha wrote:

car note?

Likely one of those quirky european terms. My assumption is that it's the same as a car payment (as in, payment on a car loan).

[Split]

lol, the only games i've ever played online are pso (for like two months, then my mom was like OMG I'M CHEAP, *subscription cancel*), Conquer, and Gunz. Not only are my parents cheap(and i don't have credit card access), but they've heard horror stories about people getting obsessed with Everquest and never ever leaving their computer screen to do anything besides play it and not be able to tell the difference between the game and real life, but what they don't realize is the fact that that only happens to people who don't do anything besides play video games anyway/don't have a life (I play them a lot, but do a lot of other fun crap, too), and people who are too mentally ill to distinguish what is obviously a game from reality, and that we have more money than we realize.

[Tystys]

See, that is why I make sure I keep my mom away from Gaming news sites and such, O_O.

[Inazuma]

im one of those ppl who will do nothing but play online games -_-

but rite now, im doing nothing at all, just waiting for psu.

i played psobb for 2 solid years, averaged 5 hours a day.

for me its PSU > everything else. i think doing what you want and enjoying yourself is the best way to live. but not if that includes harming others.

[Ikubi]

I like video games as much as other people...maybe a bit more so, but sometimes, i do get tired/bored of them. xD There is more to life than videogames, and the people who live at their comp/console do so because they have no one to kick them outta the house and tell them to have a life. xD

[Sevenfold]

On 2006-07-10 13:36, Ikubi wrote:
I like video games as much as other people...maybe a bit more so, but sometimes, i do get tired/bored of them. xD There is more to life than videogames, and the people who live at their comp/console do so because they have no one to kick them outta the house and tell them to have a life. xD



Perhaps, but if you have a good job, your paying your bills and so forth, I see no problem with gaming your life away. There are much worse things in life to be addicted to.

[Tystys]

On 2006-07-10 14:57, Sevenfold wrote:


On 2006-07-10 13:36, Ikubi wrote:
I like video games as much as other people...maybe a bit more so, but sometimes, i do get tired/bored of them. xD There is more to life than videogames, and the people who live at their comp/console do so because they have no one to kick them outta the house and tell them to have a life. xD



Perhaps, but if you have a good job, your paying your bills and so forth, I see no problem with gaming your life away. There are much worse things in life to be addicted to.



Like Drugs!...O_O

[DizzyDi]

Well my mom is already paying for FFXI so it'll be easy just to tell her "Hey mom, I qutting this game right here and I need you to start paying for this other one."

[Sev]

On 2006-07-10 08:56, Kyuu wrote:


On 2006-07-10 07:20, Alisha wrote:

car note?

Likely one of those quirky european terms. My assumption is that it's the same as a car payment (as in, payment on a car loan).



Quirky european terms? I'm from pennsylvania... That's just what my mom always called it so I picked it up. Kinda like the whole "Soda" and "Pop" thing instead of just saying "Pepsi" or "Coke" I guess. I never really thought that it'd be easier to understand if I said car payment.

And no. I didn't really have anything to add to the topic aside from that.

[DizzyDi]

Lol, car note a quirky european term. Silly people.

[merrycherry9]

I guess im going to do alright adding in PSU to my monthly expenses. Luckily i get to use my moms credit card http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif after some persuasion though.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: merrycherry9 on 2006-07-10 17:32 ]</font>

[Carlo210]

Videogames is just a socially unnaccepted pasttime. I play videogames a lot (when I get something half decent), but I can be kinda embarrassed in telling people I didn't do anything for the weekend and that I jsut played videogames. But you know what? It's relaxing and fun as hell. Other things are fun too, like going out or whatnot, but the relaxation and enjoyment (as well as frustration http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif )you get when gaming is unique. Nothing utterly serious to worry about (missing the subway, doing something your parents are gonna find out about), just fake, addicting entertainment. Real life stuff is fun as hell too, don't get me wrong. I jsut went downtown Toronto yesterday to celebrate Italy's World Cup Vctory. There were literally thousands of people roaming the streets heading towards St. Claire (place in downtown toronto). It was fun and crazy out, and I liked it. I can't say I'd want to do it every week or even month, though. It's a different kind of fun. Videogames is a different kind of fun as well. It's totally unique.
I mean, why go out of your way to do something you can enjoy just because thats what everyone else enjoys? If you find something you truly love to do, then do it. As long as you don't hurt yourself and others, it's all good.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Carlo210 on 2006-07-10 17:35 ]</font>

[Sev]

Compared to some of the other things I tell people I do, they're glad when I say that I only played games durring the weekend.

I know what you mean though, I was reading a manga at work and someone just walked up to me and ask if it was porn. Porn at work... C'mon now... That's just the stigma that it carries though... For some people at least. The internet is a horrible place.

It's easy to say though, what's the difference between going out and getting drunk, reading a book, or playing a game on a weekend? As long as you get enjoyment out of it. It's the point when you neglect other fun activities and friends to stay home and play games ALL THE TIME that gaming is considered bad. At least that's my opinion on it. With gas as it is, who can complain about me wanting to stay home anyway... Haha.

[Ikubi]

Actually, videogames can be as bad for you as drugs. >_> If you get to that point of addiction. I mean, exercise is needed(don't mention DDR), sunlight is needed(not opening a window), and socialization is needed(besides online). The TV/PC is bad for your eyes(i'm not pulling stuff outta my behind here, i've been feeling woosy the past week....b/c i work in an office environment and i come home to chat online.) and i know cuz my eyes are bad, and aren't getting better. xD But i love videogames, and i'm not dissing them. But even if you have responsiblity, its still a uber-fantastic thing to go outside sometimes. Because, yes, there are worst things, but thats not to say that videogames are the mildest of the litter.

[xFuZioN]

Well, with the 360 it is really easy thanks to Microsoft points..if the decide to implement in that system (highly likely). In which, you can purchase microsoft points at a Target, which makes it more accesible than a credit card.

[Sevenfold]

On 2006-07-10 18:40, Ikubi wrote:
Actually, videogames can be as bad for you as drugs. >_> If you get to that point of addiction. I mean, exercise is needed(don't mention DDR), sunlight is needed(not opening a window), and socialization is needed(besides online). The TV/PC is bad for your eyes(i'm not pulling stuff outta my behind here, i've been feeling woosy the past week....b/c i work in an office environment and i come home to chat online.) and i know cuz my eyes are bad, and aren't getting better. xD But i love videogames, and i'm not dissing them. But even if you have responsiblity, its still a uber-fantastic thing to go outside sometimes. Because, yes, there are worst things, but thats not to say that videogames are the mildest of the litter.



Almost everything is bad for you in large quantities, especially if all else is neglected. I mean you can get water poisoning from drinking too much water too fast O_o. When people point to TV and video games, or just media in general as a problem, thats just boderline ignorance. Drugs, sex, and loads else have been doing it for centuries.

[Emrald]

I'm assuming that my parents will use my birthday money to pay for it....so i dunno what that would be under to vote

[Phaze37]

Back in the day I used to pay for PSO with my allowance. Now I'm 21 and I have a job so money isn't an issue. I've been getting credit card offers in the mail for a long time, I'm just too lazy to read all the fine print to make sure I'm not getting ripped off, so I've been putting it off. I have no problem with paying a monthly fee for a quality online gaming experience, especially since PSU has server-side saving, but I refuse to pay a monthly fee just for the right to borrow money from some greedy credit card company!

[DoctorShasta]

Well it will be easy to pay cuz both me and my brother will be paying for it and its like $8 a month so thats like....$4 a month so its no problem at all.

[The-King]

I'm gonna be getting a job at publix, but It is kinda far from where I live, gotta get my bike fixed, but then that doesn't leave me much time to play PSU, with homework, work, school, PSU, Sleep. Its gonna be hell, unless I could get a job baby sitting, because then I'll get paid on the hour, won't have to go anywhere(unless to a childs house). I dunno

[DraginHikari]

Meh as far as money goes, I live at home and currently going to school so I have no extra expenses and honsetly never have so it's fairly easy for me to afford a simple fee like that not to mention I've always been able to keep working alot even during the school year so money never really hit me too hard yet.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: DraginHikari on 2006-07-23 02:33 ]</font>

[-Rei_Ayanami-]

I don't have a credit card yet, nor a job for that matter (though hopefully I can remedy that as I really want to get PSU). I'd hope they would take Solo Debit Card or Paypal, or as mentioned above pre-paid time cards. I have a fair few months before it comes out here in the UK anyway, so I'll look for work, or the winning lottery numbers http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

[TwinBlade]

Ten dollars a month that is like double the cost of xbox live and live is any game not just PSU. That is ridiculus to pay 10 dollars a month plus the 50 bucks a year for xbox live.

[Carlo210]

^
Which is why, if I'm required to pay for Xbox Live Gold and PSU, I just won't play online.

By the way, as it stands, we are all 'assuming' that you DON'T have to pay for Xbox Live Gold to play psu online, just like with FFXII.

[Saner]

ya people can do FFXI without gold.

so it's most likely the same for PSU.


it all depend how greedy Microsoft is. but they might be kind enough to let silver people just Pay Sega for the PSU service.

[Fleece]

Don't pay it then. Simple http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Fleece on 2006-07-23 13:38 ]</font>

[Carlo210]

I said that, but there was something wrong with it... if I remember correctly.

[-Rei_Ayanami-]

It's highly likely that we will have to pay an extra fee to Sega on top of our Gold subscriptions, as was the case with PSO Episodes I+II on the original Xbox. I play FFXI and even with Live Gold you still have to pay a monthly subscription, but you can still play it with Silver and I'd imagine something similar would take place with PSU. Perhaps if it's the only game you are going to want to play online for a while you could suspend your Gold access and just make do with Silver).

[ShinMaruku]

http://objection.4camp.net/go.php?n=234959