NCcoin and Game Time Cards

Some of you may have heard of NCcoin - it's our brand new* company-based micropayment transaction system. Micropayment systems certainly aren't new to gaming, and the truth is we were long overdue for something like this. But it doesn't mean it WILL be used for every game. I think that's an easy assumption to make, but I don't think it is an accurate one. I'd be truly surprised if that ever happens. Regardless, I won't say never. I just think that's highly unlikely.

But I do know what it does mean...at least one more game will *eventually* accept NCcoin. It could be a game that's already out there or it could be a game that hasn't been released yet. It may be a combination of the two. We shall see.

There's a lot of flexibility here with NCcoin - not just for us, but for our customers. You can buy as much or as little as you want. Flat fees are very simple, very clear cut, but they don't consider how much game time you may actually use that month.

Several have expressed their concerns over NCcoin ...if people can buy their way out of actually 'gaming' you run the risk of souring the whole 'work hard for what you want' experience. I think City of Heroes players in particular were worried about that (despite the fact I haven't heard a thing about COH accepting NCcoin). Either way, no matter what the game may be it HAS to be carefully balanced in order for it to work.

Right now you can only use NCcoin to buy items in Exteel, but what if you could purchase time with it in other games? Think of it as a parking meter...you don't need that parking spot for a whole month, so you just pay for the time you actually do use.

It may or may not work. I honestly don't know. Assuming you have the same amount of customers as before it could possibly bring in LESS revenue. It also could be abused by botters, social engineers, and other bad boys and girls who should know better. But on the other hand, the business model may attract additional players who may not have otherwise bothered to play at all.

Speaking of time, as of today you can use game time cards to purchase NCcoin:

Exteel Announcement

NCcoins expire a year after their purchase date, but that's a good thing. You don't ever have to worry about spending it all right away. You can if you want, but there is no pressure.



*'New' was when we launched Exteel (months ago)

Don't let this be you.

Horrific Domain of Legends

I just wanted to give a shout out to the Horrific Domain of Legends - it is a wonderful Dungeon Runners fansite from Europe.

They made this cool video that accurately captures our playing style:

Dungeon Runners video

Sweet. Thanks guys!

One thing that is hard to capture (on video or otherwise) is our kooky sense of humor. The best way to experience that is to just get in the game and see it for yourself.

And if you don't find anything funny in the first 10 minutes of gameplay I want to hear from YOU.