[johnmangala]

Quote: Originally Posted by aholbert32

I'm not that familiar with games like Fortnite, Apex and other games with a rolling update process so maybe you can answer this question: Are those games actively adding new modes? As you know, I'm an offline gamer and one reason I've always been fine with the annual or bi-annual release schedule sports games currently use is because their are new modes that are introduced each release. Whether its tournament mode or a complete overhaul of career mode (which EA should do a much better job of) or hopefully adding something like Universe mode....how does that happen when the buying audience is expecting regular changes and additions to the game? Especially with a game that doesnt and wont have the resources of a game like Fortnite or Apex. Also doesnt this sort of system prevent big overhauls? For example, the survey indicates that there will be grappling changes. Now I dont know what those changes are (honestly the GCs are really in the dark about this aspect of the new game) but what if GC is doing a complete teardown of the the mechanics of the grappling system? If thats the case, how does that work under an updates system?

In the case of Fortnite they are. They shuffle between several new limited time modes and sometimes if they are popular enough they become standard. Granted I doubt EA Sports would pump as much resources into a f2p (unless it becomes a massive success) as Epic does for Fortnite. However, the game's foundation is set except for grappling.

The f2p model may not be in for the EA UFC 4 but after grappling/subs are revamped, the game would benefit greatly from more frequent updates. This wouldn't prevent further overhauls, over the course of time. We can see games like Star Wars Battlefront receiving new game modes and overhauls despite being far more understaffed and underfunded ATM than EA Sports.

Quote:

An updates system seems to work perfectly if the foundation of a striking or grappling system is great and you are just tweaking or adding to the current systems depth. How does it work if thats not the case? You cant slowly add gameplay elements if you are creating a new system? Let me be clear. I'm not trying to debate this. I'm just very interested in how you guys envision this system playing out. I'd also be interested in your thoughts from a financial perspective. This isnt a game with low overhead like Fortnite or other games. Before EA even creates a single element of UFC4, its already in the red simply because they have to pay a license to the UFC. Under the current system, they have a pretty much guaranteed stream of revenue every 2 yrs. 300k-500k people buy this game at $60 during the first few mos after release. As the year goes on more buy it a lower price points. Do you guys think that the sale of UFC related DLC (Skins, shorts, walkout Ts, Fighters and Venues) will generate enough revenue to make up for that loss of guaranteed $60 sales every 2 years? Will EA have to go to a season pass model ($30 a year)? Would you prefer that than a brand new game every 2 years?

I agree with your point. A f2p model would definitely work much better if the foundation is in place.

However I think all that really needs a real revamp is grappling and subs. Say that is the focus in developing EA UFC 4 now. That EA UFC 4 (hypothetically as f2p) would release with revamped grappling and subs then thereon all that is needed is more constant updates, leaving room for larger overhauls over the course of time like Battlefront did with their large updates.

On cosmetics and such, if the supply is constant and fresh like Fortnite and not Battlefront- it can be profitable. I can't reliably comment on if it'll make up for the loss of +$60 every year but I would guess that it could if it included fun things like exclusive taunts, animations(non-p2w), locations etc. A season pass probably would happen too as most f2p games do.

I don't know which I'd prefer without the relevant details. However I would imagine a f2p model would have more potential if done properly as it's be accessible to more people and possibility generate more revenue if it becomes popular like Fortnite or Apex Legends.