Comments on: A Fair Price To Pay

By: Gary160974

Gary160974 — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 05:34:52 +0000

The only data that was released is now old, N Dreams celebrated getting 1 million unique users visiting Aurora. it took a year over 4 regions. Which at the time a fair game would shift 1 million copies in one region in a year. Add to that multiple accounts and that most users on home buy very little, you can see the risks. Now it’s getting to the point where there’s so many similar items, price and quality will be even more a selling tool. I wouldnt buy a plain canvass chair, loot give one away free, buying the whole mansion means each piece was discounted. Making personal spaces cost less means with have to decorate them, meaning furniture sales as well. Granzella did that well with Paris apartment. The things that sell well on home are the multiply micro sales and it’s how to do that with items as well is the key. Every high priced item or game opens the ps3 disc game versus home debate again.

By: Terra_Cide

Terra_Cide — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 21:19:42 +0000

As we haven’t received a top ten list in many, many months, nor has the top ten items list in the Home store been updated (which is where we pulled our data from on the last one we ever published -- is it even there now?), I don’t think they are sending those lists anymore.

By: Erick

Erick — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 20:53:33 +0000

Great article, John! Is the home management team still giving out a top ten list of items sold each month? I’m sure that will help a little, but not too much.

Your company’s work is most welcomed in the community! Each item seems to completely have the users in mind in it’s components.

As for the gauging, I’m very glad you brought this up and set to rest the many rumors. I will be passing along this article to the rest of the community!

By: Nora Rich

Nora Rich — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 20:50:26 +0000

I like the idea of a premier price, where things are maybe on sale for 2-3 weeks at an opening price which is on the low side, then announce there will be a raise in price just before it goes up to a higher price. You will actually get more money at first, because of all the units sold. Occasionally, if a thing is not as well received at full price,maybe it is then you can sell it cheaper too. Not every one on home has the money to spend on items. I am doing pretty good with the things I decide to buy at full price, especially items that may not be on home forever, but some people do not have much money to spend on virtual things, no matter how well crafted. I know how much work goes into making things though, and know I do appreciate your work.^_^

By: yahslover

yahslover — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 18:21:00 +0000

Great to hear you insight…you trully are flying blind.I for one do not think your prices are too high,From my experience so far I think the day at the races is too low.Same with the diy racer,Insane prices for what they actually do.
I run a business so I understand the constant complaints from atleast one fourth of your customers about price.I sell a custom made 16x20 for 75 but still get those people.These are the same people who complain about free items.
Your prices are awesome,so glad your on home.And I’m looking foward to obtaining more from you.

By: Kid Fleetfoot

Kid Fleetfoot — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 15:46:26 +0000

I’m not at all a businessman and you don’t want me keeping your books. One thing that surprised me probably because I haven’t thought much about it is that you and other devs are not told the amount of people in Home. Were I to open a business in a community I would want to know the population and if possible the percentage of the population that would frequent my business. You guys are flying blind in some respects. That you do well is commendable.

I do think that price makes a difference not that you said any different really. Recently I had no intention of buying the Hollywood Hills Night Estate because of what I perceived the price to be. I forget what that price was. However, when I discovered the price was $4.99 from the Loot Store I jumped on it so I could put in fireworks.
Another place where price made a difference was the Gold Mansion. Through what I believe was a pricing glitch I was able to buy the whole thing for around $20. The garage I think was free but still the average per space for the four rooms was $5.

I could care less what anyone charges because if the price is too high (opinion) and I don’t want to pay it, I will do without.

Thanks for your history. I found the article fascinating and I wish you luck on your business.
I’m glad you like Home too and I hope you get filthy rich but more importantly have fun and get satisfaction from what you are doing.

By: Burbie52

Burbie52 — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 10:30:08 +0000

Great article John. It is about time that a developer stood up and explain the truth of things to those who haven’t a clue yet spend their days whining about things.
People don’t realize how much truly goes int creating something from scratch for Home. The concept, then the art, then the actual creation are a long arduous process, and depending on how complex the item is, it can take months to finish. But apparently all of the developers in Home are supposed to live on pretzels and water and give us everything without worrying about their respective families or bills.
Those who complain about this all the time must live under the idea that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, but that isn’t always the case, sometimes you just get used to the noise and move on.
You and Mike do great work, and your passion for Home and the quality of your work speak for themselves. I for one am glad you decided to stick it out with Home, even though many times it is a thankless job.

By: KrazyFace

KrazyFace — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 07:37:52 +0000

From the outside of any business, it can be hard for Joe Soap to fully understand. I suppose my basic thought process about stuff in Home was that since everything’s digital -- nothing more than pixels -- then once an item is made it can be mass produced at zero (or extremely little) cost to the supplier. It becomes a licence to print money.

There is one, little snag there though; it has to sell a fair amount for that to become the case. Otherwise a company will have spent money on R&D, staff, etc and not recouped that expenditure. Then they have to put another money sink into the same resources on their next idea.

Joe Soap rarely thinks of these things; all he sees are big, rich, faceless “corporations” selling buckets of everything to everyone! And of course Joe Soap will insist that rather paying bills and licenses, staff and whatever else, the company board meeting is just guys in suit jackets and underwear rolling around in HIS money!

“Functionality” really is the key now. Sure, people will still buy things because they’re popular or pretty, but now it’s mostly a case of what can an item DO. You guys at Game Mechanics have hit a sweet-spot with your furnishings that take up much less in actual item count than what’s visually available for the avatars to interact with. That makes the basic function of the item more attractive than its aesthetics, nail em both and you’re gonna have a hit.

Good article, it’s great to hear a developer actually speaking from the heart than from behind a PR mouthpiece. Thanks!

BTW, some more variations of car-furniture wouldn’t go amiss ; )