BlahCade #163: Not down with IAP (yeah you know me)

[jaredmorgs]

In today's mobile gaming world, freemium models are often the only way developers can earn a crust in a crowded game market.


Getting the balance right between playing for free to level up (grinding) versus playing outright can be a tough balance to get right.


It seems that Zen might have made a misstep with pricing on their Android release of Williams Pinball.


While the app is released in beta form, in-app purchases are live and available to purchase.


So what are the current pricing differences between Android and iOS? Well, quite a lot as you'll find out when you listen to this episode.


Check out https://blahcadepinball.com/163-not-down-with-iap for show notes and screenshots of actual in-game pricing, and the usual show timings you love (you do love 'em right)?

 

[DA5ID]

I just unlocked all 7 tables (4 star/owned) tonight - it took me 12 days just playing the daily challenges (no refresh)
I ended up level 25, 22,900 tickets, and 208 zen coins left over.
Enjoyed the challenge, didn't pay a cent (unless ignoring ads counts lol)

 

[jaredmorgs]

I just unlocked all 7 tables (4 star/owned) tonight - it took me 12 days just playing the daily challenges (no refresh)
I ended up level 25, 22,900 tickets, and 208 zen coins left over.
Enjoyed the challenge, didn't pay a cent (unless ignoring ads counts lol)

Was this on iOS?

 

[DA5ID]

Was this on iOS?

Yes iOS
Played all 4 challenges every day

 

[shutyertrap]

See? I'm not the only one! Only difference is I haven't played the 4th challenge (maybe I should unlock it seeing this) and I only have one table with 4 stars and the rest with 3 at the moment. Hey DA5ID, do Zen a solid and leave a review or star rating in the app store. Currently the disgruntled are slamming them with 1 star notices.

 

[Gord Lacey]

Yes iOS
Played all 4 challenges every day

I played every day for a week and only had 2 of the challenges unlocked. I haven't played for awhile now; went back to playing Zen Pinball.

 

[DA5ID]

See? I'm not the only one! Only difference is I haven't played the 4th challenge (maybe I should unlock it seeing this) and I only have one table with 4 stars and the rest with 3 at the moment. Hey DA5ID, do Zen a solid and leave a review or star rating in the app store. Currently the disgruntled are slamming them with 1 star notices.

4th challenge only gives tickets on the 3 reward loot boxes (progressively more with 5/10/15 stars) and cost 100 zen coins to unlock.
I did it mainly for the chance to get table parts with the "paid" loot box which cost 3 zen coins each time- it mostly gave out table parts, sometimes ball "powerups".
I was a little mad when it gave me the duplicate table parts for tables i already owned but it all evened out as the "ad" loot box generously gave out 20 zen coins several times.

I will admit it took me a long time (read confused as ****) in the beta before i figured out the "rhythm" of this system. as soon as i did i started enjoying it.

 

[kinggo]

Yes iOS
Played all 4 challenges every day

on andorid you get ONE per day and rewards suck. As it is now, I won't collect 50 parts to upgrade MM in the next 3 months.