Former CEO Geoff Iddison told us two things about his plans for ThirdScape:
1. It would likely to use micro-transactions
2. It would be for 2010

Now with Mark Gerhard as the new CEO both of these seem uncertain, and its possible the whole idea of working on another MMO while they've already got MechScape and RuneScape on the go has been kicked into the long grass.

Mark Gerhard recently made a statement in The Guardian criticising the microtransactional model.



It is also the case that during Gerhard's time as CEO there have been no job advertisements which seem to be for ThirdScape, and it seems like the "Head of 2010" position has remained unfilled yet has not being advertised as a vacancy. So it seems like if we do end up getting a ThirdScape it will likely to be very different to Iddison's original plans.

One of the ThirdScape vacancies posted during the Iddison era mentioned games aimed a younger audience. A recent article on Jagex mentioned upcoming games (plural) aimed at an older audience. This could be a new plan for ThirdScape (going for older not younger), but considering the lack of job vacancies I'm guessing it just means that they made a mistake in their report and he was just talking about MechScape being an upcoming game. Remember when the media said Jagex was an American company, or that RuneScape ran on Flash?

Are you guys sad that they aren't working on an exciting new venture, or happy that they won't run the risk of spreading themselves too thin? Do you think microransactions are the way foward if they were to make a new MMO? Are Mark Gerhard's comments spot on?

*Wipes everything I know about Thirdscape from my head*

I don't mind that Jagex might be scraping the Thirdscape idea for now, more time they can spend on Mechscape and Runescape and make sure they are putting out the best product possible.

Like the 2nd poster, I don't mind, as long as they devote more energy to RS/MS/SD. I'm also relieved there will be no Microsanctions in any future games (I hope).

I agree, thirdscape using micro transactions = bad. Games like combat arms ruin the game, especially if you run out of gp or nx.

I'm really glad to see that Gerhard feels this way, hopefully they'll never do a micropayment-based game.

hmm very interesting, i hate the micro transactions any way so its all good

Microtransations are an ethically evil way of making money as it messes with the buyers head. A buyer is more likely to spend a lot of money on a game if they have to pay only 20 cents a week, rather than paying 10 dollars up front. therefore i agree with what Mark Gerhard says about microtransations, and i also am happy with Jagex not working on thirdscape as yet, as it will pull there staff's workload to the limit.

I'm not a fan of Microtransactions myself, and outside of that realm, I was never really looking forward to the 2010 project. I was always looking forward to Mechscape. chances are they've abandoned the 2010 project or put it in limbo atleast till they are completed with Mechscape (or atleast once its released). I have a feeling a large portion of their revenue is being dumped into Mechscape.

Gerhard's position that micro-transactions are the way of the future is spot on, IMO. Why wouldn't the greater part of the market bow to more commercially viable methods? From what I know of Iddison, it makes sense that he would pursue the micro-transaction method, being less interested in the integrity of the game than the money making ability. Its good to see that Gerhard is focussed on ethical treatment of the consumer.

Gerhard isnt for micro-transactions, it was the buckethead Iddison who was. But i do agree that Iddison sacrificed the Integrity and funness of the game all in the name of profit.

So glad they aren't going to make Thridscape! They haven't even got Runescape sorted out yet and they still haven't realsed Mechscape ethier.

You may ask "What do you mean by Runescape isn't sorted out", I mean that there game is losing alot of Players and there updates are aimed at 10year olds instead of 20year olds... This game is slowing but surely dieing off little-by-little.

Mechscape needs to hurry up since i'm bored out of my mind with Runescape and it's rubbish updates and trashy PvP.

It depends on what the consumer gets in the micro-transaction and how that item effects the game. If it's say....a special dye for character hair or clothing or whatever to customize and such there is no harm. Maybe a pet that has no effect in game but just looks kewl...no harm there either. Now where it could be harmful is powerful weapons or abilities that could be purchased.

If I can get a Special Skin or Paint for my Mech for example that would be kewl and set my Mech aside from others but the paint/skin wouldn't make it more powerful. That would be a good Micro-Trans or a kewl blue glow added to some details on it would do no harm. Now If I were getting some Mega Plasma Cannon that did higher than normal damage would be unfair.

Good micro-trans could really bring in extra money so there would be no need for Ads anywhere in the game ...be it Free or Pay to play. It could also fund extra Devs to bring even better updates.

I'm with Gerhard on that one.
I'm glad to see he's going in this direction, but just because he's spoken out against micro-transactions doesn't mean that there will be no "ThirdScape". It's possible that, upon creating MechScape, they've absolutely fallen in love with their system to remove Real World Trading, and it is a must have in any other of their future MMO's. So that would put ThirdScape on hold, while they wait to see how the system in MechScape holds up against RWT.

In RuneScape's rule number 12, 'Real World Trading', they say

Whilst they are talking about real world trading, the same goes for microtransactions. Most games which use microtransactions usually become successful due to them appearing to be very good, and being free. This brings in a load of players, but almost just as many quit, as the game very quickly becomes 'owned' by item mallers.
Players don't like this, they feel it is unfair, and they can't get the most out of the game without someone who is overpowered getting in the way.

I'd say that statement in rule 12 already ruled out microtransactions in the first place, although it seems Iddison was more for money, and less for players.

Edit: I might also add that items bought through microtransactions are way overprices, considering an infinite amount can be generated freely.
For example, in one game they are considering releasing high powered weapons into the item mall, which you can pay to use for one month, and it is rumoured that they will be priced at over $200 USD.

Yes, very very good, I am not a fan of micro transitions at all. I rather keep it up front.

Mirco transactions are more expensive then subscriptions. I'm glad they are not going to do them. Simple monthly payments are the best for the customer.

For how different Gerhard is to the previous CEO I wouldn't consider anything during his time as important pertaining to the future plans of Jagex.

Sounds good to me - much rather they focus resources on current projects rather than creating new teams. Also, I'm definatly not a fan of these micro-transactions either.

I consider this good news. I myself don't mind micro-payment MMO's but I understand that they're not a decent way to run a game. Certain games like MapleStory and CABAL have "extras" (like cool costumes) you can purchase with a micro-payment; this kind of stuff is an OK idea. As for Jagex, the way they make money for their game is PERFECT. They shouldn't change a thing. I wasn't ever too excited about ThirdScape - I thought it to be interesting, but never as cool as MechScape.

This sounds excellent to me, they haven't even launched Mechscape yet, so why bother setting up a third MMO already? Microtransactions are a pain in the neck and are also basically authorised RWT. If they are serious about your rl wealth not influencing the game then of course they will not use microtransactions.

In regards to broadband and mobile phone tariffs, I prefer unlimited usage on a flat fee basis, thats what i want from my gaming as well.

Me too, i don't like games with micro tansactions

Okay, here is how it goes.

Runescape=Fantasy,

MechScape=Sci-fi,

ThirdScape=Normal.

It might suck badly.

I really never liked the idea that only months or a year after their new game (ms)
that they would be bringing out another one so i wouldn't mind it just i want
the games to be the best games in the WORLD!

Great find
I would hate to pay cash for in-game items....

I absolutely hate games with Micro-Transactions with a pure passion!

I'm glad Mark Gerhard has pushed that aside.

It's no surprise that Jagex would attempt to demonize it's competitors. In their official forums, you cannot even mention a competitor's name, let alone discuss them. A policy that is quite absurd considering how passionate gamers are about.... GAMES.

Perhaps this sentiment stems from their hard stance on RWT in their flagship: Runescape.

I would not use the language Gerhard used to describe microtransactions. It can be a viable business model and there is plenty of precedent for success using it.

Where my views differ is in it's lesser cousin; DLC (downloadable content)

Now, I am not fully against charging for DLC. I just think that a game developer should respect it's established fanbase and assign appropriate price points being mindful of the fact there is no manufacture cost or middlemen in delivering new content in that manner.

Take for example the expansion(s) for SEGA's Valkyria Chronicles. Initially I was excited about the prospect, but after further probing it became clear that they intended on charging $5.99 per DLC & these offerings are not large enough to justify those expenses. If all three planned DLC packs were bundled, then I can agree that $5.99 is reasonable, however that is not the case.

Or how about this example: GTAIV: The lost and the damned. The price point is spot on. $20 for what amounts to another 20-30 hours of new missions, storyline and a plethora of new weapons. My only gripe with that one is that they offer this only to Xbox 360 version.

Now back to microtransactions and how it could apply to MMO games.

Imagine we had to pay for each and every new quest in Runescape? Personally, I would not pay unless they offered substantive rewards, compelling repeatable content that is "opened" afterwards and they raised the bar on current offerings. Sorry but I would not pay if we had the same newb requirements however I most likely could be convinced to pay for quests IF the level requirements were higher, the content awe inspiring and the aftermath of the expirience left you with tangible, meaningful content to utilize in further developing your character and standing apart from the mediocre players.

I'm not so bothered about the diminishing likelihood of Thirdscape being made any time soon, especially if it means Jagex are ruling out micro-transactions. You only have to look as far as the Xbox 360's Marketplace/Microsoft Point system to see a vast amount of ridiculously overpriced crap or stuff that simply should have been included in the game from the get-go (I'm looking at you Capcom/Resident Evil 5). When it comes to MMORPGs containing micro-transactions the possibilities are almost limitless to the point where you could literally slap a price tag on anything new you introduce to the game, be it items, spells, missions, locations, etc. That's certainly not something I'd like to see in a Jagex game.

owell.

Jagex always change there minds :P

So glad, I said right from the start I will not be playing 'Thirdscape' if it had micro-transactions. Wasn't one of the reasons for wiping out RWT because they didn't want characters wealth and skills in game to be based on the players real life wealth? Micro-transactions will do exactly that, it's the only reason why I stopped playing games like Gunz so quickly.

Microtransactions are a horrid thing, and I hope they're not going to do them.

Why do you guys worry about staff overload and stuff even if ThirdScape is in development. Jagex would just get more people to work on ThirdScape, like they did with FunOrb and MechScape.

1. I don't really care, Runescape and Mechscape are the only things in my mind when I think of Jagex. No need to get excited about a game which is still very far away from being released.

2. Microtransactions are BAD. A player should be rewarded with items by the way he plays and not by how rich he is IRL. Microtransactions also remove that good feeling of when you accomplish something in-game, since you're basically giving money for the items being given to you. However, this may cater to some players (We all know how strong RWT is in MMOs).

3. I agree with Mark.

One thing that annoys me about microtransactions is this: You can't earn points to buy items from the items mall.
Some people just can't buy things from the item mall with real money. It would be nice if they could earn "Fake money" to spend in the item mall just by playing lots.

I agree with what Gerhard has to say. By buying in-game items with real money it devalues the game. You could spend $100 and get all the best items etc. without ever experiencing the actual game play. It takes away from the thrill of becoming better and better by putting you instantly at the top.

Fantasy*

Sci-fi*

Just like RWT, why would they include it if ppl used stolen credit card numbers again.....

Micro-Transactions are another way to make money, I cannot agree or disagree with it until I see the actual costs. If it ends up that I spend 5 pounds a month then I am fine with that, on the other hand if I end up spending 50 pounds a month because I want the best items, then something is wrong.

I do not think JaGeX would abuse Micro-Transactions's psychological power and end up making us spend a lot more than we intended to, I think if the costs are kept fair then I would not mind. Knowing JaGeX I would doubt they would try to make unfair profit from their fans so I am not worried ;-P


I wonder what will happen of ThirdScape, could be a project on hold, either way I love what JaGeX does ;-P

Ah, and another big thing going around in the latest MMO's is gambling. They have boxes which, when opened, give a random item(s). It might be something that will make you instantly rich, or ends up being a useless untradable item(s). People spend a bit of money, are angry they don't get anything, so they spend more and more, thinking they are bound to eventually get it.

I talked to someone on the forums who quit after spending $2,000 USD and not getting the one item he wanted. (good on him for managing to quit)

i just want mechscape anyways:D

I'm with you. The game just becomes whoever can pay the post IRL cash for items. Good for the business, bad for players who don't think it's worth dishing out $20 every time a new weapon comes out.

I used to play a game that didn't have micro-transactions and all the sudden they just put them on there without anyone knowing and they were like hey everyone we have them now

and then i quit because there was no point in trying to do anything because the whole point of the game was buying stuff for you person

and after 3 years...its still like that and there are less players

i miss that game

I must have missed everything, what the heck is thirdscape?

Thirdscape Was/Is a 3rd mmorpg that Jagex was supposed to be working on that was supposed to come out in 2010. It was announced during Geoff Iddison's reign as CEO.

But recently since Mark Gerhard came in, i believe jagex has elected too..put the project on hold, indefinetly for some time, or possibly scrapped it. Rumor has it that the so called Stellar Dawn may have been Thirdscape, though it redirects to funorb.

don't mind that Jagex might be scraping the Thirdscape idea for now

I also don't think too much about ThirdScape, well, not as much as I do about MechScape. Of course, most of us are hyped about the release of MechScape, and when we hear about another game with no solid information relating to the game itself, we kind of shrug at the idea and play the newly released game.

Also, I'd like to include my input on micro-transactions. I believe that when you take a successful company such as Jagex, and change the rules to gain more money, you inevitably lose loyal customers and any good reputation you previously had. It's kind of like when a fast-food company takes away an ingredient of a recipe. Sure, it costs less to make, but by taking away that ingredient that made it taste good in the first place, who will purchase your product? They can just go to another fast-food franchise that tastes better but costs a dollar more.

MMm i'm not said about thirdscape, and microtransactions was a bad idea. No point playing unless your rich IRL. OR willing to put your hard earned money into a game. Well i put hard earned money into runescape but it's only $10 a month.

I could care less.

yeah in most games that i've played that deal with microtransactions or somethin that involve you paying for items or more ingame money, basically your shit out of luck if you run out of money, and its uber hard to get any other money or good items without paying.

Wouldn't be that good at the game if theres micro-transactions. Maybe you could make it by clicking ads we get points for in game items.

Exactly. Why put that much money into a 'game'

Lol, um. Replying to your other self there Pix?

i quite happy for jagex to not make a thirdscape for a wile since runescape needs a bit of work and mechscape isn't out yet
also even of they did decide do do a thirdscape wots it gonna based on cus mech and swords they've don't hav much to do maybe modern stuff like m16 and ak-74 p90
with the micro transactions i haven't really use them so got knowledge on that.

It seems like they are integrating the gameplay element which they were going to use in ThirdScape into RuneScape: