Originally by: WredStorm

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I think CCP's goal is to remove the 16 digit (or however long it is) game-time-code (GTC) from the ISK<->GTC transaction process. The reason for this is that right now, someone with tons of ISK can offer to buy a GTC from someone "the old way" and use the new system to confirm the GTC is valid. They then hold onto that GTC and sell it on Ebay for real cash and then email the GTC to the buyer. They have thus converted ISK into real cash.

The ideal new mechanism would be for CCP to create a means for someone to buy a GTC where they don't get the actual code... instead they would indicate how much ISK they want to sell that GTC for. Likewise, those that want to buy game time for ISK would enter in how much they're willing to pay for X days of game time. The system would automatically match up the first buyer in line that was willing to pay a seller's price and take care of the transaction automagically.

For example, Billy-Bob might put in a "buy" order for a 90d GTC into the new system and offer 340M ISK. I then come along and put in an order for 350M ISK. Peter-Piper comes along and buys a 90d GTC with his credit card and offers it for sale for 360M ISK. Fred comes along and says "I'll pay that much for 90d" and buys Peter-Piper's GTC for the 360M price and has the 90 days automatically added to his account. Later on, Peter-Piper buys another GTC with his credit card and, needing the ISK right away, opts to sell it for 350M ISK and thus it is automatically sold to me, as I have an outstanding offer for 350M.

Basically, it'd be just like the current market system in game, but the buyer/sellers would never get to "hold onto" the GTC itself, and thus it could never be sold on Ebay for real cash.

Everyone would benefit from such a system:
- CCP continues to make money from players that want to convert real $$$ into ISK.
- Players that want to convert real $$$ into ISK are able to do so risk free.
- Players that want to convert ISK to game play are able to do so risk free.
- There is no safe mechanism for people to turn ISK into real $$$... after all, why would you buy ISK from an ISK farmer when you could simply use CCP's system and do it all completely risk free?

For those that think this "endorsement" by CCP of converting real $$$ into ISK is bad, you need to keep in mind that if CCP did not facilitate such trades then players would still be doing it, they'd just be going through some 3rd party company to do it (ie: ISK farmers). Converting real $$$ into ISK is going to happen one way or another... at least this way CCP benefits from it and the players are at zero risk of being scammed/cheated in some way. I see it as a necessary evil that is far better than the alternatives.

WredStorm

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Originally by: Arron S

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Only reason the bobit is against it, is that they dont want people playing for 12 hours a day everyday like they do.

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Originally by: Robert Dobbs

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Originally by: bloomich

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Ironic, since one of your directors used to buy/sell GTC's?

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If you're talking to me, I'm aware that many people in BoB rely on the GTC system.

Unlike a lot of weak minded individuals, my opinion is not based on which ingame faction I am allieged to. Those in BoB who participate in the GTC system are just as guilty as the thousands of other players who do it.

My opinion remains the same.

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Originally by: Faye Valerii

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I DO NOT WISH to subsidize loafers and other social parasites. Because WE, the PAYING customers, will be subsidizing the gametime of these non-lifers with our hard-earned subscription money.

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Originally by: mogwai

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Originally by: Faye Valerii

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I DO NOT WISH to subsidize loafers and other social parasites. Because WE, the PAYING customers, will be subsidizing the gametime of these non-lifers with our hard-earned subscription money.

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I work 6 days a week, dont earn a great deal and have played eve for 4 years (paying by visa).
Recently i switched to GTC's as it was the only method open for me at the time to be able to continue playing whilst having financial difficulties whilst taking legal action against a company in rl.
Your comments about 'loafers and other social parasites' seriously offends me and i really hope that someone places a seriously good punch on your face in rl.
Get over it you fool and go play WOW if your that bothered

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Originally by: Robert Dobbs

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Originally by: Skakkee

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They could just sell the isk back to the players for rl money

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Thus turning EVE into "second life" and losing most of the players.

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Originally by: Victor Ivanov

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Let me respond to this with the only perspective at my disposal, namely my own:

I am a philosophy student at the Amsterdam University. I live in a tiny student appartment, and my monthly costs are tiny due to aforementioned cheap housing, and not being a proverbial big spender. When I'm not working, I like to play EVE, but I do not always have the time to rat and thus I find that the few hours I have to spend will be spend on getting money so that I can do what I really like (Pvp).

The time spend gathering said isk to finance my passion for pvp is exponentially larger than the duration of the pvp itself. Thus, I have tightened my belt a notch or two, and save up 50 bucks every month. Once a month, I'll buy GTC's, which allows me to use my time on EVE doing what I like just a tad more frequently. Because we are forgetting the core that is EVE-Online:

It is a game. And games, while a viable hobby in itself, are played for enjoyment and relaxation.

Now, don't get me wrong. I entirely comprehend the argument that it is unfair that players with deeper pockets are given a chance to get ahead in the game. And I concur with that statement, although I must admit that a large portion of those people vehemently opposed to the GTC trade could have put a little more thought into their arguments, as opposed to loudly yelling inferred insults at CCP and GTC traders. (This thread is an exception, as the amount of notorious Eve forum whining is not quite so cacophonic. :) )

But, my point is that there is a counter argument to the previous stated reasoning against GTC:

Couldn't one argue that it is JUST as unfair for people who have more time to spend on EVE?

I'm not saying the above is my individual opinion, but I threw it in there for the sake of looking at all sides of the story. Money vs Free time is a discussion that could last forever, but think about it nonetheless.

There will ALWAYS be an imbalance in any online game, especially MMORPG's. There will always be a guy with higher tier stuff than you. Does it really matter if he got his stuff by investing money in the developers and his hobby, or because he has no job and has the entire day to get himself ahead.

Now, bear in mind that those are two extremes, and most of us players will fall somewhere in between.

That aside, try and look at all sides before formulating an opinion. :) Sure, this is coming from someone who studies philosophy and is thus spoonfed that impartialness is vital to logical deduction, but that aside. :)

My humble two cents.

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Originally by: Robert Dobbs

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The ISK/GTC trading should have never been introduced. It allows players to use their real life cash to achieve an advantage in the game - which negates all the effort I have spent progressing my character and my game experience.

Originally by: "Faye Valerii"

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Below you will find a post by CCP explaining how they plan to allow players to buy gametime with ISK.

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.. so what do you think this current GTC system is doing?

YES CCP should prevent ALL game time <==> ISK trading. This won't happen, but they should do it, since it's ruining the game, much moreso than eBay was before this thing was "legalised".

NO CCP are NOT wrong to re-think the current GTC system. The way it works atm is a total shambles and is having a negative effect on the game.

It seems CCP are trying to find a more balanced solution. I applaude and appreciate this.

~Dobbs

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Quote:

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All Kieron was refering to was the new secure GTC trading system, one that is supposed to eliminate GTC resellers.

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Originally by: Akita T

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Edited by: Akita T on 05/06/2007 18:38:45

GTCs still exist, and will keep existing.

You will still be able to sell GTCs for ISK to other players, or buy GTCs with ISK from other players.
The only "approved" method of GTC trading is the "new, 'secure GTC trading' method", which AUTOMATICALLY applies the GTC to the char/account buying it.

However, you will NOT be able to buy a GTC for ISK, then resell it for MORE ISK, using this secure system.
You can still do that the old-fashioned way, but you will not be refunded in case you get scammed.
You will however get banned if you are involved in a GTC scam that didn't use the secure trading method.

IS THAT CLEAR ENOUGH NOW ?

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