If Orks are going to be the demo/free to play faction, what can be added that will ensure players stick with the game? I have a few ideas, and I'd like to hear yours.

I think the most important thing will be a well thought out in world tutorial. Something that runs the players through the ins, and outs of gameplay with a very orky narrative.
Example: Walk the player through you basic choppa, and shoota action. Show them how to get into groups, and what roles need to be filled in a group. How to take over/defend a base. Some warm up fights with the tyranids would be good . Also explain the war council aspect so they understand who those people are, and why its important to listen to them.

Lots of tool tips, and easy to access information on new weapons and their proper application.
Example: Loading screen tips. A box that pops up when you highlight a weapon in inventory with stats, and tips for use.

Easy access to groups, and an easy way to go get into the fight.
Example: Button that drops you into a group with other players. Map with a selection of spawns near your group.

An in depth reward system that encourages team work, and grouping behavior.
Example: Getting bonus exp for being in a group. Bonus exp for actions that help other players. Make it obvious that the player is being rewarded. Maybe even boosts to damage or accuracy for being surrounded by other Orks.

We want new folks to have a positive first experience, and we want them to be able to feel like they are effective as soon as possible. It will also be important that they know Orks arnt at a disadvantage even though they are free to play. They should leave the tutorial knowing why Orks are the biggest and the strongest.

Bottom line is just make sure they can be effective in game. The one thing most gamer's hate is pay to win, so while they do not have access to everything make sure they are very fun to play.

People will spend cash if they enjoy the free content it happens look at PS2 as they will want to have access to the cool stuff they see running around.

I think a big thing for the success of Orks in the game is to find a way to keep the F2W players playing Orks. My biggest worry is that F2W players will use the free portion to get a grasp of the mechanics before joining another faction. Looking at numbers right now, the Orks are in the minority or barley above the Eldar in terms of current founders. I think it is going to be a challenge to the first war council to find a way to keep people playing Orks and find a way to develop players into regulars. I love the concept of F2W, but I feel our faction will be the one stop shop for trolls and a-holes. Why pay $40 for a game, when you can troll and flame for free? My concerns being stated, I like the idea of F2W as I stated earlier, I think a burden for us hardline Ork players to create an environment supportive of newer players and developing them into Orks that are a benefit to the faction at large. The F2W could be the biggest advantage our faction has if we are able to keep the F2W players as paying members.

I totally agree and i think its going to be one of the hardest things for the Dev's to deal with, is keeping enough player base for Orks. I really want the Ork's to outnumber every other faction by loads so they actually feel like the green tide they should be. Keeping players happy playing Ork's and keeping that race healthy with players should be a high priority in my opinion.

I think you have to be about as generous as Hero's of the Storm...or as engaging as Robocraft.

Early leveling bonuses that allow you to get 1-3 hero's easily, and then sort of ween the bonuses until they're playing without extra incentives.

That, but the version that works for eternal crusade

Well.... I fink we should 'ook 'em wiff wun uv deez!




Don't mind dat 'umie 'and thur. I just wanted ter give it sum scale.

A great tutorial will be needed for them to keep playing beyond the first 20 min. Or at least I, quickly loose interest in games I do not know how to play. The tutorial for Heroes of the Storm is a good example of a well made tutorial.

A tutor/mentor system would be amazing, it doesn't need to be all that complicated. Maybe something like this:
The tutor (a nob over a certain level) will sign himself up for the system, choosing between either PvP Orbjective or a Tyranid Cleanup. The tutor will get bonus xp if he is not max level, and bonus RP if he is max level.
The boys / nobies / greenskins / newbies (whatever) will get bonus xp.
The tutor should be able to queue alongside one other if he wishes to, so they will end up in a 10 man group with 2 tutors, instead of a 5 man group (I do not know why I want it to be a 5 man group as standard, but I think it would be easier to keep watch on).
Beginner Boys should also be able to group up before queuing, so that they can play with friends and have a tutor to guide them (most things are more entertaining with a group of friends).
If the group could somehow reward the tutor for being a good guide, it would be cool, but this system could maybe be abused.

Also, if I where to keep my xp when I changed from ork boy (F2W) to a nob (Paying), then I would keep playing that faction/race.

Anyway, the two most important things are a good tutorial and a great ork community.

- I hope you get what I mean, English is not my first language.

- Yes, I will mainly play the Eldar Master Race, but I will play ork with friends and for fun. Maybe a bit more if they get an "improved" and orkified autocannon (I love autocannons).

I personally agree with this idea, it will give nobies (love this word and will use it to death) a chance to both get involved with more experienced players and thus take an interest in the community as well as acclimating them to the game and its mechanics quite concisely. It also has that incentive for people to be tutors that will help ensure that people will be getting tutors rather than roughly dropped in. I'd suggest having this as an option for additional training after nobies get through the initial bootcamp.

You know, that may not actually be a bad way to handle it, Noromiz. This is actually a bit different from many of the other suggestions I've read up to this point.

Typically people suggest dropping the new guy into an existing squad. Personally, I find the idea terrible, and have been conditioned by experience to expect nothing but horrible, horrible results from this approach. Your take on it, however, dropping a volunteer into an automatically formed squad of new players? That sounds much more reasonable and, to be honest, probably much more helpful to all.

The tutor system could also work very well for other factions. The most important thing is not to force people into groups with a very big difference in skill (I know "skill" is very subjective), because this will only cause rage. This doesn't apply to everyone, but my experience tells me a lot of people rage (12 year old CoD pro kids ). And there is no reason to actively search for rage and fury, since this won't help anyone and ruin the experience for both the nobies and the nobs.
They could also give players the option to choose which class they wish to play, but this doesn't seem like a priority, since it will be easy to change class and, since they are all decent at both attack and defense. I do also believe that it will be possible to reach a solution with a quick talk (most of us are either grown up or civilized ). I personally would have no difficulty in changing class and in every case, only the pain boys would be bad to have 2 of in a 5 man group and even he got a few weapons, so it shouldn't be of any concern at all.
Another option would be to let the tutor requisition a trukk/transport at a slightly reduced price, so that the group would have an easier time getting around.

Now, if they let the tutor carry a back banner, then I would be happy (12 year old CoD pro kid getting the new CoD for Christmas happy). This would also look cool, although it would also make him a primary target. I would carry the banner, no matter how much of a first target I would be, although I may just choose to requisition a lot of hp/armor gear and a shield.


(taken from a random search, I will remove it if told to do so)

I know this is of Eldar, but it shows exactly what I mean (admit it, the tutor looks cool).

(from Games Workshop)

- And yes, I am not good at uploading images.

EDIT: Is there any threads on the General Discussion about a tutor/mentor system? Or should I create one to see if the community agrees?