Way for Zanz to make a bit extra money with Elements w/o hurting the game at all

[Marsu]

Haha. But in all seriousness: I'd be surprised if there wasn't a way with which both Zanz as well as vrt or whoever does the artwork could profit.
I know I'd definetly "buy" one - and probably/over the time a few - new foils, and I doubt I'm the only one.

[treebeard xiii]

I all for this i personally would doate just to get a foil entropy card or two not sure how much time and effort goes into new art but surely eleven more cards wouldn't raise the workload too much but it is for zanz and vrt too decide what happens.

[Raptor6789]

While I think the League of Legends system is very good, the substantially lower player base for Elements means that the profit per piece of new artwork will be much lower since there will be less people paying. That's not to say that it's not a bad idea, but one can't simply copy an established system if there are different considerations to take into account. For example, League of Legends skins are 3D models, some of which have unique sounds and extra visual effects, increasing the chance that someone would spend money on it. On the other hand, I don't believe there is a large enough number of people committed to the game that Vrt and possible other artists would feel comfortable making extra-special art.
Not to say that there shouldn't be greater rewards for donations, but the base for a full system might not be adequate.

[Marsu]

^
I'd be surprised if that was true, I'm quite sure a lot of people in the forum would buy one or a few. And when they'd be played in Arena or PvP, people that don't visit the forum would see them also and be interested. However, I can't prove this.
This is why I just added a poll to see if people are interested. Vote and let us know!

[bripod]

Personally, I would not purchase Foils or Skins. I'm more interested in game development rather than making it pretty.

[Zso_Zso]

Personally, I would not purchase Foils or Skins. I'm more interested in game development rather than making it pretty.

Seconded! 

[Marsu]

^
Well, it's not like it contradicts each other. And a bit more money could also mean more/faster/better patches, as Zanz has more reason to spend time on developing.

By the way: The poll so far (Not even 24h old, so not too representative yet) looks great I think. 7/10 would purchase 1 or a few foils, and so far everyone that wouldn't wouldn't spend money in any other way anyway. But of course, 10 people aren't close to representative. Also, players that visit the forum are probably more likely to donate than non-visitors. But let's see how it develops.

[Zesh]

Great idea!
So simple, yet it could really make Zanz some money.
+rep Marsu! ...at least as soon as I can xD

[Marsu]

Well thanks :p

Mh, now that we have some votes, any new comments? It looks like quite a lot of people would be interested in "buying" a moderate amount, and those who don't wouldn't spend money for any other reason either.

[Drake_XIV]

On a similar note, what of existing art?  I was talking to Rut earlier and I mused what if the Toilet Gargoyle art was used as foil art?  Alternatively the Foil art does not have to be completely new works, especially seeing as vrt will probably be the one doing said project and he has contributed much already.  Instead, they could be humourous reliefs of pre-existing art?  This also brings to mind vrt's avi as well as, I think, pepo's.

[Elbirn]

Instead, they could be humourous reliefs of pre-existing art?  This also brings to mind vrt's avi as well as, I think, pepo's.

I would buy a full 6/6 set of Rustlers with tophats. No joke.

[zombie0]

this topic describes things ive been thinking about a lot lately.  look everywhere, you cant find another good free game that isnt a pay to win.  ive been enjoying this game for years, and donated a couple times.  right now i would very much like to donate to support Zanz.  heck id BUY the game.

but this discussion has pointed out one serious problem with making money off silly cosmetic things.  for example, League of Legends and Team Fortress 2 have character models that you get to stare at all the time (and control).  this game has cards, and while foils help CCGs like MTG give more value and collectibility to their card packs, its actually very unimportant for the online version of the game.  the holographic effect just isnt that important unless you are holding them and having real light reflect off them.  alternate card art increases the value of cards compared to other cards, but these are based on people paying money in the first place.  the value of one art versus another art in a free game wont do much, they both exist and price is a non issue.  comparing paying for one art collection but another collection being naturally free is apples to oranges.  in short, online CCGs need some other kind of cosmetic gimmick to go with.  but what is appropriate?

donations for shards and nymphs slightly smacked of pay to win, as there are some that are virtually impossible to get without years of good luck or being gifted them via not-in-game events.  so what else is there? 

special card backs (think solitaire) possibly with an element of your choice as the design?  it would change the backs of opponent cards maybe?  elements themed design choices for the play area?