Debunking some myths regarding PS1 playerbase demise.

[SpottyGekko]

Thanks Figment, that was a very good read

One issue which is apparent when you look at the PS1 history (and that PS2 may avoid), is the fact that significant problems were caused by new content that was added to the game via paid expansions.

PS1 had no Cash Shop, so new content had to be introduced in bundles via paid expansions. If you sell an expansion based heavily on something like BFR's, there's no going back. You cannot nerf the headline content (which everyone has paid money for) into oblivion. So you're stuck with it.

I'm assuming that new content in PS2 will be introduced in small increments and paid for via micro-transaction (if at all). If that new content needs serious re-balancing, refunding a small micro-transaction (by refunding Station Cash) is MUCH easier than giving back real money to thousands of players.

So PS2 has a lot more flexibility, and "bad" designs can be rolled back or redone with far less impact on the playerbase or SOE's cashflow.