thebigeasy707:
I think it's only a matter of time before some golf site appears on the net which offers tournament winners a direct exchange turning their virtual winnings to real cash payouts with less rake paid out either via google checkout or even bank transfer like the online casinos do. Has WGT even thought about this prospect and what their next step to would be should such a rival appear because it's a distinct probability and would completely threaten this game.
To be honest....I don't even think folks would care less how mickey mouse the graphics were if they could exchange their virtual winnings to real cash payouts.
Just Sayin
tbe
Market differentiation is crucial for a business to thrive. That or be the best at what you do.
WGT has the edge for many of us because it offers the ability to play for real items, and a small amount of cash (gift cards). Take that away and you're now not any different from your biggest competitors, yet WGT charges more money, has fewer courses, and countless more bugs.
I love to play golf games, especially WGT. I've forged many friends here. I also made many friends while playing TWO and had a blast while playing that game. Best part was never having a meter skip.
TBE is completely correct. I didn't mind the graphics on TWO at all. The ONLY reason I keep playing WGT is the ability to play for nice prizes and gift cards.
I didn't go to Harvard business school but it seems like a better model would be to not only keep gift cards, but offer them at a better exchange and also offer a $100 card.
- Change the exchange rate to 5:1 for the $100 GC on a descending scale to 4:1 for the $500 card. Revenue for WGT would be much more fluid and they would actually earn much higher gross profit.
- This would boost participation in Ready Go and MPC greatly. More rake for WGT. People will probably be clambering for the return of the 1k and 2k tournies and more 500 ones.
- I know this raises the questions about sandbagging but they will always be there, especially with lower tiers having access to top of the line equipment. Many good suggestions have been put forth to combat multi accounts and sandbagging.
- Earnings in both MPC and tournies figured into tier advancement formula.
- Tourney top 3s figured into formula.
- MPC wins figured into formula.
- Only Legend tier of higher can compete in 500cr tournies or higher. This includes the MAJORS! Many Legends out there with 70+ averages (not really sure what the heck they did to the system when they unveiled Tour Legend). If you haven't been around long enough to make Legend by the time we play the majors then wait until next year and get your game in shape.
- STOP MAKING TOP OF THE LINE EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE TO LOWER TIERS AND LEVELS. Make it a big deal to advance TIER so you can get new equipment. I understand the need to make a dollar but with some of the suggestions above employed, I believe WGT will actually make a much greater profit.