You might recall that a few months ago, RIFT made some abrupt and significant changes to its business model. Between swiftly taking away the ability to unlock certain gear categories without the cash shop and RIFT’s boosting of its patron program at the expense of its free-to-play model, there was some concern and heated discussion in the community.
We followed up with Trion Worlds about these changes and RIFT’s new financial direction. Game Director Chris Junior issued a statement to us about all of this along with a pledge to increase communication with the game’s community:
“We absolutely agree that some planned changes came on too suddenly, and we should have taken greater care to have the real conversation with our players first. I’ve directed both the RIFT team and its community teams to go above and beyond in a new level of openness given our commitment to improved two-way communication with the RIFT community, ideally well in advance of changes. We’d like to be making changes that players are happy about.
“We know that our dedicated players understand that games need to be financially supported, and it’s on us to work with them to figure out the ways that are not only acceptable but highly palatable. We’re always working hard to offer people choices in how to support ongoing RIFT game development. Whether it’s offering new content such as the Ascended Soul Pack or new options via existing content, such as the optional Artifact Collection purchases. We’ve discussed these at length on forums, livestreams and social media, and so far people are responding positively and constructively, which has been great. We wish we’d have done that faster, and for that we’re definitely sorry.
“Beyond RIFT, we’ve been increasing communication across the board, including new 24/7 ‘social customer service’ support via Twitter, and it’s really benefited us all, creators and players alike. Everyone’s goal is a thriving, growing RIFT – we’re all in this together.”
