Nick,
The one thing that I have always said to sell friends on this game is that you can do EVERYTHING in the game without paying real money. Because of this philosophy, I have spent quite a bit of money on this game to support it. However, this looks like the first step on a long road that leads to games like "Perfect World", games that make themselves truly enjoyable only to those that spend lots of money. While I would never expect OOO to plan something like this, once you head down this road it is a slippery slope, one with no clear end in sight. Why not make it purchasable with CE only after a player has completed some requirements (which would be of the developers choosing)? For example, perhaps these expansion missions are only available to people who have completed all the "Rank" missions, and have beaten all of the bosses (perhaps a Shadow Lair or two). By doing this, you encourage people to purchase CE, but still allow the most truly devoted players to obtain it strictly with in game money. Many players would still buy CE to buy things like shadow keys to allow them to meet these requirements, or may purchase CE to buy the actual Expansion mission packs. People who want to advance further into the game spend money; most average players spend money on the specials (such as the dragon wings, I know I've done both).
My plea to you Nick is this, don't ruin the reputation of this game. I already know that many people wouldn't buy the Expansion mission packs simply on a matter of principle. People who cannot justify buying a game come to Spiral Knights. I NEVER thought that was going to still be playing this game this long, or nearly as intensely as I have. I LOVE this game, partly because I can bring anyone into it. You don't have an excuse to NOT try this game, it is 100% free after all! Don't taint the wonderful thing that is Spiral Knights, please.
On behalf of the Spiral Knights Community,
-Kanz of In the Jelly
Most of what I want to say has been said, but like Nicoya, I'd be more than willing to pay with CE (all CE comes from someone's wallet anyways, so what's the difference?). Shutting out the F2P crowd isn't a good direction for SK to take, especially for people who don't use Steam. ~ Myllakka
I agree completely with what Myllakka typed above. It is exactly how I feel about the discussion.
Only players that have purchased Expansion Missions will have access to them. You will be able to gift them to others via Steam and we are looking in to the possibility of doing the same with the official client as well. ~ Nick post 43.
I really hope this "client trading" comes to fruition.
That is all.