Thread:Khaesho/@comment-26178479-20161104011322/@comment-26178479-20161104072706

Xikhuang... you helped with the data gathering, i remember you.

Here's the thing though, I realized that I don't actually want to PLAY dokkan... I just want to collect the cards. I've exhausted all the intrinsic value to the game, all that's left is an extrinsic, magpie-like compulsion to COLLECT ALL THE THINGS. Its a trait that I'm quite aware that I have, but when my want to collect is the ONLY thing keeping me playing a game, its a good idea to take a break. When my collection obsession is forcing me to pay out of pocket with money I need for something else, it means I need to uninstall.

I have no idea how much $$ I've spent on this game, but I -know- I've bought 3 discounted huge packs (35$ each.) That's 100$ not counting all of the smaller packs that I lost track of, but all things told, I'm pretty sure I've shelled out at least 200$ on this phone app. That's enough to buy a triple A title, a top of the line sex toy, three months of netflix, and still have enough leftover to buy a pizza, and 200$ is a low estimate. I'm not spending because I want to purchase something I'll use. I'm spending because I thirst for something that I honestly wouldn't care about if not for the time and money already invested, and that's an endless loop of spending.

Its a gambling addiction. You put coins in the slot and hope you hit the jackpot. Maybe next time... maybe next time... you get flashing lights and a winner sign every so often, enough to invigorate your hope, but its never the card you -wanted- never that big score... unless it is, and then bandai releases an even bigger score, an even rarer, more powerful card.

You mention specifically online games, and that's the kicker; you're right. All "Free to Play" phone games are, in some way, pay to win, or pay to collect. You're right, its the formula that vacuums the most money out of peoples' pockets. I just wasted 35$ on shit that I'll barely ever use, items that cost bandi NOTHING to give to me. Say what you want about development cost, they can spend a week on 1 card and then sell that card to 100 million people... except they don't actually need to sell the card, they just need to sell the dream. Make the players thirsty, and only give them enough water to keep pulling that slot machine.

Well this gambler is caching out. I'm selling my account (If I can) and moving on to something less likely to bankrupt me. Found a star wars game that's shockingly similar, except you can earn the equivalent of 1 pull per week for free if you save up. That's renewable too, inexhaustible as long as you play the game. Its time>>loot rather than $$+Time>>loot. Best of all though, it doesn't make me want to waste all my money chasing a golden snitch I'll never catch.