I understand that development isn't cheap but standing by my principles of being an advocate for the community as best I can, I can not condone this donation shop egg thing. This could be very harmful, especially for people with gambling addictions and children who might not understand how this all works.
Here are suggestions to make the eggs less predatory:
- publish odds: this is law in many jurisdictions for a reason, it allows people to understand how likely / unlikely certain outcomes are.
- limit the purchase amount per account: This is a wise safeguard to protect against people "chasing" certain items, which largely accounts for why "gatcha" games are so harmful / profitable.
- allow a way for players to obtain the egg in game: At the very least consider players who would like to participate but have no means to do so.
In the future the team needs to consider less harmful options by:
- Offering more transparency: If the team is struggling it would go a long way to try and understand this as not profit derivative. I understand given the legal gray area private servers are in this difficulty, but any info is better than none.
- Fundraising Goals: Consider server wide benefits for meeting them, kind of like "Patreon" stretch goals. This would allow people to participate fairly and within their means without disproportionally benefitting some players over others.
- Avoid Gambling rewards: Many see Turtle WoW as a refuge from the corporate slop many gamers are given, and loot box style rewards are one of those things that turns a lot of players off about them.
- Include the Players: This server exists as it does because of the players. Ask them how to best offer fundraising, much like how the team has reached out with the Class Change Council, you'd be surprised how creative and resourceful your own players can be in trying to support the team's efforts.
I say all these things with much love and respect for the team.
![turtle_in_love turtle_in_love](./images/smilies/turtle_in_love.png)
I think over the years I have proven that I care about this community, and would only be so vocal if I truly felt it was important. This announcement is likely going to burn a lot of goodwill the players have for the team and I hope some of what I have written will help guide future donation shop offerings.
~ Vrograg Fishslayer