I think this was a good idea, executed on poorly. If they had registered a domain and sent email from {mainAntagonist}@{badGuyOrganization}.com that had different text based on if you completed the game or not, that would've been cool. I'd just use plain text even, no images for a authentic feel. A little additional content and a lure back into the game. Instead it ended up both creepy and uninspired.
If that (single) mail qualifies as harassment then I'm harassed continuously by various companies about end user agreement changes, products they think I would like and what not.
I haven't played a single player Ubisoft game is years, but they sent out these exact same emails with Far Cry 4 (2014). The only difference is the messaging: "I am the mean dictator and I am still in power because you wont play the game!". Outside of that, the email is just an excuse to show you stats and hook you back in.
I am honestly surprised this is a news story. Like I said, I haven't played a game like this in awhile from Ubisoft, but I assumed they've been doing this email stuff for all of their games since 2014.
I used to play Guild Wars growing up, and they would actually display an in game message telling you to consider stop playing after 3 continuous hours, as well as every subsequent hour after that.
It's interesting to see the juxtaposition of developers concerned about your health, vs those that completely disregard it. But I think the bigger picture might be that we have different standards now as opposed to 15 years ago for what is sane, healthy, or acceptable game playing habits.
I believe that was a requirement from the Chinese government.
It was funny when leaving the game on unattended for death leveling in pre searing. Came back home to messages like "you have been playing for 30 hours" :)
I really liked the Far Cry and Assassin Creed series... But I've grown so bored of them. Here's a huge map with a bunch of things to collect, boring missions, and towers to climb... That'll be 60 dollars please.
Maybe just do something fresh and you won't need to use marketing tactics to pull people back in.
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[ 1.9 ms ] story [ 29.6 ms ] threadBut if you ask me, anyone giving their money to the likes of Ubisoft, EA or Rockstar deserves their IAP spam.
I am honestly surprised this is a news story. Like I said, I haven't played a game like this in awhile from Ubisoft, but I assumed they've been doing this email stuff for all of their games since 2014.
It's interesting to see the juxtaposition of developers concerned about your health, vs those that completely disregard it. But I think the bigger picture might be that we have different standards now as opposed to 15 years ago for what is sane, healthy, or acceptable game playing habits.
It was funny when leaving the game on unattended for death leveling in pre searing. Came back home to messages like "you have been playing for 30 hours" :)
Maybe just do something fresh and you won't need to use marketing tactics to pull people back in.