Sunday, October 20, 2013

VIP Account - who is it really for?

Owlient have been testing an addition to the standard Howrse game, amongst some selected players. This new 'VIP Account' is intended aimed at players who have either been playing on Howrse for a long time and/or bought a lot of passes.

The VIP Account is, effectively, an extension of the Pegasus Account. It's designed as a new alternative to the existing version of the game. But it's not cheap.

Here are some of the things you get:

  • Create 'official' breeding teams with up to 20 players
  • Allow players to make coverings of each other's horses
  • Buy horses automatically
  • Buy several horses with a single click
  • An increased probability of breeding a Unicorn
  • The ability to BLUP horses before they are 10 years old
  • Preselect the quantity of food to be given to your horses
  • Greater customisation of your Profile page
  • All the existing perks from the Pegasus Account

Testing of this new facility took place in early October and in mid October, testers where sent a survey to complete, with their feedback on the VIP Account.

So, how much does this 'in-depth' addition to Howrse cost? Well it's priced at a pretty hefty 10 passes per month. That's a considerable investment and effectively increases the sense that playing the game this way is really just a subscription service. 

In recent years, Owlient have greatly simplified and changed the playing experience of Howrse. Three to five years ago, the game was much more about the subtle complexities of breeding horses. 

Now it is a continuous cycle of competitions, challenges and games where players can win shiny prizes, including an ever-expanding range of 'special', wild or divine horses. The subtle parts of the game, have been hugely simplified in order to keep players focused on the 'fun' part - winning things, as opposed to the game-playing part of breeding horses and developing equestrian centres.

This is fine for those players who want instant results and rewards for, well, anything at all! Then there are those players who enjoy the complex and subtle world of BLUP, skilling, training and managing EC finances. And so Owlient have spotted an opportunity - give these players something to get their teeth into .... at a price.

So the choice is yours. If you prefer an 'arcade' style game - pretty, shiny and instant, stick with the existing, free version of the game. However, if you crave a little more depth and challenge to your Howrse experience, then choose the VIP Account. And start saving for your 120 passes a year.

Patsy