Free to play (eventually!)
Jack Sankey
I think given the numbers I am seeing, this might need to eventually have a big release as free to play.
But definitely don't do this until the basic QoL issues are ironed out. The UI needs to feel effortless and sensible, and especially things like starting a fun match with cool people you meet needs to be way easier, e.g. Frustrated people just leave and you only get one shot at the transition.
Anyway, one approach would be to wait until custom leagues are implemented. Free players could maybe play only competitive or private bot matches in 1-2 arenas with no cosmetics, and paid players (including all of us) could play custom / casual matches, create and participate in custom leagues, use more arenas, unlock cosmetics, etc.
This would give us some desperately needed people in the competitive pool, like the old days.
Anyway, just a thought. Keep at it!
Jack Sankey
Oof I just read about what happened to echo vr. I think that game had a more toxic tendency due to pvp aspects but it was a great game killed by toxic kids.
Perhaps my suggestion above is not a great one. I would hate to see nock go this way too. The community here is pretty great.
Maybe a price drop for the basic game (competitive only, no cosmetics, etc) and some extra $ for the rest. Or a demo as in the other suggestion.
Jack Sankey
Blaston went f2p awhile ago and I liked it for a few months, but competitive mode has no VC. I wonder if they're doing ok.