I think the first thing people need to understand when they're getting started is that it's NOT a get-rich-quick type of thing. Just like anything else in life, if you want to excel (and make some money) you have to put in the time and effort to improve. It IS possible to earn your way up from just a spellbook but it's a long process.
My brother hasn't put a dime into the game after the initial $10 and 6 months later he has an account worth over $100. He's not getting rich by any means but...he now has some SPS, a couple VOUCHERS, and some DEC, as well as a few dozen rewards cards from the daily quests and season rewards. Plus, he's actually gotten pretty good at playing the Novice and Bronze Leagues from all the practice.
If you want to shorten the process, there's no getting around the fact you'll need to spend some money on cards. That said, most of the money you put into the game is to buy an ASSET, meaning that if you spend $100 to buy some cards, chances are you will be able to sell those assets for roughly what you paid for them, quite possibly more. So in that respect, it's more of an investment than throwing money away.
As with anything in life, there are certain things that just "aren't for me". This game offers a way for people to make a little money rather than spending it. And the money they do spend ends up being for assets they will then own and can sell later to recoup the money they put in. But, if you don't enjoy the game, then it really doesn't matter.
To make a long story short, I would just tell people to spend a couple weeks doing daily quests and learning the game, the cards, and the strategies. Once they understand the mechanics they can then decide whether they want to try and make some money at it, just play it for fun, or give it up completely. I mean, thousands of people play stupid little games on their phone for hours and earn nothing. Why not spend those minutes and hours on something that can actually pay you?
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
Hi Dagger! Yay! So great to see you, and I love what you've shared. What is interesting to me though is the answer to the question: "When did your brother start?" Was it before or after they made the changes in how long it takes to make those rewards? I was just like your brother and put ZERO dollars into the game except the initial investment for quite a bit to see how I would go. I got lucky and won a card from the quest or perhaps it was end of season I can't recall now, and that was my ticket to then getting DEC and buying some cards, building SPS, etc. What I see now though is, it MIGHT take too long for people to grind before they see a bit of results.... I think this is why Splinterlands is re-evaluating the new player experience, but I am totally with you.. if you promote it correctly, there's little reason for people not to join. ;) Thank you so so much for sharing your thoughts! :) I really appreciate it!!! :)
He started last summer before the changes but he wasn't getting much even then. He still considers it a "win" if he gets even 1 full DEC for winning a battle.
I agree, they need to try and help new players get a little bit better start but....the bots take over and farm all the rewards if you start paying them too much.
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
If you listened to the Town Hall, the new player experience sounds like it's a top priority so this is great!! :) I'm glad to know when he started. Sounds like they are going to help new players really understand the game play more which is GREAT! Thank you for letting me know more details about your brother because it does give some great perspective!!