> I don't think hardcore gamers like games with pay-to-play features
They do not. They really do not. I, along with several of my friends, would easily be considered part of the "hardcore gaming" audience and everything I know of the people on the forums I frequent and the games I play points to the fact that dumping cash into a game in order to progress is just about the most despised trend in video games among that section of the gaming community. A lot of people will happily pay for cosmetic purchases to support the developers and have some extra fun, but anything affecting the balance of the game is a strict no-no.
They do not. They really do not. I, along with several of my friends, would easily be considered part of the "hardcore gaming" audience and everything I know of the people on the forums I frequent and the games I play points to the fact that dumping cash into a game in order to progress is just about the most despised trend in video games among that section of the gaming community. A lot of people will happily pay for cosmetic purchases to support the developers and have some extra fun, but anything affecting the balance of the game is a strict no-no.