I've been done with Gameloft games for a long time now because of this crap. If you want to monetize an old game with F2P elements, re-release it as a separate app. Do whatever you want to that app, and keep the premium version around for existing users. Why is this so difficult to do? New users get in for "free", loyal customers don't get screwed over.
And then they would also get more repeat business from the loyal premium customers. We need Ryan to understand why they don't do this. This would be a win win for everyone.
I almost never update a game anymore unless I KNOW that they have not messed with the main workings. So many times they slip ads, or freemium, or some other BS under the guise of "minor bug fixes" as the reason for the update, and then you find out how much you got hosed....
Well, I downloaded the new update and played it for a bit, and I wrote down some of the noticeable negative changes that occurred in this version, or at least from when I last played it VIP Status added -this gives you more access to items in shop, more skil points, and more money given from missions -3 different versions of VIP status available, with increasing bonuses between the two -Only valid for 90 days -Achieved at slow rate from completing missons, gradual rate by playing on concurrent days, fast rate from making in-app purchases Daily gift now requires VIP status New currency added - diamonds -Used to purchase different weapons, access pawn shop, give you early access to side missions -Gained through playing through main missions, also through special events according to update notes Side missions in the app, including those from the original version which gave you the most playtime, are now locked behind diamonds until you get to a certain level Pawn shop doesn't take the main currency anymore, only diamonds Items in the shop now need diamonads/VIP status to purchase -This includes items present in both the original release and from subsequent updates -Items include: Explosion crate, Armour packs, various pedestrain vehicles from original release, limousines, a police vehicle (1 of 2), majority of sport vehicle, six-wheelers, all tanks, faster/fancier motorbikes, double weapons (two of the same weapons at once), more powerful weapons, rocket launcher and more extravagant wearable items
