Premium --> Non Premium

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 18.01.2010, 05:19

Let me first make the point that this should probably have been posted in the bug part of the forum, because it is kind of outrageous.
Point number two is that i have promised to not buy anymore coins until this problem is resolved.

So i guess i should get to the problem.

When VIP runs out, i lose the ability to operate 100 buildings (down to 60), and i lose admin abilities, along with other privilages, I get that.

Then one month when my VIP ran out, i noticed that much more than 40 buildings were locked. I posted it on the forum, and the general consensus was that i had built those buildings after i had premium, or something like that, so they were locked. This is harder for me to understand, but i accepted it and renewed my premium. I did make the point of saying very clearly on that post that it was a ripoff.

Now, my premium has ran out again, and i was ok with that because my buildings were expanding like crazy. I have 83 buildings, and about 50 of them became inactive, same problem i had before. The rest of them were expanding, so i decided to wait it out. I went on a few month break. When i came back, i noticed that all of my buildings were locked except 1 RC (5 were open before, when they were researching), and 5 buildings that are expanding. That means that as they completed their expansions, they became locked.

Now, I understand it's about money, but this is crazy. What you're telling me is that my company loses more and more buildings the longer that I don't have premium? You just leave those buildings look like they are around until they are finished expanding for me to renew my premium in some kind of frustration?

The system needs to be fixed, when the benefits of premium are clearly spelled out as being able to have 100 buildings instead of 60, then the 60 buildings need to be allowed after premium expires.

I have vowed not to buy any more coins until this issue is totally resolved. I would like to think this is some kind of bug, but I have my doubts.

I love this game, and have done my best to be an active member when i have been around, but this issue has just gotta be resolved.

Thanks,
APCE Production

pearlbay · Post by **pearlbay** » 18.01.2010, 10:44

Dear APCE,

your buildings will only be locked, if you have more than 60 by the time your premium runs out. Then, and only then, every building that you have purchased during the premium time will get locked. If you sell your surplus buildings before your premium account runs out, so that you only have 60 left, all of these 60 buildings will remain in full working order.

So we generally suggest players to simply sell the buildings they don't need, if they do not want to renew their premium accounts. If you would like to keep playing without a premium account, I can give you a few days premium time, so you have enough time to sell your surplus buildings.

Best regards,

pearlbay

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 18.01.2010, 10:58

It's a way to make you keep buying more coins, and seems that it works xD

pearlbay · Post by **pearlbay** » 18.01.2010, 11:21

You only need to purchase Coins, if you want to keep using the amenities of a premium account. Even then you are not forced to spend real money, but can purchase the Coins from other players.

All in all, that seems pretty fair to me. Otherwise, you can always decide you do not need the features the premium account offers you, and play for free. We offer full assistance to those players, who would like to sell their surplus buildings, by reactivating their premium accounts, as I have explained above.

Best regards,

pearlbay

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 18.01.2010, 15:22

I am (trying) to save the billions it will require to get another month of premium, but for me it's the premise of the issue. I just don't see a reason that more than 60 buildings are locked when premium goes away.

I do thank you for your quick responses, and will continue to monitor this forum, i do not plan to sell any buildings, so i am going to hold out until the market purchases more of my stuff, and then i'll buy the coins.

To pearlbay, i would suggest that to make the transition easier between premium and non-premium, you would simply allow up to 60 buildings unlocked in all non-premium accounts, as opposed to locking many buildings.

What it did to me, is the premium did catch me in a bad time for my subscription, where i was buying up a bunch of TVs to sell in stores, but then all my non-expanding stores locked. I said "ok, i'll wait until the other ones are unlocked, it's ok", well, when they finished expanding they were locked too. I think that if they were gonna be locked they probably should have been locked in the first place, at least, don't you agree?

pearlbay · Post by **pearlbay** » 18.01.2010, 16:12

As I said, all buildings purchased while you have a premium account will be locked when your PA runs out - if you have 60 buildings left, none of them will be locked. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your premium time. If you notice it is running out, you can take all the necessary precautions. If not, we can help you sell the surplus buildings.

Let me know if you should decide to do that after all; you can send me a PM in that case, and I will be happy to help

I will of course note down your suggestion; we are currently working on a new game version as you may know.

Best regards,

pearlbay