Non-Disney Online Games Virtual Family Kingdom Thread

[aliceblue]

I've tried to keep my mouth shut about VFK in this thread, since I stopped checking it out quite some time ago. I came to my own conclusions about the quality of the game, but despite some things just not sitting right, I didn't completely stop hoping that it was a trustworthy effort on the part of the developers. I'm very sorry for those of you who have been blindsided by this.

Please tell me nobody here is going to buy their 48 hour founders special...

Please...

They are preying on children for crying out loud!

ETA: OMG hiding it by having to log in might be the sleaziest thing they have done yet.

I'll still play, but I won't be paying any time soon, probably not at all, heck I
don't know if we can trust them with our credit card numbers and everything
they don't even have a secure log in yet do they??

This is a major concern of mine, too, and they also want our addresses.

Oh, and the best part: at the very bottom of each page it says "Features may change depending on availability." So they never have to give us anything they've promised, they can just say it's not available.

How can any reasonable person provide his/her money data to a company that has zero background is beyond me! Those are issues that are not to be toyed with!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. They act as if they don't know a thing about bussiness.

And it's really absurd that they have a deadline for 'your chance to become a founding member!'.

Hmm.....This seems more like a "deadline for suckers be pulled in quickly before they realize they've been had."

All I can say is gosh!!! Thanks for posting that info in detail Dreamytime. My guess is their "business model" has realized "oh snap we need funds to support this" let see who will drink the koolaid now. Curious to know who signs up, because I am selling a bridge I would like you to buy.

Sorry not a surprise, knew it was coming.

*listening to the thud of the other shoe dropping*

I was skeptical from the beginning that the only reason this game was made was to give all of us a home after VMK left.

If they had actually had the talent and experience to carry it out, providing displaced VMK players with a home would have been a noble enterprise. But they seem to have been misguided at best. I don't like to think about the worst.....

Unfortunately, there were red flags for me since the beginning. And especially after today...this confirms my feelings that they saw an opportunity, but not only an opportunity to help all of the people who were hurting from VMK's loss, but a financial opportunity as well.

I will leave the full nature of their intentions open to debate, but there's no doubt that they wanted to capitalize on the shut-down of VMK.

Wait a second- they actually want people to put their credit card # in their lil text box there? And people are doing it??

These guys are so sketchy. Aside from not having any sort of secure checkout, we don't know anything about who these people are! Consumer Reports put out a set of guidelines to keep consumers from falling into traps like this, and to help businesses reduce their sketch-factor. In looking at these points, any website you'd like to be associated with does all of these things. VFK? Not so much. The whole New Mexico/Florida/sometimes New Jersey thing just adds to the confusion for me.

Whether you support the game or not, please think twice about giving them your credit card right now with how they've got it all set up. I'm waiting for them to fold up their tent and move the wagon another corner of the internet any minute.

I do hope everyone takes this advise seriously.

Question of the day: At what point does a business venture officially cross over into a scam?

Let me go on the record as saying, you have my word, I will never ever pay to play this game. And I agree, they are preying on children to beg their parents to pay for it so that they can get all the perks. Something is just not right about this entire thing and I am done with it as of today.

Please, do not support this nonsense.

I hope that folks on dedicated VFK discussion boards will also use their heads about this. Anyone checked out the reactions from that quarter yet?

 

[vmkfan13]

Don't forget the original webpage for VFK! Can you really trust them after that?

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

OMG! What FOOLS!

I knew that this game was sketchy, and, remember, they may not give anything to you at all.

ETA: The kids on the VFK forums are actually falling for this! I posted this to try to help them:

Hey, look at this:

Features may change depending on availability.

That means that they don't have to give you anything, they can just say that it was unavailable

 

[vmkfan13]

I used to defend this company, but they're just taking advantage of us, is it possible that they're selling our phone numbers?

 

[bevgray]

I've kept silent also. I found the toss of all five beta groups into one big pot very amateurish that first day and have seen little to commend the game. I was so hoping it would work out for those who seemed to like it but, since I've spent over a month wandering into other beta sites, I find VFK hopeless. Sorry, but the graphics are a joke and the game play is laughable.

While Smallworld didn't appeal to me, it in its beta form is a finished product. Those who have started playing Ravenwood are also experiencing a game with a quality look and game play. Are there bugs? Certainly but it at least these look and act like a games.

For those determined to stick with VFK, please, please, please, do not succomb to the "48 hour-once in a lifetime-special". This kind of pressure sales is very common online and on TV. If they need to fund development from paying guests, then they are on very shaky ground indeed. Even Toontown and Pirates, both quality games from a known company (Disney) with that company's committment to deliver a product, didn't charge until after beta and game launch.

This is a very suspicious thing to me. Especially throwing such a short deadline at you. Why not just give their beta testers what was promised initially (beta t-shirt in the game) or a gold Day 1 badge like VMK gave us?

 

[aengus]

Question of the day: At what point does a business venture officially cross over into a scam?I hope that folks on dedicated VFK discussion boards will also use their heads about this. Anyone checked out the reactions from that quarter yet?

sigh... they are paying @_@ I am in awe honestly. I know some are members here. I dont want to flame, I just dont get why anyone would do that, the pressure they put on people to pay now with their 48 hour decision is yet another sign! whats the hurry vfk???

I used to defend this company, but they're just taking advantage of us, is it possible that they're selling our phone numbers?

I really dont think so, I have always looked at them as a scam from a dishonest business point of view, not as thieves. They are just very dishonest and I feel for the families who paid today.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I hope that folks on dedicated VFK discussion boards will also use their heads about this. Anyone checked out the reactions from that quarter yet?

Well....

Some seem to view it this way:
- (the following is my paraphrase of a post) After speaking with Gail [guessing this is a VFK developer???] on the phone the Founding Membership is great deal because you get a free trial for 4 months to try the V.I.P Pass. As for the $47, it's paying for the T-shirt and the DVD! Its an opening of new doors for beta players!

Another views it this way
- He pays $50 a year for Xbox Live, so why not VFK? Also, if it keeps VFK open for others to enjoy, happy to help.

Then there's this "half-full" view:
- "You are paying $7 for:
In-game items:
* 20,000 Extra Credits
* Platinum Mane and Tail Palomino Horse with Stable Room!
* 50,000 credits given one time when account is opened
* Founder's Pin
* Exclusive Platinum Spinning Wheel in game code
* Exclusive Platinum Tricorn Hat in game code
* Exclusive Founder's Pin in game code
Real items:
* Founder's Pin
* VFK Founder's Tote Bag
* VFK Founder's Comic Book (true story and history behind VFK)
* DVD with behind the scenes interviews (Limited Edition for Founders only)
And then $40 for four months of play with VIP which you would've had to pay if you wanted to do VIP by monthly."

Maybe my favorite comment I have read anywhere because it is just so very simply put:
"New Items & Clothing Early - OK
VFK IM - Not Needed
Set Chat Permission - Stupid
Parent Permission Required Games - Stupid
Games After Hours - Stupid
Group Rooms - OK
Trade Rooms - Stupid
Build Rooms After Hours - Stupid
Trade Credits - Stupid
Group Competitions - OK
Start Group or Club - OK
Join Group or Club - OK
Donate For Charity - OK
800 Friends - Not Really Needed
Special Video - Stupid
Video Events - Stupid
Submit Videos - Stupid
Share Videos - Stupid
Free Code Every Month - OK
Special Commands - Stupid
V.I.P. Pin - OK"

Others feel the game is not ready yet.

Many kids feel people with money get stuff that people without money can't. (I want to comment on this 1 bc I think some DIS kids are feeling this way too. There will almost always be someone else in life that can afford something you can't. At some point in your own life you will either accept this or take steps to always be able to afford the things you want. This really, truly, honestly is just part of life. Whether it's a house, car, dress, jewelry, stereo, TV, or game package - chances are someone else out there will always have something nicer than you. That's ok. The important part is figuring out what you want in life, and how to afford it or learn to be happy with what you have.

I can identify the specific players if anyone feels that's necessary, but those are some varying and interesting views from a game-dedicated fan site. There are truly many ways to view the world.

- Dreams

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

Well....

Some seem to view it this way:
- (the following is my paraphrase of a post) After speaking with Gail [guessing this is a VFK developer???] on the phone the Founding Membership is great deal because you get a free trial for 4 months to try the V.I.P Pass. As for the $47, it's paying for the T-shirt and the DVD! Its an opening of new doors for beta players!

Another views it this way
- He pays $50 a year for Xbox Live, so why not VFK? Also, if it keeps VFK open for others to enjoy, happy to help.

Others feel the game is not ready yet.

Many kids feel people with money get stuff that people without money can't.

I can identify the specific players if anyone feels that's necessary, but those are some varying and interesting views from a game-dedicated fan site.

- Dreams
Then there's this "half-full" view:
- "You are paying $7 for:
In-game items:
* 20,000 Extra Credits
* Platinum Mane and Tail Palomino Horse with Stable Room!
* 50,000 credits given one time when account is opened
* Founder's Pin
* Exclusive Platinum Spinning Wheel in game code
* Exclusive Platinum Tricorn Hat in game code
* Exclusive Founder's Pin in game code
Real items:
* Founder's Pin
* VFK Founder's Tote Bag
* VFK Founder's Comic Book (true story and history behind VFK)
* DVD with behind the scenes interviews (Limited Edition for Founders only)
And then $40 for four months of play with VIP which you would've had to pay if you wanted to do VIP by monthly."

Remember, they may not give you anything

 

[vmkfan13]

xBox live compared to VFK? I think anyone would prefer xBox Live..

 

[bevgray]

Then why not tier it or make it a month trial for $10? Those who want the "real" items could be charged an additional sum so those who only care about the virtual items or prefer not to provide personal information (such as an address/phone number) could chose the former. Also, are they using PayPal? That would provide a safer, securer transaction. If not, why not? PayPal accounts are very easy to set up but do provide some security to both sides using it.

I find this "rush to payment" very disturbing.

 

[vmkfan13]

* 20,000 Extra Credits
* Platinum Mane and Tail Palomino Horse with Stable Room!
* 50,000 credits given one time when account is opened
* Founder's Pin
* Exclusive Platinum Spinning Wheel in game code
* Exclusive Platinum Tricorn Hat in game code
* Exclusive Founder's Pin in game code
Real items:
* Founder's Pin
* VFK Founder's Tote Bag
* VFK Founder's Comic Book (true story and history behind VFK)
* DVD with behind the scenes interviews (Limited Edition for Founders

All the real items are unnecessary, I don't think many people want to watch a behind the scenes film on VFK (I would be, however, be interested in a VMK behind the scenes DVD), a "founder's" pin, A TOTE BAG?? A COMIC BOOK??

 

[disvaclub92]

Then why not tier it or make it a month trial for $10? Those who want the "real" items could be charged an additional sum so those who only care about the virtual items or prefer not to provide personal information (such as an address/phone number) could chose the former. Also, are they using PayPal? That would provide a safer, securer transaction. If not, why not? PayPal accounts are very easy to set up but do provide some security to both sides using it.

I find this "rush to payment" very disturbing.

Thank you. I feel the same, what is the rush? Why not tiered for people to try it? Paying a price like that right now for a game still in alpha is just wrong. My fear is that they have people who pay and then realize a few months down the line they still cant afford to keep the game running, then shut down the game.

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

Then why not tier it or make it a month trial for $10? Those who want the "real" items could be charged an additional sum so those who only care about the virtual items or prefer not to provide personal information (such as an address/phone number) could chose the former. Also, are they using PayPal? That would provide a safer, securer transaction. If not, why not? PayPal accounts are very easy to set up but do provide some security to both sides using it.

I find this "rush to payment" very disturbing.

they want credit card #s

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

All the real items are unnecessary, I don't think many people want to watch a behind the scenes film on VFK (I would be, however, be interested in a VMK behind the scenes DVD), a "founder's" pin, A TOTE BAG?? A COMIC BOOK??

agreed

 

[vmkfan13]

they want credit card #s

Hopefully not over their website..

agreed

It's like those infomercials, you're ordering a guitar and you also get a camera (to take photos of yourself), mp3 player (to listen to yourself) and some guy's cd (for influence).

 

[aengus]

Then why not tier it or make it a month trial for $10? Those who want the "real" items could be charged an additional sum so those who only care about the virtual items or prefer not to provide personal information (such as an address/phone number) could chose the former. Also, are they using PayPal? That would provide a safer, securer transaction. If not, why not? PayPal accounts are very easy to set up but do provide some security to both sides using it.

I find this "rush to payment" very disturbing.

indeed they are forcing impulse buying on children... and sigh... I have seen several adults already pay

I'm sorry if you all dont like it but... This is a serious issue with lack of dealing with VMKs closing. Even the hug fest people admit this game isnt even at a standard beta stage, yet they are buying in. PEOPLE GET PAID TO PLAY IN ALPHA! they have you convinced they are doing you the favor @_@

heh, they think they bought green flips, green baggies, and green staff shirts today but what they bought was a couple months tops at pushing reality out a bit.

sad really, but... oh well

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

indeed they are forcing impulse buying on children... and sigh... I have seen several adults already pay

I'm sorry if you all dont like it but... This is a serious issue with lack of dealing with VMKs closing. Even the hug fest people admit this game isnt even at a standard beta stage, yet they are buying in. PEOPLE GET PAID TO PLAY IN ALPHA! they have you convinced they are doing you the favor @_@

heh, they think they bought green flips, green baggies, and green staff shirts today but what they bought was a couple months tops at pushing reality out a bit.

sad really, but... oh well

I'm about to cry about all of the innocent kids that don't believe you

 

[vmkfan13]

indeed they are forcing impulse buying on children... and sigh... I have seen several adults already pay

I'm sorry if you all dont like it but... This is a serious issue with lack of dealing with VMKs closing. Even the hug fest people admit this game isnt even at a standard beta stage, yet they are buying in. PEOPLE GET PAID TO PLAY IN ALPHA! they have you convinced they are doing you the favor @_@

heh, they think they bought green flips, green baggies, and green staff shirts today but what they bought was a couple months tops at pushing reality out a bit.

sad really, but... oh well

A VFK forum is praising their idea but I'm guessing VFK created that forum..

 

[Goofy05]

Then why not tier it or make it a month trial for $10? Those who want the "real" items could be charged an additional sum so those who only care about the virtual items or prefer not to provide personal information (such as an address/phone number) could chose the former. Also, are they using PayPal? That would provide a safer, securer transaction. If not, why not? PayPal accounts are very easy to set up but do provide some security to both sides using it.

I find this "rush to payment" very disturbing.

Totally agree. Paypal costs them NOTHING to set up. Paypal costs the payer NOTHING. Is there a Paypal option? I won't even go to the home page anymore to look. I refuse. I am thoroughly disgusted with them and won't have anything more to do with them.
I urge anyone who is still thinking of paying for vfk to Stop. Think. Come to Wizard101. End of story.

 

[souper]

Well, today's situation made me look back on a few of my early VFK goals.

My goals when VFK opened were:

To have a place to see and visit with friends.
To have a nicely furnished indoor room to hang out in.
To have a nicely furnished outdoor garden room (especially in the winter.)
As a former virtual pin collector, a complete collection pins would be an additional goal.

Other than the complete pin collection, the rest still seem possible without a paid membership. As far as the paid membership goes, I wish VFK would give the paying players 2 of each item. Then members could keep one and trade one...Or if they had more than one child in the account, it would make it easier to share/divide up the items. For now I guess the alternative would be to keep all of the family items in one of the shared rooms for all to enjoy.

We all have different priorites in real life and in our virtual lives/worlds.
Regardless of what game(s) you play or if you pay a free or enhanced pay version,
I hope you are having fun in your virtual world. ​

Hugs!
Happy