Get ready for massive rewards and some big surprises in the next update!

[debbles smurf]

And players on their facebook page still.have no idea gargamel is a VIP EO.

Money does not grow on tress
Do dah do dah
Money does not grow on tress
Yet sometimes I wish it did

[Astro King]

So sad that gargamel is not just a EO but a Elite VIP EO! I was hoping that Gargamel will be complimentary and his castle can be an EO. For those of us who're not getting Gargamel EO, we will not get his castle too, just like Lord Balthazar. What's the point of getting the castles without the main characters? But if the main characters are complimentary, higher chance we'll get their castles too to complete them and also because it is more affordable if only 1 item is an EO.

Making them an Elite VIP EO is really not a good idea coz you are limiting the people who buy them. Why not make it cheaper so that more people can buy them? I doubt many people are willing to pay USD100 for 2 EOs in 1 update.

[yosinori saitou]

completely agree with it.

[Cupcake]

You are SO right. In this case more (two VIP EOs) is less (revenue)!

[Moontje]

You are so right. I might have bought the castles as normal EO's, although I have already spent like 400 euro on this game. This game is just way to expensive. Gargamel should be available for everybody and I definitely won't buy.

[lotinia]

They are just abusing the players love for the title that is why two VIP EOs......

[Astro King]

And again, my game keeps hanging after I switch screen. It happens after yesterday midnight save. ????

[supersmurf]

Maybe I'm too optimistic, but from Speeling Bee's words I don't get that Gargamel will be a VIP Special Offer. I see that the offers related to Gargamel will appear in a way similar to the VIP EO'S.
Anyway, for me if Gargamel will be available for money in a regular offer (24.99 - 9.99) I can think to buy him... but if he'll be available with the (ridicoulous) VIP EO's 49.99 or more... he can stay somewhere in the woods...

Please Beeline, clarify this point as soon as possible: Gargamel will be an Elite vip Offer (49.99) or an Exclusive Offer ?

Thank you very much.

[Cupcake]

Read Spelling Bee's comment in #50.3 or my quote of her comment in #60. So even if he's not just for VIPs, I think he will be that expensive.

[philsmurf]

as simple players ripped off
I pay for nothing

[Purple!]

I love the Tiki Mansion, but that should have been the VIP item and Gargamel and his castle should have been the Smurfy wonder. I am going to get Gargamel, but seriously Beeline, does every cool villain and their castle need to come at a primium price? Let a few of them be Smurfy Wonders!

[Purple!]

That is most likely Beeline's thinking, Yosinori, but I think we would all be fine if Papa Smurf's quest told us his little Smurfs would be building us his castle to save us money! In nine years of the cartoon, there must be a time that the Smurfs built something for the villains. Two VIP items is just so much money!

[Spelling Bee]

It's not just that. Specific Wonders are only built in one area. When they add them as items, they can typically be added to more than just one area.

[Cupcake]

I see your point, Ms. Bee, but if they had given us a Gargamel area, like they did the Grove, the Castle would belong only there and be much closer to Smurf cannon, which is that Gargamel lives in another area of the forest. Just sayin'....

[Evabevasmurf]

Good news/bad news. Good news - Gargamel! Bad news - Gargamel will be an exclusive VIP offer. This is especially bad news. EVERY person who plays smurf's village should have the opportunity to have Gargamel in their village. This leaves so many people out it is a total shame. And, as the Sweetheart of Gargamel, guess what? There is no way I will be paying big bucks to bring Gargamel to my village! I will be one of the ones left out in the cold and haunting the forum for pictures posted by Purple and whoever else buys Gargamel. It is a sad day, indeed.

[Purple!]

We don't know the price yet of these offers, so there is hope Evabeva! Maybe they are new super inexpensive VIP offers? 50 dollars is ridiculous enough, but two at that price?! Maybe it won't we as expensive as we think! I'm going to be optimistic until we know everything.

[skydiver118]

This does seem to be the way the game is going. why else would they free up a bunch of old EOs and give them away for free if they didn't have some other scheme in mind?

i get it, I know games need to make money. And as annoying as the advertising is, I doubt they get all that much from it. The upside for them for the ads, they get all that money. In App purchases - last I knew anyway - are subject to Apple or Google getting their cut...and last I knew Apple gets 30% off the top of any purchase.

programmers need to be paid, electricity etc needs to be paid. So I get the need to make money, make a profit and pay the bills

However from the POV of a random average person, there are so many people out there trying to make money off of me I get very tired of constant money grabbing. I work hard for my money and I like to eat too, so constant grabs for dollars wear me out.

I eventually plunked down the money to be a VIP on both my games. And it took me a year of redeeming gift certificates etc to get the money to get the VIP status. And I did that. My choice. And while I will pay money for stuff....I have issues with paying money for pixels, especially from a company with a track record of 'oops, your game is corrupted and you lost stuff, too bad, just start over'.

Those that get gargamel, enjoy him. I'm not that emotionally vested to worry about it. I'm just having fun playing a game that I have in common with my niece (She's the one that put it on my iPad in the first place)

so even as the commercialism gets on my nerves, I get it. And honestly, think about it, folks have been begging and pleading for gargamel for years...you REALLY expect them not to take advantage of it?

[Cupcake]

Not surprised- just disappointed. Could have been a win-win. We'll see how it plays out...

[Spelling Bee]

Morning everyone. I would like to clarify a couple of things. After the Gargamel Teaser was posted yesterday, Cupcake asked what "Smurfy Special Offers" meant. To be precise, she asked if Gargamel would be obtained like the Smurfy Special Offers we used to get a long time ago where players could purchase items for Smurfberries. I replied that the Gargamel Smurfy Special Offers would be similar to the Elite VIP Exclusive Offers.

I provided that info so that our expectations could be adjusted accordingly and everyone could stop the speculating. Those who wish to make the purchases can plan ahead to do so, those who don't can focus on the other things coming in the update. As for exact details such as pricing etc., I don't have any other information to share at this time.

On a personal note... As a fellow player I understand everyone's frustration and disappointment. It's hard to see both sides of an argument when it comes to things like real currency purchases. As the game nears it's sixth anniversary, it's easy to forget that the years of hacks, cheats, and exploits have had a negative impact on our beloved game's Smurfberry economy. This was more or less the catalyst that put us where we are now and led to the introduction of the Exclusive Offers and items that can only be obtained by spending real currency. These are the purchases that are now funding the development costs for the updates, and without them we probably still wouldn't be able to play. Beeline strives to ensure that all the items that are made available for real currency are non-necessary additions to the core mechanics of the game. Players who don't make in-app purchases can still enjoy the game without purchasing anything. For those who do wish to spend some real currency, Exclusive Offers and the higher priced Elite VIP Exclusive Offers eventually all do see their prices decrease. Items are added to the Rarity Shop, or the Game Master's Mystery Box. it's not all doom and gloom.

[Evanna]

Hacks, cheats and exploits? Are you talking about the bugs Beeline put in the game because they didn't test their updates properly (and probably didn't play the game themselves)? Are you talking about the bugs that for once aren't hurting the game, but give the players something instead of making the gameplay more complicated or even causing the loss of villages? Is Beeline seriously blaming players for ... you know, playing the game? Like the most recent dye bug? Nobody did anything to get that. You simply played the game as you always would. If Beeline complains about that, they have to take a long and hard look at themselves. And even the smurfberry bug for which you had to do something: It was Beeline's fault. Not the players'. If Beeline puts something out that players benefit from, they can't blame the players.

''Beeline strives to ensure that all the items that are made available for real currency are non-necessary additions to the game.'' A kiwi or bobcat family is unnecessary. Adorable and I love them, but not 'necessary' to a Smurfs game. But Gargamel? Really? If there's ONE character that is essential, it's Gargamel. There's a lot of smurfs that have less importance than Gargamel. I think Gargamel (and Azrael) are necessary additions. They are special, yes. Beeline doesn't have to put them in a gift box they place in everybody's village. But at least make him (/them) available to everybody through game-play. Be it a large number of long/difficult quests or a large number of smurfberries. If they want to charge money, at least make it the usual $25-10, but if they are '[striving]' to only make 'non-necessary additions' EOs, then they shouldn't charge any real money for Gargamel.

''In fact Exclusive Offers and the higher priced Elite VIP Exclusive Offers eventually all do see their prices decrease. Items are added to the Rarity Shop, or the Game Master's Mystery Box.'' Are you saying that somewhen in the far future Gargamel (and other EOs/VIP EOs) will come to the Rarity Shop or be in a Mystery Box?

Spelling Bee, this is nothing against you. It's not your fault. You are, unfortunately, the one taking the brunt here. Thank you for providing teasers and information.

[Spelling Bee]

Hacks, cheats and exploits? Are you talking about the bugs Beeline put in the game because they didn't test their updates properly (and probably didn't play the game themselves)? Are you talking about the bugs that for once aren't hurting the game, but give the players something instead of making the gameplay more complicated or even causing the loss of villages?

Hi Evanna. By hacks I am referring to Jailbroken devices, and third party software that can be used to obtain infinite amounts of in-game currency. By cheats and exploits I am referring to bugs or glitches that can unfairly be made use of for a player's own advantage. The debate on whether taking advantage of an exploit should be okay or not has been going on for years in many different video games and apps. What may seem harmless and beneficial from a player's point of view, can be seen as detrimental to a game's longevity by it's developers. Some bigger game developers even choose to ban people who knowingly exploit bugs, others just try and fix them as soon as they can to prevent their game's economy and financial viability from being destroyed. Cheats and exploits are not something that will ever be agreed upon because for every person who says it's harmful, there are just as many who blame the developers and think it's okay.

One thing we can all agree upon though is that if there were less bugs, there would be less potential for exploits to occur.

Is Beeline seriously blaming players for ... you know, playing the game? Like the most recent dye bug? Nobody did anything to get that. You simply played the game as you always would. If Beeline complains about that, they have to take a long and hard look at themselves. And even the smurfberry bug for which you had to do something: It was Beeline's fault. Not the players'. If Beeline puts something out that players benefit from, they can't blame the players.

See above.

''Beeline strives to ensure that all the items that are made available for real currency are non-necessary additions to the core mechanics of the game.'' A kiwi or bobcat family is unnecessary. Adorable and I love them, but not 'necessary' to a Smurfs game. But Gargamel? Really? If there's ONE character that is essential, it's Gargamel. There's a lot of smurfs that have less importance than Gargamel. I think Gargamel (and Azrael) are necessary additions. They are special, yes. Beeline doesn't have to put them in a gift box they place in everybody's village. But at least make him (/them) available to everybody through game-play. Be it a large number of long/difficult quests or a large number of smurfberries. If they want to charge money, at least make it the usual $25-10, but if they are '[striving]' to only make 'non-necessary additions' EOs, then they shouldn't charge any real money for Gargamel.

I agree that Gargamel should be considered an important character in this or any Smurf game. What I was attempting to convey though was that he and the other offers are not a requirement for someone to still keep playing.

''In fact Exclusive Offers and the higher priced Elite VIP Exclusive Offers eventually all do see their prices decrease. Items are added to the Rarity Shop, or the Game Master's Mystery Box.'' Are you saying that somewhen in the far future Gargamel (and other EOs/VIP EOs) will come to the Rarity Shop or be in a Mystery Box?

If you look at what has happened so far, we have had a large amount of the offers added to the Rarity Shop. We've even had an Elite VIP offer added there too. With the introduction of the Game Master Mystery Boxes, we've seen even more of the Exclusive Offers, and even some new items just or it. I don't see why the Studio would stop there. Hopefully we'll see more added to both.

Spelling Bee, this is nothing against you. It's not your fault. You are, unfortunately, the one taking the brunt here. Thank you for providing teasers and information.

Thank you. I understand completely how all of you feel, but I try and play a bit of a devil's advocate here too so that you guys understand where the Studio is coming from too. I will most definitely share the feedback that you and others have expressed. Hopefully some good comes from it.

[Evanna]

Spelling Bee, Thank you for your elaborate reply!

I wasn't aware that people are actively hacking the game. But I guess they might find way to get the offers as well, somehow?

As for the exploits (I wouldn't call it a cheat?), I guess it's also a difference if it just happens or if it really is exploited with effort. The recent dye bug just happened. You play karate and get dye. It's not like you can get around that bug. Except maybe not play karate smurf's game anymore, but that would mean you wouldn't get the normal prizes and he also gives out keys that are worth collecting. The scuba smurfberry bug can be called exploit, surely. I guess the question also is in how far it effects the consumerism of the players. Would they have bought smurfberries and don't anymore because of the bug? Or would they never have bought berries and now only get to have more items they usually would have taken longer to obtain? And the smurfberries don't really affect Rarity Shop or the EOs, because of the items. Even if I had thousands of smurfberries, if there was an item I really wanted, I would buy it. After all, the smurfberries can't be used for it. I think it's perfectly legit to offer items for real money as most games do that and it helps pay for the game. Just the recent pricing feels insane.
But yes, there are bugs that just happen, and bugs one has to work for. I think nobody can be blamed for the first ones because, well, how to not 'exploit' them? For the second I can understand the developers frustration, but as both of us said: If they had paid more attention it could have been avoided.

I think what upsets many players is that bugs they can benefit from are fixed immediately, but other bugs that are impratical or make game-play difficult are around longer or never get fixed (speaking of: Do you know if they will ever fix the space bug where the last bit of land is blocked because one doesn't have enough swoofs but should have level wise? I think it's linked to some star constellations not being available).

Thank you for clarifying. The game indeed stays interesting and fun even without Gargamel, but I guess that can be said about many smurfs as well? I feel like he really is important. Well, as important as we can consider anything.

Maybe it was unlucky phrasing in part, as some others seem to have stumbled over some parts as well. Maybe it also came across wrong because it was added to the frustration of many players who hoped to get Gargamel for a more reasonable price and then felt like they were told that the bugs Beeling accidently implemented were the reason they decided to charge so much for special items now. That's how it felt to me.

Again, thank you for taking the time to reply and clarifying and explaining some things.

[Tapasz]

Not sure whether to laugh, cry or scream?

The laughing part:
It's absolutely fantastic that FINALLY, after years of begging, creating polls, posting insane Gargamel pictures and let's not forget the most hilarious quest...FINALLY Gargamel enters the game. This is something all SV fans hoped for! The main character of Smurfs history within our game! Yay!

The crying part:
WHY? WHY making it a double Elite VIP EO? WHY making it impossible for loads of fans around the world? How on earth can you decide to create a game and disappoint so many fans by denying them access to the main character? And worse, advertise the new update to get everybody excited and leave them hanging. This is so uncool!

The screaming part:
Don't give me the crap that you need revenue to keep the game going! SV fans are the most loyal ones out there. Because who in their right mind would still spend money on a game which can be lost within a sec? A lot of people support you nevertheless and this is your way of thanking them?

I've spent so many hours during the years helping people out saving their game. Doing YOUR job because I felt they deserved the help you lacked giving. Only for them to hold on to their game. Now part of me wished I never did. Those poor people would have moved on...and would not be confronted with this outright money grabbing special update.

All the while ignoring all corrupt villages. Again back to silence and ignoring. I've given an extensive detailed script of what happened to help the studio out what to search for. Got a reply: I'll get back to you tomorrow. Well that has been a month ago. So far for customer support.

Yes I'm upset! Because all of the above you managed to ruin my fun in the game. Always scared opening the game after a crash. Scared seeing blueprints in friends villages. Scared because I can't sync my game. And due to all corruption forum isn't alive anymore. Hardly any comments or funny posts left.

The small bright light for me was Gargamels teaser. Finally after all those years I could make my game complete. And then...BAM..back to earth. Yep, you managed to ruin that as well. No way I will spend $99 for this. NOT in my still not functioning game. You could have easily made him for SB and make his castle the $99 offer! Like others pointed out you would have gained more revenue that way.

I'll build the tikihut, a true wonder. A comfy place to relax with true friends. A perfect hide-out to decide if I should quit all together. Last months the game only added to frustration instead of giving joy like it used to be.

I'll sneak in here to see the creations of those who buy Gargamel, Purple go for it! Make all the time we spent to get Gargamel worthwhile! You deserve it!

ALL DESERVE IT !!

[Pam Tredway]

Well said Tapasz! I have a corrupt village! I got no help from Beeline except I got one of my huts back after I sent in my receipts from back in January fortunately I don't delete my emails so I still had it! I got one message about my village about what's going on and even got a message fromBee's Knees then I got nothing! I usually buy every EO's there is and I purchase some of the high price items. Some I didn't cause I didn't think they was worthy of the cost! Now I'm afraid to purchase anything!

[ChristalWest]

I agree. When my maxed out game crashed several months ago, you were the only that helped initially. Beeline's Zachary had nothing but developer overtures and "he" NEVER got back to me to tell me that the game was fixed with the next update (which was around 25 days post-crash). I would not have known without the users, like you, on this forum. Ever since that crash and with the excessive crashes, bugs, and general performance issues on my ipad air (not an older device/OS) with each update, I have not spent an additional dime. I am VIP and had spent quite a lot before. I will not partake of the ridiculous prices for VIP EOs, the ridiculous prices for the tool shed and, now, likely the crater tool. I do NOT have Baltazar nor his castle and will not purchase Gargamel nor his castle. I sincerely hope that Beeline understands that they have lost revenue due to poor customer service response, poor product performance and excessive recovery pricing.

[Joe12]

my guess is Gargamel will be $99.99
the castle will be $49.99, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's also $99.99

[Morning Sky]

Some screenshots would be nice.

[CindySmurf]

What a letdown. I have had to start over completely on Android because of the no save function. I have had some help with replacements from BB, thanks. But that is not yet complete and I have already invested more money in the new Android version. Now to find out not only is Balthazar's castle out of reach, the main villain from day one in Peyo is only for those willing to spend big bucks. I am very discouraged. It will be painful to see others getting Gargamel but I can only watch.

[Astro King]

You'll not be the only one in pain.. ????

[Smurfytime]

I agree. It would be much kinder if Gargamel would be 12,99. That is reasonable. I can't afford offers which are more than that.