Talk:Gems/@comment-4709795-20120123174146

To everyone who keeps wondering why we can't exchange dragon cash for gems, or why there aren't more ways to earn gems inthe game, the answer is very simple and logical: the game itself is free, and Backflip Studios has been kind enough to not plaster ads all over our screens, or try to get us to connect to third-party data-mining programs (like Openfeint). What this translates to is that in-app purchases are really their only way to generate income. Income is NEEDED for the game to continue to operate, let alone actually for showing any profit. Building and maintaining servers is necessary for the game to function, as much of the game data is stored and processed server-side, and it isn't cheap. They also need to pay for everything from electricity to staff who maintain the game and develop content updates. Unlike some other freemium games, you don't need gems at all to experience and enjoy the full game, and in fact, between the colliseum and being able to receive gems as gifts, Backflip is much more generous in allowing us to generate the premium currency ourselves than most other freemium games. I don't think we should be begrudging Backflip Studios their only real way to generate income. If people like the game, and want to see more dragons and such, then they should consider spending a few bucks on gems to support the developers, not complain because they can't get what they want immediately when they want it.