@zber2 Well said. This is exactly my sentiment too.
The Maxon acquisition feels exactly like an acquisition I went through years ago. Lots of indicators to demonstrate bigger and better development but in essence the core product remained virtually unchanged, and all the effort was put into expanding the user base through derivative, and generally dumb-downed products. There may be many of the original Pixologic people, plus many new ones on the Zbrush team but development and pricing are driven by shareholders and stock price now. I’m a hobbyist, who would have willingly paid 10-20% of the base price for annual updates but, for years, Pixologic never entertained that option (the rot started there imo) and now I’m locked out of consideration by Maxon. I guess Maxon doesn’t think there’s money to be made from hobbyist/occasional users. Not sure why, as I pay $140/year for Microsoft Office so I can use/write spreadsheets when I want to, and the fee does not kill the budget of a retiree. Even Netflix costs me more and who would be without Netflix these days, or a host of other streaming services. The price of entry for Maxon Zbrush feels like buying a mortgage on a house, when it should feel like tapping into a streaming service. That’s where Maxon is missing out I believe.
I too won’t be long for ZBC. Soon to begin indefinite life on the road with no access to a system that can run Zbrush. So if the 3D sculpting urge strikes it’ll have to be Nomad because sure as hell, I’m not paying a subscription for Zbrush on I-Pad.
Cheers, good luck with your 3D sculpting adventures and thanks for all your support.