The future of subscription vs. RMT

thexrated

There is a lot of talk about RMT these days. Much of it is negative, but there are some positive examples.

Various RMT services have many business models. Some are item malls while others offer account and in-game services, like character transfer and name change. Some even offer extra content. I do not think many MMOs will be able to push forward solely based on subscription model, but must offer value-added services for those who prefer to pay subscriptions. We will most likely to see business models that incorporate both.

I also think MMO companies need to offer more value to those who subscribe. Global Agenda for example is doing this where subcribers get access to different content. CCP offer gametime that can be purchased from other players through in-game currency. SW:TOR is rumored to include mid-session content, which could be anything from extra dungeons to missions and even small expansion packs...perhaps even a flat in Coruscant?

There is nothing wrong with the different service levels. If I were a developer, I would really focus on defining those. Subscribers do deserve value-added services and benefits. Especially, loyal long-term  subscribers.

 

An SW:TOR example could be something like:

One month of game time is included with a purchase of the box for a single character in the account. 

Loyalty Points = points earned through subscription periods and the overall lenght of subscription along with the use of the RMT. Can be redeemed as account services or even as free subscription periods. Special novelty items also available only through the in-game Loyalty Points shop. 

Platinum Level 1 (3 months) & 2 ( 6 months) - subcription-based - includes access to all extra content and account services. Unlimited number of characters per account.  Includes a rented penthouse apartment at the chosen location and choice of customizable ship with a personal hangar at all major space ports. 30% discount for game improving/novelty items in the RMT shop. 15% lowered cost from all NPC vendors. 10% XP increase across the board.  Access to a special quest that gives access to unique novelty abilities and rewards available for platinum members only - only usable during Platinum-subscription period.  Plus other benefits.

Gold Level 1 (1 month) & 2 (3 months) - subcription-based - Max 8 characters. Includes access to all extra content and account services. Includes a rented apartment from residential area of your chosen city. 25% discount for game improving/novelty items in the RMT shop. 5% lowered cost from all NPC vendors. 5% XP increase across the board.

Silver Level 1 (1 month) & 2 (3months) - subscription-based - Max 2 characters per account. includes access to all extra content, but with limited account services. 15% discount for game improving/novelty items in the RMT shop.

Bronze - F2P (everyone starts with this) - includes access to the basic content and limited account services. One character per account. New mid-session content and expansions to the game must be purchased from the in-game shop with RMT. (can still purchase duration-based XP buffs and alike as well).

- if you decrease your services level you must decide which characters to keep playing. Other option is to pay extra to keep them open. Or something like that.

fanita

Must my gaming time be as complex as filling out a tax return form? 

thexrated

Originally posted by fanita


Must my gaming time be as complex as filling out a tax return form? 

 

To be honest, a service like that is rudimentary at best. It only looks "complex" because it is not in a proper format.

jakin

Well - I for one will not pre-pay an MMO company.  There is no contract or assurance that the development team will continue to improve or support the game in a way I'd be satisfied playing - as such, it would be very possible that my pre-payment would be wasted on a game I would otherwise quit.  (see SWG NGE for an easy example)

Should a publishing company decide to penalize me in-game for choosing this, that publishing company will simply not get any money at all.

Frankly, the system described above would be just about the last thing I'd ever pay for in an online game.

Esther-Chan

Actually I mentioned tiered services in another thread; which is basically what you're suggesting. I view tiered services as the future of MMORPGs. Consumers pay for what they feel is fair.

 

It just makes more sense in my opinion.