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WildStar, the sci-fi MMO from Carbine Studios and NCSOFT, will be released in spring 2014 with the option of several business models.
In addition to a regular sub-based model – ranging from £8.99 for a one month sub, to £6.99 a month for a 12-month commitment – the game will support what is being dubbed “play to pay”.
WildStar purchased will include 30 days free game time, plus three guest passes to give to friends for a week of galactic adventure. Players can then either opt to pay a standard monthly subscription, purchase a Game Time card, or use gold earned in-game to purchase C.R.E.D.D. from other players and avoid paying a subscription fee altogether.
C.R.E.D.D. is an in-game item that can be redeemed for game time. Players can sell C.R.E.D.D. to each other for gold in-game through each server’s Commodities Exchange at a rate established by the player community. C.R.E.D.D. can also be purchased for real money online at www.WildStar-Online.com.
“Gamers have strong opinions when it comes to business models and monetisation in MMO games,” said Jeremy Gaffney, executive producer at Carbine Studios. “In combining a classic subscription model with C.R.E.D.D. we think we’ve struck a good balance. We definitely want to support players who appreciate the value of high-quality subscription-style game. Meanwhile, C.R.E.D.D. gives gamers who don’t like monthly subs the option to just play to pay and enjoy the same content.”
You’ll find more details regarding the ins and outs of the Wildstar business model in a handy FAQ.
Source: Press release
