GDC 2008: The Future of MMOs
IGN covers a panel at GDC on the future of MMOs. The subject of micro-payments comes up, and of course, someone poo-poo's the idea. Personally, I think its very viable if done correctly. Second Life stands as a testament to how much money can change hands in micro-payments. I'm currently trying Matrix Online, and while I like the game (huge Matrix fan here!) I can't see paying the 14.95 or so a month for something I'll play once a week. I would, however, put up $5.00 or so a month in micro-payments for some cool in-world swag that boosted my combat rating. It's not much, but it's some business from me, where as now I'll just drop the account when my 30 free days are up.
Tags: games, mmorpg, mmo, virtual worlds
Comments
Donovan Preston on February 25, 2008 at 11:39 a.m.
Yeah, I think you're right that the trend is going to be towards free-to-play with micropayments. Micropayments are so much less stress and anger inducing than the shackles of a monthly subscription, and in the long run I bet companies that take this strategy will end up being more successful.