Buddy Keys finally implemented in Age of Conan

Completely agreed here.

While I've liked what little time I've spent with AoC (currently focusing more on leveling my main in that little Blizzard game); I've been rubbed rather raw by Funcom's business strategy throughout it all.

From the Fileplanet and Gamespot beta debacles (the latter of which being more infuriating if for nothing other than the ridiculous download manager situation), to the whole PCGamer item deal, none of it has left the best impression on me.

Here, however, I can only laugh. Having to pay for something where its merit and existence is based upon its 'free-ness' is so completely counter-productive I just have to wonder what was flying through Funcom's minds when they made the decision.

Sure, I understand that bandwidth isn't cheap, and that there could be a massive server strain if just enough people get in through the program (unlikely as it may be); but in trying to get new subscribers? Well, I think we all know what happens when companies seem to try to nickle-and-dime you from the start.

WoW's worked because it was free (the included disc didn't hurt either), and I can't see any other system working if one has to be charged for it.

I suppose that there will be some who loan their discs out, sure, but I really can't see that happening too often, especially if one has 4 friends that they want to start playing with at the same time...