An interesting new item arrived at US Rite-Aid stores yesterday, the ONE Power-Up game card from Open Network Entertainment. The card can be purchased at Rite-Aid, and when redeemed on the ONE site, can be used for microtransactions in 21 different MMOs.
So what does this have to do with us, as MMO gamers? Well, the ONE cards seem to have several advantages over regular credit card transactions. The cards will net users special perks like discounts, exclusive items, and special access to launches and promotions. This seems like a handy solution for those who don't have a credit card, or don't feel comfortable sending out their credit card information. More significantly, this could mean some big advantages to parents who don't love the idea of handing a credit card over to their MMO-playing children every time they see something in-game that they'd like to have. A fixed, prepaid amount offers less negotiating and more discipline (and could act as a handy reward). Add in the wide array of games available, perks for card users, and a lack of interest fees, and ONE might just have a winner here.
