Massively

TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Launches, News items, Races, TERA

TERA's launch is just around the corner, and if you're not excited yet, En Masse Entertainment is going to throw as much new stuff at you as possible to get you psyched up. That starts with a developer journal by Senior Producer Brian Knox, who talks about the road to launch and the growth of the studio. As you'd expect of a producer bringing a game to market, he's quite excited to see what players will do with the game once it's live.

Not interested? Perhaps you'll be more interested to know that the studio has extended the inaugural subscription rate deal; have an active subscription to the game by May 31st and you'll wind up with long-term discounts on the subscription price. Or perhaps you'd rather kick back and watch the final installment of the race videos, this one highlighting the familiar human race. It's a variety of updates to keep your energy up for the launch next Tuesday, assuming it wasn't up already.

Continue reading TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address

TERA ramps up for launch with a video, an offer, and an address originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raph Koster talks about free-to-play models and whales

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play

The idea of free-to-play business models can prompt a lot of venom from players who are certain that the model, essentially, is a trick. You'll be forced into paying for the game somehow, or you'll be able to pay extra money and walk away with all of the best stuff in the game. Raph Koster has a different view of things from a business standpoint, and he outlines how the free-to-play model works out in practice in a recent blog entry.

Koster explains that you wind up with a handful of players who sink a huge amount of money into the game, while most users (upwards of 60%) never pay a dime. The users who do pay that much money, referred to as "whales," are essentially being treated as if they're in a retail store, compared to the more traditional model where you pay $60 for a game only to find out you don't like it. Whatever your views on the model, it's an interesting look at the changing face of monetizing games and is well worth a read.

Raph Koster talks about free-to-play models and whales originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brian Clayton on the City of Heroes Freedom launch

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Business models, Interviews, Launches, News items, Free-to-play

City of Heroes has launched its free-to-play hybrid model at long last, and all that remains for players to do is enjoy all of the options that City of Heroes Freedom provides. Well, and possibly wonder what the game's development schedule will look like from here on out, maybe ask a few questions about the pricing in the store, debate which player options have the most value, and so forth. Come to think of it, there are a lot of things to still be done.

We had the opportunity to ask a few questions of executive producer Brian Clayton about what's going on behind the scenes of City of Heroes Freedom. Jump on past the break for a postmortem of the launch, discussions of what's to come in the store from here on out, and more information about what VIPs can expect from future updates.

Continue reading Brian Clayton on the City of Heroes Freedom launch

Brian Clayton on the City of Heroes Freedom launch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Empires Online introduces Season Pass, details pricing

Matt Daniel — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Historical, Business models, Economy, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, MMORTS

Microsoft has released more information on the pricing plans that will soon be available to players of Age of Empires Online, the newest installment in the RTS series that launched just today. On top of the previously established Premium Civilization packs (weighing in at $20 each), the Defense of Crete booster ($9.99), and Empire Extras ($4.99), players will also be able to purchase a Season Pass.

The Season Pass grants players a 30% discount on all cash shop items for six months. The Season Pass itself is reported to set players back a hefty $99.99, so it will likely only be useful for the most hardcore of Age of Empires Online players. But if you're planning on buying up every bit of content the company drops, it may save you a few bucks. In addition to the Season Pass, Microsoft also announced that players who buy the Greek and Egyptian civilizations will receive the Defense of Crete booster for free. For more information on the just-launched online RTS, check out Joystiq's hands-on impressions of the game.

Age of Empires Online introduces Season Pass, details pricing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Massively: Something approaching a tribute to Safety Dance edition

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, Expansions, Opinion, Ask Massively, Miscellaneous

Safety Dance was a song released by Men Without Hats in 1982. It is astonishing for me to realize this, but there is now a substantial portion of our audience that post-dates not only this song but the entire decade. So allow me to say right now that yes, the 1980s were a real time, they did in fact happen, and if that video doesn't tell you a good portion of what you need to know about that time period, any further elaboration won't make it clearer.

OK, maybe one further piece.

This week's questions have absolutely nothing to do with dancing, safety, or looking at one's hands. Instead, it's about pricing models for games and the never-ending discussion about where one draws the line between an MMO and something that is not an MMO. As always, you can leave questions in the comment field for next week, or you can mail them along to ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Something approaching a tribute to Safety Dance edition

Ask Massively: Something approaching a tribute to Safety Dance edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Massively: A public service announcement regarding acronyms edition

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, Opinion, Free-to-play, Ask Massively, Miscellaneous

Ladies and gentlemen, I come to you with an earnest and heartfelt plea: Know what acronyms stand for if you insist upon using them. ATM is an acronym that includes the word "machine," ditto for PIN and the word "number." If you ask someone to enter his PIN number, you sound like an idiot. The whole reason that people started using these acronyms was to save time, and now you're ruining it. Get a clue. Love, everyone in the world who knows what these acronyms actually mean. (P.S., we don't really love you.)

Now that we've gotten the public service announcement out of the way, it's time for this week's Ask Massively, which we'll try to keep as free of acronyms as humanly possible. This week's questions are all about the Benjamins -- why we're getting charged full price for boxed games and how subscription-optional prices shake down over the long term, specifically. As always, you can send questions for next week in to ask@massively.com or leave them in the comments below.

Continue reading Ask Massively: A public service announcement regarding acronyms edition

Ask Massively: A public service announcement regarding acronyms edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online sets pricing and new launch date

Larry Everett — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Launches, New titles, DC Universe Online

After a much needed push-back from the original launch date of November 2nd, Sony Online Entertainment has set a new launch date for DC Universe Online. We announced a rumored launch-date move yesterday. And today, SOE has confirmed that its new action-MMO will launch on January 11th, 2011. Game Director Chris Cao sent along this statement: "Creating DC Universe Online has been a massive undertaking, and we're excited to be that much closer to launch. We're grateful to our beta players for providing us invaluable feedback in these final stages that has enabled us to put the finishing touches on a fun and exciting experience when the game launches in January."

The superhero game will launch simultaneously on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 with the MSRP of US$49.99 and US$59.99 respectively. Purchase of the game grants one month free, after which a subscription costs US$14.99 monthly. PC customers will be able to take advantage of a US$29.99 StationAccess subscription which allows access to all current SOE games.

Don't miss our launch-announcement interview with the DCUO creators coming soon!

DC Universe Online sets pricing and new launch date originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: What do you think about lifetime subscriptions?

Eliot Lefebvre — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, MMO industry, Opinion, The Daily Grind

Champions Online made a bit of a splash when the development team announced that lifetime subscriptions would become available once again... albeit at the rather steep price of $299, right as the game is preparing to go free-to-play. It's not that it's a bad reward for players, but the price is a bit steep for many, and requires quite a bit of expected playtime for one to make back the investment. On the other hand, permanent access to a game is always tempting, and lifetime subscriptions always carry some weighty perks.

Not many games offer a lifetime plan, but those that have done it have received mixed reviews. The up-front investment is a bit daunting, but the result is never having to worry about how you'll pay the subscription fees. Of course, some players prefer having that fee in their minds to help ensure they make the most out of their in-game time, rather than knowing the game is always there for whenever. Would you purchase a lifetime subscription to your favorite game? How much would you be willing to pay?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

The Daily Grind: What do you think about lifetime subscriptions? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy XIV grants players a month of freedom and revamped markets

Eliot Lefebvre — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Economy, Events, real-world, News items, Consoles, Final Fantasy XIV, Promotions

Player opinions have been strongly mixed on Final Fantasy XIV, something that hardly needs to be reiterated. Even the game's supporters have occasionally been a touch leery about paying for their first month of the game with the current state of polish. Which means that it should be good news for players all around that Square-Enix is extending the normal "free month" to encompass an additional month, placing early adopters out of the realm of billing until November.

Aimed primarily at purchasers of the collector's edition with its headstart, the extension will be credited to any and all accounts created before October 19th. Billing will be credited for another 30 days, giving a total of 60 days free time within the game world. The official announcement assured the community that the development team is listening to all the feedback received, and wishes to thank Final Fantasy XIV's players for their devotion to the game. Considering that the game has just seen its first pass of reorganization for the market system and a director dispatch on the game's future, it's a morning of good news for the game's players.

[Thanks to Bartillo and FusionX for the tip!]

Final Fantasy XIV grants players a month of freedom and revamped markets originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Party hardly

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Business models, Opinion, A Mild-Mannered Reporter, Promotions

I think by this point I have a well-established reputation as being a fairly positive guy on the subject of City of Heroes. It wasn't a conscious decision or anything -- it's just that I've been pretty happy with the game's development and content, and I do tend to be a bit of a developer supporter. I don't expect the game to be something other than what it is, and I enjoy what it is. Not to mention the obvious fact that the game has given me a lot of enjoyment over the years. So I usually come down as being part of the sunshine and light crowd.

But that's not by design -- it's just how things have shaken down. I hand out praise and criticism as the situation warrants. And this week I'm going to talk about something that most definitely deserves criticism. I'm talking, of course, about the Party Pack, the newest mini-addition to the game and one that's already produced more than a little fan rage. But it's deserved, and even if I can see why Paragon Studios went the route that it did, I find it a little hard to just dismiss it with the usual "if you don't like it, don't buy it" routine.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Party hardly

A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Party hardly originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy XIV announces launch date and pricing model

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, New titles, News items, Final Fantasy XIV

The speculation for Final Fantasy XIV's eager fanbase can finally come to an end. Square-Enix's hotly anticipated MMORPG has an official release date, and contrary to the expectations of many it's not at the absolute end of the year. The game will officially launch on the PC on September 22nd -- and September 30th. In addition to the official release announcement, Square has disclosed the bonuses for the Collector's Edition, and one of those bonuses is a full week's early access.

The Collector's Edition, which retails for $74.99 instead of the standard version's $49.99, will also include an exclusive in-game item, a security token, a travel journal with concept art, and a special cover with art by Yoshitako Amano. Both versions include 30 days of free game time, with subsequent months priced at $12.99. No word on whether the fee will increase for additional characters a la Final Fantasy XI. If you can't wait for another three months, however, you can take heart in the promise that Final Fantasy XIV's beta will start in early July. It's not quite as good as launch, but we're sure it'll ease the scant time remaining.

[Editor's Note: As an additional note, extra character slots in the game will cost $3.00 per month, much like Final Fantasy XI's $1 per month character slots. However, if you wish to have another character for inventory purposes in FFXIV, then the cost is still only $1 dollar. So, to recap, a playable character slot in FFXIV is $3.00 per month, while a non-playing "inventory use only" character is $1 dollar per month. ~Sera]

Final Fantasy XIV announces launch date and pricing model originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Points Bulletin interview on the approaching release

Eliot Lefebvre — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Real life, Business models, Interviews, New titles, News items, All Points Bulletin, Crime

The time leading up to launch for All Points Bulletin has been a bit rocky here and there, with hot spots of controversy regarding the game's pricing model and the review embargo set for a surprisingly late date. But still, with about a week left before the game goes live, there's plenty to be excited about. (We'd link you to our own first impressions, but you'll have to travel into the future to be allowed to read it.) Our sister site Joystiq had a chance to talk with producer Jesse Knapp about the game's state just prior to launch.

There are several interesting tidbits in the interview, such as discussion about how the game allows for criminals to fight amongst themselves on the premise that the designers expected an imbalance in that faction. There's also talk about the decision to avoid a microtransaction model in favor of the currently variable spread of subscription options for players. While the developers are still a bit up in the air about the game's status as an MMO, we're sure we have more than a few readers who are anticipating All Points Bulletin and who will find some interesting tidbits in the interview.

All Points Bulletin interview on the approaching release originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Would you play a game on the Guild Wars model?

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Guild Wars, Business models, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Daily Grind

Of all the myriad price structures and business models out there, Guild Wars has managed to largely hold on to one that's relatively unique. It's clearly not under the subscription-based umbrella, as there's no monthly cost to play. Yet at the same time, it doesn't really fall under the traditional free-to-play model -- the game didn't launch with any sort of item shop, and the current microtransaction shop is more akin to the supplementary shops seen in many subscription games like City of Heroes.

ArenaNet has always been clear about their intended price structure and the intent for the game to support itself with full-priced expansions rather than a monthly fee. While there might be some debate about how sustainable the model is, it's certainly enticing for some players. So today's questions for you: would you play a game that balanced itself on the Guild Wars pricing scheme? If so, what game would be worth a $50 expansion every six months without a monthly cost? Or do you prefer the more prevalent pricing models found elsewhere?

The Daily Grind: Would you play a game on the Guild Wars model? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aika item shop opens

Eliot Lefebvre — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Culture, News items, Free-to-play, Aika

Aika has been generating some buzz here on Massively as a new PvP-focused free-to-play game with some interesting gameplay mechanics. It's been in open beta for a little while now, and the game has taken the first cautious steps toward their business model: the item shop for the game has gone live. Considering what happened when the last gPotato free-to-play game launched its item shop, it's hard not to be a little... leery of what might ensue when the fans look at the pricing.

Sure enough, there have been threads popping up in reaction, but the overall response has been fairly low-key. It would seem that the impact of what happened to Allods Online and its price model were taken to heart. The shop still isn't quite live on the official site, but it promises to make life at least mildly easier and offer several convenience features to players. So if you've been waiting to try Aika until you see how the cash shop plays out, you might want to go over and check the open beta out now.

Aika item shop opens originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Business models, Game mechanics, New titles, PvP, Free-to-play

MMOs are a strange genre without many of the clearly-defined borders for something that is or isn't a part of the field. Not surprisingly, there's a lot of innovation in the field that's confined strictly to the absolute edges of what could be considered an MMO. Games such as MAG and Global Agenda feature several shooter conventions mixed with several MMO conventions, and it's an interesting formula. Land of Chaos Online is pushing the formula as well, by adding in third-person shooter elements to a Defense of the Ancients-style match format.

The game is on the outer edge of the genre, but it draws much of its gameplay and feel from MMOs, with a strong emphasis on coupled character persistence and more shooter-style elements. We caught up with Achim Kaspers, managing director of Burda:ic, during GDC to talk about what the game would play like and get an idea of what we could expect. More information on this unique game after the cut.

Continue reading GDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview

GDC10: Land of Chaos Online interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhammer Online tweaking their weapon prices

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, PvP, Warhammer Online, News items

The problem with testing things in any MMO is that so much is contingent upon who decides to log in to the test servers and how much they're willing to play. Ultimately, for all we hate untested dungeons or mechanics or whatever, the only real test for them is to have them go live. Warhammer Online hasn't had too many problems with their most recent patch, but the exact pricing of the newly-introduced RvR weapons has been a bit of a sticky widget. So they've done the most responsible thing possible: they've gone ahead and tweaked the pricing right away.

Low-Renown weapons are the most affected by the price cut, but every weapon has been given a nice drop in cost to make the more accessible. The full announcement goes into some detail about the philosophy behind it, no doubt part of the effort at increased transparency from the development team. Best of all, there's no delay in the changes -- they've already gone live and can be enjoyed by all players. So if you feared the long march in Warhammer Online for a decent weapon from RvR and for RvR, you've had a lucky day indeed.

Warhammer Online tweaking their weapon prices originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MAG moves to patch 1.03

Eliot Lefebvre — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Game mechanics, Patches, Consoles, MMOFPS, MAG

For better or worse, most MMOs these days live and die by combat. That goes doubly so for the MMOFPS field, since it's difficult to have a game with "shooter" right in the genre descriptor without some form of lethal ordnance being unloaded. MAG, the massive squad-based shooter on the PS3, has made a major overhaul to its combat system with patch 1.03, designed to address several community concerns and elements that the designers felt were unfair and unfun. A large-scale weapon overhaul has taken place as the centerpiece of the patch, with the effectiveness of several weapons and strategies being re-tuned.

The short version: shorter-range weapons have been toned down in terms of their accuracy at range, sights have been toned down for a similar reason, and both battle rifles and rocket launchers have received notable buffs. There's also greater consistency in firing through thin materials such as tents. With changes to the warnings for charges, faster gear switching, and decreased respec costs, the patch also brings improvements not solely linked to weapon balance. MAG players have the patch available now, and we're hoping that the shifts are keeping players more entertained and less frustrated at someone sniping them from half a map away with a shotgun.

MAG moves to patch 1.03 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue Mars limited-term pioneer pricing plans announcement

Tateru Nino — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Business models, Blue Mars, Virtual worlds

Avatar Reality Inc, the operators of Blue Mars, are today announcing limited time "pioneer" pricing for developers, digital entrepreneurs, educators, and businesses for space on the Blue Mars virtual environment platform.

Space on Blue Mars is allocated in "cities". A Blue Mars city can be any size up to 16 kilometres on a side (a total of 256 million square metres). A city is more or less a discrete environment, or pocket "world" (if you prefer the term) with its own custom terrain, interface, rules, controls, items, themes, dominant language, and activities.

Continue reading Blue Mars limited-term pioneer pricing plans announcement

Blue Mars limited-term pioneer pricing plans announcement originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hi-Rez announces pricing structure for Global Agenda

Shawn Schuster — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Business models, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Spy, Global Agenda

Good news for you Global Agenda fans out there, as Hi-Rez Studios announced their pricing structure today for the upcoming spy-fi MMO. In a phone call this morning to Executive Producer Todd Harris, we learned that the game will have a few options, depending on your playing style. If you'd like to play Global Agenda as a multi-player, hub-based shooter, all you need to do is buy the box. There will be no subscription fees at all.

If you'd like to take part in large-scale Alliance vs. Alliance battles throughout a persistent world, then the subscription model would be for you. This sub model also opens up other features, like the Auction House, mail system and more. This is what any MMO player would want, while the subscription-free option would cater more towards your average Call of Duty fan. Keep reading after the jump for complete details on Global Agenda's payment model, feature comparison and details and their newest projected launch window.

Continue reading Hi-Rez announces pricing structure for Global Agenda

Hi-Rez announces pricing structure for Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LotRO's 2nd Anniversary brings another "Welcome Back Week"

William Dobson — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Culture, News items

The Lord of the Rings Online is turning two, and its not just the current players that can celebrate. A number of incentives are being offered to lure former subscribers back into the world of Middle-earth, and emails spreading the word have gone out. There is a "Welcome Back Week" of the kind that we're becoming accustomed to seeing quite often now, starting on the 24th of April and ending on the 30th. This means that past subscribers can jump right back into the game for free during the week. The 25% experience bonus (on top of any rested experience bonus) of the last weekend will also be in effect, for all players.

As well as this, special subscription pricing of US$9.99 a month (for 3-month or longer plans) is available again. Both current and former subscribers are able to take advantage of the promotional pricing, but 1-month plans remain at the usual price. For the last little treat, monsters in-game will be dropping rare loot that can be traded for anniversary gift boxes containing a range of special items. Stay tuned to Massively for much more detailed coverage of LotRO's birthday tomorrow.

LotRO's 2nd Anniversary brings another "Welcome Back Week" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LotRO's anniversary pricing to end soon

Shawn Schuster — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Business models, Events, real-world

If you haven't taken advantage of the anniversary pricing special from Lord of the Rings Online yet, we're worried about your sanity. Yes it's still going on, but you only have less than two weeks left until the prices go back up. This special pricing deal started way back on April 24th of this year and was extended until June 30th.

Not to make this sound too much like a commercial, but this really is the greatest deal in town for a game as involved and deep as LotRO. Even at a 3-month subscription, you're only paying $9.99 a month, but for the first time since launch, they're offering the lifetime subscription for $199. After the 30th, it will go up to $299. So consider this your friendly reminder from your pals at Massively: don't let this lifetime membership deal pass you by!

LotRO's anniversary pricing to end soon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Conan box/subscription pricing announced

Michael Zenke — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Age of Conan, Business models, Events, in-game, Launches, New titles

Prices for Age of Conan's retail boxes, monthly subscription fees, and a number of other interesting tidbits have been unveiled in Funcom's new investor update. For those of us on the US side of the Atlantic, we'll be paying out $59.99 for the basic box and $14.99 per month to stay in Hyborea. If you're keeping track, that makes the collector's edition of the game not that much more expensive than the basic set.

Other fascinating informational drops from the pdf document:

The company expects to spend 12% of gross revenues from the game on further marketing.
Funcom's server farm is scaled to handle some 500,000 - 600,000 subscribers at launch.
AoC has had 20 front covers already, and expects to top 30 by the end of May.
Last week Age of Conan's website had some 475,000 unique visitors (according to Google Analytics).
The company acknowledges that its launch success also hinges on its partners. "The Company's most important partners/suppliers are IPsoft, SCi Entertainment/Eidos, Cisco, Dell and GlobalCollect."
Funcom is up front about the bottom line on AoC's future: "The success of the game will depend first and foremost on the response it receives from players after several hours of playtime of the finished product."

[Via Ten Ton Hammer]

Age of Conan box/subscription pricing announced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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