Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic has 1.3 million active subs, new content packs coming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-has-1-3-million-active-subs-new-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-has-1-3-million-active-subs-new-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-has-1-3-million-active-subs-new-con/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Wars: The Old Republic
We all know that the Star Wars: The Old Republic galaxy is a huge place, but thanks to some new numbers from EA's 4th quarter financial reports, we now know exactly how huge it is. According to the report, SWTOR is home to 1.3 million active subscribers (down from 1.7 million as announced in March).

On top of that bit of information, the report also reveals that two new content packs will be available for players sometime in the first financial quarter. We don't know a thing about these content packs yet, except that they're (at least tentatively) titled Legacy (presumably the current Legacy patch) and Allies, so conspiracy theorists, start your engines. Let the speculation begin!

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic has 1.3 million active subs, new content packs coming originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active-subsactive-subscribersalliesbiowarecontent-packcontent-packseaelectronic-artslegacylucasartsnumbersci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubssubscriberssubscription-feesubscription-numberssubscriptionsswtorthe-old-republictorMon, 07 May 2012 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion opens a new server, eliminates subs, and reactivates accounts today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aion-opens-a-new-server-eliminates-subs-and-reactivates-accoun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aion-opens-a-new-server-eliminates-subs-and-reactivates-accoun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aion-opens-a-new-server-eliminates-subs-and-reactivates-accoun/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Aion screenshot
Today is a big day for players anticipating next week's launch of Aion's Ascension and the title's conversion to free-to-play. Once server maintenance is completed, players will have a new server, subscriptions will be discontinued, and the doors will reopen for inactive accounts.

Starting today, players will be able to log into the new Kahrun server to create characters and reserve names; however, actual play will not be possible until the launch on April 11th. Catering to the Central Time Zone, all sieges, arena timers, and the like will be based on CST.

All accounts are also changing from subscriptions to the Truly Free model, eliminating all billing. Still have a month, three months, or even a year of time left? In compensation, NCsoft is crediting players by converting all remaining game time to NCoin at a ratio of 40 NCoin per remaining day. Don't panic if you don't see the credit immediately; it might take a couple of days to process everything.

On top of all this, all inactive accounts in good standing are reactivating today to give Daevas a chance to prepare for 3.0. So dust off those wings and jump back in!

MassivelyAion opens a new server, eliminates subs, and reactivates accounts today originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionAion-Ascensionascensioncompensationf2pfantasyfree-to-playNCoinncsoftnew-serverreactivationsubscriptionstruly-freeWed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online makes Legendary members even more legendary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dc-universe-online-makes-legendary-members-even-more-legendary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dc-universe-online-makes-legendary-members-even-more-legendary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dc-universe-online-makes-legendary-members-even-more-legendary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wait for it.
Do you want to be a living legend? It certainly beats being a dead legend, since you can enjoy it more. And if you're a Legendary member of DC Universe Online, you already get access to a variety of accompanying benefits. But starting on April 3rd, Legendary members get an even bigger legend with several new benefits aside from free access to all DLC.

So what will you get? PC players will receive a monthly stipend of 500 Station Cash, while PS3 players will see a similar influx of 500 Loyalty Points for use in a new in-game store. For both platforms, you'll get the ability to unlock rare lockboxes for free and a full set of Replay Badges every month. Replay Badges allow you to reset all of your instance lockouts, giving you a chance to play back through content more frequently -- and with 150 of them free each month, your exploits as a Legendary member will be the stuff of... well, you can guess.

MassivelyDC Universe Online makes Legendary members even more legendary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playlegendarylegendary-membersmembershipsplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsubscriptionssuperherosuperheroesThu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle.net Balance boots up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/battle-net-balance-boots-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/battle-net-balance-boots-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/battle-net-balance-boots-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Battle.net
Diablo III may not be out yet, but that's no good reason not to be filling up your virtual coffers for the day that it hits the streets! Blizzard has thrown the switch on Battle.net Balance, activating its online payment service that allows players to charge up their Battle.net funds to purchase various Blizzard game services.

The new Balance system can be used to buy World of Warcraft game time (although you can't set up a recurring subscription with it), in-game pets and mounts, paid account services in WoW such as character transfers, digital copies of Blizzard titles, and the opportunity to buy and sell items on Diablo III's auction house. It's important to note that not all regions will be able to participate in Diablo III's real-money transactions, however.

Once real money has been funneled into Battle.net Balance, it cannot be converted back into cash. Blizzard does state that in some regions, players will have an option to get cash back on Diablo III auction sales via PayPal. The company also mentioned that there is a cap on how much any player can have in his or her Balance account and that there are potentially region-specific expiration dates for Balance funds.

MassivelyBattle.net Balance boots up originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle.netbattle.net-balancebattlenetd3diablo-3diablo-iiidiiigame-timemicrotransactionsmountmountspaypalpetpetsreal-money-tradingreal-money-transactionsrmtsubscriptionsvirtual-walletworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape increasing subscription prices on February 1st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/runescape-increasing-subscription-prices-on-february-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/runescape-increasing-subscription-prices-on-february-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/runescape-increasing-subscription-prices-on-february-1st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- RuneScape
In a new post on the official RuneScape site, the game's vice president Daniel Clough has announced that, beginning in February, RuneScape membership prices will be rising from $5.95 US per month to $7.95 US per month. If you're already a member, don't worry! Anyone who is a registered member prior to February 1st will still be able to subscribe to the game at the current fee of $5.95 US per month, and the rate will not rise as long as the subscription isn't cancelled. So if you were thinking about shelling out for a RuneScape membership, act before the end of the month in order to lock in the current, lower pricing model. For the full details, click on through the link below to the RuneScape official site.

[Thanks to Sean for the tip!]

MassivelyRuneScape increasing subscription prices on February 1st originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-based-gamebrowser-based-gamesdaniel-cloughf2pfree-to-playincreasejagexmembermembersmembershipmembership-feesprice-increasersrunescapesub-feessubssubscriptionsubscription-feessubscriptionsTue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT introduces 3-month, 6-month, and yearly subscription plans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rift-introduces-3-month-6-month-and-yearly-subscription-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rift-introduces-3-month-6-month-and-yearly-subscription-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/rift-introduces-3-month-6-month-and-yearly-subscription-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- RIFT
It's a new year, and the folks at Trion Worlds want you to spend it in Telara. In order to entice players to stick around, the studio has announced three new subscription plans for those who are tired of dropping $15 US every month. RIFT players can now subscribe for three months for $12.99 US per month (that's $38.97 US, billed every three months), six months for $10.99 US per month ($65.94 US every six months), or one year for $9.99 US per month ($119.88 US every year).

But wait, there's more! For a limited time only, Trion is offering players a discount on the yearly subscription package. Instead of paying $9.99 per month, players will pay $8.25 per month for a total of $99.00 per year. So if you're one of the many RIFT players who have been waiting for multi-month subscription options, all you have to do is head on over to your account page and make the switch. For more details, check out the game's official subscription information page.

MassivelyRIFT introduces 3-month, 6-month, and yearly subscription plans originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-sub-plannew-sub-plansnew-subscription-plannew-subscription-plansriftrift-planes-of-telarasub-feesub-feessubssubscriptionsubscription-feessubscription-plansubscription-planssubscriptionstriontrion-worldsThu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online offering perks to subscribers before the business shift]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/star-trek-online-offering-perks-to-subscribers-before-the-busine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/star-trek-online-offering-perks-to-subscribers-before-the-busine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/star-trek-online-offering-perks-to-subscribers-before-the-busine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In other news, humans in the Star Trek universe don't use money.
Season 5 is now live for Star Trek Online, but the actual conversion to free-to-play is still a little further ahead. That means there's a grace period during which players can be given a few extra little perks for sticking with the game. Said perks have been outlined in the most recent Path to F2P blog entry. Until January 2nd, the classic Constitution-class ship and the Klingon Qorgh Refit are free to players who log in and claim them from the C-Store.

Subscription deals are also being offered through December 19th for players who subscribe for longer than one month. Picking up a three-month subscription will come out to around $36, and a six-month subscription will run about $66, both cheaper than the regular pricing. You can also pick up a lifetime subscription as well, if you're willing to drop $200 up front. While some players will doubtlessly be taking advantage of the shift to stop subscribing and keep playing, there's certainly no shortage of deals being offered to keep subscriptions after the switch.

MassivelyStar Trek Online offering perks to subscribers before the business shift originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdealsdiscountsf2pfree-to-playpath-to-f2pperfect-world-entertainmentpromotionpweseason-5st-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosubscriptionstrek-onlineFri, 02 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise killing subscriptions, going free-to-play in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/earthrise-killing-subscriptions-going-free-to-play-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/earthrise-killing-subscriptions-going-free-to-play-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/earthrise-killing-subscriptions-going-free-to-play-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Earthrise
The struggling sci-fi sandbox Earthrise is no longer interested in competing in the subscription market, and is instead veering toward a free-to-play model in 2012. As of December 1st, all players will be able to experience the game without a monthly charge as Masthead Studios prepares for a F2P version.

Masthead CEO Atanas Atanasov says that the move is an effort to retain customer trust while the developers shore up the game's weaknesses: "We decided to let all our players unlimited gaming experience until we all are satisfied with the experience in our game. At the moment Earthrise features one of the best visuals, content, and gameplay of all sci-fi MMOs on the market. However, it is missing polish and has annoyances that spoil the fun in the game. We are learning from our experience and that is why we will remove monthly charges until we bring the game to a quality state that is satisfactory to us and our players."

Once the title is brought up to par, Masthead will transition it to a true F2P model, although Atanasov assures players that it will not incorporate pay-to-win purchases. Until Earthrise goes F2P, new accounts will be invitation-only as Masthead restricts the number of incoming players. All current subscribers will be able to invite a few of their friends during the transition, however.

[Source: Masthead Studios press release]

MassivelyEarthrise killing subscriptions, going free-to-play in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012Atanas-Atanasovbusiness-modelearthrisef2pfree-to-playmastheadmasthead-studiospay-to-winqualitysubscriptionsTue, 15 Nov 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: This is a sneaking mission edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/ask-massively-this-is-a-sneaking-mission-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/ask-massively-this-is-a-sneaking-mission-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/ask-massively-this-is-a-sneaking-mission-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm also sad that peachifruit isn't doing an MGS4 comic. Or finishing her P4 comic. She did good parodies.
Let's get something straight: Even though I'm late to the party with Metal Gear Solid 4, I'm a fan of the series. It's not perfect by any means, but it's one of my favorite franchises of all time. That having been said, why is it always a sneaking mission? Just once, I'd like to be told that this is a march-in-with-an-automatic-gun-and-shoot-people-in-the-face mission. But no, solo sneaking mission, every single time. I know, it's the series hallmark, but since my second playthrough is already going to be a bloodbath with a stealth unit equipped, part of me wants to do that on the first playthrough. Just once.

Appropriately enough, this week's questions for Ask Massively involve stealth in MMOs. They also involve subscription fees, but that doesn't really segue naturally. If you've got a question you'd like to see in a future installment of the column, feel free to leave it in the comments or mail it along to ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: This is a sneaking mission edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: This is a sneaking mission edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersask-massivelycolumnfeaturedfeesgame-mechanicshumoropinionquestionsstealthsubscription-feessubscriptionsThu, 10 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you support your favorite MMO by staying subbed, even if you don't play anymore?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-support-your-favorite-mmo-by-staying-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-support-your-favorite-mmo-by-staying-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/the-daily-grind-do-you-support-your-favorite-mmo-by-staying-sub/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WoW account page
With so many MMOs to choose from these days, it's not uncommon for players to switch between games when a new one catches their eyes. With subscription-based games, you always have to make sure you cancel that sub if you're moving on to another game. This, of course, is one of the strongest arguments in favor of free-to-play games.

But that's not what this Daily Grind topic is about! Today, we want to know whether you've ever stayed subbed to a game, even when you've stopped playing for a few months. Usually this happens accidentally when we forget to cancel the sub, but sometimes we just want to help support the development team with a few extra dollars. Have you ever kept your sub going while not playing, and why?

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!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you support your favorite MMO by staying subbed, even if you don't play anymore? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forgetfulnessgenerosityopinionsubbedsubscriptionstdgthe-daily-grindFri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's Morhaime: F2P not right for WoW]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/blizzards-morhaime-f2p-not-right-for-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/blizzards-morhaime-f2p-not-right-for-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/blizzards-morhaime-f2p-not-right-for-wow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Blizzard's Mike Morhaime tests his deoderant
Before you burn Blizzard at the stake, free-to-play fans, it's worth noting that head honcho Mike Morhaime isn't dismissing the model forever. In a new interview at Eurogamer, though, he does say that it makes little sense for an insanely profitable enterprise like today's World of Warcraft.

"I think that there's an underlying, a fundamental assumption right now, that the less you charge, the more money you make. Which isn't true. And it doesn't necessarily make for a better game. I mean, everybody likes free... I think that definitely, players have seen a lot of really great quality free-to-play experiences, but I'm not sure it's the best model for us right now," Morhaime explains.

The interview also touches on the controversy surrounding the new Mists of Pandaria expansion as well as the business logic behind Blizz's decision to give away Diablo III to long-term WoW subscribers. Head to Eurogamer for the full report.

MassivelyBlizzard's Morhaime: F2P not right for WoW originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsf2pfantasyfree-to-playinterviewsMike-Morhaimemmo-industrysubscription-basedsubscriptionsWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 27 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare Mythic isn't playing favorites with free-to-play and subscriptions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/bioware-mythic-isnt-playing-favorites-with-free-to-play-and-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/bioware-mythic-isnt-playing-favorites-with-free-to-play-and-sub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/bioware-mythic-isnt-playing-favorites-with-free-to-play-and-sub/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wrath of Heroes
BioWare Mythic says that the market is big enough to support both free-to-play and subscription models -- and everything else in between. Talking with Gamasutra, GM Eugene Evans said that the company has to acknowledge that there are people who don't like F2P and those who do, and it's important to reach out to both groups.

With Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes in beta testing, BioWare Mythic is testing the waters of free-to-play while preparing for Star Wars: The Old Republic's massive subscription launch. "We often got asked about taking our old games free-to-play, and in the case of Warhammer, we felt there was a different way of doing it," he opined, going on to say that the Mythic branch was learning a lot about polish and quality from the BioWare team.

Evans commented on the observation that the widening global market means that no one business model is guaranteed to work in every country: "We're all still figuring out what free-to-play means, what the best way to monetize is, and how to run it as a business and engage players in ways they're prepared to accept."

MassivelyBioWare Mythic isn't playing favorites with free-to-play and subscriptions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mythicbusiness-modelsEugene-Evansf2pfree-to-playgamasutramythicpolishstar-wars-the-old-republicsubssubscriptionsubscriptionsswtorwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-wrath-of-heroeswrath-of-heroesMon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online announces Legendary subscription plan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/dc-universe-online-announces-legendary-subscription-plan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/dc-universe-online-announces-legendary-subscription-plan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/dc-universe-online-announces-legendary-subscription-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online's PlayStation 3 players are getting a new payment option for their DCUO fix today. Due to the game's imminent conversion to F2P, Sony Online Entertainment is introducing the Legendary subscription model. The Legendary model is DCUO's premium membership plan, and the only thing that has changed so far is the name.

However, new features will be applied to the subscription once the game transitions to free-to-play, though no details have been released regarding what those features may be.

MassivelyDC Universe Online announces Legendary subscription plan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuofree-to-play-transitionlegendarysoesony-online-entertainmentsubscriptionsubscription-modelssubscriptionsThu, 20 Oct 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan long-term subs available, Funcom gifting weekly consumable packs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/age-of-conan-long-term-subs-available-funcom-gifting-weekly-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/age-of-conan-long-term-subs-available-funcom-gifting-weekly-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/age-of-conan-long-term-subs-available-funcom-gifting-weekly-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - Bountiful Harvest pack
We've got more Age of Conan-related subscription news for you this morning. Yesterday we mentioned the lifetime sub sweepstakes currently ongoing at AoC's Facebook page. Today we came across some new time-limited sub offers on the game's forums as well as a blurb about free weekly login items.

The sub offers come in three-, six-, and 12-month flavors, and each also features a bundle of in-game goods designed to make your Hyborian life a little easier. All three packs give you assorted potions and the basic riding skill, while the six- and 12-month varieties give you mounts to go with it.

The weekly login items feature packs of consumables and are available via the special offers tab of the in-game store. This week's pack is labeled A Bountiful Harvest, while subsequent weeks will feature A Hearty Harvest, A Fine Harvest, and The Harvest Reward packs.

MassivelyAge of Conan long-term subs available, Funcom gifting weekly consumable packs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocaoc-unchainedconanf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhyboriamountspetspotion-packspotionssubscription-packagessubscriptionstime-limited-subscription-offersunchainedweekly-login-itemsWed, 05 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO subscription dollars in decline for the first time since 2002]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/mmo-subscription-dollars-in-decline-for-the-first-time-since-200/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/mmo-subscription-dollars-in-decline-for-the-first-time-since-200/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/mmo-subscription-dollars-in-decline-for-the-first-time-since-200/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Money and lots of it
With all of the free-to-play MMOs coming onto the market and the F2P conversion of formerly subscription-only titles, it should come as no surprise that the subscription model is losing its grip on the industry. Eurogamer reports that starting in 2010, the money brought in from MMO subscriptions has actually gone into decline for the first time ever since analysts began tracking it in 2002.

2010's subscription revenue added up to $1.58 billion, a respectable amount but still 5% less than 2009. 2009 saw a 10% bump in subscriptions, and 2008 witnessed 21.6% growth. Connect the dots, and subscription revenue has most likely peaked and begun a downhill slide. Analysts predict that by 2015, revenue from subs will be as low as $1.33 billion. However, with the popularity of RIFT this year and the coming storm of Star Wars: The Old Republic, the subscription model may see a resurgence.

On the flip side, microtransactions from F2P models are rising exponentially, jumping 24% from 2009 to 2010 to account for $1.13 billion. With the two models combined, the industry saw a very modest 5% increase last year in revenue.

Screen Digest analyst Piers Harding-Rolls sees the writing on the wall: "The focus of many PC game operators has clearly shifted to micro-transaction‐based models -- in part due to competition in the subscription market especially in the high‐end MMOG segment, but also because of the flexibility micro-transactions offer operators in monetising gamers."

MassivelyMMO subscription dollars in decline for the first time since 2002 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002200820092010analysisanalysteconomyeurogamerf2pfree-to-playmicrotransactionsPiers-Harding-Rollsprofitrevenueriftscreen-digeststar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubssubscriptionsubscriptionsswtorthe-old-republictorThu, 15 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DCUO's Fight for the Light content pack free for subscribers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dcuos-fight-for-the-light-content-pack-free-for-subscribers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dcuos-fight-for-the-light-content-pack-free-for-subscribers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/dcuos-fight-for-the-light-content-pack-free-for-subscribers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DC Universe Online - Lantern Corps
DC Universe Online is about to get a bit bigger, and it's also bucking the double-dipping trend that's gripped the MMO industry of late. The good news for subscribers is two-fold: First, there's a lot of new content on the way. Second, it's included in the subscription fee. The Fight for the Light pack, which integrates the legend of the Green Lantern (as well as the rest of the Lantern and Sinestro Corps) into Sony Online Entertainment's massively multiplayer beat-'em-up, debuts on September 6th.

What exactly is in store for loyal denizens of Metropolis and Gotham City? For starters, there's the game's seventh power set (light, of course), followed by new instances like S.T.A.R. Labs, Coast City, and Sciencells Prison. In addition, players will interact with Green Lantern-based friends and foes as they battle to save earth from the clutches of Brainiac.

Gallery: DC Universe Online

MassivelyDCUO's Fight for the Light content pack free for subscribers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdc-universedcuofight-for-the-lightfree-contentgreen-lanternlantern-corpsnew-contentsinestrosinestro-corpssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsubscription-basedsubscriptionssuperheroThu, 01 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The slippery slope: Analysing the decline of World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/the-slippery-slope-analysing-the-decline-of-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/the-slippery-slope-analysing-the-decline-of-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/the-slippery-slope-analysing-the-decline-of-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WoW sunset
It's the word on the street these days: World of Warcraft is no longer quite the king that it used to be. The massive title has lost around one million subscribers over the past year, even with Cataclysm releasing last December. Gamasutra sat down with Blizzard for a frank talk about why the title is in decline, and what the studio has planned to counter this trend.

While Blizzard is pleased with the tune-up that Cataclysm provided to the landscape and questing, some players cite the erosion of difficulty and challenge as a reason for their leaving. Lead Systems Designer Greg Street acknowledges this, but says that the WoW team is in uncharted territory: "We just don't have a lot of examples of games that have lasted this long and been this popular for so long to show the right way to do it. I think coming up with new mechanics and new systems is relatively easy, the problem is integrating it with what we already have. World of Warcraft today is so much more complicated than it was when it launched six or seven years ago."

Ultimately, it may come down to players becoming bored more quickly as Blizzard struggles to pump out content to keep their attention. UC Irvine's Thomas Debeauvais conducted a study of 2,865 WoW players across the world, and found that 75% of them had stopped playing the game for at least a month while still being subscribed to it. Blizzard says that it wants to provide faster content updates and continue to overhaul the game's mechanics and graphics to give the players a reason to stay.

MassivelyThe slippery slope: Analysing the decline of World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11-millionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcataclysmdeclinegamasutragreg-streetsubscriberssubscriptionssurveyThomas-Debeauvaisworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 31 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's business model to feature subs and cash shop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-secret-worlds-business-model-to-feature-subs-and-cash-shop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-secret-worlds-business-model-to-feature-subs-and-cash-shop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/the-secret-worlds-business-model-to-feature-subs-and-cash-shop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World - boss fight
Funcom has taken the wraps off its business model for The Secret World, and the upcoming horror-conspiracy MMORPG will ship with a traditional subscription model. That's not all, though. In a post on the official forums, community manager Oliver "Tarib" Kunz says that the game will also feature microtransactions and a cash shop.

The blurb mentions Funcom's desire to steer clear of "pay-to-win" scenarios by limiting the item store to clothing and convenience items. "Character power in The Secret World will be determined by how well you play the game, not how much money you are willing to put into it," Kunz writes.

MassivelyThe Secret World's business model to feature subs and cash shop originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscash-shopfantasyfuncomhorroritem-shopitem-storemicrotransactionsoliver-kunzpay-to-winselling-powersubscriptionstaribthe-secret-worldtswFri, 26 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New predictions for SWTOR sales: 3M units!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/new-predictions-for-swtor-sales-3m-units/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/new-predictions-for-swtor-sales-3m-units/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/new-predictions-for-swtor-sales-3m-units/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR: Jedi Shadow
Electronic Arts had high hopes for Star Wars: The Old Republic when it invested in BioWare. However, even executives at EA did not expect the pre-order sales that surpassed all the publisher's previous records. This unexpected growth has caused industry analysts to reconsider some of the previous predictions for the title.

Gamasutra reports that Cowen and Company originally predicted sales of the Star Wars MMO to be approximately 1.5 million units with subscription retention at about 1 million players. However, Cowen and Company has now increased that prediction to 3 million unit sold in the first year with 2 million steady subscribers. With EA taking few other risks this season, it spells high hopes for anyone investing in the game developer. However, if anyone is keeping score at home, that number is still below the 4.7 million sales of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm -- though it's quickly catching up.

MassivelyNew predictions for SWTOR sales: 3M units! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecataclysmcowen-and-companyEAElectronic-ArtsLucasArtssalesStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubscriptionsswtorthe-old-republictorWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 11 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Universe going freemium this August]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/lego-universe-going-freemium-this-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/lego-universe-going-freemium-this-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/lego-universe-going-freemium-this-august/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth? Check. City of Heroes? Check. Which AAA MMORPG act is warming up to take the stage next on the free-to-play 2011 world tour? That would be LEGO Universe, and the LEGO Group has announced via press release that the kid-friendly building-block title will be joining its formerly subscription-based brethren in the freemium ranks as early as this August.

Interestingly, LEGO Universe will continue to make its money via paid memberships, with no microtransactions planned at this time. Free players will have access to a limited selection of game content for an unlimited period of time. If the trial content tickles their fancy, tire-kickers are then free to pony up $10 per month for full access.

LEGO Universe is also doing away with its physical media, as new users will find that the game is transitioning to a download-only model for both paid and free players. Full details on the content available to free players isn't yet available, but check back with us frequently as we bring you all the latest updates.

MassivelyLEGO Universe going freemium this August originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsdigital-downloadsf2pfree-to-playfreemiumlegolego-grouplego-universemmo-industrysubscriptionstrialTue, 21 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight's Schaefer: MMO subscriptions aren't the way to go]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/torchlights-schaefer-mmo-subscriptions-arent-the-way-to-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/torchlights-schaefer-mmo-subscriptions-arent-the-way-to-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/torchlights-schaefer-mmo-subscriptions-arent-the-way-to-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Runic Games CEO and Torchlight developer Max Schaefer knows a thing or two about addictive, loot-driven dungeon crawlers. After all, he was a founding member of Blizzard North and instrumental in the development of Diablo and Diablo II. So, when Schaefer talks about game design, people generally listen.

Whether Schaefer's expertise extends to MMO business models is up for debate, though, which makes a recent interview at Charge-Shot.com an interesting read. "I don't think really anyone can do [subscriptions] anymore because pretty much everyone that does subscriptions has one for World of Warcraft," Schaefer posits, while speaking of his plans for the upcoming Torchlight MMO.

While the majority of the interview focuses on the new Xbox Live incarnation of the original Torchlight -- as well as the forthcoming Torchlight II -- it's also a window into Schaefer's design sensibilities and therefore a possible barometer for the type of gameplay that fans might expect from a Torchlight MMO. "[Torchlight] is the kind of game you can play for 20 minutes before you got to go out to dinner, but it's also one that you can geek out on all night. It's just a very accessible format that gives people a chance to enjoy a game rather than work at a game," Schaefer explains.

[Thanks to Craig for the tip!]

MassivelyTorchlight's Schaefer: MMO subscriptions aren't the way to go originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibleaction-rpgbusiness-modelscasualf2pfantasyfree-to-playlootmax-schaeferrunicrunic-gamessubscriptionstorchlighttorchlight-mmoMon, 21 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Time is money, friend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-soapbox-time-is-money-friend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-soapbox-time-is-money-friend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-soapbox-time-is-money-friend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

MMOs are plagued by nasty -isms. Racism. Sexism. Nationalism. Ageism. Orientalism. Homophobia. Misogyny. OK, so those last two aren't really -isms, but you get my point. No matter how much we want our fantasy games to be zones of escapism, these prejudices chase us there. Sometimes we bring them with us as unwanted baggage that spills out in chat channels and character choices. And sometimes they're inherent in the game design itself.

Classism is one such problem you'd think the internet would reduce or conceal, but the divide between the haves and have-nots is stronger in MMOs than ever. To illustrate that point and how it affects us as gamers, I'd like to talk about another set of games ruled not by skill or talent but by money.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Time is money, friend

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Time is money, friend originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityaristocracybarrier-to-entrycasual-gamercasualsclassclassismelitismf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhardcoreismsluxuriesmoneyolympicsopinionpoorbiesrabblesnobberysnobssoapboxsubscriptionsubscriptionsthe-soapboxTue, 08 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To many veteran MMO players, the opening horns of EverQuest's score are enough to trigger vivid memories, violent hallucinations, and an unstoppable desire to leap through the computer screen to return to Norrath. It all depends, of course, on which MMO you first cut your teeth, and while many gamers would claim titles like World of Warcraft as their first, there is a large contingent who will confess that EQ was their first MMO lover.

In fact, before WoW came on the scene in 2004, EverQuest was the gold standard of MMOs for a half-decade -- it was insanely popular, perfectly addictive, and absolutely revolutionary. It was a giant that roamed the virtual lands of those days, a giant that continues to forge new grounds well over a decade from its inception.

It was 1995 when John Smedley realized the potential for online gaming and roped in Brad McQuaid and Steve Clover to start putting together an online RPG for SOE. What began as a small project ballooned into a crazy endeavor as the growing team created a monster RPG the likes the world had never seen before -- a game that would forever shape the MMO genre.

This month, the Game Archaeologist is going after one of the biggest treasures of recorded history as we unearth the secrets to EverQuest's popularity, legacy, and longevity. The first step on our journey is to look at some of the highlights that made EQ what it is today.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-dacAlex-Afrasiabiasherons-callbrad-mcquaidclone-wars-adventuresdc-universe-onlinedcuodikumuddingdkpdoomDuke-Nukem-3De-deqeq-iieq2evercrackedevercracked-the-phenomenom-of-everquesteverquestEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iiexpansionsfarmfree-realmshouse-of-thuleignj-allen-brackjace-halljeff-kaplanjohn-smedleykunarkmeridian-59mezzmudnerfnichenorrathPirates-of-the-Burning-Seaplanetsideprocraph-kosterrezrob-pardoshadows-of-luclinsoesonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-accesssteve-cloversubscription-numberssubscriptionsswgthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-ruins-of-kunarkultima-onlineunderfootuovanguardverantverant-interactiveWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How much did you spend on MMOs last month?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/the-daily-grind-how-much-did-you-spend-on-mmos-last-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/the-daily-grind-how-much-did-you-spend-on-mmos-last-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/the-daily-grind-how-much-did-you-spend-on-mmos-last-month/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

$14.95. That's how much I spent on MMOs in December, which went entirely into the pockets of Cryptic Studios for Star Trek Online. Otherwise, my journeys in Guild Wars, Lord of the Rings Online, and the RIFT beta were completely free. We have come a long way from the days of $8/hour CompuServe games, my friends.

Of course, I've had months where I've juggled a couple subscriptions, or purchased a new game, or even (gasp) spent a few bucks on microtransactions. Disposable income is a really nice thing to have, but it seems like there's a lot more to spend it on online than ever before.

Because we're nosy about your finances, how much did you spend on MMOs last month? That's including subscriptions, game purchases, microtransactions and paid services. Don't forget to itemize your purchases for tax deductions!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How much did you spend on MMOs last month? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compuservecrypticcryptic-studiosguild-warslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromicrotransactionsopinionriftstar-trek-onlinestosubscriptionstaxestdgthe-daily-grindSun, 02 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Are gaming subscriptions "going the way of the dodo?"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/are-gaming-subscriptions-going-the-way-of-the-dodo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/are-gaming-subscriptions-going-the-way-of-the-dodo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/are-gaming-subscriptions-going-the-way-of-the-dodo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Duck and cover, subscription gamers, as the sky is finally falling (according to a report from Parks Associates, at any rate). The research firm has collated data that suggests one in five active U.S. gamers spends money on virtual items. What's not clear is the definition of "active," nor why the 20 percent of F2P users is highlighted while the remaining 80% is not.

The report ostensibly samples "a wide swath of the online gaming market, including MMOs, console games, casual social titles, and cloud-based game offerings." It also notes a 7% decrease in online gaming subscriptions from 2008 to 2010, a period which also happens to coincide with the once-in-a-generation economic disaster that is still ongoing.

Nevertheless, Parks' Pietro Macchiarella feels that the data makes it "increasingly difficult to justify subscription fees. Thanks to social games and free-to-play MMOs, both casual and hardcore players have the option of playing quality games online for free," he says. Check out the source article at Industry Gamers.

MassivelyAre gaming subscriptions "going the way of the dodo?" originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelbusiness-modelseconomyf2pfree-to-playnumbersopinionparks-associatespollingresearchresearch-firmsubscriptionsubscriptionsWed, 10 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW reaches 12 million concurrent subscribers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wow-reaches-12-million-concurrent-subscribers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wow-reaches-12-million-concurrent-subscribers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wow-reaches-12-million-concurrent-subscribers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It seems that World of Warcraft's oft-rumored (or is that wished-for) demise has been exposed as the usual forum scuttlebutt, thanks to a report today that confirms the MMORPG behemoth is cruising along with 12 million concurrent subscribers in tow. Our friends over at WoW Insider tipped us off to Blizzard's latest milestone, which you can view for yourself via a press release on the official European website.

With the December release of Cataclysm looming, things are looking up for the massive genre's reigning champion, and while many of WoW's would-be competitors are turning to free-to-play business models to survive, the gap between Azeroth and the various also-rans only seems to be growing.

MassivelyWoW reaches 12 million concurrent subscribers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-million-subscribersBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentbreakingcataclysmconcurrent-subscribersmoneypress-releasesubscriptionsWorld-of-Warcraftwowwow-insiderThu, 07 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR's Gouskos talks Skaven, subscriptions, and RvR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/wars-gouskos-talks-skaven-subscriptions-and-rvr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/wars-gouskos-talks-skaven-subscriptions-and-rvr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/wars-gouskos-talks-skaven-subscriptions-and-rvr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bioware-Mythic producer Carrie Gouskos recently stopped by the Ten Ton Hammer podcast for a revealing interview regarding changes to Warhammer Online's RvR mechanics, the subscription-based business model, and (of course) more information regarding the Skaven additions coming soon to a server near you.

In addition to detailing the mechanics of mercenary Skaven troops and how players will interact and control the popular rat-men characters, Gouskos also dropped a nice nugget of information regarding the new Skaven dungeon that becomes available as a campaign offshoot around renown rank 65. The new area features a 24v24 free-for-all map that is also populated by legendary Skaven bosses.

Finally, Gouskos talks a bit about WAR's pricing model going forward, including the decision to parcel out portions of the RvR expansion pack as well as avoid jumping on the F2P bandwagon. "We could spend a lot of time converting the game to free-to-play or we could work on this RvR pack. We chose the latter. So, is it off the table completely? No. Is it something that we want to do in the near term? No. We want to provide content for our subscribers," she said.

MassivelyWAR's Gouskos talks Skaven, subscriptions, and RvR originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioware-mythiccarrie-gouskosf2pfree-to-playinterviewmythicmythic-eaMythic-EntertainmentskavensubscriptionswaaaghwarWarhammerWarhammer-OnlineWed, 06 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The state of the subscription MMO: Revenues up, WoW's stranglehold slipping]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/the-state-of-the-subscription-mmo-revenues-up-wows-strangehol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/the-state-of-the-subscription-mmo-revenues-up-wows-strangehol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/the-state-of-the-subscription-mmo-revenues-up-wows-strangehol/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While MMO subscription numbers are largely hidden from public eyes, GamesIndustry.biz found a report by Screen Digest that delivered solid figures for the rate of subscription growth and revenue from the Western market. It's a classic case of "good news, bad news" for the industry.

The good news is that MMO subscriptions rose from $1.4 billion in 2008 to $1.6 billion in 2009, a respectable increase, especially when you consider the increase of free-to-play and microtransaction titles. This number is expected to hit the $2 billion mark by 2014. The bad news is that the average revenue per player is down 10% during the same time period due to "the popularity of cheaper premium subscription services." So more people are playing and paying, but they're spending less per person.

The analysis noted that World of Warcraft's domination in the subscription MMO market is slipping, going from 60% to 54% during that time period. Screen Digest says not to count the subscription MMO out, however: "We maintain our view that subscriptions will continue to play an important role in the MMOG sector. Certain consumer groups and types of service are well suited to subscriptions but we also acknowledge the growing success and adoption of microtransaction-based MMOGs as an alternative business model for operators."

MassivelyThe state of the subscription MMO: Revenues up, WoW's stranglehold slipping originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfinancialfree-to-playGamesindustry.bizMicrotransactionsmmo-industryrevenuescreen-digestsubscriptionsubscription-numberssubscriptionsthe-monkeys-represent-market-growthworld-of-warcraftFri, 24 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Craig Morrison talks MMO numbers (or the lack thereof)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/craig-morrison-talks-mmo-numbers-or-the-lack-thereof/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/craig-morrison-talks-mmo-numbers-or-the-lack-thereof/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/craig-morrison-talks-mmo-numbers-or-the-lack-thereof/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ah, the numbers game. It's often quite comical when it comes to MMORPGs and their die-hard fans (or detractors, as the case may be). Aside from Blizzard, very few MMO development houses release real numbers relating to their playerbases, and forum jousters are thus relegated to citing guesstimates and, in most cases, pure supposition sprung from the likes of wildly inaccurate measuring tools such as Xfire or the late MMOGchart.

Funcom executive producer and Age of Conan game director Craig Morrison weighs in on the perplexing state of MMO number-crunching on his personal blog, offering a bit of insight as to why hard data is, well, hard to come by. He cites a lack of context for the near-universal reticence of developers when it comes to publicizing their community sizes. "Without standard definitions everything ends up in that vague, murky and entirely subjective middle ground... and a middle ground that very few could reasonably be expected to accept as being worthwhile exploring in a business sense," he writes.

So what's his solution? In broad terms, he mentions a rating system, citing television's Nielsen metrics as well as cinema box office figures as semi-comparable standards. While such a system probably wouldn't stop the endless fan bickering, it might at least provide an answer to the question of how each individual company defines success.

MassivelyCraig Morrison talks MMO numbers (or the lack thereof) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanblogcraig-morrisonforum-warriorsfuncomnumbersnumbers-gameopinionratingssubscription-numberssubscriptionssuccessxfire-is-not-accurateThu, 23 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth offers new subscription options]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/fallen-earth-offers-new-subscription-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/fallen-earth-offers-new-subscription-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/fallen-earth-offers-new-subscription-options/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With all the game trailers flying at us from Gamescom 2010 in Cologne, Germany, it's easy to overlook the news closer to home. Happily, the team at Icarus Studios sent us word that their post-apocalyptic MMORPG Fallen Earth is expanding its stable of subscription options.

In addition to the industry-standard $14.99 monthly rate, you can also get your wasteland fix via 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month bundles that will save you, well, a bundle. For the mathematically challenged, you'll save $5, $18, and $55 if you opt into one of the long-term deals when compared to a standard monthly sub. Check out the full press release at the official Fallen Earth website, or go straight to the online store.

MassivelyFallen Earth offers new subscription options originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-month-subscription3-month-subscription6-month-subscriptionfallen-earthicarusicarus-studiospost-apocalypticsub-optionssubscriptionsTue, 17 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB's lead designer discusses pricing model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/apbs-lead-designer-discusses-pricing-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/apbs-lead-designer-discusses-pricing-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/apbs-lead-designer-discusses-pricing-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Kotaku has an interesting article regarding the recently announced pricing options for Realtime Worlds' All Points Bulletin. The urban crime MMORPG made waves late last month with their unique access model that allows gamers the ability to purchase time blocks in certain sections of the game world in addition to the traditional all-encompassing monthly access fee.

E.J. Moreland, APB's lead designer, draws a distinction between players that are likely to prefer the game's gunplay versus those that will be more interested in the socialization options in the game, which are considerable. "With the social district there is a compelling investigation to be made into making the social district entirely free to play, building that out to be a stand alone. There is going to be two kinds of audiences in APB: People who want to play the action game and think it's cool and then people for whom customization is the driver," he says.

Moreland goes on to state that the Realtime Worlds team is planning on adding to the social game in short order, beginning with player housing. Check out the full article over at Kotaku.

MassivelyAPB's lead designer discusses pricing model originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This isn't one of those "Wow, this game has only been out for X days and already has Y subscribers!" posts. TibiaME (the ME means Micro Edition) is certainly not a new title. In fact, the mobile MMO was released all the way back in 2003. What makes its latest milestone of 10,000 premium subscribers more notable is the rate at which the game's playerbase has been growing in recent times. 2008 saw the number of subscribers double, and 2009 has been extremely strong so far too. Off the top of our heads, we would say the rising popularity of smartphones would be a contributing factor, but apparently a collaboration with a large Indonesian mobile phone network has been a huge help as well.

TibiaME bills itself as "the first massive multiplayer online role-playing game for mobile phones". After this latest news, Andreas Weikl (marketing manager from the game's German developer CipSoft) thinks it might be time to add another achievement to the list: "Altogether, TibiaME now has an active player base of around 40,000 players. As far as we know, TibiaME is therefore not only the first but by now as well the biggest mobile MMORPG in the world."

MassivelyMobile MMO TibiaME hits 10,000 subscribers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andreas-weiklcipsoftgermanmarketing-managermilestonemobilesubscriberssubscriptionstibiatibia-micro-editiontibiaMESat, 29 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Does an MMO have to cost money to deliver fun?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/does-an-mmo-have-to-cost-money-to-deliver-fun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/does-an-mmo-have-to-cost-money-to-deliver-fun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/does-an-mmo-have-to-cost-money-to-deliver-fun/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The MMO industry is split between games where you pay and those that are free. Some are pay to play, with subscriptions and the cost of the game while others are free to play but you still have to buy a license key. Some are freemium where the game is free to buy and play but you enhance it with micro-transactions using cold, hard cash.

Over the last year, the internet has been positively flooded by hundreds of free-to-play MMOs from Evony to Runes of Magic. While small fry compared to the likes of EVE, WoW and City of Heroes, they have their own playerbases, their own (albeit smaller) legions of fans who are as just as devoted to their MMO as any other fan is to their chosen title. But does a game that is free automatically make it worse than something you pay good money for?

Continue reading Does an MMO have to cost money to deliver fun?

MassivelyDoes an MMO have to cost money to deliver fun? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroeseditorialeve-onlinefree-to-playfreemiumfreemium-mmoopinion-pieceperfect-worldperfect-world-internationalsubs-based-mmosubscriptionsubscriptionsworld-of-warcraftSun, 19 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Market research firm predicts population explosion for virtual worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/market-research-firm-predicts-population-explosion-for-virtual-w/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/market-research-firm-predicts-population-explosion-for-virtual-w/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/market-research-firm-predicts-population-explosion-for-virtual-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We all sort of knew that virtual worlds usage would continue to grow over the years, but a new report put out by Strategy Anayltics has given us some numbers to think about -- and they're pretty darn big. They've predicted that by 2015, the overall population of virtual worlds will go from what it is now at 186 million people all the way up to 640 million, or more than triple today's userbase. Here's the firm's breakdown of the populations today and in the future:



"Kids" in this case refers to those aged 5 to 9, and as can be seen in the above table, this group is predicted to grow the most over the years. As for how companies will cash in on all this growth, subscriptions are still listed as one of the key drivers of revenue, but 86% of revenue in 2015 will come from microtransactions -- this equates to a growth from 2008's microtransaction figure of roughly $1 billion, to $17.3 billion in six years time.

[Via Virtual Worlds News]

MassivelyMarket research firm predicts population explosion for virtual worlds originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>growthkidsmarket-researchmicrotransactionsmmo-industrypopulationreportstrategy-analyticssubscriptionsvirtual-worldsTue, 16 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cities XL feature set and subscription pricing for European release announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/cities-xl-feature-set-and-subscription-pricing-for-european-rele/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/cities-xl-feature-set-and-subscription-pricing-for-european-rele/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/cities-xl-feature-set-and-subscription-pricing-for-european-rele/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Paris-based game developer Monte Cristo Multimedia is only a few months away from releasing Cities XL which will potentially bring something fresh to the MMO scene: persistent world city-building. We've reported that some of Europe's French and German-speaking countries will get their hands on Cities XL first as of September 3rd.

Monte Cristo has dropped more details today about the online play they'll deliver with Cities XL with their online/persistent world "Planet Offer". We suspect the feature set will remain much the same when the title releases for North America, however subscription pricing has only been announced for Europe:

Continue reading Cities XL feature set and subscription pricing for European release announced

MassivelyCities XL feature set and subscription pricing for European release announced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cities-xlcity-buildercity-buildingeuropemonte-cristo-multimediaplanet-offersubscriptionsubscriptionsTue, 26 May 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Competition for EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/eve-evolved-competition-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/eve-evolved-competition-for-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/eve-evolved-competition-for-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Although the most popular MMOs of today are in the fantasy genre, a niche within the MMO market has always existed for sci-fi games. For quite some time, EVE Online has dominated this niche with a steadily growing playerbase that has now exceeded 300,000 paying subscribers. It's been noted that releases in the fantasy market tend not to affect EVE Online, showing that it's not directly competing with games in the fantasy market. Perhaps the target markets of sci-fi and fantasy MMOs have very little overlap or perhaps the gameplay in EVE is unique enough that no real alternatives exist. Whatever the reason, EVE has been blessed with a relative lack of competition since its release in 2003. But with four major sci-fi MMOs on the horizon, could the game's creators CCP be in for a rough ride?

In this speculative opinion piece, I examine how EVE reacted to competition in the past and suggest how it may react to the next wave of sci-fi MMOs to hit the market.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Competition for EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Competition for EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black prophecyBlackProphecybpccpccp-gamescompetitioneveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedjgejoystiqfeaturesjumpgate-evolutionopinionpvpreleasestar trekstar trek onlinestar warsStarTrekStarTrekOnlineStarWarsstosubscriptionsswtorMon, 25 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's Q1 2009 report shows solid revenue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/funcoms-q1-2009-report-shows-solid-revenue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/funcoms-q1-2009-report-shows-solid-revenue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/funcoms-q1-2009-report-shows-solid-revenue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Funcom has released a report detailing their financials for the first quarter of 2009. They brought in over US$7 million in revenue for the period, and although this figure is slightly less than the previous quarter (but without the disastrous US$23 million depreciation loss), they are pleased with the stability of their earnings during the economic turbulence of recent times. The report also mentions some positive trends in their flagship game Age of Conan:

  • Longer average subscription periods, demonstrating customer loyalty
  • The number of new customers per month is much higher than Q4 '08 (the introduction of free trials helped here)
  • A solid and stable customer base for the quarter
  • Higher levels of activity in game than in previous periods
Not to be left out, The Secret World made it into the report as well, mostly just to say that the recent reveal was well-received, and the project is on track. Anarchy Online only really had a one-line entry in the report, and it was to say that revenues from the game were slowly declining. The casual and free-to-play games that Funcom referred to in their Q4 '08 report are also keeping to their development schedules -- the screenshot above is from a java-based MMO that is currently in the focus-testing and gameplay tweaking stages. For now though, with TSW and the other casual games still on the horizon, the overall success of Q2 '09 will once again hinge on the performance of AoC.

MassivelyFuncom's Q1 2009 report shows solid revenue originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Develop Magazine releases a list every year of the 100 most bankable game studios in the world, known as the Develop 100. The list for 2009 has just gone out, and guess who has moved up in the world? Going from #47 last year all the way to the top this year is Blizzard Entertainment -- you know, those chaps that are responsible for World of Warcraft, among other things. Fellow money-printing outfit Nintendo was relegated to second place due to this mighty ascension.

Our sister-site WoW Insider did a bit of digging to find out why Blizzard jumped so much in a single year. It seems to be due to a few things combined; Blizzard's Activision merger, the release of Wrath of the Lich King, and a change in the way Develop is calculating their figures, particularly in relation to MMOs. Here's a summary of the judging standards found on the Develop 100 page:

Develop 100 ranks the world's most bankable games development studios based on a variety of key criteria including sales data, critical success and industry standing.

Things get a bit wonky when it comes to sales data and MMOs, due to significant revenue coming from subscriptions and online purchases instead of retail sales. WotLK's release and resulting retail sales undoubtedly had a great deal to do with Blizzard's new number one standing, and we wonder how old Blizz' would have fared on the Develop 100 without a new box to put on store shelves. Regardless, they're the champions for 2009. For those interested, the top 5 in order are: Blizzard Entertainment, Nintendo, Rockstar North, EA Canada, and Capcom.

MassivelyBlizzard bumps Nintendo off #1 spot on Develop's top 100 studios list originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 May 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankableblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcapcomdevelopdevelop-100develop-magazineeaea-canadaelectronic-artsmost-bankable-studionintendoretail-salesrockstar-northsalessubscriptionsworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 12 May 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Parallels between free-to-play MMOs and the iTunes Store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/parallels-between-free-to-play-mmos-and-the-itunes-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/parallels-between-free-to-play-mmos-and-the-itunes-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/parallels-between-free-to-play-mmos-and-the-itunes-store/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Have you ever looked at your favorite subscription MMOs and thought about how much of the content available there you actually play through, use, or experience? Do you ever feel you're paying for more than you're actually using? Beau from the Spouse Aggro podcast points out an interesting parallel between how free-to-play MMOs vs. subscription titles relates to the iTunes Store vs. buying CDs.

Even though many people embrace the piecemeal approach to buying music through services like the iTunes Store, there are still plenty of consumers out there who still prefer to buy their music on CDs. After all, that's just how it's been done for years and some people really like to own a CD. They might not listen to every track frequently, but the music's always there for them in case they choose to enjoy it at some point. But how many times have you bought a CD after having heard a certain track you like, only to find out that only a few tracks on that CD are actually good? Maybe your friends like the whole album but for you, there are only a few you'll ever listen to. Did this make you look at the entrenched idea of having to buy the whole CD differently?

Continue reading Parallels between free-to-play MMOs and the iTunes Store

MassivelyParallels between free-to-play MMOs and the iTunes Store originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acclaim has officially launched The Chronicles of Spellborn in North America, and to mark the occasion, premium subscriptions are totally free for people registering before the 7th of May (and for existing accounts). The issue of needing "Acclaim Coins" to purchase subscriptions has been fixed in time for the launch, and when the free subscriptions run out, players will be able to keep them going using their credit cards directly.

As we had confirmed for us last month, Spellborn will be using a monthly paid subscription business model, however, a small portion (three areas) of the game's content will be available for free in perpetuity. Upon reaching a certain level, all further character progression is blocked. This is really more of a free trial than an actual "free-to-play with premium for-pay bits", so to see what the full game is really like, the best option would be to try it out now while the flood gates are opened all the way. If you decide to give it a go, be sure to let us know what you think about it.

MassivelySpellborn launches in the US; subscriptions free for 2 weeks originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acclaimacclaim-coinschronicles-of-spellbornfree-subscriptionslaunchnorth-americaspellbornsubscriptionsususaThu, 23 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST