4. Microtransactions despite subscription or Buy2Play
The times when you bought a game and/or paid a subscription to experience all the content without worrying about an item shop are over. Even with subscription MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, there is now an optional item shop.
Those who particularly identify with “their” game want to have as many items as possible and despite a subscription or a full-price game, they still have to buy things in the shop. Such microtransactions – even if they are only optional – can be very annoying, as you never feel like you really own everything, even though you pay a subscription and have bought the game.
As additional options in an item shop, the developer offers exclusive pets or mounts for purchase. However, there are also other things that an item shop can offer even in a subscription game. Among them are more character slots, a paid transfer to another server, and even the ability to raise a character to a certain level to start directly with the content of a new expansion.
Not only in World of Warcraft, but also in Black Desert there exists an item shop that provides players with a lot of items despite Buy2Play. This includes even items like outfits that are exclusively available through the shop and sometimes even grant bonuses. High prices follow, where you may have to dig deep into your pockets even for a new costume. And if someone does not want to walk around in “rags” in the game world but values a stylish outfit for the hero, they have no choice but to visit the shop.
