The costs for the Premium status in the MMORPG Albion Online are increasing. The developers explain this by the better quality the game has now.
What did the developers announce? In the official forum of the MMORPG and also in the news on the Albion Online website, there is talk of a price increase for the Premium access starting from February 17 at 10 AM. Of course, you can still play for free.
Premium will be more expensive
What are the current costs for the Premium subscription? Currently, you pay these prices for the Premium access to Albion Online:
- 1 month – 9.95 dollars (per month)
- 3 months – 8.95 dollars (per month)
- 6 months – 7.95 dollars (per month)
- 12 months – 6.95 dollars (per month)
What will be the costs after the adjustment? The costs will be increased by about 20 percent and will be:
- 1 month – 11.95 dollars (per month)
- 3 months – 10.95 dollars (per month)
- 6 months – 9.95 dollars (per month)
- 12 months – 8.95 dollars (per month)
What is the reasoning? In the official forum, the team has commented on the reasons for this price increase. It states that the original prices were set in 2015. Since then, the costs for operating and further developing the MMORPG have increased.
Furthermore, Albion Online has been continuously improved over the years. It is much better optimized and has received a lot of new features, including recently in the Queen Update. Essentially, it is now a significantly better game. Additionally, further improvements and even more content are planned to be added in the future.
We want to ensure that this growth is well financed. Our business model is based on the Premium status and cosmetic items, and we will continue like this. Adding Pay-to-Win elements to our shop is a no-go for us. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we have decided that adjusting the price for the Premium status is the right way.
Sandbox Interactive, developers of Albion Online
A difficult situation
What does the Premium access even bring? There are a number of advantages if you choose the paid Premium status:
- Your skill progression speed is increased with a 50% Fame bonus
- Learning points regenerate
- 50% more silver and loot when fighting monsters
- The crafting focus regenerates
- 50% bonus on your gathering yield
- 100% bonus on your farming yield and your breeding times
- Reduction of market taxes by 50%
What do players think about the price increase? In the official forum, the community discusses this change. Opinions are somewhat divided.
- Viilea says: “What the hell, Sandbox Interactive… the game should be free, then paid, then Pay2Play with Premium, and now Free2Play with an expensive Premium model? And don’t come at me with the fact that you can buy the Premium status with in-game silver, because the costs are just too high.”
- Tallju writes: “Of course, no one likes this, but try to understand that there are people behind this game who do not live in Albion or pay their bills with silver / gold made in the game. Some people may not be able or willing to invest real money in the game, but the developers need real income from Albion. It can be a game for us, but it’s work for them. Does any of you work for free?”
What do you think about the price increase? Can you understand it?
