The South Korean MMO with sandbox elements, ArcheAge, which has now been tailored for the European market, has published details about its payment model. Essentially, it remains Free2Play, but offers subscribers bonuses reminiscent of a freemium model. Additionally, it takes some inspiration from EVE Online.
The “Patron” in English refers not only to a regular pub visitor who has a barstool named after him but also to the landlord. ArcheAge now adds a new definition to the term: it refers to the subscribers of the game, which is currently still in the alpha phase of its European incarnation. While Trion Worlds adds that this status is by no means “necessary,” it “only brings more fun.” However, the bonuses a Patron receives already seem to offer significant advantages.
Subscribers sleep better
There is a 10% increase in experience points for building and fighting, and everything in the marketplace is 10% cheaper. Those who want to play completely Free2Play can use the auction house to purchase items but cannot list their own. Furthermore, when offline, they do not regenerate any “Labor” points, which are necessary for crafting.
A Patron regenerates these points faster when online, has a cap that is 5000 points higher, and – particularly importantly – also recovers while sleeping, meaning when offline, regenerating 5 Labor points every 5 minutes. These are partly bonuses that resemble browser games and correspond to a so-called freemium model , one might even call it pay-to-win.
They can build on these stones …
Additionally, like in “Star Wars: The Old Republic” or “Lord of the Rings Online,” the Patron gains access to a special currency that allows them to buy goodies in a shop, including vanity items like pets or special musical instruments, as well as loot boxes with “surprises.”
Another restriction will particularly affect players with sandbox ambitions: those who do not pay cannot own land. Free2Play players can therefore focus on the PvP and combat elements of the game.
Hardcore players can earn their paid status through own efforts
From EVE Online, as well as WildStar, the PLEXX model is adopted. In ArcheAge, it will be called “APEX”. A virtual item that can be purchased for real money, then exchanged in-game with other players for “virtual currency.” When redeeming APEX, a month of “Patron” status is granted. This way, particularly busy hardcore players can finance their bonuses themselves.
[intense_testimonies][intense_testimony][intense_testimony_text]Among the relevant announcements in English forums, discussions have already taken place. One poster says: “One should simply consider ArcheAge as a paid game with the option to try it out for free once.” Another adds: “Anyone who wants to play the game “seriously” will not get around a monthly subscription.
Due to the interesting APEX function and because ArcheAge has a lot to offer in PvP and beyond crafting, some players may indeed succeed in truly playing “Free2Play.”[/intense_testimony_text][intense_testimony_author image=”https://images.mein-mmo.de/magazin/medien/2014/01/Logo-022.png”][/intense_testimony_author][/intense_testimony][/intense_testimonies]
