In Destiny 2, data miners have now found hints in the game’s data that developer Bungie apparently had a “Premium Subscriptions” model planned, similar to that used in the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online. However, the plans were not implemented. Or maybe they already have, albeit in a different form?
What was found in the data? It seems that Bungie planned a subscription model for the Lightfall expansion and Season 20. The subscription model would have arrived in February 2023. However, the plans appear to have been abandoned.
Data miners on a Discord server found 4 files indicating “Ad-Banners” for:
- 1 month subscription
- 3 months subscription
- 6 months subscription
- 12 months subscription
Prices for the models are not known.
Additionally, there was a note: The subscription model would include Lightfall, two new dungeons and raids, 1 month of premium content in Destiny 2 Year 6, a new exotic Sparrow, the catalyst for Quicksilver Storm, and an ornament, along with “Rahool’s Secret Stash”: 4 exotic accessories and a premium material package to be delivered during Year 6.
There are two more texts related to the subscription:
- “Enhance your journey as New Light with a premium subscription to Destiny 2. Try the first mission and destination of Destiny 2: Lightfall, The Witch Queen, Beyond Light, and Shadowkeep for free.”
- “Prevent the apocalypse by driving Emperor Calus to the edge of the star system. Brave a new campaign and master Strand, the new Darkness subclass. Pre-order now to immediately unlock the exotic weapon “Quicksilver Storm” and exclusive bonuses.”
What does that mean? It seems that Bungie was planning an alternative way to monetize Destiny 2. The exact details are unclear. A model could be the game “The Elder Scrolls Online”:
- The Elder Scrolls Online is, like Destiny 2, a “buy-to-play” game: You buy the base game and can then decide which additional DLCs to purchase. The DLCs that you do not buy cannot be played.
- However, The Elder Scrolls Online also offers an alternative (or additional) subscription, ESO Plus: As long as the Plus subscription is active, you can experience any content in the game, regardless of whether you purchased it or not. Additionally, you receive some bonuses that make the game more enjoyable, though they are not strictly necessary.
In Destiny 2, such a subscription model could serve as an alternative for players who want to play continuously. Or it is a kind of compromise for “New Light” players, as suggested in the advertising text, who want to dip their toes into Destiny 2 but do not want to immediately purchase an expansion for €50.
Does the €50 annual pass replace the subscription model?
That could also be an option: In Destiny 2, a kind of “subscription” is already being sold with Lightfall: The annual pass includes season passes for Season 20, 21, 22, and 23, as well as the exotic Sparrow and the “Quicksilver Storm” catalyst mentioned in the subscription:
- Lightfall alone costs €49.99 on Steam
- Lightfall and the annual pass cost nearly €100 on Steam
It could very well be that Destiny 2 has discarded the idea of a subscription model and opted once again for the “annual pass” as a payment model for premium customers.
This is speculation, after all, Bungie never properly introduced this subscription model – we only know the hints from the data.
Whether the model will come to Destiny 2 or if it has been completely discarded is not known at the moment.
There were some difficulties regarding the exclusive automatic rifle “Quicksilver Storm” that was advertised with Lightfall:
Destiny 2 disables €100 pre-order item – “I feel a bit cheated”
