In China, players of League of Legends can now subscribe to a monthly plan. This subscription is also being discussed in the West due to some interesting aspects, but it has a significant negative aspect as well.
What is this subscription? For 68 Yuan (approximately 9 Euros), Chinese players can now opt for a subscription to LoL. It includes the following bonuses:
- New skins that have just been released can be tested for one month
- Every month, there are 3 codes for a skin worth up to 20 Yuan (totalling around 60 Yuan). Alternatively, the codes can be exchanged for Riot Points (RP)
- Double experience points
- A free name change
- Automatic upgrade to level 30 when subscribing for 2 or more months at once
- A free server transfer when subscribing for more than 3 months
Currently, the subscription is even reduced to 60 Yuan, which matches the value of the offered codes.
However, this new offer is currently only available in China.
Will the subscription model come to us as well? Whether it will ever arrive in the West is questionable, as LoL in China is distributed by tech giant Tencent. This already results in differences in pricing, such as with skins.
However, it is not entirely ruled out.
Level boost could lead to beginners and bots in ranked matches
How is the subscription received in the West? In the LoL subreddit, there are many positive reactions and players who can imagine taking out such a monthly subscription.
What is praised about the subscription model is that you essentially get back the money you invest in RP. You gain from testing skins, the free transfers, and the XP boost without losing anything.
There is, however, one point that players see as critical.
What is being criticized? The boost to level 30 is seen as problematic for two reasons:
- First, players fear that beginners, who are just starting their careers in LoL, could prematurely enter ranked matches. Currently, level 30 and at least 16 unlocked champions are required. These could be unlocked rather quickly using the coupons.
- Secondly, they are concerned about bots doing exactly the same thing. They also benefit from the subscription model.
Currently, many players consider LoL to be one of the free-to-play games with the fairest monetization model ever. This applies not only to the game itself but also to all titles of the company Riot Games.
They are currently trying to benefit from the success of LoL with several games and other content:
LoL is set to grow from the small 3-lane map to a huge universe
