In some MMORPGs, there are not only monthly subscriptions but also additional cash shops where players can usually purchase cosmetic items. What do you think of such models?
This is what it’s about: To be able to finance themselves, MMORPGs have tried numerous payment models over the years. Currently, free-to-play MMORPGs are widely represented in the industry, but there are still a handful of games that charge a monthly subscription for their services.
Some of these games have a cash shop in addition to the subscription, where cosmetic items are usually offered. These include, for example, Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft. In the cash shops of these games, there are entire series of exclusive items that are otherwise not available in-game, and sometimes they cost considerable amounts of money.
The most expensive mounts in WoW and FFXIV both cost about €30, which is more than double the normal monthly subscription. Accordingly, there is often criticism of this type of monetization of content. Is it too much? Does it not matter?
What do the supporters say?
- Shops bring additional money into the coffers and ensure that the game can deliver even more content
- The items in the shops are cosmetic and optional. No one is forced to buy them
- Cash shops do not take content away from players that would otherwise end up in-game, but rather bring their own extra content
What do the opponents say?
- You already pay for a subscription for the games and should therefore have access to all content
- The cosmetic items in the shops are sometimes extremely expensive and cost far more than the monthly subscription
- Shops would ensure that the better cosmetic items end up there and you only get bad stuff in the game
This is how you can vote: You can make your choice in the survey tool below. Keep in mind that you only have one vote and the voting cannot be undone:
So, how does it look? What is your opinion on cash shops in MMORPGs that require a monthly subscription to play? Is it too greedy or a completely legitimate way to earn more money? Or do you not care about real-money shops because you don’t use them?
Share your opinion in the comments and have fun voting!
