The subscription was once the common payment method for MMORPGs, but nowadays very few games use it. We take a look at the remaining subscription MMOs.
MMO fans want to engage with an online role-playing game for a long time, so MMORPGs need a constant stream of new content. This has to be funded: A subscription model ensures a steady flow of money for the developers. However, such a model is hardly used today.
The advantages of a subscription
Operating the servers, customer support, and developing new content costs money. With a Buy2Play game, where customers only pay the purchase price, the studio would not be able to cover ongoing costs. A subscription, on the other hand, provides a steady stream of revenue.
Players pay the monthly fee and can play for it and receive updates. Previously, when there were no in-game shops, players were completely satisfied with such a subscription. Pay once a month, and you could play as carefreely as you wanted.
A subscription also has disadvantages
However, a subscription also comes with disadvantages. For example, the pressure one feels to play as much as possible, so it is worth paying the subscription fees. This “must” can detract from the enjoyment of the game. Moreover, you do not want to subscribe to every online game that you would like to play.
However, you don’t want to limit yourself in the titles you want to play. With Free2Play games or Buy2Play titles, it is different. Here, you simply enjoy a bit more freedom. Hence, the subscription has become increasingly unpopular in games over time and is now only used in a few MMOs. We show you which ones.
The currently largest subscription MMORPGs
Even if the subscription is no longer as popular in the MMORPG sector today as it once was, some high-profile games still use this model. And it works very well for them.
World of Warcraft
Blizzard’s MMORPG still relies on subscriptions. Although there is a free trial through which you can try the MMO, this trial version has many limitations. So if you want to enjoy the full game, you must subscribe at a rate of 12.99 per month.
Additionally, there is a relatively low purchase price for WoW. This gives players access to almost everything in WoW. However, the currently active add-ons, currently Legion, must be purchased separately.
There has been an optional in-game shop for some time, where you can buy pets or a boost to level 100, for example. However, this is not strictly necessary to enjoy the game. WoW was released at a time when the majority of players were accustomed to this payment model. Since WoW was able to gain a very large and loyal player base, the subscription is still accepted by fans today.
World of Warcraft transports you to the fantasy world of Azeroth, where you can experience adventures with friends across multiple continents. PvP takes place in special battlefields. The quest and story aspect is central to WoW.
The next pages continue with subscription MMORPGs that you can already play or that are currently being developed. Subscription MMORPGs are currently experiencing a small renaissance.
