Some fans of the MMORPG ArcheAge have launched a private server that is based on an old version and aims to improve everything. However, at launch, there were several outages and the hardware had to be relocated. Additionally, there are criticisms regarding the funding, similar to those aimed at ArcheAge itself.
What kind of server is this? AA Classic is a private server run by players. It utilizes a modified version 3.0 and thus skips the later adjustments to the trading system and equipment, which are viewed critically by the ArcheAge community. Furthermore, they aim to avoid Pay2Win and take stronger actions against hacks and bots than the developer XL Games itself.
On August 4, the server launched – facing some problems that are also known from other MMORPG releases. There were:
- Server crashes
- Bogged-down queues
- Exploits that caused server crashes.
The next day, the “proper release” took place, as the developers titled it in a blog post. However, there were severe lags. The developers changed the hardware during a “sleepless night” and managed to get the problem under control for now. Overall, the downtime during the release weekend was over 12 hours.
Is the rest of the game better? That depends on the perspective. The server makes the bonuses from the actual Patron subscription available for free, offers faster regeneration of work points, and avoids converting real money into in-game currency. Moreover, there have already been mass battles with almost 600 players, which were reported to run relatively smoothly.
Nevertheless, some criticize the pre-order packages costing up to 60 dollars and the real-money shop in the game. Some are additionally concerned that the server could be shut down at any time if the developers at XL Games wish to do so, which would lead to the loss of purchased advantages.
For already shut down MMORPGs, studios sometimes turn a blind eye, like in the cases of Warhammer Online or Star Wars Galaxies. However, action is frequently taken against projects of ongoing games, as was the case in 2016 with WoW and the Nostalrius server. Playing on private servers is therefore always at one’s own risk.
By the way, things are reportedly not going so well with ArcheAge itself: One of the largest Free2Play MMORPGs of the last 10 years is allegedly facing closure – This is what the developers say now.
You can check out the release trailer for ArcheAge here:
ArcheAge Classic is not Pay2Win but focuses on monetization
How is the server funded? Before the release, there were three pre-order packages, each containing a name reservation, a special title, and exclusive skins. These skins are said to be available only through the packages and cannot be purchased later in the shop. This heavily plays on FOMO (the fear of missing out).
With 20, 40, and 60 dollars, the packages are relatively expensive. They also all contain credits that can be exchanged later in the shop for additional items. Extra credits can be purchased with real money.
The server also offers a monthly subscription for 10 dollars, which allows access to the mailbox and warehouse from anywhere and reduces the casting time for teleports by 50%. The bonuses are not as strong as in the original ArcheAge, but they do exist.
How is the financing received? Some private servers completely forgo money, which is also relevant from a legal standpoint. Others rely on donations that players can make voluntarily. A real money shop, a subscription, and especially pre-order boxes are significant exceptions.
On Reddit, there are therefore some commentators who are very dissatisfied with the model:
- Tooshortismus writes: “It’s a private server, they can make everything available to everyone. If they charge for anything, it’s illegal. The server can be shut down at any time, and all money spent is gone.”
- PeliPal sees it similarly: “They have no right to sell such things. Whether it’s not Pay2Win doesn’t matter if the server gets shut down.”
- Haardroncollider is even harsher: “So we are pre-ordering a game that has been released multiple times, and we are paying an unlicensed dealer? We are really desperate for new MMORPGs.”
Although there is already a private server for ArcheAge that has been running for 5 years and has not been shut down, such servers always remain a risk.
What do you think about the launch problems and generally about the version of ArcheAge? Is there even a need for a private server alongside the official ones?
Those looking for a new sandbox MMORPG should keep an eye on this: New MMORPG is considered a great sandbox hope by many – What makes Pax Dei so special?
