The MMORPG Rift has introduced an option with the latest update that allows you to purchase an important endgame resource with real money. Many players see this as Pay2Win and are vocally complaining on Reddit.
Rift is an esteemed online role-playing game by Trion. As is common in the genre, you level up to the endgame, where you then loot new items and resources for even better gear in raids. For many players, this progression is extremely important.
Therefore, there was quite a backlash when it was announced by Trion that they would be offering endgame resources for real money.
New update allows unlimited purchase of endgame resources with real money
On December 7th, there was an update for Rift that introduced further methods to farm the coveted endgame resource “Captured Intel”. You can farm 47,000 units each week by engaging in various in-game activities. The Captured Intel can then be exchanged for powerful jewelry items at Tier 2.
In addition to the in-game methods of obtaining the resource, there is also the option to simply whip out your credit card and pay real money for Captured Intel. The real money method has no limit; you can buy as much Intel as your bank allows. Furthermore, Captured Intel from real money sales does not count towards the weekly maximum.
Players scream “Pay2Win”!
So, those who spend money can buy endgame progress and thus skip the grind. This is clearly Pay2Win for many players, and a backlash is already raging on Reddit. There are calls for a boycott of the real money resources, and people are generally angry at Trion.
Other players do not see it so strictly. After all, you can still earn the resource in-game.
What do you think? Is it Pay2Win if you can shorten endgame progression?
The new class in Rift plays like an action MMO, which not every player appreciated.
