The fantasy MMO The Elder Scrolls Online will transition to a Buy2Play system in less than a month. From then on, it aims to fund itself through other means rather than through subscription fees. What is included in the so-called Crown Store, the game’s new cash shop?
The switch to Buy2Play has been criticized as a defeat for Zenimax. The era of Pay2Play MMOs and paid subscriptions is said to be over, according to general gaming press. However, it can also be viewed from another perspective, and Zenimax employees have quietly yet firmly stated that the transition to a Buy2Play model primarily targets the console port: players there may not appreciate the previous mandatory subscription.
Nevertheless, they are now opting for a Buy2Play model with a potent cash shop. Here they have set the goal to offer both cosmetic items and “convenience items,” which will result in faster experience gains.
Our friends from ProNDC were on the test server and took a look at the Crown Store in peace:
So far, these are still preliminary offerings. They may change when the transition occurs. Next week, Update 6 is expected to go live.
