Today, we present to you seven MMORPGs that had to change their payment model: They switched from a subscription or purchase model to a free-to-play model. But did this change help the online role-playing games?
Until about ten years ago, free-to-play was a payment model that many gamers viewed with skepticism. Therefore, MMORPG developers tried to start with a subscription model: It promised quality and built trust – after all, titles like World of Warcraft made a lot of money with it. A subscription signaled stability and a steady flow of content.
Over time, the situation changed. Free-to-play became fairer, more players looked at titles that were essentially ‘free’, and the subscription model met with increasing rejection: players wanted to maintain only one subscription at a time. They felt that they were not getting enough ‘value’ for their money if they did not play regularly or even constantly.
Many games ultimately no longer had enough subscribers to ensure ongoing operations. The developers had to come up with something for their online games and changed many of them to a free-to-play model.
We look at seven MMORPGs that were converted to a free-to-play model and tell you whether this change was good for the game.
The Lord of the Rings Online (LotRO)
Genre: Themepark MMORPG | Release date: April 24, 2007 | Initial payment model: Buy-to-play with subscription | Change to free-to-play occurred on: November 2, 2010 | Website: The Lord of the Rings Online on Steam
What payment model did the game start with? The MMORPG started on April 24, 2007 as a buy-to-play game with a subscription. At that time, this was basically the common method to release an online role-playing game.
After all, World of Warcraft had shown that an MMORPG with a subscription can run successfully for a long time.
Why was the change to free-to-play made? In June 2010, the developers announced they would change LotRO to a free-to-play model with an in-game shop.
The developers recognized the influx that the previously converted free-to-play MMORPG Dungeons & Dragons Online experienced and believed it was a good time to adjust The Lord of the Rings Online as well.
To promote further growth, the decision was made to introduce a free-to-play version. This also launched on November 2, 2010.
What happened to the MMORPG after the change? Thanks to the free-to-play model, The Lord of the Rings Online initially saw an increase in players. However, over the years, the numbers declined, which is probably also due to the age of the online game.
Nevertheless, The Lord of the Rings Online is still active today and has a loyal player base. Updates and new content continue to be released. Allegedly, a next-gen update for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S is even planned. According to the developers, the MMORPG has a surprisingly high number of players.
The change to free-to-play has surely helped ensure that The Lord of the Rings Online is still alive today and could be expanded and developed in a planned manner over the years.
