The SF-MMO WildStar takes the leap to Free2Play.
The development was foreseeable. The quarterly numbers of WildStar have been increasingly weaker in recent months – and that at a low level. The SF-MMO WildStar is transitioning from its current Pay2Play subscription model to a Free2Play model. This change is set to happen in the fall. This aligns with a report from an anonymous source two weeks ago. The source, supposedly a Carbine employee, predicted the imminent announcement of a switch to a Free2Play model. Now it is official.
WildStar apparently could not establish itself in the Pay2Play market
Launched last summer with much fanfare, great reviews, bold words and high hopes from fans, WildStar has failed to convince a sufficiently large player base to pay monthly for the journey to Nexus. Now it seeks refuge in Free2Play.
It will be a typical Free2Play model based on the so-called “Freemium” principle: This means “players who are playing for free” will experience significant limitations compared to those who continue to have some form of subscription. However, they can still achieve everything in the game, reach the maximum level, and see all game content. Publishers word it the other way around: Free players have the normal experience while paying players buy “bonuses”.
Carbine will also offer “services, convenience options, and cosmetic items” through “in-game purchases”, which means a cash shop. By “convenience options”, they usually mean in the industry: items that accelerate leveling and make life more pleasant.
Those who bought the box receive these advantages over non-purchasers
The payment model already differentiates between players who have purchased the box and those who have not.
For example, “owners of the game” will be able to create 12 characters, while Free2Play players can only create 2. There will also be limitations on bank slots, customization options, and housing decorations for free players who have not purchased the game.
Those who have a monthly subscription receive these advantages over others
There will also be the typical “quasi-subscription” where players can buy a special status. WildStar calls this status “Signature Account.” The methods currently used to purchase gameplay time (such as through CREDD, purchasing boxes in stores, existing game cards, or a subscription) will then be used to acquire premium gameplay time.
Compared to free players, premium players enjoy significant benefits: such as 25% more XP, significantly more rested XP, significantly increased reputation gain, they gain access to the test server, are prioritized if queues occur, and so on.
There is a unique feature in the system: Free players who previously subscribed to WildStar or purchased the game will receive “loyalty points.” If they collect enough of them, they can compensate for certain disadvantages they have compared to premium players.
A report contains the exact numbers and data. Another FAQ from Carbine explains the changes for paying players.
Bonus for the most loyal and the not-so-loyal is almost the same
A “gift” is still to be given. For players who maintain a subscription from release until the transition to Free2Play, a mount, a pet, a decoration item, a special music track for housing, the titles Nexus Champion and Living Legend, as well as 4 months of signature service are promised.
Those who currently have a subscription or sign up for one by June 15 and maintain it until the Free2Play transition will receive all this as well – except for the mount and the Living Legend title.
