World of Warcraft is unlikely to be a purely Free2Play experience in the long run. But one should never say never. Data miners have found interesting hints regarding a possible Veteran Edition in the patch notes for version 6.1.
Veterans and Trials
The resourceful data miners found restrictions in the patch notes related to various game editions. However, one should not misunderstand the Veteran Edition. Unlike, for example, in Aion, one can compare the veteran access with the already existing starter access. For instance, veterans can only send limited whisper messages, reach a certain maximum level, or have a defined maximum amount of gold. A complete list of the restrictions can be found here on MMO-Champion.
What is behind this?
Why these new restrictions? A conceivable scenario could trace back to the introduction of tradable game time. This way, one can temporarily put their account into veteran mode to then purchase game time in-game. A similar feature exists in EVE Online, where players can also buy additional game time using in-game currency. With the Veteran Edition, the barrier for a possible fresh start in Azeroth would become more permeable. Real money would no longer have to be necessarily spent.
Is WoW then Free2Play?
With the game time that can be purchased for gold, World of Warcraft would be a step closer to the Free2Play status. Although real money would still have to be spent for the game, it would no longer be necessary for playing itself. To what extent the “gold for game time” system works remains to be seen. Many Blizzard fans may still remember the Diablo 3 real money auction house – and not positively.
Whether and how this feature will actually come with patch 6.1 remains to be seen. Would you start playing World of Warcraft again if you only needed enough gold in the bank to rejoin?
World of Warcraft, the most-played online role-playing game of all time, offers a vast, diverse, and atmospheric game world. There is something there for every ...
