In a livestream, the YouTuber Josh Strife Hayes discussed the topic of monetization in MMORPGs. Pay2Win in real money shops is always a recurring theme. However, Hayes quickly points out to his viewers why level boosts or resets with new expansions can even be important for the games.
Note: The article was originally published in April 2022, but because it is timeless and encourages discussion, we have brought it back up.
What does Hayes say about monetization? At the beginning, the YouTuber first outlined the development of monetization. Initially, there was just the purchase of the games, then came subscriptions, and now real money shops are hardly thinkable without in the genre.
Then he asks his viewers if they find it acceptable for items that make players stronger to be sold directly for real money. As expected, most answered “No”.
However, he continues his thought experiment:
If all your friends have already been playing an MMORPG for hundreds of hours and you want to join in, then you would have to invest hundreds of hours to catch up to them – but you don’t even know if you will actually like the game in the endgame.
That’s why, from Hayes’ perspective, there are three ways to tackle the power creep problem:
- One sells boosters in the shop so that players can catch up faster – that’s what New World wanted to do, but was strongly criticized for it.
- One ensures regular resets, for instance through a new expansion that devalues the gear and possibly even the level that has been farmed – as is the case in WoW.
- One relies on horizontal progression, where one simply doesn’t become stronger – as is the case in Guild Wars 2.
You can listen to the corresponding section here on YouTube:
“If I took many hours to get the best equipment, I expect everyone to go through the same process”
How is Hayes’ statement received? Very mixed. Some say that boosts aren’t a problem at all. They understand why these “catch-up mechanics” would be implemented, says the user Nitebones. He likes the WoW boosters that elevate you to the level of the current expansion.
Andreas Björkman is also fine with boosters, as long as they do not directly affect the maximum power level or in-game currency. These would have a certain prestige value, which could be nullified.
However, there are also many users who view Hayes’ statement critically. Tiago writes:
Maybe it’s a bit selfish, but if I have worked for hours to reach the max level in a game and get the best equipment, I expect everyone else to go through the same process as I did. It feels much more rewarding to work for it than just to pay for it.
However, there is one thing all users agree on: No item that makes you stronger than something that can be earned should be sold for real money. It must always be possible to earn strength as well.
Much praise for ESO and GW2: Additionally, there is a lot of praise in the comments for the two MMORPGs Guild Wars 2 and The Elder Scrolls Online. Both have had the same maximum level and gear tier for years. These are also not devalued by new addons.
Instead, they rely on horizontal progression. In ESO, there are regularly sets with new effects, and Guild Wars 2 allows players to unlock and level new abilities like gliding, mounts, or the Jade Bots. There are also occasionally new stat combos.
What do you think about the topic of boosters and catch-up in MMORPGs? Is it acceptable to sell such things in the shop? And where are your limits? Or should everyone orient themselves to the subscription and addon model of WoW?
Those hoping for new MMORPGs in 2023 can find all games that have officially announced their release for this year here:
