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Shadowrun Online changes business models during Kickstarter push
There's little debate over whether or not free-to-play is a viable business model, but there are some legitimate concerns over its implementation when mixed with PvP. That's a concern that's been raised by Shadowrun Online fans as the game pushes for Kickstarter funding, and it's one that the developers have addressed in an update on the game's business model. Rather than following a straight free-to-play model, the game will be moving forward under a model more reminiscent of Guild Wars. At launch, the game will retail for $39.99 (Kickstarter backers will be able to get the game at the $25 donation level), with a new "campaign" launched every three or four months at $14.99. Cliffhanger Productions isn't fully replacing the free-to-play model, as both the campaign option and the free-to-play option will be launched on separate servers to support both business models. It's a far-reaching change based on community feedback, and it should be interesting for fans to see how this affects overall donations to the ongoing funding campaign.
The Daily Grind: How long does a new game have to get you hooked?
Buying a new MMO implies a certain level of commitment. Whether you're purchasing the game on day one or just buying it after hearing about it from friends, you have some investment when you shell out the cash for the new box. It's true for the recent launch of RIFT and it was true for Ultima Online. But just because you want to be there for launch doesn't mean that you're ready to place yourself in the game for the long haul, even if you've got the nigh-ubiquitous free month to keep you engaged. It's been said that the real test of subscribers isn't at launch but 32 days out from launch, long enough that the rush of people who would just play for the free month have departed. So how long do you take in a game you've purchased to decide if you want to stick with it? Do you make up your mind during the free month? Wait until you no longer feel like logging in? Or is it an ongoing process in which you have to decide fresh on every given month? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
