So I don’t know exactly how to tag the business model of The Secret World now so I’ll steal the idea that I saw somewhere else and tag it Buy to play. Buy the game and then play for free as long as you want. It’s not exactly free to play since you do have to buy something but it’s pretty damn close and in my opinion, even better because you do get way more out of the game than normal free to play games.
So what do you get for free? Everything! After the initial purchase you have full access to the game without any restriction just as if you had subscribed before. You can do dungeons, raids and pvp to your heart content, you have access to all the character creation options and all the weapons. F2P games tend to have serious restrictions for the free players but not Secret World and I think that’s a really smart move. There’s still a cash shop for you if you want more fashion, pets and xp boosts but there’s no need to buy anything . If I’m not mistaken the only weapons available are upgraded starter stuff so nothing game breaking.
In my case I had paid for lifetime so I’m not really affected (I do get free money in the store and a discount) but I love it because a few friends are trying out the game now and any mmo is better with friends. During the weekend you could hear a lot of new players trying out the game and the most recurring comment was along the lines of “can’t believe I missed this one”.
So, I really wish this will help out Funcom and help push forward TSW. I remember hearing about a Louisiana style zone a while back in a dev interview and I want to see that happen.
I’m not sure a new term was needed. After all, “Free to play” isn’t the same as “Free”. You pay for the game, you get to play for free. Free. To. Play. Pretty simple. If they didn’t charge for the game, it would just be Free. Free game, free play. Free free.
I’m guessing that someone used to work in an ad agency.
“All these free to play games – we’ll be in a crowded market!”
“Boss, I got an idea! We’ll call it ‘Purchase to Play!’”
“Purchase to play … purchase to play … too wordy. Won’t fit on the header.”
“Buy to play?”
“BUY to play! I like it, kid! You’re headed places!”
“Thanks, sir!”
“Now, fetch me a box of Twinkies from the Secret Stash. It’s time to celebrate!”
“Yeeessss, master!”
ROFL! I love your explanation! Altough I thought the ad industry wanted twizzlers.. you learn something new everyday
Considering it probably originated from a certain gaming portal, I’m thinking instead it was more like THE MONTH IS HALF OVER AND NOBODY HAS COME UP WITH A NEW CATCH PHRASE. WHAT AM I PAYING YOU FOR, PEOPLE?
My most recurring comment has been “WTF?” In the best possible way. Like “WTF is that squidmonster where did it come from?” or “WTF is up with all these NPCs they are all crazy” Also “WTF is wrong with me why didn’t I get this game sooner?”
Thank you for lighting a fire under my butt and making me get TSW, it was way overdue and I am loving it!
Time to go shoot some zombies in the face and look good doing it!