Jagex, devs of RuneScape, are testing how far they can push monetization without losing players. However, many long-time players are realizing they don’t want their paid game of 10+ years to turn into an ad-filled, pay-to-win nightmare.
Things that Jagex, RuneScape developer, hopes to add to the game:
Advertisements - an ad supported plan like Hulu, so you have ads hitting you in the face while you play
Paid account recovery - Pay more money to recover your account!
Character Name reservations
“special worlds” just for you! So VIP servers, paying EXTRA… for VIP servers, on a game you already pay to play
Pay to win features - longer AFK timer to stay in the game for longer. If you pay more, you ge a longer in-game access time
More membership price hikes - It’s likely the membership price will rise AGAIN. Keep in mind, Jagex profit AFTER ALL EXPENSES has surged over 35% over past 5 years. They are stealing from their players, robbing them blind
Example of their black-mirror inspired membership plans
The $32.49/month membership option for Old School RuneScape and RuneScape 3 includes:
Access to both games.
2 member characters.
Additional member characters for $10.49 per month each.
Specialized Member Worlds.
Character Name Reservations.
Pre-Verified Account Recovery.
A complimentary bond.
You ready to be nickle and dimed like going to the carwash and getting that juicy tire shine for an extra $5?
Here’s a wonderful discussion post if you enjoy diving in and seeing some great points, and information: Membership Survey /r/2007scape
TL;DR: Jagex survey asking if players are ok paying an absurd amount more money for having access to customer service, ad-free gaming experience. Players went ballistic, and are finally wiseing up to how awful the company really has become.
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What a ripoff lol