Monetization
Ongoing coverage on Monetization.
Latest coverage
Aion 2 releases monetization plan with optional $15 sub, battle pass, cash shop, and founder packs
NCsoft has detailed the monetization strategy for the global edition of Aion 2, set to launch this fall as a free-to-play title. The plan includes an optional $15 monthly subscription, battle passes, a cash shop primarily for cosmetics and consumables, and founder packs. The game will feature two currencies, Kina earned through gameplay and Quna as the premium currency, with an exchange system similar to Guild Wars 2.
Wings of Heroes raises the stakes with campaigns, jets and deeper progression
Wings of Heroes has introduced significant updates to its game progression and in-game economy, including new campaign systems, time-limited jet campaigns featuring the F-16, and a skill-based Time Trial mode. These changes represent a strategic shift towards a more scalable gameplay ecosystem with deeper player engagement and new monetization opportunities. The mobile air combat game, developed by Ten Square Games, aims to move beyond individual battle sessions into a more structured and rewarding player journey.
"Game execs remain stupid detached money grubbing idiots": Former Xbox boss wanted Halo 4 to copy Diablo 3's horrible real-money auction house, dev says
A former Xbox executive, Don Mattrick, suggested that Halo 4 should implement a real-money auction house for in-game items, similar to Diablo 3's controversial feature. This suggestion was recalled by a recently laid-off Halo designer, Dan Callan, who criticized the detachment of executives from game development realities and the negative impact of such monetization strategies.
EverQuest Legends’ reduced inventories in pre-order beta raise fears of over-monetization
Players are expressing concerns about perceived over-monetization in EverQuest Legends' pre-order beta, citing reduced inventory slots and convenience features. Developers Daybreak Game Company and Game Jawn have acknowledged that some of these features will be tied to the cash shop or achievements, with executive producer David Youssefi stating this monetization model was decided upon long ago.
Marvel Rivals After 6 Months for Adults | TAG
Six months after its launch in late 2024, Marvel Rivals remains a viable live service option for busy adults, offering short matches and a casual mode that respects player time. While the battle pass progression can be demanding, the game's design elements, including cross-platform play and hero variety, make it sustainable for those with limited weekly hours, though ranked play requires significant commitment.
Live Service Games Worth Your Time 2026 | TAG
This guide offers strategies for busy adults to navigate the demanding landscape of live service games in 2026. It advises prioritizing titles like Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, and Helldivers 2 that respect limited playtime, while cautioning against games with excessive daily logins, battle pass pressure, or overwhelming grind. The article also provides a framework for quitting games that become obligations and discusses ethical monetization practices.
Discussing unionization, layoffs, and monetization
A Game Developer podcast episode, featuring analysts from GDC and Omdia, discusses key findings from the GDC 2024 State of the Game Industry report. The conversation covers trends in monetization, industry layoffs, and conglomeration, as well as developer opinions on unionization, with younger developers showing significantly higher support.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffs
This week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
Hearing about the future of PlayStation from its top dogs made me so depressed I had to go lie down
Sony Interactive Entertainment executives discussed PlayStation's future focus on monetizing its existing user base through recurring revenue like PS Plus, rather than solely on increasing Monthly Active Users. They also highlighted Artificial Intelligence as a key foundational technology for improving development efficiency and player experience in the long term, while aiming to deliver unique value for next-generation platforms beyond PC alternatives.
PS5, Xbox, And Switch 2: Here’s How Their Prices Have Changed Since Launch
Console prices have significantly increased across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch models due to global economic factors and component shortages. By mid-2026, prices for many consoles have risen by hundreds of dollars, with the PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X nearing $1,000. Companies are also exploring further monetization strategies for software and services.
New Aion 2 dev video confirms monetization plans and features for the September global launch
Aion 2 developers have confirmed monetization plans for its September global launch, including a cosmetics shop, a battle pass with free and paid tracks, and an optional $15 monthly subscription. The game will feature eight classes, a seamless open world with air and underwater traversal, over 200 dungeons, and large-scale PvP battles.
MMO Business Roundup: EA’s latest layoffs, Overwatch’s pricy cosmetics, and GAAS nuance
This business roundup covers recent events in the MMO industry, including layoffs at Electronic Arts affecting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams. Former Path of Exile developer Chris Wilson shared nuanced views on live service games, acknowledging drawbacks like problematic monetization and player demands. Additionally, Overwatch's high-priced Nyan Cafe cosmetic skins have drawn community backlash.
Dead or Alive 6 Last Round Review - Back for more
Dead or Alive 6: Last Round is a "definitive edition" that offers minimal additions to the original 2019 release, making its value proposition questionable. While the core gameplay remains deep and engaging with its Triangle System and Break Gauge mechanics, the story mode is incoherent, and the "Last Round" update fails to address significant issues like aggressive monetization, poor netcode, and a lack of substantial new content. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo Games.
Path of Exile used to think 'live service was entirely upside, in all cases', but 10 years of experience and games like Baldur's Gate 3 have shown him another way
Chris Wilson, co-creator of Path of Exile, has re-evaluated his stance on live service games, acknowledging their drawbacks after a decade of experience and observing titles like Baldur's Gate 3. While he initially saw live service as purely beneficial, he now recognizes the complexities of community feedback and the pressures of constant updates, noting that finished, single-player games offer a different, valuable experience.
Path of Exile co-creator "would have scoffed at something like Baldur's Gate 3" 10 years ago, but now he knows why live service isn't necessarily "the future"
Chris Wilson, co-founder of Grinding Gear Games, has re-evaluated his stance on live-service games, admitting he would have dismissed titles like Baldur's Gate 3 a decade ago. While Path of Exile exemplifies a player-friendly live-service model, Wilson now acknowledges the drawbacks of the monetization strategy and the pressures it creates, contrasting it with the appeal of complete, finished games.
MMO Week in Review: ArcheAge’s revival, Guild Wars’ CCG
This week's MMO news roundup covers a variety of topics including Guild Wars receiving a CCG in China, ArcheAge's revival, and Richard Garriott's efforts to regain Ultima copyright. It also features updates on Tomo Endless Blue's Kickstarter success, Embers of the Uncrowned, and Diablo Immortal's new Warlock patch.
Roblox details how much creators will pay for brand integrations
Roblox has announced its new monetization policy for brand integrations, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. Creators will be charged on a cost-per-mille (CPM) basis, with rates varying by region. The company aims for transparency and precision in pricing for brands and creators. Separately, Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly shifting its strategy for PC releases, prioritizing PlayStation exclusivity for single-player narrative games while continuing to release live-service titles on both PC and PlayStation 5.
Arenanet lovar: inga prenumerationer eller pay-to-win i Guild Wars 3
ArenaNet has outlined its monetization philosophy for Guild Wars 3, confirming it will not feature subscriptions, Battle Passes, or pay-to-win mechanics. The game will sell expansions, cosmetic items, account services, and time-saving items, but developers assure that spending money will not grant an unfair advantage over players who invest time. A beta test is scheduled for Fall 2027.
XSOLLA EXPANDS ITS CANADIAN FOOTPRINT AT GAME CON CANADA AND THE INAUGURAL NAGIS CONFERENCE, UNITING INDUSTRY LEADERS AROUND THE FUTURE OF GAME COMMERCE AND PLAYER GROWTH
Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announced its participation in the inaugural NAGIS conference, co-located with Game Con Canada in Edmonton. The company will exhibit and host speaking sessions on community, monetization, and sustainable studio growth, highlighting its commitment to the Canadian games market. Key executives Berkley Egenes and John Nguyen will participate in panels discussing industry partnerships and community-led growth strategies.
Guild Wars 3 Will Not Have Subscriptions, Pay-to-Win Features
ArenaNet has detailed its monetization and design plans for Guild Wars 3, confirming it will not feature subscription fees or pay-to-win mechanics, with all microtransactions being cosmetic or for convenience. Studio head Colin Johanson emphasized respecting players' time and maintaining a balance between the scale of Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2. The game is in development for PC and PlayStation 5, with beta tests planned for Fall 2027.
