“Pay-to-win” aka P2W is a term used by online gamers for any game system or mechanic that allows a player to acquire advantages over other players using real-world money.
pay to win
Massively Overthinking: How much does gross monetization really affect your MMO play decisions?
Over the last couple of weeks, we've had several MMORPG tiffs over pay-to-win claims in our games. DC Universe Online just straight up added...
Albion Online players are not happy with new P2W bundles that fast-track skill learning
Last week, Albion Online decided to offer up something new for players to purchase: warden mastery packs, a series of four new bundles with...
DC Universe Online launches new Harley Quinn episode – and controversial paid currency
This week's content release for DC Universe Online would normally be a nice thing to point out since, you know, it's adding new gameplay...
Throne & Liberty KR adjusts item drops for its rune socketing system to reduce grind
A couple of weeks ago, the Korean version of Throne & Liberty got a significant update that applied multiple changes to the MMORPG, among...
The Daily Grind: Which MMORPGs are low-key pay-to-win but somehow avoid criticism?
A thread on the MMORPG subreddit caught my eye a few weeks ago as the post author suggested that Albion Online was not only...
Throne & Liberty KR showcases updates to progression, new activities, a new region, and artifact system
Earlier this week, NCSoft brought a four hour-long smorgasbord of information out of Throne & Liberty's Korean version, with devs hosting a TL meet-up...
Massively Overthinking: Unfair stigmas that follow MMORPGs
A few weeks back, our team was discussing the intersection of survival sandboxes, MMORPG virtual worlds, and gankboxes - and how hard it is...
The Game Archaeologist: Runes of Magic, an MMO that made millions disappear
In more ways than one, the year 2004 was a pivotal one for the MMORPG community. Even as games like City of Heroes, EverQuest...
Stick and Rudder: So let’s talk about those Elite Dangerous pre-built ships
Over the past couple of days, I've been watching and writing about the fun little tire fire that Elite: Dangerous ignited when it announced...
Elite Dangerous shares additional details on engineering updates and pre-built ship bundles
Yesterday saw Frontier Developments enrage the Elite: Dangerous playerbase when it announced plans to sell pre-built ship bundles in its cash shop, with many...
Elite Dangerous plans to sell ship bundles – including its upcoming new ship – in the cash shop
A new announcement from Elite: Dangerous has lit a tinderbox among its playerbase, as Frontier Developments has confirmed that it plans to start selling...
Four years after MapleStory 2’s western sunset, the global fans on the Korean version are dwindling
We still mourn the loss of MapleStory 2 'round these parts, particularly since the well-liked sequel appears to have been frustratingly canned as an...
Perfect Ten: MMOs that earned a notorious reputation
Nobody wants a bad reputation. I mean, you can't make everyone everywhere approve of you, but you also don't have to go out of...
Critter-catching MMO Duel Revolution launches to withering accusations of P2W, bugs, and bad gameplay
In these tired and jaded times, it's very often easy to believe that indie game efforts are a beacon of light in the darkness...
Co-op third-person shooter Helldivers 2 promises a focus on ‘earning the right to monetize’ its players
Last week was a pretty big deal for fans of co-op action shooters, as Helldivers 2 made what looks to be a pretty triumphant...
Q4 2023: Nexon, Krafton, and Roblox all posted soaring revenues in 2023
Welcome back to another MMO business roundup - this one all about financials for some of the companies we keep an eye on 'round...
Tarisland addresses genderlocking and pay-to-win, boosts raiding over crafting
Following Tarisland's second closed beta, Tencent has resurfaced with another dev blog exploring player feedback - and what the company aims to do about...
Tarisland devs address the decision to avoid P2W cash shop kit – but not Vigor energy gating
Tencent is apparently continuing to tweak its monetization for Tarisland in response to player angst as it continues charging through its second closed beta...
NCsoft’s MMORPG Throne and Liberty launches December 7 – in Korea
During its presentation for Korean fans last night, NCsoft announced quite a bit for Throne & Liberty - including the Korean launch window coming...
The Daily Grind: Are MMORPG expansions pay-to-win or pay-to-progress?
Earlier this week, the New World devs put out a video that addressed, among many other things, the perception in the PvP community that...
