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Study says more gamers interested in free MMOs

Posted Jul 24, 2008 at 5:32AM EST by QJ Staff

Listed in: MMORPG Tags: free-to-play, Michael Cai, mmorpg rumors, NPD, Parks Associates, Rob Pardo

Study shows gamers in general want more free MMOs - Image 1

A recent study by market research firm Parks Associates has revealed that the growth of the MMORPG industry may lie in free-to-play MMORPGs.

The study polled over 2000 gamers and found that only hardcore gamers seemed to be interested in subscription-based models for MMOs.

On the other hand, the study found that "social, dormant, and leisure gamers all show significant interest in a free-to-play, microtransaction-based model." The study showed that 14% of gamers who weren't currently playing MMOs were more interested in trying one out if it was free-to-play, while only 2% of gamers were interested in MMO games requiring subscriptions.

According to Parks Associates' Michael Cai, free MMOs allow more players to try a game out, thereby allowing them to choose whether or not to spend their time and money on a game, as well as offering more freedom in determining how much time and money they want to spend on it.

Of course, the study doesn't look at other factors, such as the type of consumer lured in by a free-to-play or subscription-based game, or the qualities of the games being considered in the free versus paid universes. Like it or not though, the truth is there: people like free stuff, and it's something developers should consider when they're planning their next game.

Via Worlds in Motion

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Because I want the devs (or if we're talking about other media: producers, authors, directors, scriptwriters, bands, etc.) to continue their work.

Let's say an indie band releases an album and you enjoy it so much you want to to hear more music from them... Won't you go out of your way to buy their hard-to-find album and share it with friends, so that the band continues their efforts?

So yes. I'd pay for something, if not only to show my appreciation of that band's efforts.

But then again, that's just me. And I'm comparing apples and oranges here.

If I'm feeling cheap, I could likewise just say no, I won't pay for something. Especially if I don't like what I'm paying for, of course. :-p

# yes (and no) — GW2 2008-07-24 14:24

yes i would do that for a band or a game studio, but most people wouldnt.

# Sarcastic — Volomon 2008-07-24 21:23

He's being sarcastic morons. No one of notable intelligence would have said yes even with a (and no) attached.

Basically the tests and polls prove nothing since we have no idea the group dynamics. For all we know they tested 2000 Chinese people who play the bootleg "Wee".

# Hmm... lemme think... — Braktar 2008-07-25 02:48

I only have three words for those behind this study:

Here's your sign.

# Count me in. — Xastabus 2008-07-25 05:48

I've played FFXI and WoW. When I moved out and acquired greater financial responsibilitie s (i.e. bills, mortgage, car payment) I had to give up my accounts because I just couldn't afford to play any more. I'm still very addicted to both games, but I'm simply unable to pay for them. Then there's that whole tangible product thing I was talking about in another post...

I would happily join free-to-play MMOs. I would be more than willing to spend $40-$60 on an initial product and occasional expansions, or even DLC on a semi regular basis. But the one thing I would like to see most in MMOs is an end-of-life plan that is more player friendly.

I would rather see MMOs offer the option for offline content, perhaps allowing the use of NPC party members. Not every MMO player wants to have a social experience with complete strangers all the time, sometimes I just want to play in the great big world all by myself.

# Thats great and all.. — Dragoon 2008-07-30 14:29

But then you have extreme security problems. After you start playing online you will undoubtedly want to be able to continue online to enjoy it with other people. This is a different subject alltogether, though. It won't happen (Unless they are still connected to the internet.)

Several f2p MMOs I've played have a 'Hide players' option in the menu, which I thought was stupid because the whole reason I play an MMO is for the interaction with others that I'll never be able to achieve in the real world. But if thats for you, go for it.

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