MMOexp Throne and Liberty for undisclosed odds

[BennieJeansg]

The monetization model for upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) Throne and Liberty Lucent has undergone a significant shift, offering players a sigh of relief. NCSoft, the game's developer and publisher, has confirmed that they are scrapping lootboxes and gacha mechanics in favor of a more direct approach – subscriptions and battle passes.

Moving Away from Controversy:

Lootboxes and gacha mechanics, often likened to gambling due to their element of randomness and potential for undisclosed odds, have faced mounting criticism from players and regulatory bodies worldwide. This decision by NCSoft reflects a growing understanding of player concerns and a willingness to adapt to current trends in monetization strategies.

Player Feedback Shapes the Future:

The decision to abandon lootboxes and gacha mechanics reportedly stems directly from player feedback during Throne and Liberty's closed beta test. Developers strategically removed elements of randomness and presented players with a purely cosmetic battle pass during the test period. This approach seemingly resonated well with testers, prompting the significant change in the game's monetization model.

Global Implications:

While the official confirmation of this new approach currently applies only to the Korean version of Throne and Liberty, there are strong indications it will extend to the global release as well. This could be attributed to several factors:

Shifting Player Preferences: The global gaming community has increasingly voiced opposition to lootboxes and gacha mechanics, suggesting a similar approach might resonate well with players worldwide.
Evolving Regulatory Landscape: Regulatory bodies in various countries are actively scrutinizing lootbox and gacha mechanics, potentially making them a less viable option for developers in the long run.

A Look Ahead: Subscriptions and Battle Passes

With the removal of lootboxes and gacha mechanics, the focus for Throne and Liberty's monetization will shift towards:

Subscriptions: This model allows players to pay a recurring fee for continuous access to specific in-game benefits, such as exclusive content, increased character customization options, or access to additional endgame activities.
Battle Passes: These time-limited passes offer players a tiered reward system based on gameplay progression or in-game purchases. Players can unlock various cosmetic items, emotes, or other non-essential in-game elements by progressing through the pass.

Cautious Optimism and the Road Forward:

While the switch away from lootboxes and gacha mechanics is undeniably positive news, it's important to remain cautiously optimistic. The implementation of the new monetization system should be closely monitored to ensure transparency and avoid predatory practices.

Throne and Liberty's Korean launch is slated for later this year, with a global release expected sometime in 2024. Only time will tell how the new monetization model impacts the cheap TL Lucent game's long-term success and player satisfaction. However, this decision signifies NCSoft's willingness to listen to player feedback and adapt their approach in favor of a more transparent and predictable monetization strategy.