By Blizzard surprised as a bit with an announcement about the pricing they’ve set on their immensely popular World of Warcraft game.
So, MMORPG fans, are you sitting down? If you were to setup an account today, it would be absolutely free to play.
For those of you who don’t know normal pricing of the World of Warcraft game we’re talking around $100 for the game installation files and two months worth of gameplay. On top of that there’s another $15 per month worth of subscription costs after the first sixty days ran out.
World of Warcraft
Naturally, you’d think why would they offer something for free when it actually costs quite a bit, surely it would be a massive blow to their profits.
Point well taken my financially concerned gaming fan. The truth is, the whole World of Warcraft free business isn’t permanent. It is offered to any new user who’s interested in having a go.
The entire free experience of WoW is only offered to people who are tempted to play the game but haven’t made the decision to buy yet.
This is why Blizzard attached a few conditions and limitations to the free accounts they are handing out. Free WoW accounts are limited in terms of leveling as they can’t go past 20 (out of a maximum of 85 possible) can’t have more than ten gold coins collected and are not able to join guilds.
World of Warcraft
The really big issue with the free WoW gameplay is that you still have to buy the basic game files. Still that’s only 10 USD so the deal isn’t bad.
In the past Blizzard offered a free trial that was limited only by the number of days you could play before the account was suspended until purchase. This new option although slightly more restrictive, it gives users a better chance at understanding WoW, exploring its possibilities and avoid a general rush-gaming sensation.
For me however, the best part about this free WoW offer is how Blizzard themselves admitted to having borrowed the idea from Valve, who recently made Team Fortress 2 free as well.
Surely, the levels of generosity vary, but the thought counts.
