Massively Multiplayer Online Games

[WarLocke]

So what do you all think is the best way for the companies to charge? What is the correct balance between the user's needs and the company's needs?

Well, they could handle it like Neocron does - the game itself is a free download, but you have to sign up for the first month (at $12US IIRC) to play.

I mean, if MMORPGs are such cash cows, do 'they' really need a box fee on top of a subscription? My gut says no. It's just that the companies are greedy, and the public-at-large will pay twice.

I can certainly understand the reasons for a monthly charge (even if you really can't use CSRs as an excuse since so many of the new MMORPGs are going to automated systems - again, the companies are greedy and don't want to put up with stuff like the UO Guide lawsuits and Tweety/Lum nonsense), but the charge-me-twice thing just grates on me, philosophically. Not enough that I would swear of the games - for the right one (like City of Heroes, perhaps) I'd pay both; I just wouldn't like it.