TOKYO: Blizzard’s World of Warcraft is one of the few MMORPGs that is still using a subscription service where gamers pay a fee every month to play the game. Many other MMORPGs have since turned to the free-to-play model where gamers get to play for free, although in order to unlock certain perks or features, they’d have to pay a fee.
Now there has been some talk that Blizzard could turn to the free-to-play model in the future, but could it be as soon as Patch 6.1? Patch 6.1 has yet to be released but data miners who have combed through the files have discovered references to what Blizzard is calling “Veteran Edition”. Based on the limited information, it sounds like the “Starter Edition”, except that the level cap is higher and less restrictions.
In order to gain access to all of the game’s features, you’d have to pay a fee. This almost sounds like the free-to-play model, although in reality we reckon this seems more like an extended trial period. However it also seems to suggest Veteran Edition is another way for Blizzard to try and tempt older players to come back without having to pay to start playing again, at least unless they want to unlock all of the game’s features and modes.
In any case there is no word on when Patch 6.1 will be released and if Veteran Edition will be part of it, or if it was simply referenced to be added into the game at a later date, but either way what do you guys think? Would you be interested in a free-to-play World of Warcraft?
