Alternative business models

[pyrrhon]

My question is not directly about Ryzom, but I hope it is relevant enough at this time to be a valid post on this forum.

There are some "free to play" mmorpgs out there that are completely free to play. What is their business model? Who develops them and why? How do the operating expenses get paid? Why do they even exist? (From a developer/owners viewpoint please, not from a players viewpoint). What do they mean for the future of games like Ryzom?

[tr808]

those games probally have something like an power up store where u can buy special items etc etc ...

nothing is really free in this world

[slay13]

I've played a few of the "Free" rpg's , and all i can say is either you love em or hate em. THey're not really my cup of tea personally but here's my thoughts...

They tend not to be moderated well, they also tend to cater to the -under 18- crowd so language and attitudes seem to run afoul quiete often. The majority of players are from this catagory cuz its what they can play without having a credit card.

The money comes from the %10 of the population that wants to buy bonus' from item stores and such with RL cash. These items usually include xpbonus items, or other things that can be used ingame. SOme people only spend a few bucks a month on these...some spend hundreds. Those that spend hundreds or more make up for those that dont pay anything.

I think that this is an interesting concept and may improve in the future, but i've played a few of them (flyyff and such) and while they're not bad, they certainly don't cater to the same crowd as Ryzom/WoW ect.

Dont know if any of this helps, but this is my take on em' anyhow.

[ummax]

Originally Posted by pyrrhon

My question is not directly about Ryzom, but I hope it is relevant enough at this time to be a valid post on this forum.

There are some "free to play" mmorpgs out there that are completely free to play. What is their business model? Who develops them and why? How do the operating expenses get paid? Why do they even exist? (From a developer/owners viewpoint please, not from a players viewpoint). What do they mean for the future of games like Ryzom?

I played one free one for a short time it was 2d (very 2d) but it was couple of years ago now they seemed to get their money by selling the game currency. I think that seems to be how most of the money is made logically to keep this stuff running and i never buy currency so i guess i would be considered a leech for these types of games...