Jagex, devs of RuneScape, are testing how far they can push monetization without losing players. However, many long-time players are realizing they don’t want their paid game of 10+ years to turn into an ad-filled, pay-to-win nightmare.
Things that Jagex, RuneScape developer, hopes to add to the game:
- Advertisements - an ad supported plan like Hulu, so you have ads hitting you in the face while you play
- Paid account recovery - Pay more money to recover your account!
- Character Name reservations
- "special worlds" just for you! So VIP servers, paying EXTRA... for VIP servers, on a game you already pay to play
- Pay to win features - longer AFK timer to stay in the game for longer. If you pay more, you ge a longer in-game access time
- More membership price hikes - It's likely the membership price will rise AGAIN. Keep in mind, Jagex profit AFTER ALL EXPENSES has surged over 35% over past 5 years. They are stealing from their players, robbing them blind
Example of their black-mirror inspired membership plans
The $32.49/month membership option for Old School RuneScape and RuneScape 3 includes:
- Access to both games.
- 2 member characters.
- Additional member characters for $10.49 per month each.
- Specialized Member Worlds.
- Character Name Reservations.
- Pre-Verified Account Recovery.
- A complimentary bond.
You ready to be nickle and dimed like going to the carwash and getting that juicy tire shine for an extra $5?
Here's a wonderful discussion post if you enjoy diving in and seeing some great points, and information: Membership Survey /r/2007scape
TL;DR: Jagex survey asking if players are ok paying an absurd amount more money for having access to customer service, ad-free gaming experience. Players went ballistic, and are finally wiseing up to how awful the company really has become.
Trash tier take
You can downvote all you want, but that is the logical escape the industry will take. They will make the online part of games expensive to pay until no one wants to play it or pays them an absurd amount.