First, the trend was free-to-play with paywalled content and performance modifying microtransactions. For the most part, that didn’t go over so well, so a transition was made to a fully playable game with cosmetic microtransactions. The subscription model of MMOs is disappearing, and with the rise of free-to-play, we have seen new modes of monetization. The most recent method is the Founder’s Pack. A Founder’s Pack offers players a bevy of bonuses, advance content, and exclusive items for a one-time fee, ranging from paltry to substantial. Today, Perfect World has announced a Founder’s Pack program for its upcoming free-to-play MMO, Neverwinter. You may have heard me say a thing or two about Neverwinter in the past…to make a long story short, I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it. I’m about to lose control, and I think I like it.
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As you can see in the trailer above, a Founder’s Pack provides you with early beta access and enhanced gameplay. The Founder’s Pack presented is the Hero of the North pack, which is Neverwinter’s top of the line buy-in. Here’s a look at what the three currently offered Founder’s Packs include, and how much you can expect to shell out for them:
- Neverwinter Starter Kit – $19.99 (valued at $49.00)
- Adventurer’s Helper Pack – Contains six different types of in-game items
- Small Bag of Holding – Provides twelve extra inventory slots
- Amulet of Protection
- Guardian of Neverwinter – $59.99 (valued at $149.00)
- Guaranteed entry to all three Beta Weekends
- Three-day head start access to Open Beta
- Unique “Gold Moonstone Mask Regalia” head piece
- Unique “Armored Horse” mount
- Unique “Direwolf Companion”
- In-game and forum “Founder” title
- …and more
- Hero of the North – $199.99 (valued at $549.00)
- Guaranteed entry to all three Beta Weekends
- VIP access to Moonstone Mask Tavern
- Early access to The Foundry
- Five-day head start access to Open Beta
- Beta Weekend friend invite code
- Exclusive access to “Menzoberranzan Renegade,” a drow playable race
- Unique “Armored Spider” mount
- Unique “Panther Companion”
- In-game and forum “Founder” title
- VIP game access to skip-the-line and get priority log-in access
- …and more
Neverwinter has three up-coming beta weekends:
- February 8-10
- March 8-10
- March 22-24
I hope to be able to provide more details on how each of these Founder’s Packs affect the gameplay experience soon, so keep your eyes open!
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