New AO business model & new engine

[Trimethicon]

Looks interesting, I miss Rubi-Ka, and I'm anxiously awaiting Tabula Rasa. But with a new graphics engine coming and new items like Hover Bikes and Boards AO my be worth revisiting.

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Six years and *checks watch* two days ago, Anarchy Online stumbled into the world, kicking and screaming extremely slowly before lagging out. Since then the game has grown into a title impressive enough to keep even my short attention span for months at a time. Now, as the citizens of Rubi-Ka celebrate the sixth anniversary of their world, Funcom has launched a brand new business model, inspired by the very best Korean MMOs. Money for nothing...chicks are still free. Now AO players can drop cash on Funcom points that can be used to purchase special prestige items in-game.

Prestige items like the luxury apartments once given only as a preorder bonus for the Shadowlands expansion. The luxury apartment I ended up paying 300 dollars on because my girlfriend at the time couldn't live without one. There is so much spite in me. New items being sold include new hoverboards and jetbikes, which go for roughly $3 a bike. Pay to play subscribers will receive monthly stipend of points based on the length of their subscription.

Buried in the press release for this new is this spicy morsel from game director and producer Craig Morrison.

At the same time we also want to show our commitment to taking the overall gameplay experience forward. I am therefore glad to announce that we are developing a new graphics engine for the game, replacing our entire server farm, as well as developing exciting booster packs which include new playfields and more."


Wait, they are redoing the graphics engine completely, and it's buried in this PR about selling fake $3 bikes? Priorities people!


Funcom introduces virtual item sales in Anarchy Online

-Additional business model introduced as the world's first sci-fi MMO celebrates six years -

Durham, USA - June 27, 2007 - Funcom is proud to announce the introduction of a additional business model for Anarchy Online, exactly six years after the launch of the world's first sci-fi MMO. Set to launch this summer, Funcom now introduces a point-based system where players can purchase selected virtual items, as well as new content and services. The new approach comes as an addition to Anarchy Online's existing business models, and it is a current Funcom focus to only introduce items which do not affect gameplay balance.

The first virtual items to kick off the program will be the introduction of jetbikes and hover boards, giving players the chance to cruise around Rubi-Ka in an all new fashion. In addition Funcom will offer previously released scout-mechs, luxury apartments, Leet pets and various sets of social clothing. By using points the players can also get access to previous and upcoming expansion and booster packs, as well as new services like changing in-game names or moving to another server.

"Funcom has long been a pioneer on new MMO business models, and with the introduction of virtual item sales we are once again moving our game in an exciting new direction," said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. "Selling virtual items and smaller content upgrades is now a prevalent MMO business model in Asia. This has yet to be fully explored in the west, but we believe that the time is now right to test a limited version of such a model. At the same time we remain committed to the overall evolution of the game, making sure that Anarchy Online will be a success for many years to come."

"Celebrating six years is a fantastic milestone for Anarchy Online, and we are genuinely honored to still entertain so many people," said Craig Morrison, Producer and Director on Anarchy Online. "As we now introduce a new addition to Anarchy Online we have ensured that our paying customers get certain privileges. At the same time we also want to show our commitment to taking the overall gameplay experience forward. I am therefore glad to announce that we are developing a new graphics engine for the game, replacing our entire server farm, as well as developing exciting booster packs which include new playfields and more."
The Funcom points can at first be purchased in 10 and 20 USD / EUR packages. As an example of the price a new jetbike starts as low as 3 dollars, while a complete set of bikes can be bought for about 10 dollars. Players who are paying subscribers of Anarchy Online will get a set of monthly points included in the subscription price, and longer pricing plans like 6 and 12 months gives extra points. As an added incentive Funcom will send points to the player account upon receipt of subscription dues.
For more information about the game please visit Anarchy Online - Massive multiplayer online roleplaying game - MMORPG.

[Trimethicon]

Looks like a the new graphics engine is a year away =(. Why not just call it AO2 then?

Here is the link to the forum post: Letter from the Game Director - Anarchy Online Bulletin Board

[sschrupp]

I loved this game and check back into it now and then to fool around with a free account. It's just not as fun without other people to play with, so maybe this will help!

[Legerian]

Hehe, it's funny, i've tinkered with AO every now and then and playing a certain unnamed beta i was thinking i should redownload AO and tinker a little more, lol.

Good Hunting,

Legerian.

[Trimethicon]

Yeah, I think Tabula Rasa is AO with better graphics. I played AO for about 10 months straight. I really loved the game but it really needs a graphic overhaul or a sequel. The learning curve was so steep but then again its depth made it so playable as well. I remember always trying to squeeze out 2 more points in this, or that, to equip a new item/weapon.