f13.net

The oddnesses I see, is how it won't unbalance gameplay, and the equal valuation of dollars and Euros. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't.



Press release is from http://funcom.vnewscenter.com/press.jsp?id=1191846050087 (http://funcom.vnewscenter.com/press.jsp?id=1191846050087)

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Funcom launches virtual item sales in Anarchy Online

– Progressive new business model introduced on all AO servers -

Durham, USA – October 12, 2007 – Funcom has now launched the virtual item sales in Anarchy Online. In yet another progressive move from Funcom, the players on Rubi-Ka are now able to purchase sets of points which can be used to acquire virtual items inside the game. The first virtual items introduced with the program come packed inside a new mini-expansion. Amongst other things the new pack includes hover-bikes, hover-boards, social clothing, pets and a luxury apartment. Our focus is to ensure that the virtual items do not affect gameplay balance.

The points are available in three different packages which can be purchased for 10, 20 or 40 USD / EUR, where 100 points is the equivalent of 1 USD / EUR. A new hover-board starts as low as 300 points, but the players can also purchase an entire range. As an introductory offer the players can purchase the entire new collection of boards and bikes for 2000 points.

“This kind of system puts the choice in the hands of the players by allowing them to take as little or as much of the new content as they like,” said Craig Morrison, Game Director on Anarchy Online. “It really adds an extra dimension to what we can provide in terms of fun social items, designed to look cool while being something players don't feel forced into. That extra element of choice has allowed us to add a much broader range of items than we might if we were simply targeting it into a self contained expansion.”

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. Funcom would also like to point out that the points are given in full to each character the player has in the game. They are thus able to freely test different virtual items on different characters.

Please visit http://www.anarchy-online.com for more information about the game, or to read an update from Game Director Craig Morrison.
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There doesn't seem to be any mention of things that could unbalance the game. Hover bikes/boards might sound like it's something that could affect gameplay, however AO have super fast flying mounts which can be bought pretty easily anyway.

Can I buy an implant that makes me care about this game?

Can I buy 50,000 points for 500 USD and get a refund for 500 EUR?  Cause I'd like to make a quick hundred bucks to go out with tonight...

If they want to sell vanity items, I guess I have no major objection. But yeah agreed, who cares about AO anyway?

These companies REALLY should stay away from this shit. It's going to blow up in their face like a motherfuckin atom bomb one day.
"My mommy sold me to some Koreans for a GM Laser pistol!"