If you are subscribed to the newsletter or in closed beta, you've had an email about this. The marketing geniuses at Hi-Rez Studios came up with a payment model not requiring subscription to play the game.

Buying the retail game (priced at 49$) grants you access to the core game elements. You can create a bunch of toons, level them all the way to 30, deck them out with cool armour, the works.

The only things that will not be available are AvA, the auctionhouse and mailing system, and some other minor things like dyes and flair. Subscribing unlocks all this. Note that a 30 day free subscription is included with retail. Will just the AvA and raiding warrant the subscription fee? I'm not sure yet, but I bet we'll find out soon. 

All in all it looks pretty damn interesting. There already was a very positive article on kotaku.com.

10:59 PM - Hirezchaz: OMG you should see our net traffic numbers this is insane

This payment model will with no doubt (exponentially?) increase the playerbase, which means more cannon fodder. I know I'm hyped again, looking forward to the next closed beta window.

Now all cross your fingers they fix the obvious balancing flaws and reward skill more.

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