Sega of America has announced that it is about to launch a pay-to-play model for Phantasy Star Online Version 2. The maintenance of such a game incurs considerable costs and Sega feels this can be balanced by charging consumers.
This is the statement issued by the company:
“Sega of America confirmed today that Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2 will include an online payment structure. As with all U.S. versions of Sega Dreamcast network playable games, the original "Phantasy Star Online" includes unlimited online gameplay at no additional cost. Due to the high demand for "Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2" among U.S. gamers, Sega of America announced on May 17 that it would bring the game to the U.S. market.
“Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2 will incorporate an online payment structure. Pricing information for the U.S. version of "Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2" has not yet been released. While "Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2" can be enjoyed offline, gamers can now access new features, modes and quests through the game, available this Summer for Sega Dreamcast. Gamers can still enjoy unlimited online gameplay with the original Phantasy Star Online at no cost."
It is likely that this move is more of a market tester than anything else. As Sega pushes its software branding into the future there is no doubt that online gaming will make up a considerable portion of the company’s plans. To evaluate the possibilities of deploying a pay-to-play model at this stage makes a great deal of sense.
This is the statement issued by the company:
“Sega of America confirmed today that Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2 will include an online payment structure. As with all U.S. versions of Sega Dreamcast network playable games, the original "Phantasy Star Online" includes unlimited online gameplay at no additional cost. Due to the high demand for "Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2" among U.S. gamers, Sega of America announced on May 17 that it would bring the game to the U.S. market.
“Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2 will incorporate an online payment structure. Pricing information for the U.S. version of "Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2" has not yet been released. While "Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2" can be enjoyed offline, gamers can now access new features, modes and quests through the game, available this Summer for Sega Dreamcast. Gamers can still enjoy unlimited online gameplay with the original Phantasy Star Online at no cost."
It is likely that this move is more of a market tester than anything else. As Sega pushes its software branding into the future there is no doubt that online gaming will make up a considerable portion of the company’s plans. To evaluate the possibilities of deploying a pay-to-play model at this stage makes a great deal of sense.
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