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Turbine’s Tolkien-based MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, has seen a 300% increase in revenue since offering a free-to-play option back in September. Since then, over a million new accounts have been created on top of the 20% of lapsed players who have returned. How does Turbine make money off something that is free? Micro-transactions. While non-paying players can enjoy the landscape, and all of the quests in starter areas, progressing through the game eventually requires the purchase of additional reasonably-priced quest packs. Players can also deck out their characters in cosmetic gear, or purchase skills early (like the mount-riding skill) with Turbine points. These points cost real world money, but can also be earned in-game.  Of course, if a player wants to skip all the micro-transactions, the monthly subscription is still available, which unlocks quite a few of the features free players would normally have to pay for. Visit The Lord of the Rings Online here. |