In the world of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), expansions are often a double-edged sword. They bring exciting new content and fresh adventures, but sometimes at a cost that leaves players questioning their loyalty. Recent news from World of Warcraft (WoW), RuneScape, and Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) highlights this issue, and as a long-time MMO player, I can’t help but appreciate the smooth experience Guild Wars 2 continues to deliver.
WoW's Pricey Early Access and Scaling Adjustments
Blizzard's latest move with WoW’s new expansion has stirred up controversy. For an extra £40, players could access the game three days early—a tempting offer for the eager. However, standard purchasers were left to start on Monday, only to find that Blizzard had adjusted mob scaling. While not a direct XP nerf, this change altered some percentage values, making enemies tougher as players hit level 75, which slowed down progression. It’s a frustrating experience, especially for those who didn’t shell out for early access, feeling like they’re being punished for waiting.
RuneScape’s Subscription Hike Amid Record Profits
RuneScape, another veteran in the MMO space, has also made headlines, but for a different reason. After a 30% increase in subscription fees, many players are questioning the justification. The reasoning provided—‘inflation’—rings hollow, especially considering the game’s recent record-breaking profits. For a game that has maintained a strong community for decades, this increase feels like a cash grab, souring the experience for loyal players.
ESO: Annual Expansions and a Predatory Crown Store
Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) follows a different model, releasing annual expansions priced around $40—$15 more than Guild Wars 2—for a similar amount of content. While subscribers benefit from perks like unlimited material storage, access to new dungeons, an XP buff, and double the bank space, these perks come at a cost of $15 monthly. Additionally, the ESO Crown Store has become increasingly predatory, with some houses being sold for prices as high as $100. While there are aspects of ESO that I miss, such as raid achievements (trifectas), the overall experience in Guild Wars 2 feels much more player-friendly and less focused on extracting money from its community.
Guild Wars 2: The Gold Standard for Expansions
Amid this turbulence, Guild Wars 2 stands out as a beacon of what MMO expansions should be. The latest expansion – Janthir Wilds launched at a reasonable $24.99, offering a wealth of new content without the need for a monthly subscription. The release was smooth, with no major bugs or controversies. As a player, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude—no early access fees, no hidden costs, just pure, uninterrupted gameplay.
A Grateful Shift in Perspective
As someone who has spent years exploring the worlds of WoW, RuneScape, and ESO, the recent changes in these games have been disheartening. The creeping monetization strategies and decisions that seem to prioritize profit over player experience have left me yearning for something different. In Guild Wars 2, I’ve found that difference—a game that offers rich content without the need for constant financial commitment or feeling like I’m being left behind for not paying extra.
It’s refreshing to play an MMO where the focus is on delivering a quality experience rather than squeezing every possible penny from the community. While no game is perfect, Guild Wars 2 has reminded me of what makes MMOs truly enjoyable: feeling valued as a player, not just a customer. I may miss certain features from other games, but I’m happy to have found a home in a world that feels more genuine and player-centric.
