Even Superheroes Need Cash in DC Universe Online

[Tom Goldman]

Even Superheroes Need Cash in DC Universe Online

Sony Online Entertainment has added a microtransaction shop to DC Universe Online.

Subscriptions alone just don't seem to cut it in MMOs anymore. Players of DC Universe Online might need to get a second job in addition to working alongside Superman and Batman, with the recent launch of a cash shop in DC Universe Online [http://www.amazon.com/DC-Universe-Online-Standard-Pc/dp/B002I0HHFG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1309532262&sr=8-2].

The superhero MMO is not the first to feature in-game microtransactions, though MMOs typically will go for the subscription or microtransaction-based model. DC Universe Online's cash shop is pretty bare-bones at the moment, but gives an idea of what to expect in the future.

There are categories in the shop for both style and supplies, though only supplies are currently available. Players can buy Proto Repair-Bots for $1, or Vault Tickets for $1 (with a 5 for $4 discount). Repair-Bots fix up your equipment while on the go, and Vault Tickets are used to give access to an otherwise once-per-day loot mini-game.

Sony Online Entertainment launched DC Universe Online on the PS3 and PC in January. There had been plans to launch an in-game microtransaction shop for a while, so don't take this as an indication that the game is going free-to-play just yet. However, with nearly every other non-World of Warcraft [http://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraft-Battle-Chest-Mac/dp/B000H96C9M/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1309532851&sr=1-2] MMO going free-to-play in the current climate, I wouldn't be surprised if it goes that way eventually.

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[Owlslayer]

I have to say, i don't like this. When you pay your monthly fee, you should have access to all the stuff. Well, a chance to attain all the stuff, that is. But now they're wanting even more cash?
Smells a bit greedy. Unless they're planning to make the game F2P.
But that's just my opinion.

 

[Vie]

Startrek Online did this.

Its also the only Startrek games (that came out in the last 15 years) that I've never played, partly for this very reason.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Vault tickets are worthless. Repairbots are equally so.

Glad I left. What a real shame that they wrecked that IP.

 

[AlternatePFG]

Vault tickets are worthless. Repairbots are equally so.

Glad I left. What a real shame that they wrecked that IP.

SOE kills all that it touches. For the most part at least.

 

[Kingsnake661]

I have to say, i don't like this. When you pay your monthly fee, you should have access to all the stuff. Well, a chance to attain all the stuff, that is. But now they're wanting even more cash?
Smells a bit greedy. Unless they're planning to make the game F2P.
But that's just my opinion.

It's not *ALWAYS* greed... I think people forget it cost ALOT of money to make and maintain these games. ALOT. Sometimes they have to do something to drum up more cash or they have to layoff staff... which is never good for anyone. People lose their jobs, we get crummer service, or eventually the game folds.

Truth be told... DCO SUCKS so it doesn't matter to me, I'm not playing reguardless. If the game didn't suck as hard as it does, it may not have needed this. And since it sucks so much, this will be the last straw i bet for alot of people unless it goes free to play. I know personally, I'd have to REALLY like a game to pay for it monthly, and I'd have to freaking LOVE the game to buy MC's within a game i'm paying for... and i have done that before, back when I played CoH. I got the skin packs they sold for 5 bucks here and there. But I loved that game. DCO, not a chance.

At this point in time, the only MMO on my Radar is TOR. And we'll see when the time comes, because i have a feeling that games going to have MC's and prolly a fee... so it better WOW me, and about a millions others or it'll be in the crapper soon too. LOL

 

[Quaxar]

So, they want cash without giving out hats? I don't think this will work out well!
After all, hat simulators are the games of the future.

 

[twm1709]

60 dollars for disc + monthly fee + microtransactions?
Looks like someone at DC has just joined the orange lanterns

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

When I predicted from what I saw in the Beta that this game would suck, I was shouted down by all the fanboys. Bwahahahahaha!

It doesn't suck though. There are parts of it that are simply astounding. The characters are built well, the cities feel like cities and the Smallville Mission, amongst others, is wonderful.

What totally levels it though is the UI, the limited customization and, my god, the grind.

Seriously, the level of grinding is atrocious. It rushes you through to the end and then your only hope is to join up in a 20 man team and practice constantly to get to a point where you can finally get to the end content which requires you all to be able to perfectly move as one in order to beat the final boss.

But...the first time you try some of the missions? It's like you're in a comic book.

Just ... they never let it breathe ... the little bits they did add were uninspired, rote logic timesinks.

They just didn't GET what it was about. City of Heroes still nails Superhero games better than Champions, Prototype and DCUO combined.

 

[Rad Party God]

Microtransactions into a suscription based game is always a bad idea. Unless it's a celestial steed of course. Oh wait...

 

[Shadow-Phoenix]

I have to say, i don't like this. When you pay your monthly fee, you should have access to all the stuff. Well, a chance to attain all the stuff, that is. But now they're wanting even more cash?
Smells a bit greedy. Unless they're planning to make the game F2P.
But that's just my opinion.

I agree with you all the way but it seems like the gaming industry needs a new fad every now and then and Microtransactions seems to be the latest money grabbing trend sadly.

 

[Chase Yojimbo]

One very dirty thought came to mind when I read the title...

And I am sorry, there is an Online Shop AND Subscription now? I am sorry but You can only have one or the other Sirs. Having both is greedy and games die that way because people get annoyed with that system. You buy a subscription, and you get everything. You play for free, you get the shop or you can play for as long as you want and work your way up. But both? Fuck them with a jagged stick!

 

[vxicepickxv]

Vault tickets are worthless. Repairbots are equally so.

Glad I left. What a real shame that they wrecked that IP.

SOE kills all that it touches. For the most part at least.

The only thing SOE hasn't destroyed so far is EQ1 and EQ2. So far.

One very dirty thought came to mind when I read the title...

And I am sorry, there is an Online Shop AND Subscription now? I am sorry but You can only have one or the other Sirs. Having both is greedy and games die that way because people get annoyed with that system. You buy a subscription, and you get everything. You play for free, you get the shop or you can play for as long as you want and work your way up. But both? Fuck them with a jagged stick!

I think WoW isn't going to die just yet.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

The only thing SOE hasn't destroyed so far is EQ1 and EQ2. So far.

EQ1 has "gained" the POK stones, chucked the Trolls out of Grubb and still haven't fixed the bloody boats.
(EQ1's starting place still doesn't have Paineel characters)
EQ2 killed off Shipwreck Island, and did the usual job of stacking new areas with Platinum farming.

 

[Fursnake]

SOE has the anti-Midas touch...everything they touch turns to shit.

 

[Shadeovblack]

Just so you guys know, City of Heroes went F2P yesterday