I couldn’t let this one go without commenting on it.
In a not at all surprising move, Blizzard are now selling adorable little in-game pets for $10 each on their store. We’ve seen them selling services such as character moves and race changes, and this is the next logical step. In game pets are huge in WoW. And over at Player vs Developer, there is a brief timeline of how much people have been spending on pets in the past few years. Yes, I do feel that $10.00 is a couple bucks higher than they probably should be, but of all the things to rail on Blizzard for – marketing and making money is not it. I’m sure these pets will be very successful and they’ll sell a bajillion of them. And, I’m sure that things like vanity outfits will be next (hopefully with some appearance slots please!)
In other news regarding microtransactions, Free Realms is making some changes to their on-ramp and paywall. All classes will be open to play up until level 5, regardless if you’re a subscriber or not. They’re learning a little bit about the free-to-play model I see. 
I’ve said before that I don’t think they’ve nailed the “what should be free and what should cost money” dividing line. A good example is that their pets cost money. This is different from pets in WoW costing money because Free Realms pets have a whole job associated with them and are tied to progression in the game. Their point is not just to be a cosmetic enhancement. Also, WoW has PLENTY of free pets available without spending money. I still stand firm that everyone who wants to be a pet trainer should have a free pet to get them started, and you should monetize the shit out of accessories for said pet. Exactly like letting everyone try ALL the classes for free but charge them after 5 levels.
It’s interesting to see AAA companies reaching over into the microtransactions and F2P market, but they definitely have some learning and iterating to do. Glad to see Free Realms is adapting to the business model despite their game not quite being designed from the ground up to support it.
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