Tree of Savior's Korean Launch Plagued By Controversy
Following MMORPG precedent, Tree of Savior's South Korean launch has been plagued with innumerable bugs and cash shop controversy. It seems little was done to optimize the game in its transition from CBT to Open Beta—a rushed delivery filled with issues is common to MMO launches, whether it be World of Warcraft or Tera. But newly listed cash shop items have been received as an insult, and a betrayal in a game many players latched onto for their next dedicated grind.
Thanks to Steparu's informative highlight video Tree of Savior's cash shop has been dissected. While experience bonuses and cosmetic options are hardly surprising (being common to almost all free-to-play MMORPGs), it's the cost which has irked many players. Purchasing hairstyles costs roughly $17 and $25 respectively, while an experience boost lasts one hour and costs approximately one dollar per hour. You could buy a complete game on Steam for the cost of one Tree of Savior hairstyle.
And the VIP token, lasting roughly 30 days, costs (again) another $17. VIP status features functions such as reducing the price of listing items in the auction house, additional auction house listings, and the ability to train 2 attributes simultaneously. Participation in a game's economy is an essential aspect of any MMO, and the current system seems to penalize players who do not pay for VIP treatment.
When cash shop items are limited to cosmetics and experience boost I see no issue, as its pay for convenience. But locking features that form a routine part of gameplay is a risky move that will ostracize the playerbase and creates a wedge between the IMCGames/Nexon and the community. South Korean players have already staged a protest.
The price of items seems to signal a disconnect between the game's management and the community, an out-of-touch monetization model that is unlikely to draw many sales. Cash shop issues may be resolved considering the vocal backlash. But numerous bugs must also be sorted before transitioning to full release. Hopefully, this incident becomes an unfortunate notch in Tree of Savior's history and is not a portent of a rocky future.
Cash Currency Conversion
200TP = 19,600 KRW = 17$
300TP = 29,400 KRW = 25$
What can TP be used for? (TP = Cash Item)
-Extra Character Slots
-Buying different lodges
-Change Team/Family Name
-Change Character Name
-Warehouse / Bank Expansion
-EXP Book
-VIP Token
VIP Token (30 Days) = 198 TP
-Train 2 Attributes At Simultaneously
-Auction House Tax Discount from 30% to 10%
-List 5 Items in Auction House (Default 1)
-Movement Speed +3
-Ten Special Emotes (Hidden) (Preview Above)
EXP Book (1 Hour) = 9TP
-Boost EXP Earned by 30%
-Doesn't work on EXP Cards
-Bonus Stamina Regen
Consumables (1x Use)
-Megaphone Pack
-Revive Orb Pack
-Warp Scroll Pack
Costumes (Permanent)
-2x Hairstyles Added for Male
-2x Hairstyles Added for Female
-198 TP for Style 1
-298 TP for Style 2
Cash Shop Information Source: Steparu's "Tree of Savior Online KR Surprise Grand Opening"
