Embers Adrift’s Community Manager Responds To Complaints About Its Monetization Model

Elloa points out that developing and running an MMORPG requires a boatload of money to pay developers and keep the servers running. According to her, charging a subscription fee on top of the buy-in price is the best way to make sure that they have enough funds to keep both the studio and the game’s lights on.

She further describes the monetization model as being democratic since player powers are “earned” as opposed to being bought with pay-to-win items. She also expressed frustration at complaints aimed at the subscription model, particularly since the developers had apparently chosen to choose the more difficult path instead of resorting to more lucrative but predatory monetization models.

“It is a fair price, it is not greedy,” said Elloa. “If we were greedy, we would not work on Embers Adrift. This is not the path for fame and success and plenty of money.” She was, however, quick to point out that she wasn’t criticizing other MMO studios that use free-to-play monetization models.

While Stormhaven Studios did lower its box and subscription prices earlier this year, it looks like the price reduction wasn’t enough to allay complaints about the studio charging for a monthly subscription in the first place.

You can watch the entire developer stream right down below.