Magic: Legends Free-To-Play Monetization System Explained
Magic: Legends Executive Producer Stephen Ricossa shares the details of the monetization system that they will be implementing in the upcoming Magic: The Gathering-inspired MMOARPG. According to Ricossa, the game will be free-to-play without paid DLCs, updates, or missions.
“Our goal is for the entire game to be playable and fun from beginning through endgame and beyond without having to spend a dime. Period,” says Ricossa. “We will be offering a variety of items for purchase that will give players alternative options when building their decks or loadouts, but not give them a numerical power advantage.”
Like Cryptic Studios’ other free-to-play games, Magic: Legends will feature an in-game currency exchange system. Players will be able to exchange the in-game currency, Aether, for premium currency that they can use to purchase items from the cash shop at a conversion rate that’s entirely community-driven.
One of the items that players will be able to purchase from the cash shop are lockbox-style Booster Packs. Booster Packs will contain a set of random items including spells, spell shards, unique Artifacts, and special classes. “These classes and items are not more powerful than the free classes or other items that exist in the game, but are different horizontally,” Ricossa explains. “They provide a different set of play options, but don’t give a power advantage.”
Players will also have access to a free seasonal Battle Pass system that offers additional rewards in the form of currency packs, unique spells, currency packs, Artifacts, and costumes. A paid Battle Pass track that offers the above-mentioned rewards with the addition of bonus currency, exclusive cosmetics, and additional loadout customization items.
A variety of convenience items will also be sold in the cash shop such as XP boosts, deck slots, loadout slots, and more. “None of these are required, but they do allow for faster progress if you would prefer to level up more quickly or catch up to friends that are ahead of you,” Ricossa says. Players can also opt to automatically purchase event rewards with premium currency without the need to participate in the event itself.
More information can be found on the Magic: Legends official site.
