Black Desert Online Seems Like It Should Be Free-To-Play by Now

Recently, I was at my computer when I got a message from Matt. He shared the Black Desert Online Steam page and pointed out that the game is available for free until July 10. This is quite a common occurrence, and it’s jokingly noted among my friends that Pearl Abyss should officially transition the game to a F2P model.

This observation is not a critique of the developer’s efforts. The game enjoys a mostly positive rating on Steam and boasts a Metacritic score of 80, which is impressive for an MMORPG where player preferences can greatly differ. It has appealing graphics, a captivating story, and intricate systems. (Admittedly, some aspects might feel overly complex. It can often be challenging to step away from this game and return later, as you may forget how its mechanics function.)

Here’s the catch: Black Desert has a standard price of $10, which is reasonable for a full MMO. However, I’m uncertain how many people are willing to invest that amount. It’s not that the game doesn’t deserve the price; rather, it’s widely known that patience will often lead to it being made available for free. This isn’t a temporary “play for free until…” scenario. If you acquire it for free on Steam, you retain access even after the offer ends.

Personally, if I’m encouraging a friend to join a game I’m enjoying, I’d advise them to wait, especially if we’re unsure of their long-term interest. While ten bucks isn’t a bad price for a full MMO, free is always more appealing, especially considering the current economic situation. Consequently, I question how many will purchase the game at full price or even at a reduced cost.

Some might ponder how the company will generate revenue without selling the game. My answer? Have you seen the prices for their DLC on Steam? With a larger player base, the chances of selling more of them increase.

Though I haven’t logged in for a while, I recall an in-game store and game-specific currency. I’m not particularly fond of any game’s model that requires purchasing gems for in-game items, but such systems are common and accepted, with “whales” willingly spending. Personally, I would prefer a direct purchase option, like a horse for $25, but the reality is that there are numerous methods to monetize players who are already engaged with your game. Even those who are cost-conscious tend to spend occasionally.

If the game were priced at, say, $15 more, and Pearl Abyss didn’t frequently offer it at a 100% discount, I might not be making this argument at all.

That being said, given the current landscape, I believe it’s time for a transition.