Analyzing Micro Transactions in MOL

by News | posted at 2010-02-23 23:43:00
tagged: MTG, Magic, Magic the Gathering, Magic Online, MTGO, MOL, MODO, Procrastination Amplification, Micro Transation

Micro transactions are a method of monetizing products, often games, by charging small fees for small things. The model helped save the popular FIFA Soccer video games, whose sales were being gutted by piracy. By switching their model from charging customers for the game to charging customers for small trinkets, like shoes, within the game they were able to stay commercially viable.

Today scrusi of ProcrastinationAmplification.com analyzes the micro-transaction model with a focus on Magic: The Gathering Online. In the article, the author states:

"This [micro transactions] is a very successful model for Wizards of the Coast and I find it quite odd that other game developers don’t pick up on this. Especially the part in which being good at the game can reduce the costs of playing the game or even allow you to make a profit. The only other example that comes to my mind is EVE, and maybe Entropia Universe, but neither feels as polished as  MTGO. This model isn’t for everyone, surely, but why don’t people even attempt it?"

To read the full analysis on how the micro transactions work and what scrusi's take on their success is, click on this link.

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