Guild Wars 3 won't have a 'battle pass fee buried in it', says studio head: 'We're not gonna hold their time hostage'

Guild Wars 3 Will Avoid Battle Pass Fees, Says Studio Head

Guild Wars 3 is set to take a different approach to monetization compared to many other modern MMOs, according to studio head Colin Johanson. During an interview with IGN at Summer Game Fest, Johanson emphasized that the game will not include a "battle pass fee buried in it," a common criticism of many live service games.

The battle pass model has become a staple in the MMO space, often criticized for turning into a hidden subscription fee. Johanson noted that many players are tired of these models, which can feel like a financial trap disguised as optional content. "We've challenged ourselves to ask the same question: Can we make a game like this that doesn't have a subscription fee? And doesn't have a battle pass fee buried in it as well," he said.

A Focus on Player Freedom

Guild Wars 3 aims to provide a more flexible experience for its players. The game will follow a "buy and play" model, eliminating the need for ongoing subscription fees. Players will be able to engage with the game as much or as little as they want, without feeling pressured to spend extra money on seasonal content or mandatory grinding sessions.

"We will respect our player's time," Johanson said. "If they love it, they'll have other stuff they can buy from us in the future. But we're not gonna hold their time hostage, and we want them to be able to go play other games."

This approach echoes the success of Guild Wars 2, which managed to avoid many of the pitfalls of traditional live service models. However, Johanson acknowledges that avoiding a battle pass model is a more significant challenge than simply respecting player time.

The battle pass structure can be effective when done right, offering players manageable tasks and rewarding progress. However, when these systems become too demanding, they can alienate players. On the other hand, too little incentive can lead to a lack of engagement, which is also problematic for game developers.

Johanson's vision for Guild Wars 3 is clear: a game that prioritizes player freedom and avoids the financial pressure that often comes with modern MMO monetization strategies. Whether this approach will succeed remains to be seen, but the studio is clearly committed to a different path in the evolving landscape of online gaming.