[Source] After being revealed last month for the China server, the new payment model got tons of flak from players in the gaming community. Today, Snail Games USA announced the same system for the upcoming English server as well. Thanks to Mitchell Emme for the news.
Black Gold Online’s innovative Optional Time Based File Save Model will abandon traditional subscription based-payment and will not implement an in-game cash shop. Yep, you heard it here. There will be NO subscriptions; NO cash-shop.
All the materials, equipments can be gained in-game to ensure balance across the Continent of Montel. So how exactly does it work? Let’s take a closer look.
“Black Gold Time” The Optional Time-based Monetization Model
Black Gold Online’s file save mode will record your playtime data, showing all materials and equipment looted in that specific timeframe. Players will be given a choice to purchase that specific “save” if you wish to acquire all of those items.
This system aims only at paying for rare materials and high level equipments: Basic materials and equipments can be looted immediately without purchase. Player progression in terms of experience and PvP rank for example, will remain even if you do not pay for the save.
Save Files
Players will be able to select a timeframe: every 1 / 2 / 4 / 6 Hour(s) for automatically saving their progress. Players can also end the auto-save early to save manually whenever they feel the need to loot the items gained so far. Upon creation, save files will last for 24 hours before they disappear.
By selecting the one hour auto-save, progress will be recorded every hour:
SaveFile1 from 14:10~15:10, the player acquires a rare gun and a couple basic materials.
SaveFile2 from 15:10~15:40,the player loots a rare material and decides to save before reaching the hour mark.
The player will be able to loot the basic material immediately, but the rare gun and material will only be looted if the player decides to purchase SaveFile1 and SaveFile2.
Credit & “Lucky Draw” System
Save files are purchased from in-game credits (bought from real-life money). Snail Games however, have implemented an interesting “lucky draw” system. There will be two separate buttons: you can buy the save directly, or select “try your luck” to have a chance at reducing the credits required or even obtain loots without any cost! This is a fun little option to maximize player benefits.
