A New System Awaits

There is no doubt that many of you are curious about the exact monetization model that will be implemented in the game. The big reveal is here, Snail Games have announced an unprecedented and innovative way to play (and pay). This new system will be live with the launch of the Chinese version, and it is most likely to be reflected in our North American version.

”We’re focusing on giving our players choices when it comes to their gameplay experiences – they decide what premium items to pay for and whether a play session is worth saving,”

“We decided to introduce an innovative monetization model based on player habits and overall gameplay time. Unlike a micro transaction model requiring the player to frequently shop for items, or a subscription-based model where players pay a monthly service, our model allows players to dictate their own gameplay progression.” - Mr. Shi Hai, Founder of Snail Games

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.