Activision May Charge for Online Play

Activision may start charging fees for online multiplayer. At least, That's what Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter and Janco Partners' Mike Hickey are predicting.

"Activision could grow earnings meaningfully by monetizing Modern Warfare 2 online multiplayer," said Pachter (via Gamasutra). "We estimate that the number of hours spent playing MW2 online is roughly 4 billion combined on Xbox Live and PSN, suggesting a large revenue opportunity. We expect the company to announce plans to monetize online multiplayer content in MW, Black Ops, StarCraft II and other games before year-end."

Last week, Hickey said he believes that Activision could try a subscription service for Modern Warfare in China. Saying that such a service would pull in $50-$100 million in initial sales for their Chinese online partner Netease.

Given that this is on top of the Xbox Live Gold required for Xbox 360 users to play online, it may reduce numbers significantly - driving them to the opposition (Medal of Honor, Battlefield: Bad Company 2).

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NZGamer.com - Activision May Charge for Online Play

COMMENTS (15)

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On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 4:00 PM Posted by onehitter09

I ain't paying sh*t. First overpriced DLC and now possibly this... I'll stick with BF & KZ if they go ahead with it.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 4:40 PM Posted by nimrod76

3 August 2010, 04:00 PM Reply to onehitter09
I ain't paying sh*t. First overpriced DLC and now possibly this... I'll stick with BF & KZ if they go ahead with it.

This will more than likely catch on. If it does you can say goodbye to my presence in the world of online gaming.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 4:41 PM Posted by Today

the only reason they gave for this was because it was easy revenue.

so what? it is obvious that these d*cks are taking advantage of the idiots who pay the outrageous prices that call of duty fans pay. the game itself was way too expensive, then the map-packs were far too expensive and now this?

seriously, this is just activision being their typical d*ck selves.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 5:00 PM Posted by djkicks

These analysts are talking sh*t. Activision have already said they will NEVER charge for online play in MW2 or Black ops. It was confirmed a few months ago when some other analysts said they should do it.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 5:20 PM Posted by Ron

Keep the main game cheaper and charge for online stuff, but only to the cost of full retail.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 5:34 PM Posted by Munkah

3 August 2010, 04:41 PM Reply to Today
the only reason they gave for this was because it was easy revenue.

so what? it is obvious that these d*cks are taking advantage of the idiots who pay the outrageous prices that call of duty fans pay. the game itself was way too expensive, then the map-packs were far too expensive and now this?

seriously, this is just activision being their typical d*ck selves.

Easy revenue is a pretty good reason.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 6:03 PM Posted by Kegz

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I'd definitely go to the opposition if they don't take their heads out from their arses and see how many people this will piss off.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 6:06 PM Posted by stungaf

they'd never be so stupid.
great way to push everyone to their other parity franchises. no one is invested enough in their character to pay to keep him alive.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 8:14 PM Posted by iTry

I hate how they think that from the numbers now, and multiplying it by how much they charge, that will equal the amount they will get... I'm sure at least 20% will not pay to play CoD Online, depending how much it is.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 8:35 PM Posted by Ubercuber

They could probably get away with it if they charge for online play, but don't charge for DLC.

But still, people that paid $150 for COD and then crazy prices for the DLC since release are pretty much retarded. So I really dont mind them spending all their money.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 8:54 PM Posted by SpawnSeekSlay

Another Analyst making a prediction? wish i had that job and id just say any old piece of sh!t.

On Tuesday 3 Aug 2010 8:55 PM Posted by Today

3 August 2010, 05:34 PM Reply to Munkah
Easy revenue is a pretty good reason.

yes, for them. but normally these d*cks will come out with excuses for the consumer such as "online play will now be treated as an option, not a mandatory option".

however, this is just an analyst.

On Wednesday 4 Aug 2010 1:02 AM Posted by Donutta

Jesus. At this point Michael Patcher should just say: "This is what I would do if I was in charge." Saying he expects stuff to happen is just pretty much laughable at this point. I mean, how "delayed" is the Wii HD now?

Activision isn't stupid. It knows that charging for subscriptions to Call of Duty would create a mass exodus. (Many people play on PSN, including myself, simply because it's free.) That's why its games cost more. ($130 for a PC game? Christ!) It's because it's making the profit on the sale. After all, everyone who buys the game is guaranteed to cough up that cash and not everyone who buys it is guaranteed to play online.

Honestly, Patcher should just give up. I don't give a sh*t if he's friends with people like N'Gai -- forum posters do a better job of predicting industry trends.