PLEASE Don't make AoC subscription mandatory

As the title says, can we please not have a mandatory subscription based game? Instead, make it similar to ESO where paying for a subscription gives you premium features such as -
1: Extra stash space
2: Craft bag where all your resources for crafting and upgrades go with an unlimited amount being able to be put in
3: Access to DLC

Things like these will make players WANT to be subscribed to the game for the premium features. If it's a mandatory subscription JUST to be able to continue playing, there are a lot of players just like myself who simply will not play purely because we're being forced to pay if we want to continue playing. When I was a teenager, I had no income and because of this I missed out on playing WoW and I'm sure many others did too. Now that I'm an adult, I don't want to keep paying for a game just to play it, it just doesn't seem right. As much as I love what I've seen so far with AoC, I won't be playing it if a subscription becomes mandatory in order to be able to continue playing. Just give us extra features, I'd be happy to pay for that.

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Vyllz

I understand where you're coming from. A subscription-free model with optional premium perks (like ESO or GW2) sounds more appealing to many players. However, Ashes of Creation's mandatory subscription isn't about forcing players to pay—it’s about ensuring a fair, pay-to-win-free environment and maintaining the integrity of a player-driven economy.

Why a Subscription Model Works Best for Ashes of Creation
1️⃣ Prevents Pay-to-Win Mechanics 🛡️

Any system where players can buy conveniences (like extra stash space or unlimited crafting storage) can create an economic advantage. In a player-driven world like Ashes, storage and resources are part of the game’s challenge—allowing unlimited hoarding for paying players would create imbalances in crafting, economy, and even sieges.
In ESO, for example, premium players never worry about crafting storage, while non-premium players struggle with inventory management. That alone changes how you interact with the game, making paying players inherently more efficient.
2️⃣ Ensures Continuous Quality & Content Updates 📜

Unlike buy-to-play or free-to-play models that rely on cash shops and microtransactions, a flat subscription means that all players contribute equally to funding the game.
This guarantees a steady stream of updates, server maintenance, and anti-cheat measures without the pressure to add sneaky monetization tactics later (like loot boxes or pay-for-convenience perks).
3️⃣ Levels the Playing Field for All Players ⚔️

No one gets special treatment just because they paid extra. Every adventurer faces the same struggles, whether it’s storage limitations, resource gathering, or market competition.
Imagine a siege battle where one guild has infinite crafting storage (via premium) while another is forced to manage limited resources. That’s a huge indirect advantage.

Final Thoughts: A Subscription Model Protects the Vision of Ashes of Creation

While it might not be the most financially flexible system for everyone, the mandatory subscription ensures:

✅ A fair and competitive environment for all players.
✅ No cash-shop temptations that could lead to pay-for-convenience advantages.
✅ A continuous stream of content and server support without microtransactions.

For a game as ambitious as Ashes of Creation, this is the best model to keep it free from P2W corruption. And with in-game tradable subscriptions, players who can’t afford a sub can still earn their way in.

Would you really rather trade a fair and immersive MMO for a cash shop-driven experience? 🤔

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