Blizzard Locking Down Subscribers With Annual Pass

I have read various blogs that weight the effectiveness of the new feature that Blizzard Entertainment has announced recently.   That feature is “Annual Pass.”

Blizzard’s Annual Pass has made some subscribers (current and former) complain about having to commit to a year’s subscription to get some free stuff.  I don’t see how current players can complain other than not being able to let their account become inactive.  Former players have the legitimate concern that the cost to catch up to what will be the current version will far outweight the free download of Diablo III, a Beta key, an in-game pet and mount.

I personally don’t mind as I have not suspended my two main accounts since the day I activated them four years ago.  With that being said, it is curious that I kind of hesitated accepting Blizzard’s offer. 

1. I knew that I was going to purchase and play Diablo III when it comes out.
2. I know I plan to continue to play WoW until that happens. 
3. I definitely want the mount. (don’t judge me)

I guess the thing that bothers me most was the fact that I will also automatically get a Beta Test Key to test the Mist of Pandaria expansion when it comes out.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve always wanted to beta test a WoW expansion. (especially with the amount of time I have devoted to WoW)   However, this (in a way)  feels sort of like I bought gold from a gold seller or something.

You see, Beta Keys (to me) seemed random and special.  It was like someone at Blizz said, “Hey, we’d like you to give us your idea on how the game is working, cause we know you love WoW and have devoted so much time to the development of your characters even though you have a full-time job!”

Now, just because that same full-time job can allow me to afford a year’s subscription, I AUTOMATICALLY get a Beta Key??

OH. . .  I WILL take the key, but somehow it doesn’t feel a special as I thought it would be, ya know?

I am not one to knock Blizzard and WoW, because I love both.  If I felt the need to Troll either, I wouldn’t even post it, cause I can’t stand people who do so!  They should just move on and not bother tainting the newer subscribers . . . but I digress.

Part of the enjoyment I get from the game was working toward a goal and finally  achieving said goal.  None of these goals involved paying real or virtual cash to complete the task.  So, in a way, that’s what it feels like to me.

I also know that Blizzard doesn’t want to give away a million Betas even though that could equate to a guaranteed additional million subscribers for a year.  I assume at some point the Beta offer will end while still allowing to obtain some loot for the subscription commitment.

Again for me, I will continue to pay a subscription fee regardless of the outcome.  I will end up getting a free copy of Diablo III and a chance to be like TotalHalibut on Youtube.com.   Man…now I’ve got to order Fraps!! 

Besides Beta has all the hiccups and glitches that could be more annoying that fun!  Well, I want to experience them anyway!!

Is anyone else out there going to take advantage of this offer?  Do you think it is fair for Blizz to force a one-year subscription out of you to ensure the success of the new arrival to their gaming arsenal?

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