Market Discussions

I play Guild Wars 2. I don't buy anything from their gem store. I know a LOT of people who do.

It seems to me that Eve should not lock it's RL-currency store behind subscriptions. This seems counter-intuitive. If people want to spend money, it would benefit CCP to let them!

This wouldn't open up the skill points at all - probably the only thing that might get some people to unsub.

I understand that the company depends on subs, but GW2's business model appears to also work. I wonder if Eve could adopt a centre ground and benefit from both people who want to pay regularly and people who will pay for cosmetic items.

The only downside might be a sense on the part of the subbers that they might have a right to cosmetic upgrades - if it were me I'd be inclined to offer freebies for subbers.

The Eve store (the NES) isn't locked behind subscriptions.

You just buy aurum, and spend it in the store. https://secure.eveonline.com/AurStore/ These are one time purchases, of a quantity of aurum.

Then you go into the store and spend it. No subscription required.