Free-to-play MMO game monetization differs significantly between games from Western and Asian developers. Western developers have focused primarily on limited monetization systems, striving to achieve a harmonious game balance for free players and spenders. Asian developers have focused on selling power through gear and weapons enhancements, resulting in much higher ARPU, but sometimes creating a perception that the games are pay-to-win. This presentation explains how Asian free-to-play MMOs drive such high monetization, and discusses the issue of selling power vs. achieving proper game balance.
