Its hard to miss the constant asks for a Transmute System in this game. The need is obvious… Players want more customization options for how they look, and AGS/New World is really missing the boat here for both the players benefit, and their OWN benefit.
Transmute & Monetization
I think what is often missed, is that New World is a buy once to play, so AGS needs to keep an eye on its monetization systems in the game, namely - skins. If the transmute system is too easy, free, cheap, etc. It will cannibalize their primary revenue stream. People dont often think of this, and long term this will only hurt the game. I believe my suggestion will aid AGS in making revenue, and not losing it.
While some will suggest World of Warcraft’s Transmute system, we also should keep in mind that WOW is a Sub based MMORPG. So what features it can offer (for free) may be different than what a non-sub MMORPG can offer. Especially one that relies heavily on skins in the shop.
Transmute & Progression
The OTHER aspect of transmute/skins that is often missed is a sense of progression. When players can transmute armor at level 5, and look like a lvl 60 character in full “end game” armor, this can often diminish players experience. You see some guy who LOOKS like “The Hero of Aeternum” only to find out they are level 13 and got the game yesterday…
Example of F2P MMORPG with Transmute:
From my 20+ years in gaming, I think one of the most FAIR systems I have seen was in Neverwinter Online. This was a 100% FREE to play game, so transmute was a primary monetization aspect of the game.
This game allowed players to transmute items that are “similar” however it would CONSUME that item. This cost could also be paid for with in game currency (equivalent of Gold in New World) OR, the real money currency (equivalent with Marks of Fortune in New World).
I think if AGS played this right, it could be a huge success for the players, as well as their revenue.
Here is how Neverwinter’s Transmute System worked, and I think you can port this over to New World:
Aspects of Transmutation (from Neverwinter)
- Almost all wearable gear in the game that appears visibly on a character can be Transmuted . That is to say that an option exists to Change Appearance that applies the appearance (but not stats) of one item to another.
- The items (source and destination) must closely match in listed types and required class.
- There is a charge in Astral Diamonds (or Zen) based on the value of the destination item.
- There is no fee if the source item is flagged “Free Appearance Change”.
- The change is permanent, though you can change the appearance of the same item multiple times through this process.
I know people will want to argue:
- We shouldnt have to PAY for the transmutes!
- We should just be able to toggle it on/off if we want, like skins from the Shop!
Transmute SHOULD have drawbacks.
Because its a “1-time thing” you pay for, it is unlike the shop skins which once unlocked can be used unlimited time and toggled on/off.
It also would encourage people to run older content for gear pieces they really like. I know I did this personally many times in Neverwinter, just for the transmute item that I wanted. So you will see players wanting to run older content for the Skins.
It also allows AGS to have some monetization that DOESNT cannibalize one of their main revenue streams - Shop Skins.
If you make this too easy, too cheap/free, etc. ALL that will do is hurt their future revenue from selling skins. Adding restrictions (and cost) makes this something where players can still get our transmutes we want, but with a cost and potential revenue source for AGS.
Its a win-win