EQ2X: Races and Broker Access — Flexibility?

EQ2 Extended (Free-to-Play) may seem to be “set in stone”, but in fact, changes are still being made and considered during its Public Beta/Soft Launch. Of particular discussion have been the price of race packs and just how limiting the lack of broker access is on the Bronze level. A possibility is to sell races individually, and looking at other options for in-game economy.

From Rothgar on the EQ2X Forums:

Its not set in stone, but we are looking at selling all classes as individuals, not as packs. This means we might have to put a restriction on betrayal if you don’t own the other class. But this should be preferable to charging double the price and giving you an extra class that you may not want. Then you’d only have to buy the other class if you wanted to betray.

Also, I think you guys will be pleasently surprised by the pricing that we’re considering. Classes don’t have to be more than the cost of monthly subscription. As long as the gold plan still has value, selling classes individually will open them up to everyone, even those that would have not gone for the subscription. Mounts can have a higher price tag because they are more of a luxury item that you don’t need. The price of a class shouldn’t restrict people from trying several out, because after all, we want you to find your perfect class and stick with the game.

We’ve also had some interesting conversations about economy and broker access. We’re definitely looking at options. Something we definitely want to see is more of a player economy. The idea of a new “East Commonlands” cropping up would be really cool too. Would even be fun to see players taking out the portable crafting stations and making things for people on demand. We don’t want to eliminate the broker, but bringing the old-school player interaction back to the game would be really fun.

Update – This just in from Smokejumper:

If you are a Bronze or Silver member, there are two new features available to you!

Classes, a la Carte!

You can now purchase individual classes for 750 SC each. You can either purchase them in the marketplace or at the time of character creation. All classes outside of the original eight free ones are available for purchase.

(Gold and Platinum members, this doesn’t affect you since you have always had access to all the classes.)

Broker Credits!

If you wish to interact on the Broker system (either listing an item for sale or purchasing something for yourself), you can now do so. A pack of 10 Broker Credits is available for 150 SC. Each time you list an item or purchase something, you expend one credit.

(Again, Gold and Platinum members don’t need these since they have open access to the Broker at all times.)