An article in China recently revealed the business model for ArcheAge China, and it will be different from the straight-forward Free-to-play system found in Korea, Japan and Russia. 2 in-game currencies will be used, namely Gold and Blue Shells. Read below for more details!
Gold – The new currency introduced for the China server, this is neither character nor account bound. Gold is obtained primarily via topping up the account using real cash. Any items which can be bought using Blue Shells will have a corresponding Gold value as well.
When buying items, the default priority of deduction focuses on Blue Shells first before deducting Gold when there is not enough of the former. Gold can also be used for server-wide shouts, revival at death spot, skill and talent reset, and to purchase some high level blueprints for houses and ships.
Gold can also be obtained from the game, such as World Boss or high level quests. For the upcoming test phase, the topup function will not be available, but Gold will be distributed to testers via events.
Blue Shells – The normal game currency obtained from killing mobs, quests etc. This currency is character-bound, which means it cannot be traded. It is used almost for everything, such as buying potions, repairs, blueprints, housing tax, and talent and skill reset.
The main reason give for this double currency system is down to the fight against farming studios in China. However, it was mentioned that changes to the system might still happen before launch, as it is the first time players will get to try the currencies out in the upcoming test phase.
