Where Winds Meet: "Aggressive Monetization Unnecessary"

Where Winds Meet devs have "no need for aggressive" monetisation as they make a commitment to "not selling power or creating pay-to-win mechanics" - FRVR

NetEase's massive free-to-play open-world game, Where Winds Meet (연운), has revealed a very unique monetization model. Unlike many F2P games that maximize profits through controversial 'pay-to-win' elements, the Where Winds Meet team has made "not selling power" their top principle, vowing to stick solely to a cosmetic-focused model.

Beralt Lyu, the head of development, emphasized in an interview with FRVR that the game's biggest commercial strength is "an experience free from the constraints of pay-to-win elements."

Where Winds Meet has no gacha elements, commonly seen in F2P games like HoYoverse's Genshin Impact. While many games tie powerful characters or equipment to gacha draws, Where Winds Meet has chosen a strategy of selling only cosmetics.

Lyu stated:

"Our perspective on the monetization model is clear. The first thing we must protect is our biggest commercial strength – an experience free from the constraints of pay-to-win elements. Based on this principle, we don't feel the need to implement aggressive monetization or introduce elements that give stats."

From its launch, Where Winds Meet has been selling paid cosmetics, with plans to update more complex customization options in the future. Lyu acknowledged, "We know the current cosmetic system is very basic," and stated that they will improve it together with the community.

So, can a business thrive solely on cosmetics without gacha? The development team's primary goal is to lay the foundation for the game's long-term development.

Lyu added:

"We will never compromise our biggest commercial strength. The core value of Where Winds Meet's monetization model is the ability to enjoy it without limitations – not selling stats, not creating pay-to-win elements."

Where Winds Meet has attracted over 9 million players since its launch last month and is set to release its mobile version on December 12th. The development team plans to expand the game's world and story for "years to come."

Lyu revealed:

"While we can't reveal a detailed roadmap spanning several years yet, our seasonal update model aims for continuous growth. We already have clear and ambitious content plans ready, including new regions, the next chapter of the main story, and new gameplay."

Finally, he said:

"We're not just launching a game; we're planting a seed. Our goal is to cultivate this world together with our players for a long time. Our journey has just begun."