And that’s a good point. Plex is definitely P2W in nature, yet I accept it. So, what gives?
- P2W Spectrum- First of all, I don’t think P2W is a binary, but a spectrum. Thus, I am more tolerant of a P2W monetization methods that do not offer insurmountable advantages and that can be obtained through normal game play. In fact, consider this -a sub is technically P2W as it gives you a rather large advantage in exchange for cash. However, even vehemently anti-P2W players are fine with subs. Why?
- Eve is Still a Skill Based Game- In spite of P2W elements, Eve is not a P2W game. You can try being a credit card warrior, but those that do typically only manage to frustrate themselves and/or enrich their enemies. And that’s because, in spite of Eve’s P2W elements, skill is still the biggest factor in determining outcomes. And no amount of cash spent can overcome this fact. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely opposed to some of CCP’s P2W monetization methods. However, I can grudgingly tolerate some as long eve remains a skill based game.
- Plex Offers Other Advantages- Not all P2W is created equal. Some can offer tangential benefits, while others can have more damaging effects. For example, Plex provides players with an investment vehicle and a method of wealth storage, allows players with less time on their hands to skip the grind, and allows players with more time on their hands to pay through play -which is of great benefit to people living in countries with terrible exchange rates and/or those who might not be able to allocate alot of money to their entertainment budget.
- Plex Does Less Harm- Moreover, Plex has fewer downsides because it doesn’t circumvent the player economy. Plex can allow you to buy ships, bling, and injectors, but you still have to purchase all those things from the market. There are no infinite supplies, and player incomes aren’t negatively impacted. In fact, plex might even increase the velocity of isk and strengthen the economy. But this is a subject that is well beyond my area of expertise; so take that with a grain of salt.
- Who does plex empower?- Finally, who does Plex actually empower? Well, it’s certainly not the people who think it will provide them a shortcut to success. In fact, the big winners here are not the people who buy it with cash, but the people who buy it with isk, as it allows them to create and sub specialized alts that increase their isk efficiency (i.e. multiboxing rorqs, WH sites, abyss, incursions) and PvP capabilities (i.e. FC scout alts, cloaky campers, logi/booster backup, multiboxer gank squad). And while it’s true that you can pay subs to do this, a significant number of these accounts would not exist if their owners had to pay cash for them. As I said before, I can’t justify spending thousands of dollars on a video game every year. However, I do suck down thousands of dollars worth of plex and MPTC’s a year because I can pay through play.
TLDR: All P2W is not equal, and Eve is still a skill based game. Thus, I have some tolerance for some P2W (like subs and plex).