Ok here's my input on your subscription model idea/server running costs issue.
Firstly, without being rude, I think it's a bit cheeky to say you don't care if anyone wants to play your server or not as you're doing it for your own enjoyment, yet meanwhile expecting those people to fund the dedi.
Secondly I don't see how this subscription model is going to work long term. If you're charging £3 p/m and need to make £60, you're relying on at least 20 people subbing each month. This only secures you 1 month of your dedi host each time and I don't see that you can argue that this model offers players more security or peace of mind that the server won't disappear after a few months on the basis that if, say, after 3 months, half of your subscribers decide it's not for them and stop subbing, you're immediately in the lurch and the server is at risk with no backup funds in the kitty. And let's be real are you going to get more than 20 people subbing at any one time? I'd be shocked tbqh.
IMO you are better off going down the cosmetic gameshop route and putting the money aside in a separate PP account. This way you can make an influx of cash sales initially on launch when your server will undoubtedly be at its peak u/c wise and set the additional earnings aside for future dedi payments. Not only this but if, down the line, your u/c does drop, those left playing can make the conscious decision to make more gameshop purchases in order to keep it afloat. Plus nothing is stopping you from creating an
optional subscription and/or accepting
donations. At the end of the day people love to throw their money at Mir. Sure, most of them want something in return but not all.
There is an abundance of things you peddle in a gameshop that has no real game-changing effects or unfair advantages
- Inventory space
- Storage space
- Mount skins
- Pickup pets
- Glamours (transmog, weapon skins, armour skins)
- Titles
- Glows (humeffects)
- Hairstyles
- Gender change
This is a proven cash generating model on tons of games. People want their characters to be unique. Apocalypse had everyone start out with the same hairstyle and charged £3 to change it. 20 people changing their hairstyle is one month DONE.
You can do the same with mounts. There's nothing game breaking about having more inventory or storage space (if you cap sunpots) but people want it. Your server is low rate so you surely have more weapon skins than you will ever need, so sell them as glamours. People want a cool title above their name...so make a list and sell them!
Honestly if you want help or input on any ideas hit me up.