New ONE Power-Up game card acts as currency in 21 games
by Rubi Bayer 
Oct 13th 2009 at 6:00PM
Filed under: Business models, News items
An interesting new item arrived at US Rite-Aid stores yesterday, the ONE Power-Up game card from Open Network Entertainment. The card can be purchased at Rite-Aid, and when redeemed on the ONE site, can be used for microtransactions in 21 different MMOs.
So what does this have to do with us, as MMO gamers? Well, the ONE cards seem to have several advantages over regular credit card transactions. The cards will net users special perks like discounts, exclusive items, and special access to launches and promotions. This seems like a handy solution for those who don't have a credit card, or don't feel comfortable sending out their credit card information. More significantly, this could mean some big advantages to parents who don't love the idea of handing a credit card over to their MMO-playing children every time they see something in-game that they'd like to have. A fixed, prepaid amount offers less negotiating and more discipline (and could act as a handy reward). Add in the wide array of games available, perks for card users, and a lack of interest fees, and ONE might just have a winner here.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ichamur said on 6:24PM 10-13-2009
Question. Who plays most those games? I've heard of Atlantica. And Wolfteam. And maybe last chaos. That's it really. Not to dis any of the games on the list. I've just seriously have never heard of them.
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Mewmew said on 7:24AM 10-14-2009
I've played most of those games, and they all have an okay userbase (not huge, but okay). So a lot of people play them. Most people who have been into the MMO scene for years have heard of them all as they came out.
As a side note, years ago I told my Dad (since I was too young to do it myself) that he could make money if he made a company that sold a single card that worked on most MMO's. This was back before most MMO's were selling their own cards. I said if he didn't do it, someone else would some day, and offered to help him. Though in my own imagination, a lot more games were on the list than the ones that are on this one currently.
Hambone_Hamlet said on 6:27PM 10-13-2009
A very cool idea to have 1 card for so many MMOs. Buy the card use it for the MMO your are playing (Atlantica, great game) and then you can use that same card to try other MMOs (Shaiya, looka good).
One card for many MMOs ;)
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Anjohl said on 9:16PM 10-13-2009
Revolutionary. Should have been done *ages* ago. Easy business model:
Company X goes to major MMO publishers, get deals with each of them for a set % of the price of the card. IE, $25 card sold by company X nets Blizzard 90% if used for WOW, and they get 10%.
This is a super convenient concept, and should be broadened to include monthy fees for all major games.
If I was a publisher, I would want these things in every 7/11, Needs, Walmart, etc across North America.
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WaxPaper said on 11:05PM 10-13-2009
Agreed. A transaction model like this needs to become ubiquitous within the MMO industry. It's just a matter of enough relevant publishers signing on, and getting more benefit out of it than selling their own cards like they currently do. A dedicated transaction company like this might be able to broaden the distro, giving publishers the incentive they need.
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Anjohl said on 12:56PM 10-14-2009
Precisely. This is all about distribution and promotion. Hell, you could give this things away at Mcdonalds with purchase (in a lower denomination), which gives various businesses a method to PROMOTE MMO's without having a contract with the individual game publishers as well.
KingGrowl said on 3:01AM 10-14-2009
I would get one in a heartbeat if it worked with more well known games.
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Tyranor said on 9:54AM 10-14-2009
These have been around for awhile haven't they? I swear I've seen cards that cover quite a few games...
But why would you use gamecards instead of going straight to the publisher? Especially if they cover multiple games, you're going to lose a lot of cash aren't you?
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Anjohl said on 12:56PM 10-14-2009
Versatility. You are playing WOW for 6 months, but decide you want to try out a 1-month sub of another game, or you are playing WOW and DDO, which has an optional payments system, etc.
monkeystick said on 12:04PM 10-14-2009
You could probably just get one of those pre-paid visa/amEx cards for one time payments, those work with every MMO.
I like the idea of game cards though, lots of folks are trying to cut back on credit card use these days.
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