MMORPG: What decisions went into having the Chronoscrolls game mechanic?
Brian Knox: The first decision we made was simple: "Player choice should be the biggest benefit." We want players to have a safe way to choose to play TERA. With chronoscrolls, players can choose to spend their in-game earnings to continue to play TERA—no more need to worry about paying a subscription—or spend their real-world earnings to get gold without going to illegal third-party sites where they put themselves at risk.
MMORPG: How do the Chronoscrolls impact TERA’s game world?
Brian Knox: Chronoscrolls do not directly generate more or less money for the in-game economy. They are a way to barter time for money. Gold will change hands, but remain in the economy. We are also managing the hidden economic impacts by making chronoscrolls tradable only through the broker—and tradable only once. Additionally, players can redeem only two chronoscrolls to their account per week.
MMORPG: What can players do with the Chronoscrolls?
Brian Knox: Players receive their chronoscroll through the Item Claim menu. Then they can either right-click the chronoscroll and get 30 days of game time or post the chronoscroll on the in-game trade broker to sell for gold.
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MMORPG: How do they impact the characters directly?
Brian Knox: There is no direct impact. The chronoscroll is something to purchase in our online store and trade on our in-game broker.
MMORPG: Can you explain how Chronoscrolls impact players in terms of real money value?
Brian Knox: We have some estimates about what they will trade for on the broker, but the reality is that players will set this price. The market will even out, and there will be a value on 30 days of TERA that the players have collectively set.
MMORPG: What are some of the biggest advantages to having the Chronoscroll system in the game?
Brian Knox: The biggest advantages are versatility and convenience. The chronoscroll is versatile because it’s simultaneously a way to get more game time and a way to get more in-game gold, depending on what you need. And the chronoscroll is convenient because you can get one whenever you want—either from our online store or through the in-game trade broker.
