A-steroids reworks Underworld to include in-app micro-transactions
MMOG moves from UW points to gameplay packs
As promised in our interview with head of studio Andrey Podoprigora, developer a-steroids has launched a new version of its Underworld: SweetDeal online MMOG to include in-app micro-transactions.
Originally the developer used a system whereby the game was free and players bought the UW currency by purchasing new apps which then updated their in-game inventories.
Now however it's switched tack and has also released a 99c version of the game and made the gameplay features you bought with the UW points into direct micro-transactional items.
Examples include the Small Protection Pack, which are four items providing one-hour protection from cops, or the Large Carry Space Boost Pack, which provides 50 30 percent boosts to your inventory space.
A-steroids took this approach because Apple doesn't currently allow you to release apps that sell in-game currency that is exchangeable for virtual goods.
"We don't know how it's going to work out financially yet," says Podoprigora. "But one thing is for sure, the whole system seems to be much more convenient and intuitive for players."
You can read a full explanation of the approach a-steroids has taken on its blog.
