Players eager to get into the world of Black Desert Online

With the final closed beta scheduled for February 18, Black Desert Online is just about ready to release in the west. In fact, developer Pearl Abyss and publisher Daum Games recently announced the official launch date for the gorgeous action-oriented game. North American, European, and Oceanic territories will be able to play Black Desert Online on March 3. Black Desert Online’s cash shop is also performing extremely well. "A game with a buy-to-play business model normally has a much lower conversion rate for paid in-game items compared to free-to-play games," explains Kim.

But Black Desert Online is recording a much higher pay ratio than the average 11 percent normally seen in free-to-play games. Players eager to get into the world of Black Desert Online can sign up for the second and final closed beta right now. Selected players will be able to download and play the fantasy MMORPG during its closed beta. Of course, players looking to pre-order Black Desert Online can guarantee their spot in the final closed beta. Three pre-order packages are available now, and the ones with access to the closed beta will need to be purchased before February 26.

Purchasing before that date will ensure players will have access to the final beta in addition to the other items that are included. The cheapest package is just $30 but does not offer access to the closed beta. A number of coupons, boxes, and skill resets are in the pack in addition to the limited content. Free to play MMORPGs outnumber pay to play ones by more than 10-1. Even massive big budget Western games like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2 have embraced the free to play model. Tera, for example, would have shut down long ago had it remained a subscription based game.