If you are looking for a prime example of freemium business models seeping into the mainstream market, then look no further than EA's latest version of Tetris on iOS.
Although not known for its use of in-app purchases, the reinvisioned game comes with IAP features, accessed as you purchase T-Coins, with packs ranging from the standard 99c to $99.99.
Equally significant is these are also used to sign up to the Tetris fanclub, a subscription service dubbed T-Club. Options include $2.99 for a month's access or $29.99 for annual membership.
Membership, which operates through EA's Origin service, will give access to "exclusive discounts and content, premium Tetris Log challenges, and a booster to progress your Tetris Rank faster."
Tetris Log tracks your lifetime accumulated 'lines cleared' across multiple mobile devices, giving you a global Tetris ranking number.
Ka-ching
"We are always looking for new ways for our fans to play Tetris and this new mobile version makes a revolutionary addition to the Tetris family of games," said Henk Rogers, managing director of The Tetris Company.
The game itself comes at the standalone price of 99c, but EA is clearly looking squarely at the fast growing business of IAPs and subscription for greater cash flow.
A similar attempt to run a subscription service on iOS from casual gaming company Big Fish was pulled by Apple, but with EA running its version as a discreet one-off IAP purchase rather than a recurring purchase, it doesn't break Apple's terms and conditions.
[source: Business Wire]
News
Contributing Editor
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.
Related Articles
Top Stories
News
1 hour, 2 minutes ago
PocketGamer.biz Week in Mobile Games E14 -Supercell's Squad Busters goes global and why Steam does discoverability better than mobile
News
May 31st, 2024
Week in Views - Squad Busters goes global, broken app stores, and Hill Climb Racing gets the LEGO treatment
News
May 31st, 2024
Mobile Movers: All the latest appointments and job moves from around the industry
Events
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
Gotland Game Conference 2024 | Nordic | Jun 3rd |
Games Mental Health Summit 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Dev Play Conference 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Tribeca Games Festival 2024 | North America | Jun 5th |