We often argue that when a beta test starts asking its players for money, then it’s probably less like a test and more like a soft launch, but then when it comes to NetEase’s in-development mobile shooter Destiny: Rising and its upcoming May 29th closed beta for Android users in North America, there’s actually some chunky rebates being offered to players who buy cash shop currency once the game makes its eventual launch. But then the asked-for totals are also arguably whale bait.
Players who purchase a total of 18,000 silver will be eligible to receive a rebate of 150% of that amount, while any amount of silver that exceeds that total will get an additional 120% rebate. As a given example, buying 20,000 silver grants 27,000 silver for meeting that initial threshold and an extra 2,400 silver for buying the additional 2,000, for a grand total of 29,400 silver on launch. There will be other things offered to players who reach “certain silver thresholds” as well, like a unique emote, weapon skins, and character skins, all of which will be handed out at some time post-launch.
This has a few requisites: The offer applies only to currency bought with real-world money, requires account binding, and must be redeemed by one character only within 90 days of launch. So basically the more you buy, the more you get, but also if you don’t spend enough then NetEase gets to keep your money anyway? It’s all a bit itchy, honestly – and arguably tone deaf after fresh word that this series already has a monetization focus associated with it.
