Blizzard recently announced plans to integrate a new option for buying game time with in-game gold. Players will be able to utilize the auction house to purchase a "WoW Token" that can be used for 30 days of game time. Veteran WoW players will be the first to acknowledge that this is a big step for the Warcraft franchise.

What Does the WoW Token Do?

In essence, the WoW Token is designed to give players not only a way to purchase subscription time using gold they've made in the game, but also a way to convert real money into gold. The value of the WoW Token is expected to vary in the auction house based on supply and demand, as well as other factors.

The exact value of the WoW Token has not been announced yet, but they are expected to cost roughly the same as a 30 day subscription. In other words, expect the WoW Token to cost around $14.99 USD.

How to Trade the WoW Token

After purchasing the WoW Token from the game shop, it can be placed on the auction house just like any other in-game item. Rather than setting your own price, the game will determine a quote according to the current value in the market. It's expected that you will be able to name your own price regardless of being given a quote, but players won't be able to bid on the item.

Once the WoW Token is purchased by a player using the auction house, it will become "soulbound." This means it won't be eligible for trade with other players, and you won't be able to resell it in the auction house. The WoW Token can be used at any given time in exchange for subscription time. The WoW Token will never expires, meaning it can be saved for incidents when players have trouble coming up with the money to finance their subscriptions.

Is the WoW Token Worth It?

This new system is set in place to give players a chance to purchase game time without needing a real currency. Also, players who are short on gold will be able to remedy the problem by selling a WoW Token. Essentially, the WoW Token will give players a fantastic opportunity to help each other.

Player retention will also likely benefit from this positive move. While other MMORPGs are free to play, World of Warcraft is still one of the only games left that charge players a monthly rate to access its game content.

It's predicted that Blizzard is implementing this change to slow down trading activity between third party gold sellers and players. In a way, Blizzard might also have plans to take complete control of RMT between gold and real currency.

The big question on everyone's mind is, "How much will the WoW Token be worth in both real currency and gold?" This question will be left unanswered until a later date. Blizzard currently projects that it will release access to the WoW Token in an upcoming patch.