Exploring Off The Grid: Is It Another Pay-to-Win Blockchain Game?

Off The Grid is now in its Early Access phase and is quickly gaining traction, particularly among content creators. While numerous players enjoy the experience, some have voiced concerns regarding the potential of it being just another pay-to-win blockchain game. To address these worries, it is essential first to comprehend how the game’s monetization functions and what exactly constitutes a pay-to-win scenario.

In simple terms, a game is considered pay-to-win if players can achieve a competitive edge by making purchases that bypass the normal gameplay grind.

Having clarified the meaning of pay-to-win, let’s explore the monetization framework of Off The Grid.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

What is the monetization structure in Off The Grid?

Off The Grid operates on a free-to-play model, which naturally means it has to implement some form of monetization strategy to generate income and sustain the game.

So, how does this monetization strategy function? The game includes a currency known as GUN, which serves as the in-game currency, akin to COD Points in Call of Duty. Players can use GUNs to purchase various items, such as weapons and attachments. Additionally, there is a subscription option called OTG Pro that costs $11.99 per month, providing some extra benefits.

Hexes in Off The Grid (Image via Gunzilla Games)

Generally, players can engage with the game without needing to utilize GUNs. However, there is a crucial aspect to consider: players can earn special boxes termed “Hex“—equivalent to loot boxes that require GUNs to be opened. These Hexes might contain superior weapons and equipment that typically outclass standard items. While players can indeed earn GUNs through gameplay, the process is notably slow.

This means completing daily, weekly, and monthly challenges to accumulate GUNs. If you dedicated an entire month to these tasks, you might wonder just how many GUNs you’ve gathered.

Listing of a weapon in the Off The Grid Marketplace (Image via Gunzilla Games)

Your total would be a mere 171 GUNs, whereas acquiring an Epic rarity weapon typically requires over 1000 GUNs.

Although there is currently no option to purchase GUNs directly with real money, it wouldn’t be shocking to see such an option introduced later. This possibility raises the specter of a pay-to-win structure, allowing players to sidestep the tedious process of earning GUNs in favor of outright purchases. Subsequently, players could venture into the Marketplace to buy upgraded items or open numerous Hexes to enhance their loadouts.

This practice would clearly provide an edge to those willing to spend, fitting the definition of pay-to-win we outlined earlier.

If you choose not to make purchases, what is the fastest way to accrue GUNs? You could sell valuable high-tier items obtained from Hexes in the Marketplace that you no longer need.

Only OTG Pro subscribers can sell items in the game's Marketplace (Image via Gunzilla Games) — Only OTG Pro subscribers can sell items in the game’s Marketplace (Image via Gunzilla Games)

However, there’s a stipulation: you cannot sell any items in the Marketplace unless you are subscribed to the OTG Pro plan.

At this point, the essential mechanics of the monetization system should be clear. But does this indicate that it’s a pay-to-win scheme? Let’s explore our final thoughts on the game below.

Final Thoughts: Is Off The Grid a pay-to-win game?

The short answer is yes, Off The Grid qualifies as a pay-to-win game. You might wonder how this is possible if the game doesn’t allow purchasing GUN tokens with real money just yet. The answer lies within the Marketplace’s structure; a core feature is locked behind a paywall. This leads to the clear classification of Off The Grid as pay-to-win.

The Marketplace serves as a primary method for earning GUNs at the moment. Players can utilize it to procure better gear, which consequently provides an advantage over competitors during matches.

Price of an Epic weapon in Off The Grid Marketplace (Image via Activision)

The image above illustrates that an Epic Rarity weapon is listed for approximately 2800 GUNs. Without an OTG Pro subscription, however, you cannot sell anything in this Marketplace. This limitation prevents you from capitalizing on potential GUN earnings, eliminating your ability to effectively manage the in-game economy.

The developers assert that everything will be verifiable on the blockchain. Yet, if selling owned items requires a monetary subscription, do players truly own them, or is it merely an illusion of ownership?

All that effort spent collecting GUNs, opening Hexes, and earning rare gear eventually results in missed opportunities to resell items and garner GUNs to purchase desired content, highlighting a problematic monetization approach.

For now, we extend some grace to the developers as this shooter remains in Early Access. We hope they will proactively address these critiques by the time Off The Grid reaches its full release.

This concludes our overview of the monetization framework in OTG and our perspective on its pay-to-win tendencies.

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