Dev Blog #6: Horse Packs and Riding Passes
Today we want to announce our updated monetization plans for our upcoming 1.0 launch. While we’re in Early Access, this will stay simple: there won’t be real money in-game purchases. That won’t be changing! This is a post about our future post-1.0 launch plans.
We originally intended to support future updates with a mandatory monthly subscription. This was largely inspired by our previous work on other games. We listened to everyone’s feedback very early on and learned that this model didn’t feel fair, especially since you were already inundated with subscriptions.
We want to support this game for the years to come by adding new horses, releasing new chapters, and dealing with infrastructure costs. So we heard you and went back to the drawing board. Today we’re announcing that Equinox: Homecoming will no longer have a required monthly subscription to play.
To be clear: after the game’s one-time purchase, you will always have access to future chapter releases, gameplay updates, and more. You will not be required to pay monthly - only the purchase of the game is required.
Instead of a monthly subscription, at launch we’ll be introducing an optional Riding Pass! This is a way for players to earn extra rewards and support the game’s development.
Think of it as an experience and reward booster: while it’s active, you’ll receive triple the rewards from completed Weekly Goals and 20% extra experience and silver gains from quests, races, and other activities. These boosts will help you level up even faster and earn extra rewards to use for buying cosmetics, tack, equipment, and Horse Packs!
The optional riding pass is a great choice for players who want to support the development of our game and save time! Anyone who purchases the game during Early Access will automatically receive a lifetime Riding Pass, so you’ll get to enjoy these perks forever.
Anyone who plays the game during Early Access and completes their Weekly Goals can receive one purple Early Access coin per week. This was intended to be a small token of appreciation for the players who stick with us throughout this period of development. They can be used for purchases that help players catch up after our Launch server wipe or continue to enjoy their seasonal tack.
We have noticed some players are very concerned about missing out on the potential rewards these coins offer or are worried about exorbitant costs. Here is what will be available in the Early Access shop once we launch the game:
Horse Pack: Spark the Rocker - 4 coins
White Roses, Tail Accessory - 1 coin
White Roses, Mane Accessory - 1 Coin
Fishing Village, Fast Travel point - 1 coin
Winter Cheer Bundle - 1 coin
A stack of ten foragable items (e.g ten Fossils) - 1 coin, repeatable purchase
Aside from the White Roses, all of these items are earnable without an Early Access coin.
Another popular point of feedback was around our horses. It’s no surprise to us that you want more horses, coat colors, cosmetic options, and quests where horses are the stars. We felt inspired and wondered: what if there was a way for you to purchase specific horses with a past and personality you discover over time?
This is where our Horse Packs come in. Instead of selling generic recolored horse models, after launch, we hope to sell a character: a horse with a bit more personality, who has lived a life before you and has a backstory you can discover!
Horse Packs are how you will be able to purchase brand new horses to add to your stable. Each pack comes with a unique, specific horse that you get to know through a short quest. In this quest, you’ll meet your new friend and learn more about their personality and backstory.
As an example of what to expect, we’ll look at Spark the Rocker - our Palomino Dutch Warmblood. After getting the pack, you’ll begin a quest where you learn that Spark has been depressed and his owner wants your help to cheer him up. As you play through the quest, you’ll learn about Spark’s busy past on the road and help him settle into the quieter Alderwood lifestyle.
We think these Horse Packs are a fun way to add a bit more personality to your horses while also letting you explore their life. We’re excited about these changes and can’t wait to hear what you think and improve future Horse Packs!
Now's the perfect time to try out our game and see if it's for you! During Horse Fest, we'll have a free demo available for you to play. In the demo, you'll be able to play the first chapter of the game - after completing it, you'll be able to continue exploring Alderwood, competing in races, and participating in Crown Chase.
