Aion 2 Western Monetization Concerns Grow After New Developer Reveal

Aion 2’s business model is drawing sharp criticism after NCSoft revealed new monetization details in a recent Korean livestream. The Free-to-Play MMORPG will feature two paid memberships, a battle pass, and an in-game shop — a mix that has players worried about pay-to-win mechanics ahead of the Western launch planned for 2026.

The concerns escalated when MMORPG YouTuber Kanon analyzed the stream and warned that the pricing and systems could be problematic for Western players. His review sparked debate among MMO fans already wary of aggressive monetization trends from previous NCSoft titles.

Aion 2’s Monetization Model Explained

The developers confirmed that Aion 2 will be free to play but offer two separate monthly subscriptions. The “comfort membership,” priced at 19,700 KRW (about €12), unlocks many quality-of-life features. The “content membership,” priced at 29,700 KRW (about €18), is aimed at players who invest heavily in progression and endgame content. Both run on a 28-day cycle, and together could cost players nearly €390 per year without discounts. For comparison, games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV cost about €130 annually.

Alongside these subscriptions, Aion 2 will include a battle pass with exclusive rewards and a cosmetic shop for skins, outfits, and other visual upgrades. While the developers said they don’t plan to sell pay-to-win skins, they confirmed that gold — the main in-game currency — can be purchased indirectly using real money. Players can buy the premium currency Quna and trade it for Kinah, effectively creating a real-money market that could affect progression and the in-game economy.

Kanon described this mix as “triple monetization” — subscriptions, shop, and battle pass — with an added layer of potential pay-to-win. He called the pricing structure “too expensive for the West” and said it risks alienating players if not adjusted for regional markets.

Reactions and Western Market Impact

Kanon’s critique echoes long-standing concerns about Korean MMORPG monetization. He suggested that Western prices for both subscriptions could climb as high as $50 every 28 days if not adapted, warning that this would put Aion 2 at a major disadvantage against competitors with simpler models.

Some testers from a recent Aion 2 focus group said the game itself looks polished, with strong character customization, satisfying combat, and deep PvE systems. However, monetization fears remain a major sticking point. Testers highlighted time-gated dungeon entries and premium items like instant resurrection tokens that could give paying players an edge.

NCSoft has previously changed its approach for Western releases — for example, with Throne and Liberty — so there is hope that Aion 2’s monetization may be rebalanced before its mid-2026 launch outside Korea. Still, fans are calling for transparency and fair pricing to avoid early backlash.

Aion 2 western monetization concerns are now one of the game’s biggest talking points. Players want clarity on how NCSoft will adapt its business model before release. For a game praised for polish and design, its success in the West could depend heavily on how the company handles these pay-to-win fears.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What are the Aion 2 western monetization concerns?

Players worry about expensive dual memberships, a battle pass, and real-money trading affecting game balance and fairness.

Q2: How much could Aion 2 subscriptions cost?

In Korea, both memberships cost about €390 per year combined. Western prices could be higher if not adjusted.

Q3: Can you buy power in Aion 2?

You can’t buy direct gear upgrades, but gold can be bought indirectly through premium currency, impacting progression.

Q4: Will NCSoft change monetization for the West?

It’s possible. The company has adjusted models for Western releases before, but no confirmation has been given for Aion 2 yet.

Q5: When will Aion 2 launch in the West?

NCSoft plans to release Aion 2 in South Korea in late 2025, with a Western launch expected in mid-2026.