Battle.net is currently down for scheduled maintenance, and
this article explains that when it returns, the
new version 6.1.2 patch
will be live in
World of Warcraft , paving the way for them to roll out
the previously
announced WoW tokens, which will add a new currency layer to the game. These
will launch in the coming weeks, starting in the Americas, and will come to
other territories after that. They take the opportunity to explain more on how
this will work:
In the Americas game region, the price of a Token will be
$20 USD (or roughly equivalent in each local currency). We’ll share additional
regional pricing details as we get closer to launch.
Once purchased, a Token can then be put up for sale in a region-wide exchange
via a new Game Time tab in the Auction House. (Note that while you’ll see the
new Game Time tab in that auction house with the launch of Patch 6.1.2, it won’t
be active until the WoW Token launches in your region.) While the rest of the
Auction House will remain realm-based, a region-wide WoW Token exchange will
provide the largest possible pool of prospective buyers and ensures everyone has
access to a vibrant, active Token marketplace. In the Americas, Europe, Korea,
and Taiwan, players who purchase a WoW Token from the Auction House will be able
to redeem it for 30 days of game time.
Going for Gold
Because the Token exchange has to start somewhere, we will be setting the
initial gold value of the WoW Token ourselves. The starting gold value in each
region will be based on several factors, including regional in-game economies,
but ultimately our goal is to select a fair and reasonable starting price. After
that, the Token’s gold value will be determined dynamically based primarily on
player supply and demand. Simply put, if more WoW Tokens are being listed than
are being purchased, the price will automatically drift downward over time. If
people are purchasing Tokens from the Auction House faster than they’re being
put up for sale, then prices will go up accordingly. As a reminder, to help make
sure players can trade WoW Tokens confidently, once a Token sells, the seller
will receive the amount of gold they were quoted at the time they listed their
Token.