Update: Added some additional information from an interview

Introducing the WoW Token
GamesBeat has an interview with Ion Hazzikostas that has some additional details:

  • The tokens are coming in Patch 6.1.2, coming to the PTR soon.
  • You can buy the token without logging in to your character if your account has lapsed. (Watcher)
  • Some BoE raid loot and Black Market Auction House changes may come as a result of all this.
  • The price isn't set yet, but it won't be less than the regular subscription price.
  • Blizzard will set the initial price and then let supply and demand take over.

Originally Posted by Blizzard (Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
Coming soon to an Azeroth near you: the WoW Token, a new in-game item that allows players to simply and securely exchange gold and game time between each other.

Players will be able to purchase a WoW Token through the in-game Shop for real money, and then sell it on the Auction House for gold at the current market price. When a player buys a WoW Token from the Auction House for gold, the Token becomes Soulbound, and the player can then redeem it for 30 days of game time.


Want to buy a WoW Token for gold? Head to the new Game Time tab in the Auction House, and purchase one immediately for the current gold buyout price—there’s no bidding involved.

When you put a WoW Token up for sale, you’ll be quoted the amount of gold you’ll receive once someone buys it—you’re guaranteed to get that amount no matter how the market moves.

The WoW Token was created to give players with lots of extra gold the option to use it to help cover their subscription cost, and give those who want to purchase gold a way to do so from fellow players through a secure, easy-to-use system. The Token will be making its debut in an upcoming patch—in the meantime, check out the FAQ below for details on how it works.

The Basics
Q: How do I buy a WoW Token for real money?
A: WoW Tokens will be available for purchase for real money through the World of Warcraft in-game Shop. You can access the Shop through the row of feature buttons next to your character’s bags.

Q: I need gold! How do I sell a WoW Token to another player?
A: You’ll be able to sell WoW Tokens through a dedicated Token exchange in the Auction House, located in a new Game Time section. WoW Tokens cannot be traded or sold any other way.

Q: How much gold will I receive when I sell a WoW Token?
A: The gold value of a Token will be determined dynamically based on supply and demand. When you put a Token up for sale, you’ll be quoted the amount of gold you’ll receive upon a successful sale. If you then decide to place the Token up for sale, that amount is locked in, and the gold will be sent to your mailbox after another player purchases your Token.

Q: I need game time! How do I buy a WoW Token from the Auction House?
A: When you visit the Auction House, you’ll be presented with the current market price for a WoW Token in your game region—there’s no bidding involved, and all Tokens in a game region are priced the same at any given moment. If you decide to purchase one, you’ll receive it in your mailbox, and can then immediately redeem it for game time.

Q: How much game time do I get by redeeming a WoW Token?
A: You’ll receive 30 days of game time when you redeem a WoW Token.

Q: Can I resell a WoW Token after I’ve purchased it for gold?
A: No, each WoW Token can only be sold once. After you purchase a Token for gold, it becomes Soulbound. At that point, it can only be redeemed for game time.

The Details
Q: How much will a WoW Token cost on the Shop?
A: Pricing details will be announced at a later date.

Q: Why are you introducing the WoW Token feature?
A: We’ve heard feedback from players that they’d be interested in a secure, legitimate way to acquire gold that doesn’t involve the use of unauthorized third-party gold-selling services—one of the primary sources of account compromises. We also know players who’ve amassed large amounts of gold through regular play would be interested in the ability to trade some to other players in exchange for game time, helping cover their subscription costs.

The WoW Token feature gives players on both sides of the equation a secure and straightforward way to make that exchange. It opens up a new kind of payment option for World of Warcraft players, and we hope that it will also help lead to fewer account compromises and a better game experience overall.

Q: How is acquiring gold by selling a WoW Token different from buying gold from third-party services?
A: Buying gold from third-party services negatively impacts the game experience for everyone. The overwhelming majority of the gold these services provide comes from stolen player accounts, halting the victims’ ability to play the game and contribute to their guilds. On top of this, gold selling companies often farm resources using hack programs, sell fake product codes as a scam, and spam entire realms with ads to buy gold, disrupting the game in very real ways.

The WoW Token allows players to exchange real money for gold in a secure and sanctioned way—together with the ongoing efforts of our developers, support staff, and anti-hack teams to stop the exploits these companies use and help players who have become victims of their operations, we hope the Token can help make World of Warcraft a safer and more enjoyable game for all of our players.

Q: Why can’t players set their own prices for the WoW Token?
A: The WoW Token feature is designed to facilitate the exchange of gold and game time between players in as secure, convenient, and fair a way as possible, and without making players feel like they’re playing a game with their hard-earned money. Having a set current market price and a straightforward exchange system is the best way to achieve that—you don’t need to worry about whether your Token will sell or not due to being undercut or the market shifting, and everyone receives exactly the amount of gold they were quoted.

Q: What happens if the price quoted to me is different from what the Token actually sells for?
A: You will always receive the gold amount quoted to you at the time you place a Token up for sale, regardless of what the current price is when the item actually sells.

Q: How long should I expect to receive my gold after putting a Token up for sale? How does the game determine whose Token to sell?
A: The amount of time it takes to receive your gold after putting a Token up for sale depends on a variety of factors, including the current supply and demand. When you list a Token, you’ll be quoted an estimated time based on the current Token supply and the rate of recent transactions, but the actual amount of time it takes to sell is likely to vary (note that Tokens do not expire). In most cases, Tokens are sold in the order in which they were put up for sale; however, there are some exceptions to this, such as when a Token purchase is undergoing verification.

Q: If I buy a WoW Token from the Auction House, how long does it take to receive the Token?
A: Just like a standard Auction House purchase, it will normally arrive in your mailbox nearly instantaneously.

Q: If I’m buying a WoW Token for real money from the in-game Shop, how long does it take to receive it?
A: Once you successfully complete a purchase, your Token should arrive in your inventory (or mailbox, if your inventory is full) almost immediately.

Q: Do Tokens expire? What happens if I accidentally delete one?
A: No, Tokens do not expire. They also can’t be deleted, so no need to fear accidentally trashing them.

Q: Can I stop my auction or receive a refund after it was purchased (for gold or real money)?
A: All transactions are considered final and auctions cannot be cancelled, so make sure you’re certain you want to proceed before listing or buying a Token. To help prevent unintentional transactions, you will be prompted to confirm your purchase or sale before it’s finalized.

Q: Is there a deposit? Does the Auction House take a cut of the Token seller’s gold?
A: There’s no deposit, and the Auction House does not take a cut of the gold for WoW Token sales. The standard deposit is designed to dissuade players from spamming the auction house with items that aren’t selling, and the standard cut is designed to dissuade players from buying and reselling items for minuscule markups. These issues don’t apply to the WoW Token, so there’s no need for a deposit or cut.

Q: Will each game region have its own WoW Token exchange? Will everyone in a game region have access to it?
A: Each game region—Americas (including ANZ realms), Europe, Taiwan, Korea, and China—will have its own shared WoW Token exchange. We’ll share additional details at a later date.
This article was originally published in forum thread: Introducing the WoW Token started by chaud View original post
Comments 465 Comments
  1. mmoceeceb76e25's Avatar
    So we have level 90 boosts and the ability to buy gold in a subscription based game, they have no shame do they. Thing is the vocal WoW fanbase will defend them no matter what so Blizz just do what they want.
  1. middling's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by middling View Post
    sure but on the flip side of that making gold has never been easier.

    I am making almost 2000g per day on just missions and the daily JC quest.

    This doesn't count my AH sales which are also at an all time high. The 665 trinkets sell for 20k and you get them from salvage crates.

    so yes they have put in gold sinks, but they also have put in ways to make more gold.

    Yes, they are setting the "market" price.

    However, they will need to keep it cheaper than buying gold from 3rd parties otherwise it won't work as well, even if it's illegal

    for example, let's say it's 30,000 gold for 30 days game time, 1000/day

    Now lets say I can get 30,000 gold for $12

    That's still cheaper than the normal $15/month game time so lots of people would just do that to save the $$ and take their chances.

    It will need to be competitive
  1. Rixis's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Lulbalance View Post
    Ton of butthurt gold hoarders, greatest idea ever for those of use with real jobs and spouses.
    As a gold hoarder I'm loving this, just wish I could use it to cover other Warcraft related expenses
  1. Traeumerin's Avatar
    Yay, finally a thing I can use my gold for. Might come back to wow for this
  1. Spiralphoenix's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by mrgummage View Post
    You would hope they unlock the new tab for Starter/Veteran accounts. Would suck if your gametime lapsed and you couldn't buy more because you were unable to access the AH. :|
    Yeah, that is exactly what I'm worried about. Being able to just come back for a month and burn some gold on it is cool, but if I'm forced to pay for a month first so that I can have AH access... bit of a dealbreaker.

    It seems to me that this would have been a very obvious FAQ question.
  1. Jamie71's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by force18 View Post
    I know I am dumb with this question, but I just not sure lol

    If Blizz is controlling the price of the 30 days token on the AH, what if it is really cheap like 5k gold for 30 days? Or it doesn't matter to Blizz if people will pay gold or pay money. I know if it is this cheap I would buy a years worth and not have to spend my RL money on it. I am sure someone with fake or hacked accounts are going to buy token even if its really cheap, but I don't think my 15$ iRL money is worth less then 20k gold in game
    Its guaranteed what you pay is on. The shop is 30k is what used receive
  1. middling's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Flimsy View Post
    So we have level 90 boosts and the ability to buy gold in a subscription based game, they have no shame do they. Thing is the vocal WoW fanbase will defend them no matter what so Blizz just do what they want.
    Both of those things are optional so what is your main hang up about them?

    How do they hurt you if people spend their REAL money on those things? I have yet to see any argument that suggests buying game time and/or sub costs for gold affects anyone else?
  1. Windbreaker1976's Avatar
    Everyone needs to get their heads out of their rears and READ what Blizzard is doing here.

    THEY ARE NOT SELLING GOLD.

    Player A buys WoW Game Time Token from Blizzard for $15

    Player A sells WoW Game Time Token through Blizzard's in-game system.

    Player B buys WoW Game Time Token through Blizzard's in-game system for gold.

    Player A gets the gold that they were promised for selling the WoW Game Time Token through Blizzard's in-game system.

    Blizzard is just redistributing wealth from the gold rich to the (possibly) gold poor. They are not introducing new gold into the economy and they are not technically making any money from these transactions above the normal subscription fee people would pay anyway to play this game.
  1. Shoridayo's Avatar
    Love this idea, but Blizz has to be super careful about the price. When I played 30-day cards sold anywhere from 6k-10k. If it's anymore than that, people are going to just keep doing what they're doing because it's cheaper. It makes me nervous, but until Blizz sets the price and we know what it is, I'm optimistic.
  1. mmocff14f75de7's Avatar
    So far I bought my 60day GameCards for ~25k/each and WoD for 60k. So anything more than 12k/Token would be ridiculous and I would just look for Gamecards in the Trade-Chat.
  1. Kezotar's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by xenogear3 View Post
    Buying gold is illegal. Banned and sued.

    If you want fully enjoy the game, buying gold from Blizzard!

    Another record profit. Capitalism to the finest.
    And the reason is : OH GOLD SELLERS HACK POOR PLAYERS AND STEAL THEIR GOLD AND SELL THEM:
    But that's the biggest Bshit. How do you know there wont be hacked credits cards or hacked gold buying your game time?
  1. Tebayo's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Kezotar View Post
    And the reason is : OH GOLD SELLERS HACK POOR PLAYERS AND STEAL THEIR GOLD AND SELL THEM:
    But that's the biggest Bshit. How do you know there wont be hacked credits cards or hacked gold buying your game time?
    are you serious?
  1. mmoceeceb76e25's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by middling View Post
    Both of those things are optional so what is your main hang up about them?

    How do they hurt you if people spend their REAL money on those things? I have yet to see any argument that suggests buying game time and/or sub costs for gold affects anyone else?
    No problem buying sub time for gold, infact its a good idea. It's the buying gold for real money that fucks things up especially in a subscription based game. They almost have all the features of a f2p game now but with a subscription on top, they have no shame what so ever.

    Every Boe equipment, mount, pet etc etc is now essentially available for real life money, when those level 700 ilvl epix appear in the next content patch odds are there will be BoE items available that will be transferred for cash its ridiculous.
  1. ringpriest's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by kamuimac View Post
    If tokens will be sold at 1 set price whats the point of it instead just adding option to buy gold in in game shop - i understand hwy would they want to put it in but its ridiculous - if they will go higher then nowadays 40-50k for 2 months game time nobody will use official services only eveyrbody will continiue to use gold selling sites liek they do now.
    So they can pretend they're not selling gold for $?
  1. Raeln's Avatar
    The WoW Token will only work as long as Blizzard prices them below what gold sellers are selling their gold for. If gold sellers undercut the WoW token price (which I expect they will) - then "almost" no one would be buying WoW tokens from the auction house, which will turn into the next big drama issue.
  1. Spiralphoenix's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by wickedone View Post
    Everyone needs to get their heads out of their rears and READ what Blizzard is doing here.

    THEY ARE NOT SELLING GOLD.

    Player A buys WoW Game Time Token from Blizzard for $15

    Player A sells WoW Game Time Token through Blizzard's in-game system.

    Player B buys WoW Game Time Token through Blizzard's in-game system for gold.

    Player A gets the gold that they were promised for selling the WoW Game Time Token through Blizzard's in-game system.

    Blizzard is just redistributing wealth from the gold rich to the (possibly) gold poor. They are not introducing new gold into the economy and they are not technically making any money from these transactions above the normal subscription fee people would pay anyway to play this game.
    Not necessarily, though. Person A who bought it for real money, transferred it through the system to person B for gold - person B may have never paid for a subscription at all, if gold wasn't an option. So they are potentially making more subscription money in the end off of people whom paying real money was undesirable. But allowing a gold transfer to give another player the ability to pay for your game time, opens up a whole new option for some people.

    That said I don't think it's some dirty scheme by Blizzard to suck money out of anyone as many people seem to be inclined to think, I think it's perfectly reasonable.
  1. Schmeebs's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Snes View Post
    I have a feeling they're going to reduce quest gold rewards to funnel more people into paying real money for it.
    Tin foil hat much?
  1. Serissa's Avatar
    Sweet!
    And now... LET ME LOGIN ON MY VETERAN ACCOUNT on high level character so I can buy it! FFS Blizz!
  1. mmocae1868ef01's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Raeln View Post
    The WoW Token will only work as long as Blizzard prices them below what gold sellers are selling their gold for. If gold sellers undercut the WoW token price (which I expect they will) - then "almost" no one would be buying WoW tokens from the auction house, which will turn into the next big drama issue.
    Blizzard dosnt set the value, the buyer of the token does. It all boils down to the market of that server.
  1. Traveler Voltin's Avatar
    looks like i wont return to WoW then.

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