Planeshift

All of this freedom begs the question, why would the gamers pay when they can play without it?

According to Bauman when a game is free, “it changes a player's expectations. If you go to the store and spend $50 plus for the box, plus you fork over $15/month, your expectations are off-the-charts.” It’s true that the content and quality of free games vary, and paid games are typically more polished and professional.

When you pay, you get better gear, serious players, cutting-edge story development, advanced levels. This more complete experience, for some, is worth the price of admission.

Besides, people can’t possibly walk through the valley of the shadow of death and claim to be the baddest sumabitch in the valley if they can’t advance higher than the noob levels.

Who knew? Bragging rights are the happiness that money can buy.

( special thanks to Steven Wade, who was the spark of inspiration for this article)

Carol Pinchefsky is a freelance writer in New York City who covers the entertainment and technology scenes.