The purpose of this study is to investigate and conceptualize the relationship between pricing models and motivations for MMO play. After the review of previous studies, we conduct an empirical research in the Japanese MMO industry to find determinants of pricing models. As a result, we found that (1) relationship between monthly fixed fee, continuous play (play period) and social motivation, (2) relationship between per-item billing, relatively short play period and high immersion.

Keywords: MMORPGs, pricing models, motivation, strategy, marketing