DayZ developer Bohemia Interactive is adding an interesting new element to their server system. Owners of DayZ private servers can now monetize the use of their servers, allowing them to charge players for access, buy advertisement for their servers, and charge for in-game items.
In order for a server to be monetized, it must be approved by staff at Bohemia themselves. After it is approved, it will be added to a publicly accessible list. From there, owners of the server can control in what way memberships, premiums, items, or advertisement is controlled in their server. They are not left off the leash, mind you. Bohemia has a strict policy that any monetization cannot impact gameplay and moniters its monetized servers carefully. Any server found to be in violation of Bohemia policies will have their server removed and can face legal action for exploitation. A FAQ outlining Bohemia’s guidelines can be found here.
DayZ is a super flexible game full of interesting possibilities. It is one of the original open-world zombie survival and settlement games, starting as a mod of Arma III before being picked up for development into its own full game. Players are tasked with community, coercion, or betrayal in a world where once you die, you lose everything and must start from scratch once again. Groups of people form alliances and the threat of death either via your enemies, friends, or the undead inhabiting the world is a constant danger.
DayZ is currently living in Early Access on Steam. Hopefully the addition of monetization will allow servers and the community to build even further and become greater in the long haul under Bohemia’s watchful eye.
