Price increase

AW Price Increase

Active Worlds originally opened to the public for free in 1995.

On the 1st of September, 1997, Active Worlds introduced registration fees, requiring users to pay $19.95USD per year, per citizenship. At first, a two-year registration offer was available, allowing users to signup for two years, at the one year price. This offer ended shortly after, on the 30th of September, 1997.

Sometime in October 1997, citizens who did not register under the new fee were reverted to tourists.

On the 3rd of January, 2002, Build 398 (v3.2) was forced. The upgrade completely cut out tourists and users new to Active Worlds must first use a credit card to enter Active Worlds.

Citizens were charged $9.95 per month.

On the 6th of February, a new pricing plan was introduced, putting citizenships at $6.95 per month (or $69.95 per year). Tourists are allowed back, but only in tourist-enabled worlds.

The price raise came as a shock to many, and many long-time citizens left. This happened during an existing downturn in AWI margins, and cuts were made. Roland and HamFon left, and soon after Flagg left.

Active Worlds has since been seen as "making a recovery" from the blow. Flagg has recently returned to AWI, for involvement with the community. Active Worlds is also now seen as more acceptable with prices, than one year ago, however, there is still the usual price-ramble by some users.