I'm a 38yo player, my first console i played is ATARI. I've played many many MMO game from the first age MMO such as Nexia, Ragnarok, WOW classic, etc From that many game even the latest MMO such as BlackDessert, Kingdom Under Fire2, Etc There's none compare to GuildWars 2 in content, gameplay mechanic, event, graphic(yes this wined age game still have very enjoyable graphic compare that it doesn't need high end PC specs), except maybe story (well i still vouch for WOW for it's epic story) still on par with WOW though So yes you only need buy one time and additional if there's big DLC.BUT why not pull more income from subscribing to make the game\company better. WOW with $15 that i could understand since it's one of the MMO pioneer. But game such as RuneScape3 charging $10 just so u can spend your time laboring(literally) inside the game is makes me wonder why people paid... For $2.99-$4.99 it's way worth paying playing GW2!!And if it's come to subscribing i think SEA and Australia region have good prospect to add server in this region. (my ping is killin me)