While browsing the net for more delicious EQ2 infoz, I came across this blog that gave a very good overview of MMOGs and their subscription rates. I even learned a few new tidbits myself!

But in China, apparently the players do not buy the game. They get it for free. Hold the phone - what does that do to the methodology of counting accounts ? Shoot, I’ll just create an account to grief/hide/sell gold/group out of guild/(insert purpose here). Now you’ve just blown the comparative methodology. And all this time I thought I was playing the tiniest boutique game, when in fact WOW just isn’t as big as the graphs indicate, and never has been.

This is a good blog to check out, and a some good info to have! Give Mrrx's Character Journal a read!