Will there be any way in the future to purchase a service account without buying...

[johnequickiii]

... the whole game?

I know I've asked before. I mean beta participants got to use the client from phase 4, but I'd just like to start up service without having to buy something I already have. Just need a registration code.

So... Does anyone think they'll allow us to start service like that, or will I have to just go out and buy it anyway?

[Boltonsquad]

It's unlikely

[Anova]

I don't think any player has had that benefit. I do not know of any current player who had not purchased and registered a game code to their account. As far as I know, even players in Beta had to purchase the game to play it at launch. The only exception is perhaps players who had bought the 1.0 version and were participating in the beta. Even then, they technically paid for the game a year or more ago.

If you were in Beta4, you have some of the game files, but you still have to update before you can play. I doubt they will let you just give you the game and only collect money from the subscription until much later. I'm not sure when that is though considering FFXI still requires you to pay (albeit at great discount and with a free month).

[johnequickiii]

I guess the only real confusing I have is why would SE tell us we could use the phase 4 client for the game if we still had to buy it anyway. That alone is the only thing that baffles me.

[Yachi]

SE tell you that you don't need download again the client, not that you didn't need to buy the game.

[Estellios]

When you buy the game you are technically paying for the registration code as well.

[johnequickiii]

Ok. Thanks for the answers guys.

[Szalvias]

I guess the only real confusing I have is why would SE tell us we could use the phase 4 client for the game if we still had to buy it anyway. That alone is the only thing that baffles me.

They told you you could use the phase 4 client because you can.
They never told you or anyone else you would not have to purchase the game. When you purchase an MMO game you are not so much purchasing 10 gigabytes or however much code, but the license to play it.