Wow, it looks like yet another game is yet taking the free to play route that seems to be the trend for a lot of online games recently. Star Trek did it not too long ago, and now Sony Online Entertainment has just announced that its popular MMO – DC Universe Online will become free to play in October. The game will continue to function just like it did before, but a free to play model will definitely provide an influx of new players which should greatly increase the number of subscribers to the game.
Just to make sure that subscribers who have been paying for the game all this while don’t feel ripped off, Sony Online Entertainment has announced that paying users will enjoy additional benefits that aren’t available for the free users. There will be three levels of subscriptions: free, premium and legendary. All three levels have access to the complete game and all its missions (available at the moment), while paying users will get options such as more characters, larger inventory slot, and DLC:
Free: New players will now have access to the current gameplay in DC Universe Online (including Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts), with the ability to create two characters, join a league and many other benefits. Free level players will be able to purchase downloadable game packs/updates, additional character slots, powers and more through microtransactions.
Premium: Any player who has spent at least $5 USD (including former paid subscribers and new players who have purchased $5 of in-game items) will qualify for the Premium access level. Premium level players will have more benefits available to them than the Free level player, including additional character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. Downloadable adventure packs, additional character slots, and more can be purchased in-game.
Legendary: Maximum features and benefits are included at this level. Loaded with enhanced additional features, Legendary access will be available for a $14.99 USD monthly fee and includes all DLC packs at no cost, more than 15 character slots, more than 80 inventory slots, the ability to form unrestricted-sized leagues, and many other benefits.
It makes you wonder whether MMOs like World of Warcraft will ever make the jump to free to play huh? How many of you will be playing DCUO when it goes free to play next month? Find out more.