SFF Chronicles News
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20th September 2011 03:01 PM
Matthew Turner
The popular superhero-based massively multiplayer video game DC Universe Online is set to become available to play for free from October.
The move comes as part of a revised business model after the running costs of the service exceeded what was originally predicted.
Fans of the game can still pay their monthly fee in order to get more out of the game, whilst the free version will have more limited options. There will also be a “premium” version for those free players who have spent a little money on in-game microtransactions, which offers a few added benefits.
Lorin Jameson, executive producer of Sony Online Entertainment, said that this was always the preferred business plan from day one (then why didn’t they launch as free-to-play? – ed).
Several other MMOG properties have switched to this monetisation route this year, including Funcom with Conan, and Star Trek Online is also headed in this direction.
The DC Universe allows gaming fans to make themselves into a brand new superhero, and fight alongside some of the most prestigious superheroes ever to be created – such as Batman and Superman.
John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment said: “When we launched DC Universe Online, we introduced a very different brand of massive online game driven by fast action combat to PC and PS3 gamers and with that, we discovered a new type of online gamer.”
The game is available on the PC and PS3, and this new business strategy applies to both versions.
Below are the new packages that will be available come October for DCUO players:
Free
New players will 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 (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. Legendary access will be available for a $14.99 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.
Matthew Turner
The popular superhero-based massively multiplayer video game DC Universe Online is set to become available to play for free from October.
The move comes as part of a revised business model after the running costs of the service exceeded what was originally predicted.
Fans of the game can still pay their monthly fee in order to get more out of the game, whilst the free version will have more limited options. There will also be a “premium” version for those free players who have spent a little money on in-game microtransactions, which offers a few added benefits.
Lorin Jameson, executive producer of Sony Online Entertainment, said that this was always the preferred business plan from day one (then why didn’t they launch as free-to-play? – ed).
Several other MMOG properties have switched to this monetisation route this year, including Funcom with Conan, and Star Trek Online is also headed in this direction.
The DC Universe allows gaming fans to make themselves into a brand new superhero, and fight alongside some of the most prestigious superheroes ever to be created – such as Batman and Superman.
John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment said: “When we launched DC Universe Online, we introduced a very different brand of massive online game driven by fast action combat to PC and PS3 gamers and with that, we discovered a new type of online gamer.”
The game is available on the PC and PS3, and this new business strategy applies to both versions.
Below are the new packages that will be available come October for DCUO players:
Free
New players will 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 (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. Legendary access will be available for a $14.99 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.
