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Sony Online Entertainment has decided to adopt a flexible free-to-play business model for DC Universe Online, the company’s popular massively multiplayer online game. Beginning late October, it will be free to download the PC and PlayStation 3 version of the game, after which players can choose from three separate levels of game options and benefits: Free, Premium and Legendary.

At the Free level, players can create two characters, join a league, and access Gotham City, Metropolis and all of the other areas. Gamers who previously paid the monthly fee or who have purchased at least $5 of in-game items are in the Premium level, with benefits including additional slots for characters and inventory. Downloadable adventure packs, additional character slots and other enhancements can be purchased in-game.

Players who pay $14.99 a month are in the Legendary level, which includes all downloadable content packs at no additional cost, significantly more character and inventory slots, and many other benefits like the ability to form unrestricted-sized leagues.

The game’s first downloadable content pack was “Fight for the Light,” which became available on Sept. 7. It featured Green Lantern in new scenarios and introduced a new power set called Light.

“Our philosophy embraces learning from our experience and as a pioneer in the free-to-play space with proven successful games like Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures, we believe this new model will expand the DCUO experience and offer more options that cater to every type of player so they can play the game in a way that fits them,” John Smedley, president, Sony Online Entertainment, said in a statement. “We’ve listened to our community, and we’ve determined that the free-to-play model is the best fit for DC Universe Online.”

Related links:

http://www.DCUniverseOnline.com

Sony Online Entertainment – http://www.soe.com

 

 

17 COMMENTS

  1. I have a question, long story short, I use to play with the legendary pack ($30 for every 3 months). I let it expire due to lack of time for gaming. Heard that if I wanted back in I would have to do the $15 a month and the legendary pack is not accessible for me anymore so the urges to come back came and went. Now that the game will be free in October, If I decide to play again and use the same psn account that I used for when I was subscribed player but go the free route this time, would I be considered a “premium” member and be one above the “free” members?

  2. if they go the way everquest 2 had went free to play they would make a new server for people to play in. you would start off at the lowest tier and you can upgrade it.

    the way everquest 2 handle the liver servers was to offer a 30 bucks transfer from live server to the new server that is free to play or you can pay a sub for. only down side to this it may cost the same as the live server sub fee but you will not be able to play int he live servers but only in the new server they made.

    it may or may not be like this. people said sony rip people off but not realy, just pay a 1 time fee to get to the next teir and you dont have to pay for the extras if you dont play them. i just paid for the paladin class and the high elf race pack when they had a special going on from the store.

    if you like the game but dont play too much just buy what you want for a 1 time fee and just let it be free to play.

    • I’ll tell you what is a rip off, buying the disk only for the game to be given out free shortly after.

      Will I be able to get my money back? No chance and neither will the many others in my position.

    • The game will be free to download and play for PS3 and PC. If you already purchased the disc, you will automatically have Premium status after the transition. And yes, it’s big. Some people are reporting a 16 GB download.

  3. Before I get flamed let me start off by saying that I have nothing against SoE or DCO. That being said, I don’t see a long future for DCO.

    It was released in January 2011. By August they were merging servers and by October it’s going to be F2P, not very good signs.

    I could be wrong, but I see DCO going the way of MxO.

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