It has been reported this week Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) DC Universe Online is switching over from a monthly charged MMORPG to a Free-to-Play. And this applies to the PC and PS3 version alike starting in October of this year.
This marks a somewhat interesting milestone for console owners. We are now able to play a MMO game on a console that doesn’t need any money. Could Sony make more of these available? Will Microsoft follow suit? With games like Final Fantasy XIV and Elder Scrolls series there might be a future for this specific genre on a Playstation or Xbox device. As newer technologies are discussed concerning new home game systems this might be a focus due to the popularity of MMORPGs.
Okay, back to DCUO for a moment. What will you get and how will SOE try to make money? Here’s what you should know (this is directly from the DCUO official website):
* 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.
The premium package will also include those who have spent money for a copy of the game, but you will not need to because you can just download it. Either way, this is pretty sweet and will hopefully get people more interested in this game. I do know that it is pretty sweet for a comic book fan and they do a great job over at SEO. As to why SEO did this, they felt the “free-to-play model was the best fit” moving forward regarding DCUO. Let’s support DCUO!
Also, for those who are interested in this game but have not played we have a video from this past E3. I was able to get some very cool info from a rep from SEO and he gave us the nittiest of gritties. Enjoy!
