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DC Universe Online Going Free-To-Play
If paying a monthly subscription was the Kryptonite weakening your interest in playing DC Universe Online, Sony Online Entertainment has swooped in and used its super compromising powers to get you into its MMO universe for free.
Starting in late October, DC Universe Online will be free to download and play on both PS3 and PC. There will be three tiers for gamers to choose from: Free, Premium, and Legendary. Here are the descriptions of each tier, straight from SOE:
- 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 sounds like new players will be able to play everything currently available in the game without paying any money, though they'll have to contend with limited inventory slots and cash limits. If you actually bought the game disc when DCUO came out, you'll automatically be a Premium member, though it sounds like dropping $5 will get new gamers the same benefits.
The core game contains a massive amount of content for new users to digest, so it will be interesting to see how many players actually feel the need to spend money on the game. Regardless of whether the new pricing structure pays off for SOE in the long run, having a quality free-to-play experience on the PS3 will likely be a bragging point for Sony when discussing its competitors' consoles.
Any gamers planning on wearing their underwear on the outside of their pants come October?
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