The free-to-play MMO business model just got another addition in the form of DC Universe Online. Starting in late October, you will have the freedom to become legendary, fight alongside DC Comics icons like Superman, Batman, and the Joker, all for free!
Today, Sony announced the new business-model in which players will be able to download and access DCUO for free on both the PlayStation 3 and PC.
“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,” said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. “We’ve listened to our community, and we’ve determined that the free-to-play model is the best fit for DC Universe Online.”
As part of this transition, SOE is introducing three new access levels to the game: Free, Premium and Legendary. All three levels will provide access to open world gameplay and missions, general game updates and fixes to the game, with each level offering different game options and benefits.
All three levels provide access to the current game, but allow differing tiers of convenience and flexibility. The levels are:
- 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.
For current players on a month-to-month or multi-month pass will automatically be granted Legendary Access for the remaining time on their game pass once DC Universe officially transitions to free-to-play. This is a great opportunity for retired crime fighters to whip out the ol’ spandex and cape and start fighting crime again. For those who haven’t yet played, for you to now don a mask for free and begin your life as a superhero or villain.
This announcement comes just after the Fight for the Light expansion allowing players to battle with the Lantern Corps and fight with the power of the Light.
