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In a telling announcement about the state of MMOs (that aren't World of Warcraft), Sony Online Entertainment today said it will be offering a free-to-play option in venerable MMORPG Everquest 2. EQ2 players will have a choice of either a subscription-based or free-to-play business model -- two "distinct experiences operating in parallel."
According to SOE, Extended provides access to premium subscription-quality content through free and optional paid membership levels. You'll be able to download EQ 2 through a new downloader that will allow you to check out Everquest without a full installation. Players can register within minutes, download the client to join other people, and launch into adventure in EQ's 3D world, then decide if they want to switch to a subscription mode or pay for content a la carte. According to Sony's press release, "Excitement with every breath and adventure around every turn is now available for free!"
"As the digital entertainment market evolves, SOE is focused on continued innovation in content delivery that best fit the needs of the growing consumer base," said Sony Online Entertainment President, John Smedley. "Our goal with Extended is to offer players an alternative to our current subscription program that gives them the option to choose a program that best fits their play style."
If you need more guidance as to which MMO payment plan is right for you, check out Sony's Everquest 2
"Membership Matrix." (Nothing says "fun-gaming" like a complicated payment chart!)
Extended goes into Beta on August 17.
I'm all for options and trying before I buy things, but the addictive nature of MMO's make me afraid of micro-transactions in those kind of games -- I know I'd end up dropping a lot of money on this game, so I avoid it like I avoid heroin. Addictive personality FTL.
What about you? Are you planning on checking out Everquest 2's new options?
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Comments
Displaying 1–9 of 9
zodum
Sigh, they are not even doing a good job researching the story, the pic is from EQ1 not EQ2. In fact it looks like it was taking on Luclin.
Lance746
Servers will crash fasttt as the game requires even for minimal system kind of high..be prepared for lag at first, maybe even till closed beta!!
Storm1968
You know... I am of two minds on this. On one hand, I like F2P because you get to see what the game is like without a time limit (5-10-14 day trials). On the other hand, yes, you end up with a bunch of morons that mess with people because they have the full game and you don't or the chat box is filled up with the spam of the hour from gold farmers and the like. I miss the time when gaming companies offered demos of their product so you could see if it's worth your money. Personally, I've played DDO F2P. I like it, but I'm not ready to plunk down money for a monthly sub. I currently play WOW, but not often enough to want to keep my account active for long periods of time (and money). Having a card system is nice, but F2P will let people know if it's really worth their money IMHO.
Tman88
It's good to see that MMOs lately have been offering a free-to-play option. Not that there's anything wrong with a subscription, but this way they can appeal to a broader audience.
g4fan247
No.
addict_104
spinoza you do relize that the platium membership is only a $1.60 more per month then the gold membership. $20.12 over the corse of a year plus you would also get 6000 station cash which i have no idea of the value of.
Spinoza
Wow, $200 dollars a year for 3 extra character slots, 10 more levels, and extra shared bank slots? They can blow me.
Knyght
Pass. I'm currently playing guild wars while waiting for DC Online and will eventually move on to Star Wars Old Republic when it comes out next year.
PiMD360
never....
Displaying 1–9 of 9