‘Free’ Play From Sony For DC Universe Online – Sort Of…
- Three levels of access
- Can cost up to US$14.99 a month
- Playe with or against a superhero
Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) has released a new free-to-play business model for its massively multiplayer online (MMO) game DC Universe Online (DCUO) – where players can fight alongside DC Comics icons like Superman, Batman and The Joker.
Beginning late October, players will be able to download and access DCUO for free on both the PlayStation 3 and PC. 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.
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 micro transactions.
- Premium: Any player who has spent at least US$5 (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 US$14.99 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.
DC Universe Online combines immersive environments and story arcs with physics-based combat, allowing players to pick up buses and other objects in the environment, fly into the air and throw them at enemies; run up the sides of buildings to engage in melee brawls while shooting flames of fire from their hands; or cling to the side of buildings while using a grappling hook to pull flying opponents out of the sky – all while fighting alongside or against the legendary characters of DC Comics.
