DC Universe Online evolves into a free-to-play game on PC, PS3

Written by Matt Swider on September 19, 2011

News: DCUO, the fast action MMORPG from Sony Online Entertainment, will become free-to-play in October.

DC Universe Online evolves into a free-to-play game on PC, PS3
DCUO, the fast action MMORPG from Sony Online Entertainment, will become free-to-play in October.

DC Universe Online is transitioning to a free-to-play game on the PC and PS3, meaning that all 52 DC Comics aren't the only DC property receiving a reboot this fall season. There are some noticeable parallels. The reasons for the comic books' relaunch is because the new generations of readers out there are more likely to pick up the fresh editions with retold backhistories for superheros like Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, etc. Case in point, getting into Detective Comics 800 issues into the series is difficult when the stories date back to the 1930s.

The core reason for DCUO's new free-to-play business model is the same: more people who were previously hesitant might dabble in the experience now. That's why developer Sony Online Entertainment is doing away with the game's barrier, in this case a $14.99 monthly subscription. Instead, it's following the free-to-play MMORPG model by implementing a tiered pricing system.

"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."

Starting in late October, under the Free option, new DC Universe Online players can create two characters, join a league and explore the gameplay words of Gotham City, Metropolis and all current raids and alters. Beyond that, they can purchase downloadable game packs and updates, additional character slots, new powers, etc through microtransactions.

Qualifying for the Premium tier is pretty easy, actually. It requires spending $5 on in-game items and nets you extra character slots, additional inventory slots and high cash limits. Just like Free users, Premium members can purchase additional downloadable content via microtransactions. Finally, Legendary status costs the familiar $14.99 a month, the same amount that the game launched with back in January. It includes all of the DLC packs, more than 15 character slots, 80+ inventory slots, unrestricted league sizes and more.

Smedley went on to say, "Our philosophy embraces learning from our experience and as a pioneer in the free-to-play space with proven successful games like Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures, we believe this new model will expand the DCUO experience and offer more options that cater to every type of player so they can play the game in a way that fits them."

Will DCUO's free-to-play option on PS3 and PC led you to try it? Let us know in the comments.