According to IGN, DC Universe Online (our review) will be moving to a free-to-play model for both PC and PS3 version in October. Three tiered levels will produce revenue for Sony Online Entertainment along with microtransactions. 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 (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 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.
The auto-renew payment plan will cease in October and anyone with a lifetime subscription will keep their privileges. We’ve had no official confirmation from SOE, so we will reach out for comment.
UPDATE: The news is now official, mentioned on the US PS Blog.
Source: IGN
DrNate86
I’ve been waiting for this! Nice to see old subscribers get additional benefits. Might dip back into this now.
DrNate86
Follow up question, do people suppose you need to have redeemed your 30 day code, or just bought a subscription of some sort?
DrNate86
And yet another question (last one, honestly), if I redeem my code now, will I get access to the new hard light powers?
Jim H [Teabags]
There has yet to be any official word on when EU players will be getting their hands on the Green Lantern DLC (for all I know it may have already been released.) There was a promotion for US players who got the DLC for free if they had subscribing during the time of the offer. It’s very unlikely that we will be getting the same deal.
To be a “Premium” player it sounds as if you have to have spent $5 in-game, it’s not very clear if players who have a retail copy will get any bonuses.
Mr-Flame-Head
there has been official word on the official forum and that word is this week for both marketplace and the dlc
Kevling
Official line is that anyone in their free in-box 30 day trial will be classed as “legendary” until that expires.
From the FAQ page:-
LEGENDARY ACCESS
Legendary Access requires the purchase of a recurring monthly game pass (subscription) ($14.99/month) or the SOE All Access pass (subscription) ($19.99/month). At the time the game transitions to free-to-play, all existing DCUO accounts with active paid subscriptions will be granted Legendary Access. Legendary Access will also be granted to any player that activates a 30-day free subscription associated with a purchased copy of the DCUO base game software. Legendary Access will automatically convert to Premium Access at the end of the subscription period if it is not renewed. Additional items and features (e.g., in-game marketplace items and additional inventory slots) are not included and must be purchased separately.
Kevling
And yes, with the hard light “fight for the light” update hitting EU PS3 tomorrow, and it being free to all current subscribers, yes you will be able to play with light powers.
Mundham
Wasn’t a huge fan of the demo (and it’s million-hour download time) but may give it another shot….
LycanGav
Be prepared for an even longer wait to download this time! I recently uninstalled this from my HDD, having owned since launch and it was taking up nearly 20GB of space! That’s a lot of downloading!
Squalje
Crikey, this will take me a looong time
hazelam
sweet.
gonna be a struggle making enough space for it but i’ll make room somehow.
i bought the game new and so hopefully i’ll be a premium level player.
but either way i think i’ll be playing a bit now there’s no sub.
Reality Check
‘FREE’ is a word Micro$oft doesn’t understand LoL
AG2297
People still do this? Oh dear, how sad.
Foxhound_Solid
Count me in….in October…
enroene
Free to play is always good for everyone so this is good for eveyone.
Scotty34
This and skyrim!!! Goodbye free time!
Mr-Flame-Head
bought i 90 day sub about 2 weeks ago give or take, well guess that means im legendary tier then, tbh i dont really think that either free or premium are worth it as you have a cap of 2000 in game money for premium and a cap of 1500 for free
justboy
I think I will be willing to give it a go now that its free to play. I was put off buying a full price game with a full price sub.