DC Universe Online goes free-to-play
PS3 and PC action game has logged over 43m hours of gameplay
Sony Online Entertainment is to make DC Universe Online a free-to-play game from October.
Both the PC and PlayStation 3 versions of the game will require no initial purchase, with SOE splitting access to the game into three levels - Free, Premium and Legendary.
While the initial game is free, extra content through DLC and microtransactions will be available to purchase. Players who have already spent $5 in-game before DCUO goes free will get access to the Premium level, offering additional character and inventory slots and higher cash limits, while the Legendary level charges $14.99 per month and includes all DLC packs at no extra cost.
"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," commented John Smedley, president of 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."
More information behind SOE's decision to go free-to-play can be read in an exclusive editorial by John Smedley on GamesIndustry.biz here.