LEGO Universe builds free-to-play option
Joins City Of Heroes in offering freemium membership model
MMO Lego Universe will start offering new players the chance to download and explore the game for free in August.
Gamers will be able to play for an unlimited amount of time, but their access will be limited to two adventure zones, compared to the 15 available to paying subscribers. The MMO will also switch from a boxed product to a free digital download.
"We see LEGO Universe as a key element for our digital play division, and are adjusting the business model to make the game more accessible to players, without the immediate obligation to purchase or subscribe," said Jesper Vilstrup, vice president, the LEGO Group.
Currently members pay $10 a month, and this option will still be available for those that want access to the full game and features like community competitions and expansion packs. The company was also clear on the fact that there are no plans to introduce microtransactions.
Just yesterday NCSoft, announced that its superhero MMO City Of Heroes would also move to a free-to-play model.
"Freedom is about getting more content into the hands of our players, whether they are subscribing or playing for free," said executive producer Brian Clayton. The game will be retitled to City of Heroes Freedom, and launch with a new update later this year.