Cryptic Studios has announced that their superhero MMO Champions Online will shift to a free-to-play revenue model on January 25th worldwide.
From that point players can download the game’s client, register an account and start playing for absolutely free. Obviously at some point content packs will need to be purchased in the guise of adventure packs, items, buffs and new powers but the idea is you’ll definitely know if the game is for you by the time you need to make such investments.
Like other premium MMOs which have switched to the free-to-play model, players still have the option to subscribe for $14.99 a month, securing them most of the content non-subscribers need to pay for on a use by use basis.
Champions Online is a very different beast to the MMO that launched in September 2009 and Cryptic Studios are hoping that this move will bring plenty of former and new fans into the heroic universe.
Other intrepid MMO developer Turbine Interactive has boasted that their revenues tripled when Lord of the Rings Online switched to a similar model, so this move isn’t without precedent.
It is believed if Champions Online’s transition is successful, Star Trek Online – Crytic Studios other high profile MMO – will also make the switch.
Tags: Champions Online
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