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Austin-developed ‘DC Universe’ going free-to-play in October
“DC Universe Online,” the high-profile massively multiplayer game developed in Austin by Sony Online Entertainment, is going free-to-play. The game, which launched in January for Windows PCs and the Sony PlayStation 3. Sony did not give a specific date for when the switch will happen, announcing it would start in “late October.”
The game got mixed-to-good reviews from gaming press, but it suffered problems on the console gaming side when Sony’s PlayStation Network was down for about a month, keeping gamers locked out of the online game.
The company declined a request for information about how many subscribers the game currently has.
In addition to the free gameplay, the game will offer a “Premium” and “Legendary” paid monthly service for $5 and $15, respectively. Here’s how Sony describes the tiers:
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.
Updated 11:48 a.m. to add information about Sony declining to reveal the number of subscribers for the game.
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