Free Realms becomes first free-to-play console MMO
Free to play or “Freemium” MMO’s have proliferated in the PC space for the last several years, but none have managed to cross over into the console gaming arena. Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) is about to change that with their popular family-friendly MMO Free Realms.
Free Realms was originally released in 2009 and has since garnered over 17 million registered users. SOE recently announced they are bringing the title to the Playstation Network free of charge on March 29.
The vibrant world of Free Realms
The game takes a kid-friendly approach to MMO’s like World of Warcraft or Guild Wars, allowing players to engage in quests, mini-games, special events and equip their avatar with a variety of free and microtransaction-based equipment and accessories. Players can also add content to the game world by purchasing an optional monthly subscription.
“As the only online games publisher that creates accessible and diverse gameplay experiences for the full spectrum of gamers, we are committed to burgeoning innovation and growing the MMO genre by leaps and bounds, bringing in players of all age,” says SOE president John Smedley.
It’s a brilliant strategy which could serve as a “gateway drug” of sorts to new and more casual Playstation 3 users, introducing them to the Playstation Network and its wealth of original content, and offering parents a more controlled environment for their kids’ online adventuring.
This isn’t SOE’s first foray into console MMOs, either; the developer released DC Universe Online earlier this year on the Playstation 3 to mixed critical reception but successful sales numbers. It also plans to bring its free-to-play, strategy-based Magic: The Gathering – Tactics to the PS3 later in 2011.
Below are the Free Realms screenshots taken from the upcoming PS3 version.
Jason is VGW’s founder, Executive Editor, and a longtime podcaster, writer, and “solopreneur” who is driven by the classic Jello Biafra quote “Don’t hate the media. Become the media.” His singular mission is to develop VideoGameWriters into a gaming site known for its intelligence, timeliness, originality and integrity. You can hear him leading the VGW Collective in the site’s official podcast, “Unlimited Ammo.”
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