DC Universe Online moves to Free-to-Play model

[Hraesvelg]

Press release:

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced a new free-to-play business model for its popular massively multiplayer online (MMO) game DC Universe Online (DCUO) — where players have the freedom to become legendary fighting alongside DC Comics icons like Superman, Batman and The Jokerin an ever-evolving online action adventure that has already logged more than 42 million hours of super-powered gameplay action by players since its launch earlier this year.

Beginning late October, players will be able to download and access DCUO for free on both the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. As part of this transition, SOE is introducing three new access levels to the game: Free, Premium and Legendary. All three levels will provide access to open world gameplay and missions, general game updates and fixes to the game, with each level offering different game options and benefits.

"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," said John Smedley, President, 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."

Smedley added, "Our philosophy embraces learning from our experience and as a pioneer in the free-to-play space with proven successful games like Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures, we believe this new model will expand the DCUO experience and offer more options that cater to every type of player so they can play the game in a way that fits them."

All three levels provide access to the current game, but allow differing tiers of convenience and flexibility. The levels are:

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 USD (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 USD 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.

More information on the DCUO free-to-play access levels can be found here: http://www.dcuniverseonline.com/free/ .

DC Universe Online combines immersive environments and fascinating story arcs with fast-paced, physics-based combat, allowing players to pick up buses and other objects in the environment, fly into the air and throw them at enemies; run up the sides of buildings to engage in melee brawls while shooting flames of fire from their hands; or cling to the side of buildings while using a grappling hook to pull flying opponents out of the sky – all while fighting alongside or against the legendary characters of DC Comics and charting their own path to legendary.

DC Universe Online is licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment. For more information about DC Universe Online, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com.
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Let me know if anyone decides to play.

[Yosei]

Yes! The opportunity I've been waiting for! I wanna make a villain!

[Hraesvelg]

Drop me a line once you get in-game. My villains are Hraesvelg, PewPew Pew, or Trippin Balls.

[Rightclaw]

I like superhero stuff so I'll probably download it soon.

[Hraesvelg]

It will probably be the end of October before the F2P is in effect.

[Phantom Badger]

When it hits F2P Ill give it a try

[Destrus]

think i'll try it when it goes f2p too

[Hraesvelg]

When it hits F2P Ill give it a try

Roll on the US server. The EU servers have a lower population. This might change when it's F2P, but then we won't ever play.

Oh, and if anyone has an objection to playing a villain character, we do have an association with a hero league. We all share a Vent, so we're nearly merged. Also, if you're a big PvP fan, make sure you roll villain. The heroes as a whole are absolutely clueless when it comes to PvP. They have numbers, but no skill.

[Ivramire]

Think I'll be giving this a shot.


Got any recommendations for what Power-set are less likely seen but useful?

[Hraesvelg]

Think I'll be giving this a shot.


Got any recommendations for what Power-set are less likely seen but useful?

Healers are always welcome. Seems everyone and their mother mains a tank. Also, everyone seems to be playing heavy on the Hard Light powerset because it was just released.

Each powerset has a role and DPS stance. Ice and Fire are tanks/DPS, Sorcery and Nature are healer/DPS, and Gadgets, Mental, and Hard Light are Controller/DPS.

Ice is a more defensive tank, in a traditional tank style. You attack, you build threat, you get aggro. You build Defense. Fire is an instant-on aggro mechanic. You cast a skill, everything you hit will aggro you until the skill wears off.

Sorcery healers tend to keep up group heals gradually as you go along. Nature tends to dump heal tanks and the like.

Controllers have two main jobs, to replenish the power bar of the party and to CC mobs. The controller classes all have both abilities.

The leveling process is basically an extended solo-ish tutorial. There are tons of guides on the official forums, and as of NOW (before F2P), it's a generally helpful community. Gods only know what it's going to be like when it's released to the masses.

No offense, heh.