Dungeons & Dragons Online Going Free-to-Play - UPDATED

[Andy Chalk]

Dungeons & Dragons Online Going Free-to-Play - UPDATED

D&D [http://www.turbine.com/] MMOG.

DDO Unlimited will offer free play with no time limits, level caps, subscriptions or credit card information required. Like other free-to-play MMOGs, players can simply create an account, log in and begin playing, but in DDO Unlimited gamers will get an extra bonus: Points that can be earned through adventuring and then spent in the "DDO Store," where players can buy customization items, premium adventure packs, convenience items and more.

Players who want unlimited access to all Dungeons & Dragons Online content will still be able to purchase subscriptions, which will include a monthly allowance of Turbine points, priority access to servers, the full range of classes and races, additional character slots and more. The DDO VIP subscription will cost $14.99 per month.

"You are absolutely under no obligation to purchase anything from the DDO Store in order to play and progress in the game," the DDO Unlimited FAQ says. "While the store offers items of convenience, content, and character customization, there is no substitute for the glory and rewards that await you in the dungeons of DDO Unlimited."

There will be some content restrictions for free players, who will have to pay for access to the Monk class and Warforged and Drow races, and will be limited to the "Stormreach and vicinity" areas in the game. Free players will be given two character slots and use the standard login queue, and will also be subject to limitations on chat, auctions, mail and gold storage.

I've always been more of an DDO.com [http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Abeir-Toril].

UPDATE: Codemasters [http://www.codemasters.com], which operates Dungeons & Dragons Online in Europe, has clarified that the free-to-play model will only be available in North America. "For the time being, DDO Europe will not be assuming this new business model and the European DDO game service will remain a monthly subscription-based game with all new content created available to all subscribers, as has been the model up until now," Codemasters said in a statement.

"As the beta progresses we will release more information regarding the future plans for EU players," the company said.

Source: GamesIndustry [http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/no-free-to-play-model-for-dungeons-and-dragons-online-in-europe]


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[Cpt_Oblivious]

If this wasn't official I'd be snarky and point out that Ghostwise found this a few hours ago, in fact it's why I'm on probation.

But still, I might give the game a go. Not anymore, I wanted the whole game. Grr.

 

[Abedeus]

Well, pretty cool... I played it for the trial + 2 weeks from the free 30 days (I paid $6 for the CD-Key, so I guess I had a nice deal). It's just that... It's too boring. No exp for monsters is a joke, since one of the main points of DnD is killing monsters and getting EXP points for them.

...Oh, so people DON'T get everything the paying people do? That's a bummer.

 

[level250geek]

This isn't free to play. This is a never-ending demo. There is a difference.

 

[New Troll]

Every time I talk myself out of delving into another MMO, something happens to make me think again. DDO... free... damn it.

 

[DamienHell]

I would get this, but the land limitations is too much. Its like getting WoW and only having access to Durotar.

 

[Ancientgamer]

There will be some content restrictions for free players, who will have to pay for access to the Monk class and Warforged and Drow races, and will be limited to the "Stormreach and vicinity" areas in the game. Free players will be given two character slots and use the standard login queue, and will also be subject to limitations on chat, auctions, mail and gold storage.

That seems like a pretty darn big set of limitations. It's not free to play they're just offering a glorified demo.

 

[midpipps]

I will play it. Had a lot of fun in the trial and could have alot more even with limitations just stops me from spending all my time on it. This was one of the few MMORPG's that I almost paid the monthly fee for. The other was FF:XI but I am just to cheap to pay per month for something it makes me feel like I have to spend my time on it or else I am wasting money.

 

[Sevre]

Its hard to get into a game when you know you'll never be good at it.

 

[UltimatheChosen]

This isn't free to play. This is a never-ending demo. There is a difference.

I like Penny Arcade's term: freemium.

 

[Delmar Wynn]

There will be some content restrictions for free players, who will have to pay for access to the Monk class and Warforged and Drow races, and will be limited to the "Stormreach and vicinity" areas in the game. Free players will be given two character slots and use the standard login queue, and will also be subject to limitations on chat, auctions, mail and gold storage.

That seems like a pretty darn big set of limitations. It's not free to play they're just offering a glorified demo.

Actually this is a pretty big area if I am not mistaken. These limitations are no different than other games that offer free play and pay to play.

 

[Andy Chalk]

Your welcome Malygris.

For what?

There's an awful lot of complaining here over something that's free. You want the "whole game" free? Turbine says free game content will be plentiful at lower levels and then become sparser as you move through the game, so why not try it out and see what happens? I really don't see how this is anything but a win for MMOG fans.

 

[Valiard]

DDO online is pretty interesting, it has some of the most immersive combat ive ever seen in an mmo, also im not sure you know this but originally in D&D players only got experience when they found loot on a monster. so you know quest based exp is not that bad.

 

[Ashbax]

There will be some content restrictions for free players, who will have to pay for access to the Monk class and Warforged and Drow races, and will be limited to the "Stormreach and vicinity" areas in the game. Free players will be given two character slots and use the standard login queue, and will also be subject to limitations on chat, auctions, mail and gold storage.

That seems like a pretty darn big set of limitations. It's not free to play they're just offering a glorified demo.

It may be a fair few limitations, but its free, so Im not gonna complain. Do you expect them to give you the full game for free? So they cant make any money? Its them doing business, and I highly respect how theyre giving more than a 4 second trial that only allows you to get to the login screen, make a guy and do the first quest before your time runs out and you didnt play enough to really experience the game.

 

[scotth266]

Ok, so from what I'm gathering this is using the Runescape method: teasing the player with some good material and most of the basics, but leaving the best bits out of reach unless you want to pay. I don't really see the issue: at least people can play a good portion of the game for free, right?

 

[ArcWinter]

This wins. Who doesn't like free stuff? If you get bored, make another character. The free game seems extremely fun and replayable (remember the dungeon level difficulties? those were great!).
Personally, I can't wait. Now I know what to do until November!

Actually this ranks as one of the best pieces of news OF THE YEAR.

 

[tanek]

I'm certainly not going to complain that they are offering something for free. I have played the trial of DDO and liked it enough that, had I either a) the money for another monthly subscription or b) the willpower to stop playing one of the other games I'm subscribed to, I may have signed up right then.

With this change, I won't have any reason not to go back. The only thing that worries me a little is the limitation they are putting on "Geography". But I have to wait and see how it plays out before making any decisions.

 

[TsunamiWombat]

Your welcome Malygris.

For what?

There's an awful lot of complaining here over something that's free. You want the "whole game" free? Turbine says free game content will be plentiful at lower levels and then become sparser as you move through the game, so why not try it out and see what happens? I really don't see how this is anything but a win for MMOG fans.

Indeed, people need to quit thar bitchin. It IS after all, a ploy to get you to PAY for the game so they can MAKE MONEYS. But it's nice of them and is a step beyond the demo's most MMO's offer.