During a streaming press conference moments ago, Sony Online Entertainment announced the official start date for the free-to-play era in DC Universe Online: heroes and villains will be able to hit the streets for free starting on November 1 – less than one week away.
The free-to-play option was actually revealed last month, and will allow for multiple different ways to stay subscribed to DC Universe Online. Players who are interested in trying the game without spending a dime can do so, but they'll be missing out on some content. Those who have spent (or will spend) at least $5 are "Premium" members, and will have more benefits available to them including additional character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. They still won't have access to all of the content, though; some will still have to be purchased in-game. Anyone who wants to either buy a lifetime subscription or spend $15 a month can do so to be granted "Legendary" membership, which grants access to 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.
We're happy to see DCUO evolve after a fairly rough start, especially considering the game's biggest issue wasn't actually the fault of the developers. Instead, the game's numbers were crippled when the PSN hack took down the PlayStation network, making it impossible for PC and PS3 users to access their game. Hopefully this move will fill the streets of Gotham and Metropolis with super-powered heroes and villains once again, to do battle for truth, justice, and the American way. And to, you know, throw cars and stuff.
