Sony Online Entertainment boss John Smedley has revealed that their upcoming massively multiplayer online first person shooter, Planetside 2, will be going down the free-to-play route. Smedley broke the news while speaking to Chinese news site 17173.com.

Free-to-play games usually make money by charging for premium content, but so far SOE has not laid bare their exact plans on how the free-to-play elements will be integrated into the MMOFPS. Answering a follow-up question from Planetside Universe, Smedley hinted at possible similarities between Planetside 2's business model and that being used by League of Legends.

Smedley also clarified to Planetside Universe that they won't be doing a World of Warcraft-like auction house for Planetside 2. Weapon crafting is being looked into, but although they want players to be able to make their own weapons eventually that feature won't make it to the game's launch.

SOE hasn't exactly had much luck lately with their MMO releases, but going free-to-play might be just the push that Planetside 2 needs to be a hit. Smedley has confirmed that they are trying to get started on an open beta either late this year or in early 2012, so hopefully we'll find out more about their plans for the game's free-to-play model before then.

Via [Planetside Universe]

Tweet

This story sucks? This story rocks!

Vote Now!    (0) (0)