Rift Update News: MMO To Go Free-To-Play Starting June 12, Update 2.3 To Go Live Same Day

Rift, the popular fantasy MMO game will go free-to-play starting June 12, and Trion Worlds will deliver a new content update, version 2.3, that very same day. Those who continue to use the subscription services shall receive special Patron bonuses, such as extra currency and experience. In addition, the game will expand the in-game store to include mounts, wardrobes, and stat boosts available for real-world currency after the update.

            While Rift previously offered users the chance to play the game for free until level 20, now players can get the whole game for free, including every dungeon, zone and level available to subscription members. Bill Fisher, creative director of the game, explains the move to the free-to-play as such:

"We have been listening to feedback from our players and watching the continuously developing MMO community, and are now ready to launch Rift as a premium free-to-play experience...After taking our time and planning a careful transition; we are very excited to bring an enhanced game experience to everyone, without barriers."

Full details about the game's free-to-play transition can be found on Rift's official website.

Many popular MMO games are switching to a free-to-play model after launch, such as Lord of the Rings Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Everquest 2, and Tera. World of Warcraft remains one of the few popular MMO's to retain the subscription only model, though they offer players the chance to try the game for free until level 20. One of the major MMORPG's to launch this year, The Elder Scrolls Online, has yet to confirm if they will have a subscription plan or be free-to-play at launch.

            The Rift update 2.3 will include several new features. The update, entitled Empyreal Assault, will include a new zone, a new world event, and new chronicle. New players will get two extra character slots and three bag slots with the update, and veteran players will keep everything they have earned thus far in the game.

Thanks to: Gamespot