DC Universe is something of a lone duck in the industry. With Champions Online free to play and City of Heroes making the transition later this year, I’ve speculated before that Sony following with a similar model was only a matter of time. Of course you could also look at John Smedley’s statement that freemium is the future, but we’re talking competition folks!
The free transition brings three tiers of benefits, from free players to past subscribers to current subscribers, with the usual change in access. Subscribers and past subscribers will have access to more inventory space, cash limits, and while free players have access to the base game, subscribers will gain access to the extra content (such as the Green Lantern pack) for free.
Smedley did reveal some interesting information regarding the shift, including that the feedback from console players was a large driving force in the decision, and that the PS3 population outnumbers the PC crowd three to one.
This can only spell good things for DC Universe, whose major criticism has been not warranting a $15 monthly subscription. When the game goes free in late October, players who enjoy the game in smaller bites will be able to do so without the commitment.
MMO Fallout 