Sony Online Entertainment on Monday announced that it will offer free access to DC Universe Online via PCs and the PlayStation 3.
Starting in late October, the company will unveil a three-tiered system for access to DC Universe Online: free, premium, and legendary. All three levels will provide access to open world gameplay and missions, general game updates and fixes to the game, with a few extra perks for premium and legendary.
"When we launched DC Universe Online, we introduced a very different brand of massive online game driven by fast action combat to PC and PS3 gamers and with that, we discovered a new type of online gamer," John Smedley, president of SOE, said in a statement. "We've listened to our community, and we've determined that the free-to-play model is the best fit for DC Universe Online."
The free version will include access to current gameplay, like Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts. Players can create two characters as well as join a league. There's also the option to purchase downloadable game packs/updates, more character slots, powers, and more through microtransactions.
Anyone who has bought at least $5, meanwhile, will qualify for premium access. This level includes more character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. Downloadable adventure packs, additional character slots, and more can be purchased in-game.
A monthly $14.99 fee will bring you to "legendary" status, which includes all DLC packs at no cost, more than 15 character slots, more than 80 inventory slots, the ability to form unrestricted-sized leagues, and more.
More details are available at dcuniverseonline.com/free.
In the wake of the massive hack of Sony's PlayStation Network earlier this year, Sony's "welcome back" package included Batman and Two-Face masks and 30 marks of distinction from DC Universe Online, among other things. After LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment announced that they would shut down Star Wars Galaxies, meanwhile, Sony also offered up free access to DC Universe Online and other games between October 15 and December 15.
For more, see PCMag's hands-on video with the game at the 2009 Comic-Con below. Also check out this interview with the game's character designer, Jim Lee, who is also the founder of Image Comics, Wildcats creator, and one-time X-men artist.