With yesterday’s video from Game Director Joel Bylos, it seemed pretty obvious that The Secret World was prepping to go free-to-play. What wasn’t so obvious was that it was going to happen this quickly. Starting today there is no longer a subscription fee required to play.
The model Funcom has chosen for its MMO with a modern setting is one familiar to Guild Wars 2 players. Simply buy the game, and all the content that is currently available is yours to experience. Going forward, Funcom will put out DLC in the form of numbered Issues just like their current update format. New issues can be purchased for just $5, and will include new content, weapons, etc. The next Issue is scheduled to launch in January 2013, but if you purchase and register your account before the end of December 2012, you’ll get Jaunuary’s Issue #5 for free, and of course the existing Issues 1-4. There will continue to be free patches with content and game updates as well.
For player who opt to continue or pick up a monthly membership sub fee, you will be rewarded with the following benefits:
- Time Accelerator (Clickable item which increases experience gain for defeating monsters by 100% for 1 hour, 16 hour cool-down – only usable by Members and Grand Masters)
- $10 worth of Bonus Points (given out every month)
- Item-of-the-month gift (given out every month)
- 10% discount to everything in the in-game store
The existing cash shop has received some new items, including an Ability Point boosting potion, and new outfits, pets, and other items will be continuously added.
If you’ve already purchased The Secret World, you can start playing for free today, and if you haven’t you can pick it up the digital download for $30 and get more info on the official site.
