Joining a growing list of AAA online games that are adopting this model, Cryptic’s Superhero adventure will make the switch-over sometime in Q1 2011, whereby future players can download the game for free.
Of course, free isn’t technically free in this case: Champions Online will adopt a micro-transaction based business model, and premium content will be available to buy through the ‘C-Store’. These will include everything from Items and Costumes to Adventure Packs.
Additionally, current players may continue subscribing as Gold members, while new players may also optionally upgrade to Gold status, which unlocks most of the game’s content and includes extra features.
A closed beta test begins on November 9th and will be made available to a subset of current players, with potential openings for new users.
We’ll bring you more information as we get it.
