Everquest 2 Flirts With Free To Play

Seems Sony wants to get more involved in the free to play MMO market. Everquest 2 is launching a free to play model giving players free browser based content. The content is restricted to select areas of EQ2, and is not considered a replacement for the subscription model.

According to the FAQ: "Extended is not a replacement to the live subscription service and while the game content is the same, access and restrictions are different between the two. Extended is a gameplay option targeted towards certain players who are willing to play within a limited feature-set service with additional content purchase and upgrade options, rather than pay for the full service via a standard monthly subscription. The live $15 EQII subscription service is unrestricted full access to the game world for those accounts in good standing, a valuable service, just as it has always been. The EverQuest II Extended service has restrictions based on your membership level. Limited access to the EQII Extended world and certain content is free, while other content, access, and items are available only for purchase."

The new model is expected to begin beta on August 17th. Click here for a view of each service package and the benefits. The Platinum plan is ridiculous, $200 per year for minor bonuses. Turbine offered $200 liftetime subscriptions with the maximum perks for LoTRO and DDO...makes you wonder whether Bobby Kotick is in charge or something.