Like the name implies, Free Realms will be free on PCs and the PlayStation 3. Read on for more details on the game and its pricing strategy.
Free Realms, Sony Online's fantasy MMO for 10-14 year olds, will launch with a massive world featuring a number of diverse areas.
On PC, your experience begins almost immediately: after loading up the website, all you'll need to do is provide your email and a username to enter the world.
Once you're all set up you'll be provided with a robust character creation model, while a small 25mb cache is installed onto your computer. Yes, that's it. There's no need to download and install a massive program, as Free Realms will fully stream from its website.
As far as the PlayStation 3 is concerned, the MMO will be downloadable from the PlayStation Network, though the download size is currently unknown.
The best thing about all of this? Free Realms is both free to download and to enjoy.
So where do SOE make their money? There will be premium content for you to buy, including costumes, new items, and modifications for vehicles etc. Parents will be able to provide their children with an allowance to spend in the game, consisting of points. Otherwise, there will be cash cards available in stores.
SOE will also be able to make money through subscription based areas available at around $4.99 per month - these areas are certainly not needed to enjoy the game. You might find modest advertising in the game, but nothing that will bombard children or feel out of place in the game's fantasy setting.
We'll update you on more Free Realms news over the coming days, including an exclusive hands-on preview.
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