The science fiction massively multiplayer roleplaying game "WildStar" is the latest entry to adopt a free-to-play model.
Millions subscribed to this game in hopes of finding a unique and innovative MMORPG that could compete with popular games like "World of Warcraft" and "The Old Republic." However, the results were found lacking, and many players had unsubscribed by the end of the first quarter.
On top of that, "WildStar" wasn't attracting enough players to make the game financially viable. That's why Carbine Games, the developer behind the game, announced the change to a new model on Thursday. According to Carbine, the free-to-play update will allow players to "acquire the game, create an account, login and play through everything the game has to offer without spending any money."
That doesn't mean that Carbine isn't trying to make money. Carbine will offer players the opportunity to subscribe to "WildStar's" "Signature" service for a monthly fee. While all players will have access to all the content in the game, Signature accounts will have a significant technical advantage over free players. For example, Signature Service players will receive 25 percent more cash and XP from their kills, as well as the ability to create their own guild and warparty. (You can see the full list of features here.)
Players who have paid for their account since "WildStar's" release will receive a number of benefits for their loyalty, including a "Ikthian Crawler mount, an exclusive DJ Caretaker housing décor item, a Disco Snoglug companion pet, a new housing music track, four months of Signature service, and two new titles: 'Living Legend' and 'Nexus Loyalist.'"
"WildStar's" free-to-play change isn't happening until fall 2015. That gives Carbine enough time to change some key features in the game, such as improving the way item stats work in the game, as well as changing the content's level of difficulty.
