RIFT free-to-play option launching in June
Trion Worlds has announced that RIFT will have a free-to-play launch in June, and will sport a hybrid model similar to other MMOs.
Trion said in the press release players will be able to experience the entire game world; every dungeon, every zone, and every level and get full access to all current and future game updates.
“We have been listening to feedback from our players and watching the continuously developing MMO community, and are now ready to launch RIFT as a premium free-to-play experience,” said Bill Fisher, creative director. “After taking our time and planning a careful transition; we are very excited to bring an enhanced game experience to everyone, without barriers.”
All players will be able to explore the entire world of Telara for free and will have access to the expanded in-game RIFT Store where a variety of services such as : mounts, boosts, wardrobe items, and more.
An optional subscription will still be available that grants a slew of “Patron” benefits and bonuses. Trion will celebrate its current and previous subscribers with loyalty and currency rewards for their time spent playing RIFT thus far.
RIFT free-to-play will kick off with content update 2.3, Empyreal Assault, which will open up a new zone, world event, chronicle and much more.
The free-to-play option and update 2.3 goes live June 12.
A short developer diary on the new business model is below.
