14 DAY TRIAL // The Secret World, the long-awaited online game from FunCom that came out earlier this year, has now effectively turned into a free-to-play experience, as it no longer requires players to pay a monthly subscription, as they only need to own a copy of the game to access it.
MMOs that rely on subscriptions are slowly dying as more and more big-name online titles, from DC Universe Online to Star Wars: The Old Republic, are abandoning the requirement of monthly payments from players.
Now, The Secret World, one of the most promising online titles of the year, has also abandoned its subscription plan.
According to an announcement on the game's forums, anyone who owns a copy of The Secret World can now enjoy the online game in its entirety without having to pay a monthly subscription. Those who do opt to pay for such a thing will be able to enjoy different bonuses and gifts for their loyalty.
Check out a short FAQ posted by FunCom in regards to this pretty massive change for its online game.
What is now required to be able to play The Secret World?
Everyone who has purchased (or will purchase) the game can now enjoy the full game without being required to sign-up for a monthly fee. This means that all of the heralded story-line and all of the game content available right now can be played as you please without requiring any additional payment.
Are there any restrictions to what a free player has access to?
No. You have access to all the content available right now, including all playfields, all missions; you may enter all lairs, participate in raids, learn all abilities, use all equipment and so on.
What is a 'Membership'? For those dedicated to the game there is an optional Membership available which also includes some great items and services: - 'The Time Accelerator'. This clickable item increases experience gain for defeating monsters by 100% for 1 hour and has a 16 hour cool-down. This item can only be used by Members and Grand Masters. - $10 worth of Bonus Points given out every month which can be used towards any product in the Item Store of The Secret World (bonus points are valid for 6 months). - Membership Item-of-the-month gift (given out every month). - 10% discount to everything in the Item Store except Content Packs or other Packs (discounts to the Item Store do not stack with other offers).
How much does a Membership cost?
There are several offers for different durations of a Membership. The current prices are as follows: - 1 month 14.99 USD/EUR - 3 month 38.97 USD/EUR (12.99 USD/EUR per month) - 6 month 71.94 USD/EUR (11.99 USD/EUR per month) - 12 month 119.88 USD/EUR (9.99 USD/EUR per month)
What happens with my remaining Subscription time?
Your current subscription will be automatically transferred to the new Membership program. As such your account will be credited with 1200 bonus points, you can immediately claim the Time Accelerator item and your Membership gift of the month. The 1200 bonus points will be credited to your account on Dec. 12th, 2012. After that you will get 1200 points every 30 days from your renewal of the Membership.
What do you think about this pretty huge change for The Secret World? Will you consider buying a copy and accessing the game without a subscription or are you still unconvinced?