Massively Multiplayer Online RPG Vanguard is making the transition to a free-to-play business model similar to DC Universe Online and EverQuest II. While details are scarce, this most likely means that there will be different pricing tiers for additional content, but access to the game and basic content will be free to all. Development team changes have also been announced, including Andy Sites (Director of Development), Salim “Silius” Grant (Creative Director) and Todd “Hobart” Schmidt (Technical Director).
Andy Sites writes:
At SOE, giving players choices is the theme of how we’re moving forward as a company. We see free-to-play (or as we refer to it, Free to Play. Your Way.) as a big part of our future and we like the flexibility it offers players. Therefore, I’m happy to announce Vanguard will be the next in line of our AAA games to make this transition. Since we’ve literally just begun on the work, I’m not ready to go into much detail. However, I will say that you can expect something similar to EverQuest®, EverQuest® II and DC Universe™ Online when we roll-out our free-to-play offering this summer. Once we have more information to share, you’ll be the first to know.
Be sure to read the whole letter and check back for more details as they become available.