NCsoft Launches First Free-Play MMOPG

Authored by dmw on May 29, 2007 - 1:46pm.

Austin, TX – NCsoft has officially announced that it has moved into the free-to-play MMO model with the launch of Dungeon Runners, an online multiplayer action/RPG, with an optional monthly fee for more powerful items, weapons and armor, the company said in a press release.

The game, which producer Stephen Nichols says “doesn’t take itself too seriously,” lets players take on the role of fighter, mage or ranger, in a "classless" RPG with no locked skills associated with its archetypes.

Dungeon Runners marks the first play-for-free title from NCsoft, which promises "large chunks of the game’s content," and an additional "membership level" for a monthly $4.99.

A member level account gives players log-in queue priority, access to the most powerful items, weapons and armor, bank storage for up to 220 loot items and the ability to stack potions in one slot so players can carry more loot.

Said NCsoft CEO Robert Garriott, “Dungeon Runners is a bold leap into a new business model for NCsoft and it is taking us into a new direction in terms of the kind of games we can provide our customers. There are plenty of other ‘free’ games available for online RPG fans, but none that packs as many features as Dungeon Runners has or comes with the NCsoft stamp of quality. We expect that players will receive this game warmly because it is fast, fun and free. It is hard to beat that deal.”