Looks like DC Universe Online has got some competition.
Sony Online Entertainment has just announced a release date for its free-to-play MMO Free Realms. On March 29, players will be able to download the game straight off the PlayStation Network. Originating on PC the game will break ground by being the first free-to-play MMO to hit any console.
The PlayStation 3 MMO scene is no mystery to SOE. Earlier this year they released DC Universe Online and it’s developed quite an adoption. John Smedley, president of SOE, says that they are “committed to burgeoning innovation and growing the MMO genre by leaps and bounds, bringing in players of all ages," and it seems to be doing that with the inclusion of Free Realms.
The game will feature the same familiar activities, mini-games, and adventures found in the PC version but with a more streamlined user interface fit for the console. It plans to capitalize on all the interactive features the console has such as voice chat which can be used to lead battle groups or even socialize at a party.
With the growing popularity of Free Realms on PC and Mac, the game already has a huge following and it’ll be interesting to see what percentage of players migrate to the PS3 by the end of the month.
Press Release
SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT'S FREE REALMS® BREAKS NEW GROUND MARCH 29 AS THE FIRST FREE-TO-PLAY VIRTUAL WORLD GAME ON THE PLAYSTATION®NETWORK
With Nearly 17 Million Registered Players on the PC and MAC, Free Realms Will Be the First Family-Friendly Massively Multiplayer Online Game to Hit Any Console
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. - March 11, 2011 - Sony Online Entertainment LLC today announced that free-to-play, family-friendly persistent virtual world game, Free Realms® (www.FreeRealms.com), is scheduled for release in North America on March 29 for the PlayStation®3 Computer Entertainment System.
"Free Realms continues to break new ground in the gaming industry- it will be the first free-to-play MMO to hit any console, the first family-friendly MMO to hit any console, and the second MMO, after our recent release of DC Universe™ Online, to hit the PlayStation3 to date," said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. "As the only online games publisher that creates accessible and diverse gameplay experiences for the full spectrum of gamers, we are committed to burgeoning innovation and growing the MMO genre by leaps and bounds, bringing in players of all ages."
Originally launched in 2009 for the PC and 2010 for MAC, Free Realms has a robust and highly engaged community of nearly 17 million registered players on both platforms combined. Recently recognized by Creative Child Magazine with the 2010 Creative Toy Award Seal of Excellence, Free Realms delivers an endless array of exciting gameplay activities, minigames and adventures to entertain a diversity of players. From ninja fighting and playing soccer to battling pirate ships and training exotic pets, in Free Realms players can be and do whatever they want whenever they want! Free Realms offers a fun, social environment to connect with old and new friends while participating in live events, group quests and community activities.
Featuring the familiar activities, mini-games and adventures found in the PC version with a streamlined user interface, Free Realms for the PlayStation®3 capitalizes on all the interactive features the console has to offer and is easily accessible from the PlayStation®Store. Players can use voice chat to lead their group into battle and socialize at a party, while also earning, comparing and sharing trophies.
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