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Free Realms Progress Report
MMORPG.com's Carolyn Koh writes this report on the progress of SOE's upcoming kid's MMO Free Realms.
Free Realms, SoE’s entry to the children’s MMORPG market is less than six months to launch, the already great looking game looks even far more polished than it had when I last saw it at E3 in July and shortly after, at the SoE FanFaire in August of 2008. Targeted toward children between nine and fifteen, the game has already been rated by the ESRB at E 10+ for comic mischief. Not E for everyone? I was curious to know why. “What can I say?” asked Laralyn McWilliams in response. “It’s a fighting game as much as a pet game, so there’s cartoon violence and our dogs lift a leg and pee.” Well, there’s that! Parental controls and menu chat for the younger children? Check. PC and PS3? Awesome! Free to play? Check. Exploration, fighting, mini-games, crafting, pet system, travel portal system and housing? Check. Skill-based, multi-career-path options? Check. Whoa… all this for a kid’s game? Yes. Kid or adult, good game-play trumps all.
This is Free Realms. Free to download and play and supported by ad-revenue, a subscription of $4.99 a month to remove ads and open up 40% more options, $9.99 for a family subscription and micro-transactions for “fluff” items. Free to choose how you play as all aspects of the game are valid career choices. If all you want to do is train a multitude of pets, you can. If all you want to do is play the Trading Card Game, you can. If all you want to do is mine jewels, you can. If you want to do everything, you can too!
SoE has put in a lot of time and effort into this game, utilizing focus groups to make sure that the game will appeal to both genders. “As you may have expected,” said Laralyn, “the feedback from the boys was for more combat, neat combat moves and more creatures to fight. The feedback from the girls was for more pets, more outfit choices and more areas to explore.” Focus group feedback was also important in directing the artwork and look in game. There are two types of player characters available in the game, humans and sprites. Sprites are winged humanoid creatures. Yes, fairies, but sprite was a more gender neutral name and they do have small slim wings rather than the elegant choices available to the ones in, say EverQuest2. The boy sprites are not androgynous creatures either, but “manly-man” winged creatures… or as manly-man as young boys would like.
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As mentioned, Free Realms has several types of game play and any of them are valid character progression paths. Players may choose to level in any one aspect, a selection or all of them. Professions or roles were previously revealed. Players unlock each by taking a starter quest which yields them an outfit for that role. Examples are Miner, Postman, Explorer, Medic, Ninja, Chef and Warrior. As players take on more quests for those roles, they gain experience and gold stars which can then be applied to those abilities for those roles and advanced outfits are unlocked as you level in the role.
The world that you inhabit in Free Realms does have a back story and although you will be able read about it on the website, the developers have worked the visual story telling into the world as a quest. Players can read about the great battle of Gloam vs. Gleam and see the statues and monuments of historical figures in game. Like many other online games, there are various areas of the world to visit, each with its own flora and fauna, inhabitants, quests and landscape. From snow covered lands to tropical climes, from dark, spooky woods to wide open grasslands.
Everything you do in Free Realms is a free choice. There aren’t mobs that will jump you or areas too dangerous to wander into. You choose to fight creatures and if you accidentally stumble into a fight quest, you can just as quickly cancel out of it. There are many solo adventures, but group adventures are also to be had. Fight quests do not scale to solo player level, but will scale for size of groups. In keeping with the children’s game concept, characters don’t die. You’re knocked out. Not to worry however, when you’re knocked out, you get to keep all the goldstars you gained up to then. Now, you do respawn in 15 seconds and you are invulnerable for 10, so you can run away if you want to. No, unlike EverQuest, these mobs don’t train to the zone line.
The pet system is likened to Nintendogs by the developers. “No, they don’t die or expire after a set period of time,” said John Smedley who stopped by. “You don’t have to interact with them every day like a Tamagotchi either.” Dogs and cats have different personalities and can be trained. They only come online when a player summons them, and only when the pet is out that they need maintenance such as attention and food. When you put a pet away, it remains in a state of suspended animation until you take them out again. i.e. if the dog is happy and full when you put it away, it will come back happy and full, not starving and unhappy because you were away from the game for a month. Laralyn showed me the various outfits she could dress her little puppy with. She fed and groomed it, and it acted well… like a dog. It followed and played and cavorted around her, ran up to sniff at fences and cocked a leg and peed. Since we had fed it, it also umm… pooped. Luckily, there’s no need to travel with a pooper-scooper as the poop “biodegraded” away. It will also interact dynamically with other players, dogs and will bark at cats, although there won’t be any cat chasing incidents. It’s a game after all, and we want our pets to play nice.
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Apart from the leaderboards in the competition aspect, players can also play kart-racing and demolition derby on a track, competing against each other and the AI. What will be interesting is how the soccer game will shape up and whether the game will provide the AI players to make up a team or if players will have to wait ala WoW battlegrounds for teams to fill up.
Unusual in a children’s game, there are no voice-overs. This is because it’s a portal game that streams live across your web-browser. At www.freerealms.com which will be reminiscent of the social sites Facebook and MySpace, players will log in to their profile, friends lists, leaderboards, and possibly, quest journals and inventory. Free Realms is going to be a unique game. The crafting is the most interactive I’ve ever seen as they play out as mini-games. It’s hard to classify the game neatly. Is it a game of roles and professions which range from exploration to crafting to fighting and quests that play out as mini-games and a pet system or is it a game with aspects of exploration, crafting, fighting, mini-games and simulation where you take on different roles to play each aspect of the game? Instead, unique in an MMO, it’s more like spheres of activity. There’s adventure (exploration and combat), simulation (housing and pets), mini-games and social activities (website). Interwoven in there are the roles!
Then let’s not forget the Trading Card Game that’s integrated into it. Since it’s for kids, the game is simple. That does not mean, however, that it isn’t fun, challenging and elegant. Further, the game client keeps track of the rules and does the math for you, making it even easier for young children to get into. This particular TCG will also have a physical issue in partnership with Topps. Every physical game pack will include a loot card that’s redeemable in game for game loot.
Whatever it is, however it’s described, Free Realms is graphically impressive. SoE has used simple stylized graphics with lush saturated colors to create an immersive and visually pleasing world. The trailers look fantastic as does what I’ve seen of the game. Laralyn gave me a few quick sneak peeks of different areas of the world, showing me the varied landscapes. It looks very promising. We’ve been given a look at a game world that has content breadth with glimpses of depth that will only be revealed when we actually play the game and plumb its depths. Will it play out as well as it currently looks and sounds? We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this one when it launches.
I saw Free Realms at Fan Faire and was extremely surprised. As a 39 year old man, I went into the presentation with confidence that the game was something that would have zero interest for me. But after watching what they were doing, I kept thinking more and more that it looked like fun.
My best friend (who's a few years younger than me) came away with the same feeling. As a father, he's really looking forward to being able to play this game with his family.
I am unsure how much long-term interest the game would hold for someone like me. But I am absolutely going to be checking it out when it launches. And since it's free, who cares if it proves to be something that I only dabble with once in a blue moon?
As somebody who owns a ps3 and never uses it, a free to play mmorpg for it might actually get some of my interest despite me being 22 now. Anyone have any other links for this game?
If you check out http://www.freerealms.com there is a link for media of the game at the top of the page with some vids.
Sorry to dash your hopes, but this is another SOE game with RMT, expect to pay through the nose for everything. It won't be as attractive once you start playing it.
Sorry to point out yer obvious ignorance, but SOE has only recently added RMT for two of it's games. The items available are fluff items, (House pets, appearance armor with no stats).
The LON cardcame is a completely optional and seperate facet of the game with fluff item rewards and nothing more. Any item from LON has a superior version in actual game loot aside from novelty.
I'm tired of people joining the lets bash Company X bandwagon with no firsthand experience themselves. And if yer still butthurt about SWG; QQ some more and find a new game.
Sorry to point out your obvious ignorance my friend, but....
They already started with full fledged RMT with Station Exchange Servers long ago.
And a lot of the latest items from LoN Loot cards aren't all that fluffy anymore either!
Let's see some months ahead from now when they start adding real stuff on the Cash Shop.
Let's see who will QQ then huh
As they are already talking about doing it.
The Smed's goal is monthly subscription games with full RMT cash shops on top of it.
They are going to use the F2P model on top of the P2P model for maximum profit.
Good for them.... but no thanks for me! Never going to support that kind of greed!
Nevermind, not going to feed the trolls.
Silly SOE haters aside my seven year old and I are in beta.....I'm pretty confident this will be the childrens WoW...look for many many family accounts on this one.
My God there are a Lot of Soe hateing trolls in the world..
And as a 30 year old man Im looking forward to trying it out :p
Hay its free, cant go wrong with that
Damn this looks promosing im going to try it out as soon as i get the chance to it.
Is it me or does the way they build the game remind me more and more of UO for children if it is, i would play it even though im a lof older than the 15years that they say the game is upto.
so far thumps up for this, its going to be very interesting.
I think this is a good move from SOE.
What has more power over a parent than a child? The parent might cave in over a request for a new non combat pet or fluff (non game breaking items) - or even these fluff items can be used as some form of incentive from a parent for the child to do well in school?
This is all assuming it will do well. From what i've seen so far, eye candy wise i could see it appealing to the younger crowd.
I will be trying this game too as it sounds quite cool.
Again i think this is a good move from SOE.
It has nothing to do with SOE haters. We know what the F2P model is.
And if you think it's free, then you are naive my friend. SOE is no charity organisation and they don't spend millions on developing this, so you can play for free.
They give your kid the minimum amount of content and minimum amount of features and stuff.
So your kid will finish the content in, lets say, within a month.
Then your kid, addicted to the game, will start nagging you there is nothing more to do in the game, but if daddy waves his precious creditcard for him, then daddy can buy more content and stuff for him, so he can continue playing.
And then my friend.... then you will see how expensive venture this is going to become for you.
And that it will be a lot cheaper to let your son play a normal P2P subsription based only MMORPG like WoW instead (wich comes with full fledged parental controls as well (profanity filters, time limits, etc)...only shame hardly any parent bothers to use them).
That is all... no SOE hate... just a reality check on the so called F2P model.
Oh the irony that a MMORPG that claims to be targeting 9-15 year old children seems to have more promise, feature-wise, than most of the recent or past MMORPGs.
The choices seem abundant so I will be looking into the game, as well.
edit: on the subject of RMT; while I am not a fan of RMT, I would certainly rather give my money to the game that I am enjoying in hopes for more ingame in return than an internet company that sells ingame items (including gold) with no other interest in the game than selling its wares and not giving something back to the game
awesome!!!
I'm actually thinking about getting this when it comes out and play it with my 8 year old sis, since I moved to the other part of the world, so I could both spend a bit of time online with her. Sounds rather nice in my book.
Sorry the only ignorant one here is you if you think that is all that will be offered in RMT. SOE is just getting started, you just watch when the game is released.
And sorry items in EQ and EQ2 are not just fluff items there are a slew of items to speed leveling and that, most certainly, is not fluff.
The only trolls here are those that use the word 'hater". There is no such thing. Critics should surfice, if you would take some time to learn the English language.
This game looks like a little gem!
Honestly why cant any devloper stuido use the same recipe but for an adult audience?
Like many have said here, it may not keep me interested for months, but i will certainly try it.
Sorry the only ignorant one here is you if you think that is all that will be offered in RMT. SOE is just getting started, you just watch when the game is released.
And sorry items in EQ and EQ2 are not just fluff items there are a slew of items to speed leveling and that, most certainly, is not fluff.
The only trolls here are those that use the word 'hater". There is no such thing. Critics should surfice, if you would take some time to learn the English language.
u dont realy understand who cares if they sell xp or aa potions that is still a fluff item cause it doesnt overpower someone. u 2 trolls need to learn to get your facts straight.. just cuase soe mesed up swg doesnt mean that everytime they put a game out u need to bash it.
I really can care less about the item shops...if all they offer is fluff items or exp pots then so what. And it might work in SOE's favor with this game as well... Parents can use it as incentive for their kids. Get good grades? sure you can have this special house pet...do your chores,so on.
People tend to forget that SOE is out there to make money. Just like you and i go to our daily jobs.... Sure you may like what you do, but would you do it for free? I highly doubt it. SOE doesnt either.
What does it matter to you if folks use RMT? The base game will be free, fluff wont. As in real life, you folks who bitch about RMT, do you bitch because the guy next door has a corvette and you dont? Life isnt fair and gaming isnt either! Get over it.
Yep you jsut keep believing what you want and players like me will keep playing the f2p games for free.....The item shops are zero temptation for alot of us and we play for free so dont tell us we dont lol.
ok not for nothing yes i was bitter about what soe did with swg, but even I can set aside my vile disdain and actually try to enjoy soemthing. free realms looks like a better There.com. Even art wise it looks similar. I just want a casual game I don't have to spend hours grinding on...as a 32 yr old full time employee i just don't have the time anymore. I'm eager to see how this game runs and how fresh they keep it
One thing I'd like to add to the discussion is that in a recent interview their Head of Development stated that 60% of the game would be absolutely free, while 40% would be "paid content", likely covered by what "they" call "mini-subscription" of 4,99 USD. This will also give you additional char slots, etc.
I'd prefer it to be all free with additional items in RMT, but that's not the path they have chosen. However, I am still mighty excited about the game. I so can't wait for a real casual MMO that can be played with friends and family members, who would never be interested in a regular fantasy game, hehe.
It has nothing to do with SOE haters. We know what the F2P model is.
And if you think it's free, then you are naive my friend. SOE is no charity organisation and they don't spend millions on developing this, so you can play for free.
They give your kid the minimum amount of content and minimum amount of features and stuff.
So your kid will finish the content in, lets say, within a month.
Then your kid, addicted to the game, will start nagging you there is nothing more to do in the game, but if daddy waves his precious creditcard for him, then daddy can buy more content and stuff for him, so he can continue playing.
And then my friend.... then you will see how expensive venture this is going to become for you.
And that it will be a lot cheaper to let your son play a normal P2P subsription based only MMORPG like WoW instead (wich comes with full fledged parental controls as well (profanity filters, time limits, etc)...only shame hardly any parent bothers to use them).
That is all... no SOE hate... just a reality check on the so called F2P model.
What annoys me the most is people like you that have nothing better to do but go into a forum about a game that you don't even like just so you can increase your post count. How about you take you bashing party to another game forum and bash the games that are P2P where the developers don't give a rat's tin but about you or your suggestions.
My son plays Wizard 101, even with the restrictions because he hasn't talked his parents out of their credit card (whattaya know, some parents can say NO), and I think he'll probably like Free Realms too.
To anyone who would know: Does it have an option for chat restrictions on younger kids? Just curious.
There are so many CLUELESS posts on this thread it is hilarious. Sorry to impune on your perfect world, but these kids find many interesting ways to spend lots and lots of money on these f2p games.
Just the other day I was reading about a 10 year old who borrowed his grandmother's card and spent $1000 on a game. She could not pay her bills for the month.
Oh yeah, this f2p games are so great for kids....NOT.
Wake up and figure it out, dumping huge loads of cash in these games is not hard, nor difficult for an enterprising teen.
Perfect World has a $300 pet. Guess what, you see alot of them and it is the kids that are buying them.
If you are not making negative comments about RMT games, you should be.
Really really intelligent.... Blame companies for kids stealing stuff. How about you point the blame where blame is due? Parents? Yeah you're right, you're pretty clueless too.
MMO developer are in it to make money, WHOA!!! you dont say! Shame on them, how could they???? If you as a parents, guardians and such are too dumb to control your own wallet, then how the heck can you control and raise a kid?
Really really intelligent.... Blame companies for kids stealing stuff. How about you point the blame where blame is due? Parents? Yeah you're right, you're pretty clueless too.
MMO developer are in it to make money, WHOA!!! you dont say! Shame on them, how could they???? If you as a parents, guardians and such are too dumb to control your own wallet, then how the heck can you control and raise a kid?
You would be suprised how many parents fail in that task.
A perfect example is World of Warcraft.
It has all the parental tools a parent could wish for to cut down and keep control on their kids gaming time, so it stays within limits and not affecting the kids education, social education and that he so spends some time with friends outside too, catching some fresh air.
Problem is, that these days most parents don't give a jack about their kids and having them spending litterly 24/7 on a game like WoW is just exactly what they want.
It's safe (as he doesn't go outside and might harm himself or do something stupid) and the parents don't have to entertain him, so they can go their own bussiness, without having to worry about their kid(s).
Welcome to the parents of today.
(and ofcourse it's not all parents..... but a great lot of them are)
EDIT: And to the posters above. If you even bothered to actually read my post, then you would have read I wasn't bashing the game at all. Just explaining what F2P MMO's with Item Malls are.
If SOE can create a world environment compelling enough to make you want to buy virtual goods, then I say fair play to them, and I wish the well in this endeavor.
If turns out to be shit, then RMT or not, it won't matter to us.
The juicy question therfore is, can SOE make a game that compelling? They've had some good titles (EQ1, EQ2, SWG, Planetside) and regardless of how those compare to WoW today, SOE are still a major MMORPG force to be reckoned with.
In my personal opinion however, it seems like SOE are more interested in paying the bills by coming up with interesting ways to spend money, instead of interesting ways to make you want to buy their games. It seems like the accountants are the ones designing their games nowadays.
This info can be found on the Free Realms "For Parents" section, here is what they say:
Children under thirteen (13) are restricted to Quick Chat only. Parents cannot enable unregulated chat for players under the age of thirteen (13). However, parents of children age thirteen (13) and over can limit their child's interactions by switching Open Chat to Quick Chat on the Parental Controls page.
Quick Chat is a version of real-time text conversation that gives the user choices of pre-populated phrases and words. Players under the age of thirteen (13) are NOT able to insert or view any user-generated content and will only be able to select and view text from the list created by Sony Online Entertainment.
Basically it sounds just like Wizards101's option, which my family plays currently. After they saw the video for Free Realms though, they immediately wanted to switch to that. I have to admit that I'm eager to see this game comeout as well, it looks like a blast.
One of the reasons I don't think it will be heavy RMT is they want to compete with Rune Scape. They realize how large the market is for these type games and want a chunk. I personally hope its good, I want to give it a shot. RS was my first mmo and I'd like to see an updated version.
I agree :D.
SOE seems to be making a game similar to Wizard 101,but the fact that SOE is behind it,means a LOT more content.Kids nowadays are not stupid,many are very smart ,so no sense for games to hold back and make a cheap simplistic game,kids just like adults want content.I am VERY confident SOE will deliver and at the very least be on par with any other game in the genre.
Its sad that so many people feel the need to hate SOE. Its like theres some sort of Sony hate club out there and people think its actually smart of them to be a part of it.
SOE is a great company within the Sony Corporation. They are willing to do what other developers are not and are honestly more true to their player base than any other mmo development company, They, unlike the others, have a large assortment of titles under their belt.
Now before someone blows a casket, you have to understand something about SOE. SOE was literally controlled by Sony's film studio. This means, producers, hollywood "big shots", and general hollywood businessmen were calling a lot of the shots, and/or hindering the company as a whole. The film industry is known for making stupid decisions all the time, the approach to success is much different, and thus they were unqualified to influence mmorpgs. Blame them for the titles that fell short under SOE. They treated it like a film production and failed.
The good news is, is that Sony has gone through a much needed re-structuring process. The current CEO of Sony is a westerner and he's been getting rid of the bad, while focusing on the good. Ken K. sabotaged the PS3, or tried to, because he didnt like this new CEO. The earlier problems with the PS3 can lead back to Ken K, who is no longer working for Sony much less on the PS3, thank god.
SOE has been moved over to Sony's game division, and are now in a position to get out from under the hand of foolish film producers and execs. Since then, games like Vanguard have been ressurected and quite well I might add. Its a great game, one that no one would have expected to be good. Other titles are coming out that are very smart and full of quality. The agency, DC Universe, Free Realms, HOME...ect Sony is leading the console market into the much needed online interactive world. No other console maker is doing that, in fact they lack innovation.
Anyways, SOE doesnt deserve any hate. Peeps need to get off this "soe hate bandwagon" and be happy that a company is pushing for more innovative and open to all online gaming, even if its not for you, its helping greatly the genre you love (or else you wouldnt be here.)
@BaronJuJu -- Thanks! That's just what I wanted to know.
I find it funny that the appeal so far for this game is quite widespread. I mean here we are talking about some casual aim at teens and younger game yet older folks are interested in it.
That tells us a lot about how well this game will be received.
star wars galaxies!!!!!!!
I'm curious about the game as well. I have a 7 year old son that enjoys games. It would be nice to play a game with him (if only I could afford another computer to do it. :)
F2P is fine...But if its F2P you can't expect to have everything without paying for something. In all reality SOE could slap a 14.99 a month charge on it.... would they get subscribers.. some.. would it hit their key market. No..
As a father I can't justify paying monthly for my son to sit in front of the computer.. He needs to do homework and go outside and socialize... however, I'm not against getting him the cool looking thing-a-ma-gig for 4.99 every once in a while. Also he wouldn't know that he's not getting 40% of the content either...
Although I gave up on Wizard 101 because I'm not that into card-based games, what I did love about it while I tried it out was the mini-games. I've never played Puzzle Pirates (don't like the avatars), but I know that's the appeal of the game as well.
And that brings us to Free Realms, which is chockful of many, many mini games, most of which look like they're a lot of fun... for ANYONE. I'm 38, and my mom is in her 70s, and she loves Yahoo! Games, Pogo, etc. Free Realms is a MMORPG that even someone as far from "8 to 15" as she is, could actually get into and enjoy endlessly. And for me, I'm looking forward to Free Realms as a casual game that when I feel like taking a light break, play a few mini-games, knock around some monsters, and play dress up, it will be a quick and fun game to pop in, and enjoy without much stress or grief.
As for the paid options... if you compare it to the $15 monthly fee for most Western MMOs, if we do expect the average price to be $5 for each item (or whatever they charge for), you could basically budget for yourself three upgrades a month, and stay on par for what you pay for a game like WoW, LOTRO, DDO, WAR, etc. Or you could never pay... but I think the game will be so addictively fun that even the most casual players will want to indulge themselves every once in a while. And there's nothing wrong with that.
In a nutshell, Free Realms is a potential behemoth on its way to be "the next big thing."
P.S. Nice to see MMORPG finally added Free Realms to their site... why didn't they do that like 9 months ago ? : )
Suffice it to say that: anyone who can't understand the anti-SOE sentiment, or the SOE-skepticism hasnt been in MMO gaming for very long. And THAT is why SOE is targeting a younger generation of pee-wee gamers.
That aside: I'd never play FreeRealms becasue to me playing a game that is so directly focused on younger gamers is sort of like, some older guy hanging around the playground saying... "What?! I just like how the teeter-toter feels!.... no really....".
Creeeee-eee-eeeepy! I just couldn't bring myself to play it; not when there are so many other great alternatives for older gamers out there all ready.
All's I can say is that I really hope SOE is ready to instate very heavy in-game moderation for this product. In the past they have had extremely poor in game CS or rules enforcement. That is at least one thing that SOE will have to change if they are going to create a place online for large numbers of kids to gather. If they dont heavly moderate Free Realms then... well thats just irrespnsible.
A Michael Jackson paradise!
looks good though
Heh...people who have played Wizard101 understand...and aren't worried about the Pedophiles...The chat system works...it will frustrate some people because of limited dictionaries...or for the truely young who have to use predetermined chat phrases.
I'm looking forward to it...we liked Wizard101...and my girls love Webkinz...the Freerealms sounds cheaper than that model...and if SOE was smart they would market real world pets wtih Virtual Pets...
How ironic will it be if this MMO for kids ended up being the most enjoyable MMO in recent years?
I'm no kid, but will give it a shot. The Quick Chat is a great idea, I just wonder how they intend to enforce the age restriction. If they can keep the vast majority of kids in that safe zone, the community environment could be very nice for everyone.
As far as the micro-payment model, I've slowly surrendered many of my objections to the concept. To get good MMORPGs, there needs to be a strong business model to support the development costs. If the micro-payment model solidifies as a viable business model and this leads to better games down the road, I'm all for it.
The genre needs innovations. Maybe the freedom of designing to an audience with out the jaded expectations of the established MMORPG vets will be a good thing for the creative process.
This is Free Realms. Free to download and play and supported by ad-revenue, a subscription of $4.99 a month to remove ads and open up 40% more options, $9.99 for a family subscription and micro-transactions for “fluff” items. Free to choose how you play as all aspects of the game are valid career choices.
Okay, sounds like a rip off. If you release a game and cal it "F2P" then all content shud be free and options to.
This will be the face of Soe and RMT >[
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Lots of great comments on the F2P business model.
But it's five bucks.
I agree that all "content" (levels, areas, quests, etc...) should be free in order to qualify a game as F2P. A good F2P model is one where the player can play the entire game from start to finish, through all levels and quests, but has the option to buy goodies (preferably convenience or cosmetic items only - nothing that gives an undue game play advantage to those who purchase items over those who play for free), remove advertisements, etc... The cash shop items should be designed and market in such a way that players really, really want them (incentive to purchase), but are never required to do so.
If that's what you mean, I agree. If you're stating that "everything" should be free, then I disagree. Game companies are business, not charities.
~Ripper
So after reading all these insightful comments I loaded the game, created an acct and spent the past 2 hours playing.
It didn't take long at all to get the game up and running. The graphics were decent as was the game play. I have never played an MMO before that had only one profession. At least they had it broken into "subclasses."
I found the game to be pretty enjoyable. I didn't even mind the sandbox-ness of the game. Thanks to everyone for the comments. I only saw 2 advanced avitars. Lets see if I stick around past the 14 days.
Still looking forward to Free Realms. Even though the video advertizement I found online feels like I'm watching the World Of Warcraft commercials. I kept waiting to see William Shatner or Mr. T.
the game is still in closed beta
Free Realms will be going open beta in April
Again, when you put restrictions on the free account that limit the gameplay beyond special items, then the game is NOT free to play.
Free Realms is a misnomer, it is NOT free to play, but offers a free trial instead. You have to pay to play to access all areas of the game.
So this game most definite does not fit in the free to play category.
It's called free realms yet It's 5$ a month for all acsess. I could understand if they put a cash shop with fluff items but charging a monthly fee? Come on now... They should call it p2p realms ;)
It's called Free Realms because of the freedom you have within the game, not the revenue model. That being said, I think limiting content (zones, levels, quests, etc...) for free players means it's not really F2P. Granted, there appears to be more free content than in FusionFall or Wizard101, but both of those games are P2P games with unlimited free trials. Free Realms is being promoted as F2P, but with limited content.
Regardless, it looks like fun and I'm really interested in trying it out.
~Ripper
It's called Free Realms because of the freedom you have within the game, not the revenue model. That being said, I think limiting content (zones, levels, quests, etc...) for free players means it's not really F2P. Granted, there appears to be more free content than in FusionFall or Wizard101, but both of those games are P2P games with unlimited free trials. Free Realms is being promoted as F2P, but with limited content.
Regardless, it looks like fun and I'm really interested in trying it out.
~Ripper
Don't get me wrong , the game still looks quite good and I'm definitley going to give it a try. I just would've preffered that they put a fluff cash shop for a way of getting revenue as oppose to a sub. The game looks quite good though :) I'm happy that there will be finall another mmorpg on the market that isn't combat focused. Kind of tired of combat based mmorpgs these days.
To me this looks like a good business model for this type of game. This is not a game geared towards hardcore powerlevelers etc. I don't see a problem with the 5 dollar sub or 10 dollar family plan. It's obvious what this is geared towards. Families playing together, or kids playing with their friends and not combat focused. Having stores in game that require cash, I see no problem with this either. I should also say I started playing EQ1 the first day it came out and same with EQ2. I've never had anything against soe and EQ1 was the best MMO I've ever played/best experience in online gaming. EQ2, I just didn't like it that much. If you have a problem with the stores in the game, don't play then. Your choice. I don't, so I will check it out.