Skip to main content

Long read: The beauty and drama of video games and their clouds

"It's a little bit hard to work out without knowing the altitude of that dragon..."

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Anarchy Online now subscription-free

You don't even need a credit card to sign up.

Funcom is removing all barriers to the world of its science fiction MMORPG Anarchy Online, dispensing with subscription fees and even the need to use a credit card to sign up, the developer announced this week.

All you have to do to play Anarchy Online for free is register an AO account before January 15th 2005. Do that and you can play the thing for free until 2006. Existing players merely have to re-register to qualify for the same free play.

Although the deal doesn't apply to expansion packs like Shadowlands, the original version of the game is available for download on Funcom's website. Full details of the freebie campaign can be found here.

"But... why!?" you're probably wondering. Well, according to Tronde Arne Aas, Funcom pres and CEO, "This unique move will allow us to test important new business models prior to announcing future online games."

Reason enough for us. Less money, mo' MMO.