Spellborn to have free starter zone

By Oli Welsh Published 30 September, 2008

After that, it's subscription-only.

Spellborn International, Dutch developer of the fantasy MMO Chronicles of Spellborn, has confirmed that the game will have a free-to-play starting zone, but that you will need to pay a subscription if you want to explore the entire game.

Confusion arose after the zone was mentioned in a press release from the game's American publisher, Acclaim - owned by game industry playboy Dave Perry, and known for its free online games. The US will share a 27th November release with Europe.

"The Chronicles of Spellborn is not a Free2Play game," said the developer.

"There is indeed a Free2Play zone, i.e. the starting area. We... are still looking into the extent of said area. That means that you, players, can test the game for free, and then have to go for a regular subscription to continue playing the game and level up your character.

"Second, there are no item malls, there is no item selling."

It was explained the the developer feels a completely free starting zone will get the game more attention than the more traditional free 14-day trial. This model has already been used with some success by French indie MMO Dofus.

The free zone will apply to both European and North American versions of the game. Subscription charges for Chronicles of Spellborn have not been decided yet.

Picture of Oli.

About Oli Welsh

Oli is Eurogamer's acting deputy editor and reviews editor and likes to take things one word at a time. He is among the best dressed people in South London.

Read more articles from Oli by visiting the Oli Welsh archive page.

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Comments (3) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Rirekon #1 3 years ago

    "It was explained the the developer feels a completely free starting zone will get the game more attention than the more traditional free 14-day trial. This model has already been used with some success by French indie MMO Dofus."

    RuneScape has used this model for 6+ years...

  • craziii #2 3 years ago

    lets the good times roll.

  • tenebrae #3 3 years ago

    As far as I can remember, the starter area for Saga of Ryzom was completely free as well. I think they added a level cap later on, but it was still a free zone. This was of course under the previous management - the new ones might end up doing things differently.