The Armchair Empire writes in with an interview on Dungeons and Dragons Online 's move to free-to-play.
Armchair Empire: Why did you decide to switch to a Free-to-Play model for DDO?
DDO: We launched DDO over 3 years ago and LOTRO just over 2 years ago. Since then we’ve launched the games across Asia where they were competing with very successful free-to-play games. For several years we have had plans to enter this space. After looking at titles to import and even new games to create based on this model, we realized that DDO Gold was very well suited due to unique form of gameplay. D&D was always marketed in this way where players could buy a series of adventures and then when they were ready, they could head down to the hobby store and pick up some new ones and enhance their game experience with new dice, minis and other items. Everything just clicked, and a little over a year ago we went to work re-engineering the game to create a unique model that provided players with a choice in how they pay and play our game.
Armchair Empire: Were there any concerns about DDO’s existing community while deciding whether to adopt the Free-to-Play model?
DDO: We put a lot of focus on ensuring that our existing player base would get even more value out of their subscription and maintain the experience they have come to love over the years.
Armchair Empire: Was there a particular reason why Turbine chose Eberron Unlimited for taking a stab at the Free-to-Play model, as opposed to Lord of the Rings Online?
DDO: DDO Unlimited is much more suited for this model. LOTRO is a large, open world MMO and is doing quite well with its traditional subscription model.
Armchair Empire: What sort of gameplay / content updates are planned to coincide with Eberron Unlimited?
