IndustryGamers - Informing the Games Industry

LEGO Universe Building A Free-To-Play Option

Posted June 21, 2011 by M.H. Williams

The LEGO Group announced today that its wholly-owned MMO, LEGO Universe, will be adding a free-to-play option beginning this August.  In addition, players will no longer need the retail box to play the game, with a new digital download option. 

“The LEGO Group remains committed to success in the digital space and to LEGO Universe,” said Jesper Vilstrup, VP of the LEGO Group. “We see LEGO Universe as a key element for our digital play division, and are adjusting the business model to make the game more accessible to players, without the immediate obligation to purchase or subscribe.”

The subscription model will remain a part of the game, with a $10 per month fee for paid players, while free players will only be able to access a “limited selection” of game content.  Users with a full subscription can access all the adventure zones and property worlds, including further expansions like the upcoming Ninjago content.

LEGO Universe is fully-owned by the LEGO Group after it acquired the game from Gazillion in Feb of 2011.

M.H. Williams has been writing in some form or another for ten years and has been a hardcore gamer since the NES first graced American shores.  You can catch him on Twitter as @AutomaticZen, Google+ as himself, or on his personal Facebook page.