The Guild Wars 2 core game is now free-to-play. ArenaNet was not bluffing when it recently revealed this at PAX Prime. But flipping the coin, its long-anticipated expansion, Heart of Thorns, will cost $50 - the original price of the game - to play.
The Guild Wars 2 was not the first one to have switched to free-to-play, as reported in Inquisitr. Many MMOs, such as Lord of the Rings Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Dungeons and Dragons, were the first ones to have declared as such. The report also mentioned that the Gears of War was among the fraction of buy-to-play which had dropped their initial price altogether, giving players the freedom to explore Tyria without paying a single cent.
Players who would like to share the game with their friends and families, or those who are just plain curious about Guild Wars can download it at the game's official site and start playing for free.
As in any other free-to-play games, The Gears of War core game has restrictions. Existing players still have some advantages, while new ones will have to make do with limited characters and bag slots, as reported in Realty Today. New players will only have 2 character slots and 3 bag slots, but can be both upgraded to 5 when purchased. Those who play for free are confined to certain zones until level goals are released (level 10 to exit starter zones, level 60 for World Vs. World, and player versus player content). To prevent disturbing paid players, the free-to-play subscribers can use local chats and whispers, but not the map chat.
MCV added that free-to-play gamers have no Guild Bank access, no daily login bonus, no gold to gem conversion, and no forum access. The report also mentioned that ArenaNet would be bringing in 10-player raids and Legendary Armor to the full-featured expansion, The Heart of Thorns, on October 23.
With this move from ArenaNet, players and fans would then ask if the developer is heading in that direction. Mike O'Brien, the studio's president, was quick to point out that they made this decision to invite new players to try out the game for free; and make them experience what existing subscribers had been enjoying in playing Guild Wars. Once hooked in the game, they are optimistic that newbie players will likewise get fond of their next releases as well, such as the expansion The Heart of Thorns.
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