NCsoft Launches First Free-Play MMO Dungeon Runners

NCsoft has officially announced that it has moved into the free-to-play MMO model with the launch of Dungeon Runners, an online multiplayer action/RPG, with an optional monthly fee for more powerful items, weapons and armor. NCsoft says the game, which producer Stephen Nichols notes "doesn’t take itself too seriously," allows players to take on the role of fighter, mage or ranger, in a "classless" RPG with no locked skills associated with its archetypes. The game's focus is on action, limited death penalties and endless amounts of gold and items looks after battles. The game's "subtle and not-so-subtle" humor is reflected throughout with various otherwise powerful items known as "Shifty’s Crystal Sword of the Hypersonic Monkey" and "Pulsating Dragon Eye Amulet of the Thorny Donkey." More importantly, the game marks the first play-for-free title from the publisher, which promises "large chunks of the game’s content," and an additional "membership level" for a monthly $4.99. A member level account gives players, says NCsoft, log-in queue priority, access to the most powerful items, weapons and armor, bank storage for up to 220 loot items and the ability to stack potions in one slot so players can carry more loot. Said NCsoft CEO Robert Garriott, “Dungeon Runners is a bold leap into a new business model for NCsoft and it is taking us into a new direction in terms of the kind of games we can provide our customers. There are plenty of other ‘free’ games available for online RPG fans, but none that packs as many features as Dungeon Runners has or comes with the NCsoft stamp of quality. We expect that players will receive this game warmly because it is fast, fun and free. It is hard to beat that deal.”