NCSOFT announces an official launch date for the free-to-play version of
WildStar, saying Carbine's
sci-fi MMORPG will relaunch without subscription fees on September 29th. Here's
word on the launch, and how to try to get into beta testing in the meantime:
NCSOFT® and Carbine Studios™ announced today that sci-fi MMO WildStar’s
free-to-play update will launch 29th September, 2015. Additionally, the second
phase of the closed beta test started this week, focusing on fine-tuning the
update’s changes prior to release.
More than just a business model conversion, the free-to-play launch will be the
title’s biggest game update yet thanks to new content, enhanced game systems,
and countless quality of life improvements. Titled WildStar Reloaded, the
upcoming content update is the culmination of months of improvements and tweaks
that make the game bigger and better than ever. New players will enjoy a greatly
streamlined starting experience, while veteran players will be handsomely
rewarded for their loyalty. As an added perk, all players with active
subscriptions at the time of the free-to-play transition will also receive
exclusive items as a bonus.
While the first phase of the closed beta has been focused on testing the
improved player experience—including new content and tutorials—phase two will
ensure that the economic aspects of the free-to-play transition are
launch-ready. The second phase also offer invited players a risk-free
opportunity to test the new in-game store by buying NCoin—a real money currency
that is all new to WildStar. All NCoin purchased during the second phase will be
copied to players’ beta characters, allowing them to test the entire purchase
process and the purchased NCoin will then be transferred in full to their live
characters once the transition officially happens.
The free-to-play closed beta is accessible to all current subscribers, as well
as non-subscribers who have been invited and redeemed a closed beta key. Anyone
can sign up for a closed beta key by visiting the official
WildStar site and
clicking the “Sign Up For Beta” button.