The LEGO Group announces that today marks the beginning of the recently announced free-to-play era in LEGO Universe, the online virtual world based on the virtual world of LEGO blocks. Here's word on what you get for your no money:

The LEGO Universe free-to-play experience offers a selection of game content, including two adventure zones and one player property area for building your own virtual LEGO models as well as access to thousands of other players' Properties. Paying members will have access to all areas in the full game, along with membership benefits such as competitions and community events. In addition to the 15+ robust adventure zones and instances as well as 5+ property worlds currently in-game, access to new expansions, like major Ninjago content coming later this year, will require players to register for full membership.