DC Universe Online Free-to-Play Mode for PC, PS3 Arriving in October [VIDEO]

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) announced on Monday that the popular massively multiplayer online (MMO) game DC Universe Online will get a new boost in a free-to-play mode in October. The online action adventure has already logged more than 42 million hours of gameplay since its launch earlier this year.

The players, beginning late October, will be able to download and access DCUO for free on both the PlayStation 3 and PC. SOE, as a part of the transition, will be introducing three new access levels to the game - Free, Premium and Legendary.

All the three levels will allow open world gameplay and missions, general game updates and fixes to the game. Each of the levels will also offer different game options and benefits to the player.

When we launched DC Universe Online, we introduced a very different brand of massive online game driven by fast action combat to PC and PS3^TMgamers and with that, we discovered a new type of online gamer, said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment, in the official press release. We've listened to our community, and we've determined that the free-to-play model is the best fit for DC Universe Online.

All three levels will provide access to the current game, but will allow reverse tiers of convenience and flexibility. The levels are:

Free: New players will have access to the current gameplay in DC Universe Online, including Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts, with the ability to create at least two characters, join a league and access to many other benefits. Free level players will also be able to purchase downloadable game packs/updates, additional character slots, powers and more through microtransactions.

Premium: This is for any player who has spent at least $5, including former paid subscribers and new players who have purchased $5 of in-game items. The player will automatically qualify for the Premium access level. Premium level players will enjoy more benefits available to them compared to the Free level player, including additional character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. Downloadable adventure packs, additional character slots, and more can also be purchased in-game.

Legendary: The player will gain access to maximum features and benefits that are included at this level. The level is loaded with enhanced additional features and access to it will be for $14.99 per month. The pack includes notable features including all DLC packs at no cost, more than 15 character slots, more than 80 inventory slots, and the ability to form unrestricted-sized leagues.

Our philosophy embraces learning from our experience and as a pioneer in the free-to-play space with proven successful games like Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures, we believe this new model will expand the DCUO experience and offer more options that cater to every type of player so they can play the game in a way that fits them, Smedley added.

According to the press release, the back story of the game goes like this: 'Lex Luthor has traveled back through time with news of a dire future: While the heroes and villains spent years battling amongst themselves, Brainiac has been feeding on their powers, building strength to return to Earth and destroy humanity. To change the future, Lex has come back to set off a device that bestows super powers to thousands of every-day citizens and give humanity a fighting chance. Can Brainiac be stopped, or is this another nefarious Lex Luthor plot?'