During the EVE Vegas event, the developers of the space MMORPG EVE Online announced that they want to expand the Free2Play mode.
The Free2Play option was introduced at the end of last year in EVE Online. This allows players to create what is called an Alpha clone. While this allows anyone to play EVE Online for free, it comes with significant restrictions. For example, Alpha clones cannot fly all ships and are limited in training.
Free2Play had too many restrictions
Although the Free2Play option was initially well-received, over time it became clear that the limitations were too severe. Hardly anyone wanted to play an Alpha clone and either stopped shortly after or upgraded their account to Omega clones. The latter are the regular accounts without restrictions.
Restrictions will be relaxed
To make the Free2Play mode of EVE Online more attractive, the developers announced they would soften the limitations for Alpha clones. Generally, Free2Play customers can look forward to these features:
- Alpha clones can also fly battlecruisers and combat ships
- It is possible to train skills of any faction
- Alpha clones can mix skills from different races to also pilot hybrid ships
- You may train up to 20 million skill points. However, only if you buy skill injectors or upgrade to Omega status
- Alpha clones will have access to Tech-2 capabilities for small and medium weapons. However, it is not possible to fly special Tech-2 versions of some ships
Developers monitor the system
Although Alpha clones will still not be able to learn all skills for every ship, they will have considerably more options if they use their skill points strategically. CCP Games plans to keep a close eye on Free2Play players to see if this system is better received and if there are any weaknesses that could lead to abuse.
The revised Free2Play option is expected to be introduced in December this year, after the release of the next addon “Lifeblood”, which is planned for October.
The upcoming expansion “Lifeblood” of the MMORPG EVE Online will introduce, among other things, resource wars to the space MMO.
