Codies make futuristic MMO RF Online a freebie

by Jason Dobson { Oct 17th 2007 at 1:59PM }

While it seems as if everyone and their brother has it in their head to release an MMO these days, most of these fall flat on on their faces before even being released, and those that do make it to retail face the unenviable task of drawing players away from the likes of World of Warcraft or Club Penguin. What's a publisher to do? Well in the case of Codemasters and the CCR-developed RF Online, you make the game free and cross your fingers hoping that people care enough to come play.

Codies officials today confirmed that RF Online, which launched in February 2006 to a host of mediocre reviews, is now "completely free" to download and play with no monthly subscription, complete with a newly released content update, Episode II: Pioneers of Novus.

The move smacks of desperation on the part of publisher, and echoes a similar effort with its poorly received MMO ArchLord, which was made free to play earlier this year. According to Codemasters, since that time the game has seen its player base grow by 700%...and if that figure translated to any money whatsoever that would mean something. As it stands, sure, anyone is willing to try anything once if it's free. We just wonder how long the company can continue to sustain these types of games without generating dollar one.

Tags: codemasters, mmorpg, rf online, RfOnline, subscription

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Zarim @ Oct 17th 2007 2:03PM

So does this mean that we'll start seeing billboards in the game asking me to take the Ford challenge?

Vegnagun @ Oct 17th 2007 2:06PM

Step 1: Make costly MMO free

Step 2: ???

Step 3: Profit?

Jerk Face @ Oct 17th 2007 2:10PM

Ha ha... Nice.

Shagittarius @ Oct 17th 2007 2:12PM

Futuristic MMOs = Teh Lo$$

mr nimblewick (SegaDF - Jogurt Ring) @ Oct 17th 2007 2:18PM

Does RF stand for Phantasy Star? Cause that's what I get from the screenshot.

NeoGohan @ Oct 17th 2007 2:33PM

RF stands for Rising Force

I love the intro song to the game. I think it's called The One or something similar to that. It's been too long. =\

8Balling @ Oct 17th 2007 11:00PM

Not sure what it stands for, but it is called "RF Online", and not Rising Force or Phantasy Star. (not sure how this becomes RF.)

And don't these MMOs start making "items for purchase" business model, such as CartRider? Cart Rider, while it is free, is making tons and tons of $$ with items users can purchase with real money.

Wiizull @ Oct 17th 2007 3:05PM

Looks cool. But no Mac version. :(

Taylor Falk @ Oct 17th 2007 2:50PM

AHAHAHAHAHA Mac!
That made my day

Wiizull @ Oct 17th 2007 3:11PM

And the Winner for Obligatory Mac Bashing Comment Because I Have No Taste And Hate Apple For No Reason.... Goes to TAYLOR FALK!!!

Congratulations!!

Taylor Falk @ Oct 17th 2007 4:08PM

Why thank you. You're machine for idiots is advertised more than some cars.

ThornedVenom @ Oct 17th 2007 2:52PM

It seemed like an extremely fun concept at the time: mechanoid bots vs. badass dudes vs. summoners.

Too little too late for this guy (because of school, no time). But it's going to hit the teenage crowd hard (because it's FREE!!@#$).

Jake @ Oct 17th 2007 3:14PM

Free sure but "RF Online now offers players the chance to purchase additional in-game credits to spend in the Novus Market."

My guess is that they make credits so hard to come by that you almost have to buy credits with real money, thats there angle.

Mainman @ Oct 17th 2007 3:36PM

The removal of a subscription fee would've mattered if it was a decent game in the first place.

timnc @ Oct 17th 2007 4:34PM

I downloaded the 1.5 gig installation file, created an account and after about 30 minutes decided this just isn't the game for me. Maybe WoW spoiled me with easy to use interfaces and industry standard keys. I almost bought this last year.... so glad I didn't.