DC Universe Online release date set for January 11th

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[UPDATE — Sony Online Entertainment shot us an e-mail to clarify that the lifetime subscription plan is only available to PC users. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.]

Sony Online Entertainment has confirmed to IGN in an interview that upcoming MMO DC Universe Online will be available on January 11th in the US, followed quickly by the UK on the 14th. The ongoing beta will be concluded with a repeat of history as players there will get the unique opportunity to re-experience the battle of the game’s opening cinematic alongside the heroes and villains.

Along with the release date is news of a “lifetime subscription” plan. Buyers of DC Universe Online for either PC or PS3 will receive 30 days of playtime in the game with their purchase. Additional time will be charged at $15 a month. Alternatively, players can opt to pay $199 and have access to the game for as long as it runs.

First, I’m a little bit surprised to hear that SOE is going to launch the game so quickly. I’ve been playing the beta on my PS3 and I’m somewhat worried that it might release with issues if they only have another three weeks to pump into fixing bugs. Not impossible, certainly, but it’s going to be hell in their offices.

And then there’s the “lifetime subscription” thing. If you were to break down the cost of the one-time payment into chunks at the monthly rate, you’re looking at the same as if you paid for 13 months and bought a small latte. Buying in is placing a bet on two things: That the game runs for 14 months (you got one free) and is able to maintain your interest for that entire stretch of time and beyond.

 

Sony already has an uphill battle with trying to acclimate console gamers to the idea of subscription-based gaming. The lifetime subscription may be asking a bit much of gamers who are either unfamiliar with the trappings of MMO games. Similarly, those who know them all too well may balk at the idea of paying in on a largely unproven proposition at such a high initial investment.

DC Universe Online Gets a Release Date [IGN via Joystiq]

 


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