Dungeons & Dragons Online Free-to-play Model Sees 40% Increase in Subscriptions

Dungeons & Dragons Online has seen growth doubling internal expectations and a 40% increase in subscribers since moving to a free-to-play model supported by premium subscriptions and microtransactions, developer Turbine told Ars Technica.

"[Free players] get to try the game, not be constrained by a one-week trial, and then decide when they've made the commitment that they're engaged enough that they're ready to spend money," executive producer Fernando Paiz told the site.

Free accounts are limited in available classes, races, and quests, which can be brought individually with microtransactions or are included with the $15 monthly VIP subscription. Various items, equipment, buffs and cosmetic options are on sale to all.

"We have a good chunk of the population that is spending more than $15 a month," said Paiz. "The traditional subscription model can only make X dollars off a player. This kind of removes that cap."