Are you planning on entering the
Rift when it is released on March 1st? The news today contains several incentives that should help you decide. I doubt I'll be sucked into paying to play while I have a little girl that demands my attention, but Rift is seriously impressing me. Regardless, let's look at the news.
First, players who
pre-order the game (which can be done starting today) will get access to all remaining closed beta events. They will also be eligible to participate in a "head-start period" that should begin on February 24. That's right - early access to the game you were going to be playing anyway.
Next, there are three different flavors of the game to purchase: Standard, Digital Collector's, and Retail Collector's Edition. We
already knew that, though, so nothing new on that front.
Finally, subscription information is available here. The standard monthly fee is $14.99. Players can subscribe for 3 months for $11.99/month or 6 months for $9.99/month. These 3 and 6-month blocks have special "Founders Subscription" pricing which will most likely go up after March 15. As long as you allow the charge to happen on a recurring basis, you'll be locked in at that rate. Read
all the fine print here.
RIFT™ SET TO LAUNCH MARCH 1, 2011
Retail and Digital Pre-Order Start Today
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. – January 4, 2011 – Trion Worlds, a global publisher and developer of premium online games, today announced that the upcoming MMORPG Rift™ is scheduled to launch in North America on March 1st and in Europe on March 4th. Today also marks the start of the game’s pre-order program through both digital and retail channels.
“The launch of Rift is the culmination of our tireless efforts over the past several years to bring players the most complete, full-featured, and dynamic online game they’ve ever experienced,” said Lars Buttler, CEO of Trion Worlds. “Through the dedication, creativity, and incredible track record of our veteran development team, we’ve been able to create an exceptionally polished and immersive online world filled with adventure, surprise, and beauty. We can’t wait to share Rift with players around the world.”
Beginning today, customers who pre-order Rift receive their choice of one-of-three exclusive in-game pets, and are eligible to participate in the head-start period anticipated to begin February 24th. Pre-order customers will also be granted access to play in all remaining closed-beta events. Beta details, including a regularly updated event schedule, are available at http://www.RIFTgame.com/beta.
Available for purchase online and at select retail outlets, the Standard, Digital Collector’s and Retail Collector’s Editions of the game will sell for $49.99, $59.99 and $79.99 USD, respectively. The standard monthly subscription rate for the game will be $14.99 USD.
Rift will also offer a limited-time “Founder’s Pricing” for players, featuring a $9.99 USD/month price for a multi-month subscription. For more information on Founder’s Pricing and subscription details, visit http://www.RIFTgame.com/subscriptions.
For all info on the Collector’s Editions, pre-order incentives, and subscription plans, please visit http://www.RIFTgame.com/preorder.
Rift is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with the following content descriptors: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language and Violence.
For the latest info on Rift, please visit http://www.RIFTgame.com.
