WildStar is going free-to-play. That much has been known for awhile now. Today, the game's developer Carbine Studios has announced exactly when it'll be set to launch.
NC Soft and Carbine announced today that WildStar's free-to-play launch will be September 29, 2015. The F2P is currently in closed beta, the second phase of which will begin today, focusing on fine-tuning the update's changes prior to its release.
The free-to-play launch will be more than just a business model conversion. It will also be the game's biggest update, seeing the addition of all new content, enhanced game systems, and tons of quality-of-life improvements that will please any die-hard fan of the game.
The first phase of the closed beta focused on testing the improved player experience. The second phase is intended to ensure that the economic aspects of the free-to-play transition are launch-ready.
Players participating in the beta will also be able to test out the new in-game store by purchasing NCoin, a new currency based on real money. All NCoin transactions will be copied to players' beta characters, and allow them to test the entire purchasing process. Any NCoin that they buy will then be transferred in full to their live characters once the free-to-play update goes live.
Any current subscriber of the game can opt-in to check out the free-to-play beta, as well as non-subscribers who have been invited and redeemed a closed beta key. You can sign up for the test by visiting the official website.
WildStar's a pretty awesome game. We loved it in our review.
