• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Gameranx

Gameranx

Video Game News, Lists & Guides

  • News
  • Features
  • Platforms
    • Xbox Series X
    • PS5
    • Nintendo
  • Videos
  • Upcoming Games
  • Guides
  • News
  • Features
  • Platforms
    • Xbox Series X
    • PS5
    • Nintendo
  • Videos
  • Upcoming Games
  • Guides

The Secret World Goes Free-to-Play, Subscriptions Now Optional

December 12, 2012 by Ian Miles Cheong

Without Alex Mack, the Secret World never had a chance.

the secret world of alex mack

A couple of months ago, Funcom attempted to assure players of its newest MMO, The Secret World, that the game would not be going free to play. Today, they're pretending that they've never said that and have simply gone ahead and dropped the game's subscription amid dropping player numbers.

Instead of a mandatory subscription system, the game will attempt to make its profit by selling booster packs next year. The first of these optional content packs is expected to come out in January next year, and is free for anyone who registers for the game before the end of December. You still need to buy the game to play it, so there's that.

Players who choose to remain subscribers can continue to pay $15 a month for the game. Those who do will gain access to what Funcom calls a "Time Accelerator" that doubles the experience you gain for an hour, every 16 hours. You'll also get $10 worth of Bonus Points to spend at the in-game item store every month. Additionally, you'll receive a 10 percent discount on all items in the in-game store and a free gift every month. 

If you're confident that the game isn't going to go the way of the dodo by this time next year, you can opt in for a Grand Master Lifetime subscription that earns you a 20 percent discount in the item store. 

Current subscribers will be credited today with 1200 bonus points and claim the Time Accelerator and free gift. 

This development is a sure sign that it's only a matter of time before every MMORPG on the market follows the Guild Wars 2 model and drops subscriptions. 

Thanks Eurogamer.

Share this post:

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest

Recent Videos

10 Games That Were Also EXPECTED TO FAIL

10 Games That Were Also EXPECTED TO FAIL

The Alters - Before You Buy

The Alters - Before You Buy

GAMESTOP MAKES BIG DECISION, GTA 6 MUSIC LEAK? & MORE

GAMESTOP MAKES BIG DECISION, GTA 6 MUSIC LEAK? & MORE

XBOX Handheld: 10 Things You NEED TO KNOW

XBOX Handheld: 10 Things You NEED TO KNOW

Mindseye - Before You Buy

Mindseye - Before You Buy

Dune Awakening - Before You Buy

Dune Awakening - Before You Buy

PS5 Pro - 6 MONTHS LATER

PS5 Pro - 6 MONTHS LATER

20 NOSTALGIC Easter Eggs You'll REGRET OVERLOOKING

20 NOSTALGIC Easter Eggs You'll REGRET OVERLOOKING

10 BRAND NEW Games of Summer Game Fest 2025

10 BRAND NEW Games of Summer Game Fest 2025

Category: Updates

Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Fortnite: How to Open the Suitcase of Patience
  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – All Music Record Locations | Connoisseur Achievement Guide
  • Cronos: The New Dawn Footage Begs You Not To Let Them Merge
  • The Best Video Game Deals Available Right Now
  • Rumor: Pricing & Release Window Leaked For Xbox ROG Ally Handhelds

Copyright © 2025 · Gameranx · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme