Sony Online Entertainment today revealed that their MMO “DC Universe Online” will be going free to play in late October of this year on the PC and PlayStation 3.

The new free to play model will see different payment types which are free, premium and legendary models. Each model offers a little bit extra for those who are willing to pay a bit extra.

Here is a summary of what each model offers.

• Free: New players will now have access to the current gameplay inDC Universe Online (including Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts), with the ability to create two characters, join a league and many other benefits. Free level players will be able to purchase downloadable game packs/updates, additional character slots, powers and more through microtransactions.
• Premium: Any player who has spent at least $5 USD (including former paid subscribers and new players who have purchased $5 of in-game items) will qualify for the Premium access level. Premium level players will have more benefits available to them than the free level player, including additional character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. Downloadable adventure packs, additional character slots, and more can be purchased in-game.
• Legendary: Maximum features and benefits are included at this level. Loaded with enhanced additional features, Legendary access will be available for a $14.99 USD monthly fee and includes all DLC packs at no cost, more than 15 character slots, more than 80 inventory slots, the ability to form unrestricted-sized leagues, and many other benefits.

It is honestly surprising to see the MMO take up a free model so quickly since its release in January 2011. But with this game going free to play and with Cryptic’s Star Trek Online also going free to play it begs the question is the free to play model becoming more of a standard for AAA MMO titles and will the monthly models become more and more obsolete over time.

For more information of DC Universe Online going free to play check out http://www.dcuniverseonline.com/free/.