Free Realms Launches On PS3 March 29

Sony Online Entertainment has announced that its freemium virtual world Free Realms will launch for the PlayStation 3 console on March 29. The game will be available as a free download through Sony’s PlayStation Network service. Free Realms launched in 2009 for PC and in 2010 for Mac. The game serves over 17 million registered users across both platforms. Free Realms is a virtual world suitable for all ages that lets young players hold one of a variety of jobs, raise virtual pets, and play mini-games.

“Free Realms continues to break new ground in the gaming industry– it will be the first free-to-play MMO to hit any console, the first family-friendly MMO to hit any console, and the second MMO, after our recent release of DC Universe Online, to hit the PlayStation 3 to date,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment, in a press statement. “As the only online games publisher that creates accessible and diverse gameplay experiences for the full spectrum of gamers, we are committed to burgeoning innovation and growing the MMO genre by leaps and bounds, bringing in players of all ages.”

The PS3 version of Free Realms will contain the same content found in the PC version with a “streamlined” user interface and allow players to unlock trophies through play. PS3 Free Realms will also support voice chat. SOE says that players will be able to download Free Realms from the PlayStation Store and begin adventuring “within minutes.” Users can click on the Game Guide to access the Activity Finder, Events Calendar, minigames, quests, and Match Making.

Free Realms will launch with 8 environments and 15 jobs available to players, who can switch between them freely. Players on the PS3 version will have access to the same perks as their PC and Mac counterparts, including player housing they can decorate by purchasing virtual goods. Players get access to over 800 quests and the ability to level each job through level 4 as free players. Players can purchase optional subscriptions to gain access to 400 more quests and the ability to level jobs up to level 20.

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