While free-to-play since launching in April 2009, the virtual world supports a microtransaction model allowing users to purchase in-game items or to upgrade their membership status.
“Our players wanted a summer of fun in Free Realms, so that’s what we’ve provided. With new items, jobs and quests being added to the virtual world, there are more ways than ever to explore Free Realms,” said SOE president John Smedley. “Our continued innovation and consistent player engagement have built an incredible forward momentum to take Free Realms into its second year, and beyond.”
Smedley said last September that a PS3 version of Free Realms would release in 2010, “toward the middle of the year", and that it is expected to support PlayStation Eye functionality.
A study earlier this month forecast that global revenues generated from free-to-play and micotransaction-based titles will more than double over the next five years to $7 billion.