Archive notice: This article was originally published on February 27, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Free Realms, a free virtual online world being developed for children and families by Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), has reached closed beta in its development. SOE is currently accepting initial registrations for the open beta, which is scheduled to begin in early April. To participate in the open beta, players of all ages can register at http://www.freerealms.com.
Free Realms is currently at the important stage of development known as beta. Beta testing is the final step in game development and the first opportunity for a small number of selected players from outside the company to experience the game.
“The beta-testing phase is an essential factor in the success of a video game, and we invite children, parents and video-game fans of all ages to register and help us during the final weeks before Free Realms is released,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “Ten years ago, SOE launched EverQuest, the video game that defined the online role-playing genre, and this spring we are releasing Free Realms, a game that I believe expands and enriches the online gaming experience for children and truly demonstrates how rapidly online games are evolving.”
Free Realms brings to life a whimsical virtual world where players can come together online on PC in completely new ways, in a safe, family-friendly environment. Free Realms offers a variety of gameplay mechanics, including exploration, combat, motor racing, pet raising, mini-games and social networks.
Free Realms offers users numerous game elements, including:
Free gameplay: Free Realms is free to play, though additional content can be accessed through a subscription or microtransaction.
Comprehensive character creation: With thousands of possible changes and combinations, players can give free rein to their imagination and create the perfect avatar.
Be what you want to be: Characters are not tied to classes or professions—you can be a wizard one minute and become a racing driver the next.
Child-safe: Parental-control options enable safe settings for younger players, including pre-screened chats, reporting and filters.
Something for everyone: Players can look after animals, sort mail, race go-karts, fight goblins or prepare meals for their friends.
Vivid, richly detailed environments: Adventurous players can spend hours in villages, bustling cities, on beaches, in forests, on snow-covered mountains and in other exciting places.
Connect with friends: Whether meeting old friends or finding new ones, the Free Realms social network helps players stay connected. Simply log in, see what friends are doing and click their avatar to join them in Free Realms.
Everyone can join in: Free Realms is designed to run on almost any PC. The game is streamed to the PC during play, so Free Realms requires little storage and downloads quickly.
