Uncharted 3 Multiplayer Goes Free-to-Play

Naughty Dog released a free-to-play version of the multiplayer for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception on PlayStation Network Tuesday.

The free client for the popular third-person shooter for PlayStation 3 delivers the same multiplayer experience as the full version with some restrictions.

Free-to-play competitive multiplayer for Uncharted 3 will only let players advance up to level 15. The cooperative play modes are not included as part of the free download.

However, developer Naughty Dog has introduced a new pay model that will allow players to dive deeper into the multiplayer for Uncharted 3 without actually purchasing the game. Players who want to advance up to level 25 can pay a fee of $4.99. Level cap restrictions can be removed altogether for a cost of $19.99.

Advancing levels unlocks content such as new weapons and more playable characters. Players who reach their level cap and continue playing will not unlock additional content. However, the game will keep track of hours logged so those items will be unlocked as soon as the player pays for more content. Items will also be available to purchase individually via microtransactions.

Gamers who want to experience the game with friends can purchase co-op elements. The co-op arena mode is priced at $9.99 while the co-op adventure mode can be purchased for $11.99.

The Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year Edition is also available digitally for $39.99 to give players the complete Uncharted 3 experience, including the solo campaign, multiplayer and all DLC.

Players who already own the full version of Uncharted 3 will receive a Naughty Dog paw shirt for their custom character as a thank you for already purchasing the game. More than 3.5 million gamers have already played multiplayer matches in Uncharted 3.

Naughty Dog is expected to release more than 40 more bonus items through DLC in the coming months, each with a different theme.

Uncharted 3 multiplayer is just the latest example of the continuing transition to free-to-play within the games industry. Game developers believe the subscription-based and microtransaction models are the future of gaming on all platforms.