Electronic Arts’ upcoming free-to-play MMORG Need for Speed World is being readied for a July 20th release, the publisher announced earlier today. The game is being developed at EA’s Black Box studio in collaboration with EA Singapore, and has been in beta-test since 2009.
Along with the release date, EA also provided details on the game’s payment model, which isn’t entirely micro-transaction-based. When World goes live, one will be able to download a free client from the game’s official website. Downloading the client will allow access to all races, pursuits and career progression up to level 10 in World’s ingame driver growth system. Progressing any further, however, will require purchase of the Need for Speed World Starter Pack.
The Starter Pack, which costs $20, will allow access to the rest of the game, and will also open up the option of additional purchases such as power-ups or double experience periods, which are entirely unavailable to free subscribers. Pre-ordering this pack will give you a head start on July 13th — a whole week before the game’s official launch, throughout which the game will present you with increased experience points.
