Codemasters announces that Archlord will launch across Europe on October 6 sans the PLAYplus payment system, instead opting for standard MMO subscription packages.

The PLAYplus payment system allowed players to choose from a range of monthly subscription packages, each offering different levels of in-game incentives at varying price points. Following experimentation with the system within the beta test and monitoring the feedback from thousands of ArchLord community members, the PLAYplus system will not be implemented for the game’s release.

ArchLord will now launch with a standard monthly subscription of UK £8.99, US $14.99, Europe €12.99 (plus applicable taxes). The single monthly subscription will also include free credits for all players to redeem against in-game enhancements. All players will receive the same amount of credits as part of the single monthly subscription, providing a level playing field for all subscribers.

Ed Relf, Director of Marketing, Codemasters Online Gaming, commented:

“We have listened to our community and delivered. From the start of the test of the PLAYplus system, we had an open dialogue with players to monitor reactions to the system. Thanks to their feedback and continued support, we are pleased to confirm that ArchLord will now launch with a single standard subscription package.

“Here at Codemasters Online Gaming we place great importance on our open dialogue with players and our ability to react positively to their constructive feedback. We wish to thank all players that spent time testing PLAYplus and the detailed feedback they provided us, which assisted in reaching the final subscription decision.”

Codemasters has announced that ArchLord, the upcoming MMORPG from the publisher, will make use of the PlayPLUS payment system, allowing gamers to purchase subscription packages that include both game time and in-game bonus credits.

There will be three levels, with the lowest starting at $10/month; it will include a month of play as well as 1500 credits for use in the game for “initial items and enhancements,” including teleportation spells, health boosts and others. Regular in-game items will still be freely available through the in-game currency system. The other two levels are $20 and $40, with each offering 3400 and 8000 credits, respectively.

This PlayPLUS system will be integrated into the game in time for its launch in Q3 2006. However, participants of the forthcoming beta test will be able to experience the system early.