MMO specialist NCsoft has launched a series of ‘Starter Packs’ for its major franchises Guild Wars, City of Heroes/City of Villains and Lineage II, priced at £1.99.

Each pack gives players 14 days of play time on each title to serve as an introduction to MMORPG gaming. Players who wish to take their experience further can return to their retail outlet to purchase the full version of the game, which then integrates into the player’s game account.

Sci-fi action MMO Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa will join the Starter Pack range when it is released later this year.

“The Starter Packs are an exciting retail initiative to drive physical sales of NCsoft titles at store level,” said Northern European sales manager for NCsoft Europe Duncan Hamilton.

“At £1.99 they represent great value for money to players interested in online gaming and through their messaging will drive sales back to the retail outlet. In an ever increasingly digitally orientated retail environment, encouraging players to return to retail is a win win for both outlet and publisher.”