Rift Lite introduces free-to-play options

Trion Worlds has expanded the trial version of its flagship MMO, essentially making the game free-to-play.

Rift Lite drops the time limit and lets new players enjoy the the game for free until they reach level 20. If they enjoy the game, they can sign up for full membership, with the lower subscription fees introduced last month.

Rift was first released in March last year. Lite debuts today with the latest patch, Carnival of the Ascended.

"In the past ten months, Rift has evolved at a breakneck pace, through seven massive updates that set new expectations for live MMOs, in features, content and service," said Trion CCO and Rift’s executive producer Scott Hartsman.

"We think a Lite edition with no time limit is the best way for players to see what an amazing experience Rift continues to be."

Blizzard’s market-leading MMO World of Warcraft employed a similar strategy last summer.