As if nobody thought the persistent-world shooter filled with more in-game advertising than every game before it combined, while simultaneously charging a monthly fee, was going to be free eventually.  The only real question on everyone's minds was how long it would take.

Well, the guessing is over because Vogster Entertainment has announced that CrimeCraft will be free by the end of October.  This is great news for me because my subscription ends on Oct. 24.

Here are some details about the change:

• Unlimited Free Trial –New CrimeCraft players will be able to experience the major features of the game for free for as long as they want.
 

• Varied Subscription Options – CrimeCraft will introduce a new Standard Subscription for $4.99/month in addition to the current $9.99/month Premium Subscription option. The major differences between the subscription levels is the extent of customization, skill slots, speed of experience gain and inventory capacity. Standard and Premium subscription features will also be showcased behind “velvet rope” areas to allow players to make a fully-informed subscription decision.
 

• Seamless Transition – Players can seamlessly convert from a free trial to a paying account and switch between subscription levels. Features will be placed “on hold” or unlocked based on the current subscription level.
 

• Original Gangsters – In appreciation of our current CrimeCraft customers, everyone that purchases the game between launch and the introduction of the free trial later this month will receive a third month of Premium Subscription at no cost, and a host of in-game rewards including an “Original Gangster” tag and icon for their characters as well as priority access to future content .
 

The boxed version of CrimeCraft that is sold exclusively at Best Buy and FutureShop retail stores will remain the ideal way to jump into the world of Sunrise City. It now includes three free months of premium membership, an initial stake of 100 gold bars and access to exclusive in-game items – virtual apparel from Marc Ecko and Atticus Clothing, a discount card for in-game purchases and a combat backpack to expand carrying capacity.

Despite CrimeCraft being a rather shallow shooter and its "persistent world" being not so persistent or immersive, you have to give the developers credit on this one.  They understand and acknowledge that their game isn't designed for monthly payments, which is certainly the cause for its low server population--around 250 people when I was playing over a month ago.  And, rather than be stubborn about it and keep their current business model, they've opted to change it up.  Good for them.

The best part?  They are providing a lot of incentive for gamers who were on the fence about the game, and who ultimately decided the monthly fee would keep them away.  In addition to the new business model, Vogster has also said that there is going to be a new content update to the game around the same time, which they say will bring a lot of new features to the game.

The downside to this news is that it may just be too little too late.  Buzz for APB has grown since the announcement of the open beta program, and a lot of new Fall titles are coming out around the same time.  Trying to bring in new players around the same time as the launch of Borderlands and Modern Warfare 2 is going to be difficult.  Top it off with the recent launch of Aion and the gaming community seems to have its hands full already.  I know I will.