ArchLord removes monthly subscription fees and becomes a free to play service as the fantasy MMORPG builds towards the release of the expansion, Episode 2: Season of Siege.

ArchLord, the epic fantasy MMORPG where one player can rise to become the ruler of the world, is to become a free to play service with no monthly subscription fee, Codemasters Online Gaming announced today.

As of the 4th January 2007, no further subscription payments will be required to play ArchLord. The period of 4th December to 4th January 2007 will be the games last official billing period before the game switches to a service with no monthly subscription fee.

Existing 3, 6 or 12-month ArchLord subscribers will be eligible for refunds as part of the switch to a free to play service; for further details visit <gp_link type="http" loc="//www.archlordgame.com/freetoplay">www.archlordgame.com/freetoplay</gp_link>

As ArchLord moves to being a free to play game, Codemasters Online Gaming will be offering free in-game credits to all existing and future players. The credits will enable players to access the Chantra shop and purchase a range of in-game enhancements to assist players within the game.

ArchLord will continue to receive content updates, including the hotly-anticipated Episode 2, a free expansion, which is due to launch in the coming weeks and will available to all existing players.

New players who purchase a retail copy of ArchLord will also be able to play without paying for a subscription. The ArchLord retail box provides players with 30 days free play and, at the end of this period, the game will have switched to its free subscription model.

Comments Adam McGowan, Product Marketing Manager for Codemasters Online Gaming,

"We are extremely pleased to offer gamers the chance to play ArchLord for free. With both the switch to free to play and huge new forthcoming content updates in the form of the free new Episode 2 expansion, we hope to see many more players joining ArchLord, taking their opportunity to raise an army and rule the world."

For further details on the free to play service, visit <gp_link type="http" loc="//www.archlordgame.com/freetoplay">www.archlordgame.com/freetoplay</gp_link>