CCP: Dust 514 'cover charge' scrapped

EVE Online developer CCP has changed its mind regarding the payment system for its upcoming first-person shooter Dust 514, now stating that the game will be completely free-to-play. CCP CEO Hilmar Veigar Petursson had originally said that a "cover charge" would be in place that would require players spend a specific amount of money on in-game credits before they could gain access to the game. In-game credits would then also be available to buy for real money, giving players access to extra items and weapons. However, the company's executive producer Brandon Laurino has now admitted to Eurogamer that it was "a relatively confusing proposition," and revealed that the "cover charge" has now been removed. Instead, this described charge will be available as a Starter Pack for those players would want to purchase it. However, it will not be a necessary purchase, and the game can be played without it. "It's very important as we take steps into this topic to unambiguously state that it is not a pay to win game," he explained. "There is no micro-transaction that you can do that gives you an unfair advantage over someone who hasn't paid anything." He continued, "It's the classic micro-transaction dynamic of, 'I can pay and get this item,' or, 'I can invest my time and get this item.' But neither of those options will give me an unfair advantage over the other." Dust 514, originally unveiled at GDC Europe in 2009, is due to be released this summer.