Trion Worlds launched its 1.2 update for RIFT today, adding the second massive content patch since its March 1st launch. But today also marks the start of a new 7-day trial and "Ascend-a-Friend" program option. Starting today, players can sign up for seven days of RIFT for free. As an added incentive, subscribers  can invite an unlimited number friends to try the game, and if they decide to purchase it, that player can earn several in-game rewards which include: Courage, an in-game canine pet, the Trailblazer hat and the Swift Ember Steed.

Additionally, subscribers that invite another player that buys the game will also earn a power that will allow them to summon each other once every 30 minutes. Check out the official press release after the break for more details.

TRION ­DEBUTS 7-DAY RIFT™ FREE TRIAL AND ASCEND-A-FRIEND PROGRAMS 

Sign up now for the RIFT 7-day Free Trial at www.RIFTgame.com/freetrial

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. – May 10th, 2011 – Trion Worlds today launched two new programs designed to give gamers a free taste of the immensely popular fantasy MMORPG, RIFT™. The RIFT 7-day Free Trial lets players experience the besieged world of Telara for a full week at no cost, and the Ascend-a-Friend program rewards current subscribers who find recruits for the Guardian and Defiant ranks. The new initiatives coincide with the debut of RIFT 1.2, the latest and most extensive game update so far. RIFT 1.2 adds several features, including Facebook integration, new 10-person raid content, and three new dynamic zone events. 

“Since launching just over two months ago, RIFT has dramatically disrupted the online gaming landscape, giving players the most massive, dynamic, and engaging MMO experience currently available,” said Scott Hartsman, Executive Producer, RIFT. “With the Free Trial and Ascend-a-Friend programs, we’re opening the floodgates, inviting all into this amazing world to experience what gamers around the world already know – that Telara is the new destination for serious MMO players.”

By signing up at www.RIFTgame.com/freetrial, would-be RIFT players can quest, PvP, and battle back planar invasions free for a full week. Free Trial players can upgrade to the full game anytime, taking their newly-minted characters with them.

With the Ascend-a-Friend program, current RIFT players can give an unlimited number of 7-day passes to their friends. If a recruit purchases the game, the recruiter will receive one or more of the following awesome rewards:  

·         Ascend 1 Friend – It’s like getting two friends for the price of one! If just a single buddy purchases RIFT, you’ll receive Courage, a fiercely loyal and utterly adorable canine companion.

·         Ascend 2 Friends – You’re immensely popular, and you know it. Demonstrate this undeniable fact by donning the glorious Trailblazer Hat, which you’ll receive after Ascending a pair of peers.  

·         Ascend 3 Friends – You don’t get this many friends through charm alone. By bringing three new subscribers into the game, you’ll receive the Swift Ember Steed mount, a terrifying equine wreathed in flame that is sure to turn heads in Telara.

Additionally, Ascended friends’ characters will be automatically added to the player’s Friends List, and both will gain the ability to summon each other once every 30 minutes. 

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About RIFT

Adventure in the world of Telara as either a noble Guardian or technomagical Defiant and enter a dynamic fantasy where 8 primal forces battle for control in an ever-changing landscape. Build your own class using the Ascended Soul system, embark on epic conflicts that bring you into the story, battle others in exhilarating Player vs. Player combat, achieve new heights of power by tackling epic raids, and so much more. See www.RIFTgame.com for more information.

Free Trial Information

Signing up for the Free Trial will grant new players a digital copy and up to seven (7) consecutive days of access to RIFT. To continue your travels in Telara once your trial period has ended, you will need to purchase the game software at a retail store or digital distributor, or directly from Trion at www.riftgame.com/buynow and update your Account subscription information with a valid credit, debit or official RIFT Game Time Card to pay the monthly recurring subscription fee. Entering billing information prior to the end of the trial period will terminate the free service and result in the loss of the balance of any unused trial period. Certain gameplay restrictions apply. Gameplay and offer subject to Trion Worlds’ Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and RIFT End User License Agreement. See www.RIFTgame.com/freetrial for more details.