Ten Ton Hammer - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes officially went free-to-play today and the heroes of Telon are invited back once again to take on the challenges of the realm. As Vanguard joins SOE’s list of MMOGs bearing the “Free-to-Play Your Way” slogan, and while we all try to forget just how much that slogan makes us want a cheeseburger, players can now return under one of two play options: Silver (Free) and Gold ($14.99). While Gold provides unrestricted access to the all of the game's content, Silver comes with a number of restrictions, one of which includes free play on all classes up to level 20 but with only a certain selection available to progress to 55. For more details on what’s available in each one, check out the Vanguard Feature Matrix and FAQ for all the details.

Download the game on the new Vanguard: Saga of Heroes website. While you wait for the download, be sure to check out our Vanguard Free-to-Play Q&A with Creative Director Salim Grant.

VANGUARD® SAGA OF HEROES IS NOW FREE-TO-PLAY

Sony Online Entertainment Now Boasts One of the Largest and Most Diverse Free-to-Play Line-Ups of Any Publisher

SAN DIEGO - Aug. 14, 2012 - Sony Online Entertainment, LLC (SOE) today announced that Vanguard® Saga of Heroes, the fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), is now officially free-to-play worldwide. Players can join guilds, level up, battle creatures and explore the vibrant world of Telon for free on PC systems. Vanguard Saga of Heroes' transition to a free-to-play model marks the beginning of the game's exciting new direction, including entirely new game enhancements, regular updates and brand new entertaining content.

 "SOE recognized the successful evolution of free-to-play online gaming early on and we were one of the first publishers to truly embrace the business model," said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. "We have a long history of providing rich and compelling content to our online worlds through the free-to-play model, and with Vanguard's transition, we continue that legacy with one of our most popular titles."

"Moving to a free-to-play model allows the opportunity to expand the Vanguard universe by adding and tailoring content to appeal to all types of players," said Andy Sites, Director of Development, Sony Online Entertainment. "We have significant plans for new content that we cannot wait to share with the community. The development team is designing and implementing all new quests that take players through some of the most beautiful and challenging areas in the game."

With the transition of Vanguard, SOE now has one of the largest and most diverse free-to-play line-ups of any publisher and continues to expand its leadership position in this growing business model.

Vanguard Saga of Heroes now offers players two membership levels -- Free and Gold:

Free Members - Players have access to a selection of races and classes. All classes are playable for free up until level 20, while a selection of others max out at level 55. Some game features and content are restricted, such as races, bag slots, guild functions and character slots.

Gold Members - Gold membership is available for $14.99 USD per month and provides players with full access to all items, classes and races, along with full access to all game features such as Broker System, Brotherhoods and Housing. Additionally, Gold Members have access to 12 character slots plus unlimited coin acquisition.

A matrix detailing the new membership levels is available here: www.vanguardthegame.com/free.

The Vanguard Saga of Heroes new free-to-play system is now available to all PC players worldwide, including options for Free and Gold ($14.99 USD/month) memberships.

For more information, and to download and play Vanguard Saga of Heroes for free, visit: www.vanguardthegame.com.

About Vanguard Saga of Heroes

Vanguard Saga of Heroes is set in the vast world of Telon, an ancient world of magic, intrigue and adventure. Facing the challenges of a war torn world, the diverse people here struggle to rebuild their once great civilizations. A fragile alliance has been struck, and with the lands set upon by invading forces, the races must band together to survive. In the north, the sprawling green hills of Thestra are plagued by an unstoppable undead menace. To the south, the deserts of Qalia have been besieged by an elemental threat spawned from the depths of the earth; and to the east, inhabitants of the tumultuous jungles of Kojan fiercely battle encroaching otherworldly fiends. Telon is in desperate need of heroes.

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games.  Best known for its blockbuster hits and franchises, including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, PlanetSide®, Free Realms®, Star Wars®: Clone Wars Adventures™, and DC Universe™ Online, SOE creates, develops and provides compelling online entertainment for a variety of platforms. SOE is building on its proven legacy and pioneering the future of online worlds through creative development and inspired gameplay design for audiences of all ages. To learn more, visit www.soe.com.

SOE, the SOE logo, Vanguard Saga of Heroes, EverQuest, Champions of Norrath, Free Realms and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.