Not every massively mulitplayer online roleplaying game operates on the same revenue model. MMORPGs that offer a basic version of the game for free and charge only for premium access or expansions are becoming more common. Other revenue models, including profit from the game economy itself, are also being experimented with.
Disney isn't just about movies and theme parks anymore, they've become a serious contender in the online games market, with a variety of titles aimed at youngsters. Pirates of the Caribbean Online is their latest effort, based on the famous movie series, and it lets you skirmish with scurvy dogs and plunder ships on the high seas.
A venerable sci-fi MMORPG that lets you battle other players or mutant monsters with a wide variety of high-tech weaponry. The basic version of the game can now be enjoyed at no cost.
Archlord is a MMORPG from Codemasters that has three playable races: Humans, Moon Elf’s and Orcs. One feature that stands out is that players will be able to compete for the position of supreme commander over the game world. Unlike most games of this kind, there is no monthly subscription fee.
Bots is a free online game from Acclaim centered on arena combat between customized robots. You can buy and trade Bot parts to specialize your machine for the fight.
Save the world from doom in this free MMORPG, now available in North America through OGPlanet. The game has 3D graphics, six playable classes, and it's quite popular overseas.
Become part of an ancient Kung Fu circle trying to deliver China from the hands of tyranny. Conquer features some unique illustration, open PvP, and a Diablo-like interface.
Play as a Fighter, Mage or Ranger in this free online RPG that features randomized dungeons with plenty of ferocious monsters to battle. Players gather in the public area of Townston, and then jump into instanced adventures with their group.
Flying is a central feature of this free, anime-influenced MMORPG. Hoverboards and flying brooms serve as transportation between the game's towns and islands. (565 MB)
This free game takes you into a magical world where animals walk on two legs and speak. Family oriented fun with relatively low system requirements.
Fury now has an option to download and play the game for free as a player category called the "Chosen." Chosen have access to all the game types and character abilities, but they earn less gold than other players and are restricted from trading.
A martial arts themed MMORPG supported through secondary market sales. Hero Online has a rewards system that tracks your accomplishments for each play session.
It's humans versus orcs in this 3D MMORPG. Castle sieges are one of the game's most compelling features, and the graphics are very good for a free title.
MapleStory is a distinctly cute, side-scrolling MMORPG with a remarkably expansive world. The controls are a breeze and the game is very easy to learn. The plan is to provide the basic game for free, and sell special game items in an online store.
Martial arts in ancient China are the focus of this free 3D game from Korea. Martial Heroes is supported in part through secondary market sales, which seems to be a growing trend in Asia.
Another MMORPG from overseas, Myth War lets you play as a human, centaur, mage, or borg (cyborg). The combat system is relatively complicated, but also more tactical than is typical for this kind of game.
OutSpark had several free games available, including 2 anime-inspired online RPGs: Fiesta and Secret of the Solstice. The games are supported through microtransactions using SparkCash.
Project Entropia is a free MMORPG from MindArk that lets you explore the distant planet of Calypso. This game uses a unique revenue model which allows you to further your interests in the world using real money.
A different kind of MMORPG that uses still graphics and runs in a browser window. The standard game is available free of charge with no monthly fees.
Sometimes compared to Guild Wars, Rakion is a competitive, PvP oriented RPG with a fantasy setting. Players battle against each other for top personal and clan ranking.
This free Web-based RPG is set in Western Europe at the end of the Middle Ages. The player attempts to rise from rags to riches, ultimately becoming a prominent member of the community that can influence the destiny of thousands of other players.
This 3D fantasy MMORPG is based on a MUD that was some 9 years in the making. There are scores of professions to play and it uses a unique combat system that blends real-time and turn-based elements. The game is supported by donation.
A Java-based 3D MMORPG adventure that you can play for free. As primitive as the graphics are, it's quite amazing and it's gathering a sizeable following.
In this expansive 3D online society participants are actively shaping virtual reality. Less of a game than a world with almost limitless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.
Build a castle with your guild and engage in seige warfare with other players. This PvP oriented fantasy MMORPG features a harsh world controlled by politics and brute force.
Silkroad is a free MMORPG developed in Korea that is intended to span ancient Chinese, Islam and European civilizations. The game is 3D and the graphics are acceptable. I assume it will be supported through secondary market sales.
This unusual sci-fi title has both RPG and FPS elements, allowing for action-oriented 3D aerial and ground battles. You pilot your own spaceship, which can be upgraded in a multitude of ways as you progress through the game.
Set on a mysterious fictional continent, Sword of the New World is a fantasy MMORPG inspired by Europe’s exploration and conquest of America. One unusual feature of this game is the ability to control up to 3 characters at the same time.
Tales of Pirates is a very colorful and cute fantasy pirates game with an unmistakable anime influence. Cartoony, humorous, and free.
Play for free with the option to buy extras for real money. Thang is an action-oriented 3D RPG with an oriental fantasy setting.
Tibia is a 2D MMORPG that has been around for over a decade. Developed in Europe, the game has 4 classes with which you can explore an immersive online world.
Another decidedly cute MMORPG from Asia that is free to download and play. This one has a card-based combat system and player housing.
Arrr, it's a massively multiplayer online pirate game! Sail the seas, plunder islands, and solve puzzles along with hundreds of teammates.
