Funcom has announced it has added a tiered subscription system to its free-to-play Anarchy Online. There are now three options -- the free version, the $5/month, and now a $14.95/month model. The lower subscription opens up new areas in the Shadowlands, one of Anarchy's expansion packs, and subscribing players are able to reach the maximum level. The higher, or "premium" tier, have no content restrictions at all.

In other words, the new tiered model provides for a "middle ground" between the restricted free-to-play mode and the full-access premium mode. Producer and game director Craig Morrison commented, "A lot of our free players have really wanted to explore more of Anarchy Online, without committing to a premium subscription. We therefore hope that many will take advantage of the option we are now giving them. With a great range of subscription choices, a brand new graphics engine and a constant update of fresh content we aim to deliver a great MMO experience for many years to come."