Gameforge and NCsoft announced a new and free to play business model for Aion, the online role-playing game. From February 2012 players will be able to download the full version of the game for free and play without any subscription costs. Aion will be launched in the UK, France and Germany first and will be accessible to play across Western Europe.

Aion is one of the world’s most popular and numerous awards winning MMOGs including a very loyal fan base in Europe. Aion is set in the world of Atreia, which has been continually expanded and constantly improved in cooperation with the community since 2009. Now adventurers not only have over 3,900 quests, but also countless new dungeons, new PvP arenas and lots more. Another popular feature is the Miols: intelligent pets that have been recently added to the game. They provide, amongst other things, additional backpack slots whilst independently collecting all loot found in the game. The new unique mentor system eases new players into the game, as higher level players are rewarded for helping beginners. Mentors receive medals which they can swap for equipment items, the ‘students on the other hand receive experience points as well as loot from shared adventures.

Update 2.7 added a host of new content to the atmospheric and visually stunning game. A new PvP arena challenges players seeking a fast-paced thrill in the Crucible Coliseum, and for those more PvE oriented there’s a new raid in Padmarashka’s Cave waiting to be conquered.

For detailed information about the free-to-play model visit www.aionfreetoplay.com.