Sony Online Entertainment announced today that its family-friendly, free-to-play MMO Free Realms hit the 8 million user mark. Sure, it’s not World of Warcraft — but it’s stile a milestone.
The publisher credits Free Realms’ customization options and in-game Live Events series with the user base success. We’re pretty sure the free-to-play model has something to do with it also, since SOE’s been beefing up the microtransaction service for all its games. Plus, it’s family-friendly — can’t forget that Free Realms has that going for it, too.
Additionally, SOE announced a Festival of Hearts in-game event this week:
Free Realms is scheduled to kick off the Festival of Hearts, a special month long event that celebrates love, friendship and kindness. all players will be able to participate in themed events, daily social activities and storyline quests that incorporate traditional items and rewards which embody the holiday: hearts, candies, forget-me-not cards, flowers, love potions and more. Heart Breakers are invited too, as even the Stone Hearted can participate in the world events that ensue. New Hippo, Tiger, Beetle, Groundhog and Owl pets will also be available in the Marketplace.
