Aion free-to-play update dropping this spring

Soon, North American gamers will have access to a free version of massively multiplayer game Aion.

NCsoft today sent word that Aion--rebranded as Aion: Ascension--will be free-to-play in North America beginning this spring. The change will occur as part of the game's 3.0 content update, which brings a new level cap (60), as well as fresh zones, mounts, houses, and instances to the game.

Aion Ascension will give gamers access to the entire game, which includes two expansions, over 3,000 quests, more than 30 instances, and auction houses.

Also rolling out with the Aion 3.0 content update will be new real money trading (RMT) measures, which NCsoft says will help bolster safety and security for transactions within the game.

[CORRECTION] The original version of this story indicated Aion was already free-to-play in Europe. GameSpot regrets the error.

For more on Aion's free-to-play business model switch, check out GameSpot's interview with the developer concerning the decision. For more on Aion, check out GameSpot's review.