Acclaim dropped the bomb on current Chronicles of Spellborn players yesterday in their forums by announcing that the title is now (more or less) in a state of limbo until sometime in 2010, when the game will ditch the freemium model, and switch to a pure free-to-play, microtransaction supported business model.

Acclaim Games announces the re-development of their recent MMORPG The Chronicles of Spellborn which was released in February, 2009. The development is planned to carry into 2010 and will include several enhancements and changes to the current game. The enhancements and development of the new model will be carried through a joint venture between Spellborn NV and the development studio of Frogster Asia Co. Ltd. based in Seoul, the Korean studio bringing its expertise in the field of free-to-play and micro-transactions.

After the re-development, the current subscription model will be switched to a free-to-play system supported by micro-transactions. This will open the world of Spellborn to all players and give them a chance to experience the rich lore and game-play in its entirety.

Players who are currently playing the game will be able to continue playing the game in its current form via the subscription service. At the point where the new version is released, any unused subscriptions will be credited to their accounts. Any players who wish to register for a free account can sign up now at http://spellborn.acclaim.com.

This announcement arrives just five months after the long awaited public release.  Developed by Dutch based Spellborn International, with the US release handled by Acclaim, the game allowed the opening levels, originally up to 7, then bumped to 9, to be played for free, but then required subscription dues thereafter.  This model will remain in place until the 2010 change, but interesting to note that during this transition phase, no changes will be made to game content.  In other words, not only will there be no new content updates, but any existing bugs, planned fixes, etc. are off the table for now.  The Chronicles of Spellborn is now officially in a state of limbo.

Also important to note: this decision was made by Spellborn International, and not Acclaim.  Even given these circumstances, personally, I can’t think of a better way to destroy your community, as is clearly evidenced by the 4 plus and growing comments pages in reaction to the announcement on the acclaim official forums.  I.e., why would I continue to make subscription payments until the free-to-play switch is flipped?  Yes, any unused subscription amounts will be credited, but really…what’s the point now?

While this is a nice addition to the free-to-play roster, The Chronicles of Spellborn now arrives to the party in tarnished armor, and will most probably now only occupy the corner by the drinks table, licking it’s wounds.  Sad really, as this title had plenty of potential, and what looks like a pretty dedicated fanbase.

Can Spellborn International and Frogster Asia re-invent The Chronicles of Spellborn and make the proverbial phoenix rise from the ashes?  Perhaps, but the question that begs to be asked is; at what cost?