PVP-centric action MMORPG Fury is having a rough time of it. If the recent revelation that developer Auran has been forced to cut jobs and outsource their support services to China wasn’t enough, now they’re going to quit charging people to play.

In the first free content upgrade for the game, Age of the Chosen (available December 14), players will have the option of getting furious for free.

Tony Hilliam, CEO of Auran said in a press release:

FURY was built around giving players options that suit their play style and their wallet. With the AotC update, we are introducing a new player category called “Chosen”. As one of the Chosen, players can access all game types, equip all weapons and unlock all 400 abilities – and they can play as much as they like absolutely free.

Players who choose to go the free route will get less money and essence and will not be able to trade with other players, but will get the opportunity to use all weapons and unlock all skills.

Of course, for a fee, players can upgrade their account to “Hero” status. (You get to be a hero by saving the game from its lackluster sales and poor reviews). Throwing down a 20 spot at your local games retailer will net you the Hero pack, and a free month of the “Immortal” subscription, a $30 value.

It looks like clear cut case of a game desperate for a life line. Auran is opening up free content to generate some more players, hoping people will jump on the bandwagon and salvage the sinking ship, and maybe offering some free play will be just the thing this game needs to get a solid base.

It may not be huge, but at least it might slow the bleeding.

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