Need for Speed World will launch in July

EA's multiplayer online racing game will launch on July 20, giving PC owners a chance to experience a combination of open-world driving and role-playing game-style progression completely free of charge.

Need for Speed World is freedom in the game, which means that any PC owner can download the game, set up an account and... take part in all the races in the game world. That sounds fun, and looks pretty great. So what's the catch?

In reality, not everything is as simple and obvious as it seems at first glance. Namely: to be able to level up, you need to pay. Players can reach level 10 without paying a penny. To gain the power and prestige of level 10, you must purchase a Starter Pack for $19.99, available on EA Store, as well as Gamestop, Impulse, Direct2Drive and Best Buy.

The Starter Pack gives a multitude of exclusive rides, beta access one week before the official launch(starting July 13), VIP status and the ability to progress to level 10.

Overall, this is not a bad deal. Most multiplayer online games choose the free subscription option. A one-time payment doesn't seem too large, does it?