Free Realms was a massively multiplayer online (MMO) role playing video game developed by Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) for Microsoft Windows, Mac and PlayStation 3 that is set in a fantasy-themed world named Sacred Grove. The game was released on April 28, 2009, for Windows. The game restricted to free-to-play up to level 4, although there was access to additional game content via a membership fee. The game allowed the player to fight, interact with other players and more. The game was shut down on March 31, 2014; SOE stated that it did not have the resources to keep the game going. Business model The game was available to download and play free of charge. The PC version was accessed via the Free Realms web site or, through game arcade sites Candy Stand or Miniclip. During character creation a 3D client downloaded in the background and then streamed as the user played; the same method was used to download new content or updates, which reduced file size and download times. A version of Free Realms for Mac was announced at SOE Fan Faire 2010 for release "within the next 3 months." The Mac version was released on November 2, 2010. The PlayStation 3 version was released on March 31, 2011, on the US PlayStation Store and on September 11, 2011, in the EU and was accessible via the PlayStation Network. Free Realms offered an optional membership for a single player, which allowed for 3 characters to be created per account (plus other benefits such as member-only quests, jobs and items). Only one character can be played at a time; the game will kick extra active characters. Before Free Realms was shut down, SOE planned to offer a "family" membership that would allow multiple logins at the same time. Separate to memberships is the Station Cash currency which can be used for premium features across Sony Online Entertainment games (including Free Realms). Reception In The New York Times, Free Realms was well received. Reviewer Seth Shiesel noted, "For Sony Online, Free Realms is a triumph of the company's own reinvention." USA Today reviewer Marc Saltzman gave Free Realms a 4/5 score, noting "Sony Online Entertainment's Free Realms is an extraordinary online adventure that is sure to please tweens and teens looking for a fun and free fantasy world." Eurogamer gave the game a largely positive review, MMO editor Oli Welsh describing