Those of you into hack and slash games have some wonderful news starting at the beginning of February: Hellgate: London will be free to play for at least the next year. Namco provided the go-ahead for it, even though the developer, Flagship Studios, went under late last year.

In a further gesture of support, Namco Bandai Games will provide this server support free of charge to all fans and players of the game up until the shut down date. NAMCO BANDAI Games appreciate the enthusiasm of all the Hellgate: London players and looks forward to providing them with future entertainment products.

Will a brave move like this become standard in a constantly changing marketplace such as massively multiplayer?  Whatever it means, on the First of February, anyone with a copy can now try out this game without a monthly fee. With any luck, this will make what had the potential to be a huge game into at least a memorable experience.