Rite Aid participates in Free Realms launch

SAN DIEGO Sony Online Entertainment on Wednesday announced that more than two million unique users have registered for Free Realms, a free-to-play, family-friendly online video game launched April 28. As many as 75% of its registrants are under age 17 and are 46% under 13.

To support the initial release and launch of Free Realms, nearly one million Station Cash game cards were made available across five major retail chains, including Rite Aid along with Best Buy, Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Target.

"In less than a month, Free Realms has captivated a core player base of tween and teen gamers, while also strongly resonating with [Massive Multiplayer Online] gamers," stated John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. "We wanted to create a game to play with our families and are excited to have hit the mark with our intended audience."

Notably one of the fastest-growing online worlds, Free Realms has established a favorable position with the female demographic as well; nearly a third of the players are female.