Firefall founder's packages and PAX plans announced by Red 5 Studios

Firefall will be at PAX Prime this weekend, and if that wasn't enough of an announcement from Red 5 Studios, the playable version at the event will include the in-game store and its largest update ever, the Tribe. On top of that, a new limited edition Founders Packages will go on sale this Friday, August 31, at a special discounted price.

Firefall’s in-game store is currently live, offering an initial set of aesthetic items, XP boosts, pets and more.

Red 5 has promised that there won’t be any more character wipes, but they’re emphasizing that the game and its store are still considered to be in beta.

“The store launch is a very important step for us,” said Mark Kern, CEO of Red 5. “Not just because we’re monetizing Firefall but also because we’re beta testing our free-to-play model for the first time. We’ve done our best to give players cool and original in-game items to purchase at a fair price – our discounted Founders Packages are part of that – but we’re always looking for ways to improve the experience.

"Our commitment to incorporating community feedback doesn’t stop at monetization.”

Early adopters will be able to purchase one of Red 5’s limited edition Founders Packages in one of three tiers containing exclusive bonuses unique to Founders.

• Commander: Receive $120 worth of Red Bean currency, a permanent 15% XP bonus, a 10% squad XP bonus, a reserved Army and player name, an exclusive Founders version of the Light Ground Vehicle, in-game gifts, an exclusive Founders Decal and a Firefall beanie.
• Lieutenant: Receive $55 worth of Red Bean currency, a permanent 10% XP bonus, a 5% squad XP bonus, a reserved Army and player name, in-game gifts, an exclusive Founders Decal and a Firefall poster.
• Ensign: Receive $20 worth of Red Bean currency, a permanent 5% XP bonus, a reserved player name, an in-game gift and an exclusive Founders Decal.

All Founders Package buyers will receive priority queuing for Firefall beta access during the next wave of invites. The packages will be available for a 25% discount during PAX Prime:

Finally, Red 5 Studios is bringing its tournament-on-wheels, the Firefall Mobile Gaming Unit, to PAX Prime. It contains 20 AMD powered gaming stations, Razer peripherals, support for 1,000 person LAN parties and "livestreaming capabilities with full shoutcaster support." Fans can check out the MGU at 9th & Pine throughout the show.

Firefall’s exclusive invite-only beta will continue to rollout through 2012. Players can sign-up for the chance to be invited into the beta or receive a free invite by stopping by Firefall at PAX Prime.