Computer games developer Frontier Developments (LON:FDEV) is to release another season of expansions to its award winning Elite: Dangerous game in time for Christmas.
Modules in the Elite Dangerous: Horizons season will be released for the PC in the fourth quarter of this year with a recommended retail price of £39.99 in the UK, €49.99 in mainland Europe, and US$59.99 in the USA. A price for Tau Ceti and other far-flung parts of the galaxy has not been set.
First up on the launch pad is the Planetary Landings add-on that will give players he ability to land and drive around on the surface of airless planets and moons. Existing Elite: Dangerous players will receive a £10 (€12.5, US$15) discount before launch.
"Elite Dangerous: Horizons now makes clear how we plan to monetize Elite: Dangerous going forwards,” said Frontier's chief executive, David Braben.
“This novel approach keeps the community together and avoids 'pay to win' pitfalls common in other games," he added.
Additional paid for seasons will be released over the coming years as Frontier continues to deepen its community of players.
"We expect that this long term plan will help continue to build the Elite: Dangerous community and as a result shareholder returns," Braben said.