A visit to your favorite software retailer and thirty bucks will now buy you one of the most popular Internet gaming experiences and a tangible jewel case.

　　In the nascent world of the pay-for-play business model, Virgin has decided to abandon the unknown in favor of the tried-and true retail sale. Virgin's decision to move this and other products to the retail shelves is due in large part to providing access to the masses. According to Brett Sperry, president of worldwide publishing for Virgin, "Veteran gamers download games all the time, but it's the rest of the people that we want to give total access to." Sperry also pointed out that people still like to have something tangible for their purchase dollars.

　　For US$30 the unlimited-play version of SubSpace will include both the client and the server on the same disc. This will enable the player to design play arenas that can support up to 250 players, or limit the play to invitation-only. The retail version will also include a game editor to customize ships, manuals, and Version 130 of the game, which includes new graphics, ships, and surprises.

　　The shareware version will still be available for download, but it will be severely limited, designed to provide only a "try before you buy" taste of the full version.

　　The SubSpace beta site will be shut down within days.

　　SubSpace currently boasts an active-player base of 150,000 people, with more than 850,000 registered players making it one of the most successful online games to date.