Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Heroes of Newerth is the latest online game to integrate a free-to-play strand, and this time it's one with ties to another online success story, League of Legends.
Both can trace their lineage back to Defense of the Ancients, an eight-year-old modification for Warcraft III.
The two will also have an eye on DOTA 2, currently in production at Valve ( Left 4 Dead, Portal, Half-Life).
League of Legends makes money by allowing players to buy characters, costumes, and in-game items.
Its global popularity was illustrated when Chinese web firm Tencent Holdings bought a major stake in creator Riot Games.
When Valve's own multiplayer shooter Team Fortress 2 adopted a similar approach in June, some veteran players reacted by banning incoming freeloaders from their sessions.
Heroes of Newerth, perhaps mindful of this as well as newcomers' desire for inclusion, is instituting a verification process that rewards good behavior and monetary investment.
Once new players are proven mindful of gameplay etiquette, or have made a purchase from the HoN marketplace, they'll gain Verified status - though intentionally messing up someone else's game can see that status removed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments