Ramblings of a Failing Mind

I have several games that I’ve paid for and regretted it.  I even have a couple I’ve paid subscriptions to.  Currently I have Left4Dead and World of Warcraft on my plate that I’m enjoying, one a paid game, the other a paid game + subscription.  Why is it that I’m being drawn away by this free game that has poked it’s way into my view?  I’ve now picked up and started playing Combat Arms, a free to download and free to play first person shooter with a slight RPG element to it.  How is it that a company can develop, release, and support a game that’s entirely free with only the income of buying a few in game items that aren’t even required to fully enjoy the game?  There’s also another new game that’s an interesting concept.  The Chronicles of Spellborn is what’s called “freemium”.  You can download and play the game for free up to a certain point.  You are allowed to level up to 7 (it’s a MMORPG) and after that you need to subscribe.   Time will tell if it’s enough to get me to subscribe or assuming I do, enough to keep my attention longer than Warhammer online did.