In honor of BattleTech's 25th anniversary, Smith and Tinker has authorized MekTek.net and MekTek Studios to distribute MechWarrior 4 (along with its expansion packs) completely free. For years, MekTek.net has been the central point for online distribution of MechWarrior 4 expansion packs. Now they can provide the core game free to the fans as well. Keep an eye on BattleTech.com – the free download will be available soon!

MekTek's Response:
We are very pleased to announce that Smith & Tinker has authorized us (MekTek.net) and our professional studio (MekTek Studios) to distribute and package a worldwide free release of MechWarrior4 and all of its expansions.
This free release of MechWarrior4 that commemorates BattleTech’s 25th anniversary as well as MekTek’s 10th anniversary, and will allow BattleTech fans an chance to re-discover MechWarrior, as well as help us bring in a new army of players who are discovering MechWarrior and the BattleTech universe for the first time,completely for free.

MekTek views this partnership as a hallmark moment for the global MechWarrior community. We welcome the opportunity for the MekTek team to officially take a leadership role in the cultivation and development of the on-line MechWarrior communities in support and anticipation of the recently announced MechWarrior game by Smith & Tinker and Piranha games.

We are honored by the opportunity bestowed apon us by Smith and Tinker and its partners, and we hope the online community will enjoy this free release all the while recognizing the support and commitment that Smith & Tinker, Catalyst Games, and MekTek.net has made to the BattleTech fans around the world.



Original piece on MekTek.net ...
http://www.mektek.net/index.php?ind=news&op=news_show_single&ide=1067

Wow.

... Wow. Bravo, Smith and Tinker. You guys obviously care about your fans and are actually devoted to our gaming experience as opposed to making a "sellable" product. For the first time in my gaming history - I am not worried about the game you are making. I'm sure you're going to have just as much fun playing it as I will.

For the record - I wasn't planning on playing MW4 ever again - but because of this, I probably will.

Great move, bravo.

Man, that is the coolest. I think S&T is the team to give us the game we've been waiting for with the features to make a true next gen MechWarrior. Using integrated intel, like drones and having scouts be able to transfer data to the main force (common practice in today's military) is fucking SWEET!

But as for the OP, hell yeh. I heard gametap was getting it, but they are a pay per month operation. Power to the People!

Guess I'll start saving for that hot rod puter I'll need now

That will be really nice for those who have lost or damaged their game over the years it has been out. I hope by expansion packs they mean the clan and IS paks.