Today CCP Games announced that their upcoming FPS exclusive DUST 514 will be free-to-play on Sony's PlayStation 3. DUST 514 follows in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed EVE Online, a player driven space MMO, and will be directly connected to the PC title.

“DUST 514 has everything you could want in a shooter: thrilling gameplay, spectacular graphics and an incredible strategic depth that comes from sharing the living universe of EVE Online,” said CCP CEO Hilmar Pétursson. “DUST 514 embodies the passion and creativity the world has come to expect from CCP, and we think PlayStation 3 owners will be amazed at the opportunity to play such a groundbreaking new game of this caliber for free.”

DUST 514 will deliver exhilarating team-based combat on thousands of planets within the vast reaches of the EVE Universe. Mercenary teams in DUST 514 will work closely with starship pilots in EVE Online to wage battles, acquire territory, amass wealth and build empires.

Closed beta trials begun late last year but the good news is that CCP will be opening up the beta testing to more users in the coming months, with a expected release later in the year.

With the promises CCP are making of being able to directly influence EVE Online players and vice versa, it's only natural that gamers are eagerly awaiting the release of what's shaping up to be a all round solid idea. Hopefully we can get a taste of the combat and just how much influence is given.