Free-to-Play
Ongoing coverage on Free-to-Play.
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Riot Games is considering making premium titles, says co-founder
Riot Games is exploring the development of premium, non-free-to-play titles, according to co-founder Marc Merrill. While the company has found success with free-to-play games like League of Legends and Valorant, Merrill indicated that not every game needs to be free-to-play and that the business model must fit the game's vision. This comes after the discontinuation of their fighting game 2XKO and the winding down of the Riot Forge publishing label.
Survive Together in the Strange Worlds: Once Human (F2P) Is Available Now on XBOX Series X|S With Game Pass!
The free-to-play survival shooter Once Human is now available on Xbox Series X|S and is included with Xbox Game Pass. The game features cross-play and cross-progression, with no pay-to-win mechanics. An upcoming Ocean Expansion is planned for October.
Honkai: Nexus Anima could be the free-to-play Pokémon killer
Hoyoverse's upcoming free-to-play creature collector, Honkai: Nexus Anima, was previewed at Gamescom 2026. The game features auto-battles and unique creature designs with abstract 'Aspects' like Love and Reality, differentiating it from traditional creature collectors. Concerns exist around its gacha mechanics and monetization, though the game is set to release on PC, iOS, and Android.
Riot co-founder doesn't think 2XKO was 'a mistake' but perhaps a tough sell: 'You're not just competing against games, you're competing against everything'
Riot Games co-founder Marc Merrill discussed the decision to cease future development on the fighting game 2XKO, stating it was not a mistake but a difficult market to succeed in. He explained that the game struggled to gain sustainable momentum against the overwhelming competition for player attention and time, despite its quality and innovative features. Merrill affirmed that Riot Games remains committed to taking risks and developing new titles, including an unannounced MMO.
Last Stop codes (September 2026)
This guide provides active codes for the Roblox game Last Stop, which can be redeemed for free tickets. The article explains how to redeem codes within the game and where to find more information, including the official Discord server.
Ananta developer says free GTA 6 competitor's two massive maps will offer 'anything you’d want to do in a modern city' with countless districts to explore
Ananta, a free-to-play open-world game positioned as a competitor to Grand Theft Auto 6, revealed its second massive map, Chongxiao, at Gamescom 2026. Inspired by Shanghai and Hangzhou, Chongxiao offers advanced technology and cultural experiences, complementing the more modern Nova City. The game, set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and mobile on January 15, 2027, will feature extensive urban gameplay, including driving, combat, and social activities.
Ananta is riding high off 'free anime GTA' comparisons, but its mess of ideas barely hold together in my…
Ananta, an upcoming free-to-play open-world RPG from NetEase Games and developer Naked Rain, attempts to blend numerous disparate ideas, leading to a lack of cohesive identity. While the game features mechanics reminiscent of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Grand Theft Auto 6, its execution is criticized for being derivative and barely holding together. Despite its ambitious scope and anime aesthetic, the article suggests players may not find enough substance to remain engaged long-term.
Celebrate Labor Day by playing Civilization 7 for free
Civilization 7 is available to play for free on Steam until September 10, with discounts on standard and deluxe editions also available. Despite a rocky launch and mixed player reviews, Firaxis Games has been working on updates, and a livestream discussing future content is planned for PAX.
PlayStation Store Surprise Drops Fun Free PS5 Game With Trophies
The PlayStation Store has unexpectedly released Fortress Merge, a free-to-play game for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 that includes a full trophy list. Developed by TapNation and published by QubicGames, the title blends RPG, strategy, and tower defense elements and has received positive reviews on mobile platforms.
Free Play Days – EA Sports College Football 27, The Survivalists, The Lonesome Guild, and Under The Waves
Xbox is offering Free Play Days for several titles including EA Sports College Football 27, The Survivalists, The Lonesome Guild, and Under The Waves. EA Sports College Football 27 and The Survivalists have specific availability windows, with The Survivalists requiring Xbox Game Pass membership, while The Lonesome Guild and Under The Waves are available as two-hour timed trials for all Xbox members.
The Witcher 3 – Songs of the Past, Warlock Earned the Most Steam Wishlists During Gamescom – Rumor
During Gamescom, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past reportedly garnered the most Steam wishlists with 451,000. Warlock: Dungeons and Dragons followed with 379,000, and Ananta with 302,000. Other notable titles included LEGO Skylines and Heroes of Might and Magic 3 Remake.
Genshin Impact devs' new action game Nodusfall feels like Elden Ring Nightreign at home, but don't write it…
HoYoverse's new PvE action game, Nodusfall, offers a darker aesthetic compared to Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, drawing heavy comparisons to Elden Ring with its mechanics. While it features familiar elements like a steed and bonfire-like rests, Nodusfall aims for a more accessible difficulty and includes dedicated healer roles, making it appealing to a broader audience.
Ananta Developers Are Counting On You Getting Attached To Its Characters
Ananta's developers, Naked Rain, are focusing on building emotional connections between players and characters in their upcoming free-to-play open-world action game. The goal is to encourage players to purchase cosmetic items for characters they grow attached to through in-game interactions and story progression.
ANANTA Promises Co-op, Over 100 Hours of Content, and No Pay-to-Win Mechanics
The upcoming anime-style open-world RPG ANANTA will be free-to-play and offer over 100 hours of content, with co-op multiplayer features. Developers confirmed the game will not include pay-to-win mechanics. ANANTA is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, Android, and iOS.
Asimov’s Foundation Is Getting A Video Game — Just Not The One Fans Asked For
A new game based on Isaac Asimov's Foundation universe, titled Foundation: Galactic Frontier, is set to be released on Steam. This title is a port of a free-to-play mobile game that combines real-time strategy mechanics with base building and hero collection, rather than the RPG that fans had hoped for. Developer FunPlus International AG has not yet provided a release date for the PC version.
GTA-Like PlayStation 5 Console Exclusive RPG Gets Release Date
The PlayStation 5 exclusive open-world RPG Ananta, developed by Naked Rain and published by NetEase, will launch on January 15, 2027. The free-to-play title, also available on PC and smartphones, is set in a modern urban world and focuses on influencer culture and social media influence as a core gameplay mechanic.
Nodusfall isn't a gacha game, Mihoyo confirms, because unlike Genshin Impact you'll unlock characters…
miHoYo has confirmed that its upcoming game Nodusfall will not feature gacha mechanics for unlocking characters, differing from Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero. The free-to-play title will allow players to unlock characters through continued gameplay, with monetization focused on cosmetics. Nodusfall is described as the HoYoverse's answer to Monster Hunter, emphasizing solo and group encounters.
Nodusfall is Free-to-Play, Will Not Use Gacha for Character Unlocks
HoYoverse has revealed that their upcoming game Nodusfall will be free-to-play and will not use gacha mechanics for character unlocks, instead allowing players to obtain them through continued play. The game features a photorealistic art style distinct from the studio's previous anime-inspired titles and draws inspiration from various real-world mythologies for its dark fantasy setting. While platforms and a release date are unconfirmed, the visuals suggest a PC and home console target.
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026: Every Major Announcement, Reveal and Trailer | Invision Game Community
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 showcased numerous game announcements and trailers, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered and its new expansion, Songs of the Past, being major surprises. Other highlights included new looks at Final Fantasy VII Revelation, Path of Exile 2, and Gears of War: E-Day, alongside reveals for new titles like Nodus Fall and Afterworld. The event also confirmed release dates for several games targeting 2026 and 2027, indicating a strong lineup for the coming years.
HoYoverse's Nodusfall is free to play but isn't a typical gacha game: 'Characters are not obtained…
HoYoverse's upcoming game Nodusfall will be free-to-play and will not feature random draws for characters, differing from typical gacha models. Instead, characters will be unlocked through gameplay, with cosmetic items being the primary focus for monetization. This approach marks a significant departure for the studio, known for games like Genshin Impact.
