Free-to-Play
Ongoing coverage on Free-to-Play.
Latest coverage
Horizon Steel Frontiers Global Testing Set to Launch in the Second Half of 2026 - GameHaunt
NCSoft has announced that Horizon Steel Frontiers will begin global beta testing in the second half of 2026, with a full free-to-play launch expected after 2027. Developed by NCSoft in partnership with Guerrilla Games using the Decima Engine, this MMORPG will be available on PC and mobile devices (iOS/Android) with cross-play support. The game will feature tactical melee combat and cooperative raids against large machines, shifting focus from the bow-centric gameplay of previous titles.
Is Battlefield 6 free to play?
The article discusses whether the upcoming game, Battlefield 6, will adopt a free-to-play model. It addresses player eagerness for the title and explores the possibility of it being free to download and play.
‘It’s time for a blood transfusion’: Vampire survivalbox V Rising is free-to-play this weekend
Stunlock Studios announced that the vampire survival sandbox V Rising will be free-to-play from May 14th to May 18th, allowing players to experience the full game. A sale is also available, with the base game at 55% off and DLC at 20% off. The developers have confirmed they have moved on to a new game in the same world but will continue to provide minor updates for V Rising.
ANZU BRINGS INTRINSIC IN-GAME ADS TO AAA FOOTBALL HIT UFL
Anzu, a provider of intrinsic in-game advertising, has partnered with Strikerz Inc. to integrate advertising into the free-to-play football game UFL. This collaboration aims to offer brands non-disruptive advertising opportunities within the game's stadiums, enhancing immersion for its over 7 million players across PC and consoles. The partnership is timed to capitalize on increased player engagement during major international football events.
SEGA announces sales numbers for its biggest franchises last quarter
SEGA has announced revised sales figures for its major franchises, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Like a Dragon, and Total War, for the January to March 2026 quarter. The company also confirmed the shelving of its "Super Game" initiative and a focus away from free-to-play and Games as a Service titles, though the futures of Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio remain secure.
Hark! Sega's mysterious and vague "Super Game" is dead, though its Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi reboots live on
Sega has cancelled its ambitious "Super Game" initiative, which aimed to create a revolutionary title with a large user base. This decision comes as part of a review of their underperforming free-to-play strategy, leading to the reassignment of over 100 staff to core IP development. However, reboots of franchises like Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, and Golden Axe are still planned, with Sega forecasting four new titles based on mainstay IPs by fiscal year 2027.
Sega GaaS, Online Super Game Canceled
Sega has officially canceled its ambitious "Super Game" project, a games as a service (GaaS) initiative that was initially planned for a March 2026 release. The cancellation was confirmed in Sega Sammy's fiscal results presentation, with no specific reason provided beyond halting further investment. The report also noted underperformance from Rovio titles and Sonic Rumble, alongside delays for other upcoming games.
Sega Cancels Super Game And Shifts Focus From Live Service Games
Sega has canceled its ambitious "Super Game" initiative and shifted focus away from live service and free-to-play development towards full game development. This decision follows underperformance of several mobile titles and the earlier cancellation of the live service shooter Hyenas. The company aims to increase profitability by prioritizing established IPs for new releases.
Sega’s earnings report shows the F2P live service model is running out of road
Sega's latest earnings report indicates a significant downturn for the free-to-play and live service game model, with the company reporting a substantial loss despite increased net sales. This has led to drastic cutbacks on F2P titles, including the cancellation of its 'Super Game' project, and a major devaluation of its acquisition, Rovio. The report suggests a shift in player preference towards higher-quality, standalone titles with DLC over ongoing live service monetization.
Sega downsizes free-to-play division after "weak performance" from Sonic Rumble Party, moving over 100 devs onto "full game" releases in "mainstay IPs"
Sega is downsizing its free-to-play division due to weak performance from titles like Sonic Rumble Party and a lack of economic value from its partnership with Rovio. Over 100 developers are being moved to full-game development for mainstay IPs. The company also announced the cancellation of its upcoming "Super Game" project.
Sega cancels its "Super Game" project following free-to-play struggles, but new Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio…
Sega has canceled its "Super Game" initiative due to struggles with its free-to-play titles, including Sonic Rumble Party. Despite this cancellation, the company confirmed that new installments of Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio are still in development.
Sega reports $31.6m net loss during FY26, cancels 'Super Game' project amid strategic pivot
Sega Sammy reported a net loss of $31.6 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, impacted by significant impairment losses from its acquisitions of Rovio and Stakelogic. The company is pivoting its strategy, reducing the priority of free-to-play games and reassigning over 100 developers to full game development. The ambitious 'Super Game' project has also been cancelled.
Sega Cancels Mysterious 'Super Game' 5 Years After It Was Announced, Amid Pull Back From Underperforming Free-to-Play
Sega has officially canceled its ambitious "Super Game" project, five years after its initial announcement. This decision is part of a broader strategic shift away from free-to-play titles due to underperformance in that market segment.
Sega Has Officially Cancelled Its "Super Game"
Sega has officially cancelled its ambitious "Super Game" project, which was intended to be a globally scalable title. The decision was made following the weak performance of the company's free-to-play and games-as-a-service titles, such as Sonic Rumble Party. Sega plans to shift its development focus away from free-to-play games, though revivals of classic franchises like Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio are still planned.
2024 PS5 Action Game Now Free to Claim on PS Store
Developer Double Eleven has made its 2024 PlayStation 5 action shooter, Blindfire, available as a free download on the PlayStation Store. The company stated this decision was a "gift" to players and a commitment to game preservation, ensuring the title remains playable indefinitely. Blindfire, which initially launched in early access and struggled to gain traction, has received one final update.
Free-to-Play Mobile Card Game 'Digimon Alysion' Launching 2026
Bandai Namco announced that the free-to-play mobile card game Digimon Alysion will launch in 2026. The game adapts the physical Digimon Card Game for digital play, featuring original cards, new Digimon, and characters, and will share a universe with the Digimon Liberator web manga.
Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games Of All Time, Including New Heights For Mario Kart 8
This list ranks the top 10 best-selling paid video games of all time, excluding free-to-play titles. Sales figures include pack-in games, with Tetris leading at over 520 million units sold, followed by Minecraft at 300 million and Grand Theft Auto V at over 225 million. The ranking also highlights significant sales for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Wii Sports, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
2K lays off staff working on free-to-play shooter Project Ethos, while hinting at "new direction and focus"
2K has laid off staff at its studio 31st Union, which was developing the free-to-play shooter Project Ethos. Studio head Ben Brinkman stated the team was scaled back to align with the game's development stage and a renewed direction towards a skill-based PVP roguelike experience. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick previously championed the title as part of a strong upcoming lineup.
How Free-to-Try Gaming Culture Changed What Players Expect from Bonuses - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
The gaming industry's normalization of free-to-try models, including demos and free-to-play, has shifted player expectations towards transparency and fairness, influencing other digital entertainment sectors like casino bonuses. This principle of proving value before commitment has led to the rise of no-wagering bonuses in casinos, mirroring gaming's approach to building player loyalty through trust and generosity. The article argues that this gaming-influenced demand for fairness and value is becoming the baseline expectation for consumers across various digital platforms.
Majority of gamers don't buy full price video games anymore reveals survey
A new survey indicates that 62% of dedicated gamers no longer purchase video games at full price, with older demographics showing a stronger tendency to wait for discounts. The report, from IGN Entertainment, also highlights generational differences in game discovery and engagement preferences, including varying trust in AI.
