Free-to-Play
Ongoing coverage on Free-to-Play.
Latest coverage
Reminder: Save the World in Fortnite's Original Co-Op Mode, Now Free-to-Play on PS5, PS4
Fortnite's original Player vs Environment co-op mode, Save the World, is now free-to-play on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and other platforms. Epic Games has overhauled progression, simplified resources, and made the Homebase an explorable environment to encourage players to engage with the mode that originated Fortnite's building mechanics.
The Dev of This GTA-Style Anime Open World Really Understood Its Assignment
NTE: Neverness to Everness, a free-to-play open-world game inspired by Grand Theft Auto, is set to launch on April 29th as a PlayStation 5 console exclusive. The game features a detailed replica of Japan, car racing, prison breaks, and part-time jobs. Developers have implemented a pity system for its gacha mechanics, guaranteeing character unlocks. Early previews highlight impressive production values and performance on the PlayStation 5.
Fortnite Save the World is now free to play, and on Switch 2 for the first time
Fortnite Save the World, the original co-op horde mode, is now free to play on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Nintendo Switch. This move aims to give the mode a broader audience, with new crossover quests planned between Save the World and Fortnite Battle Royale. Existing players will receive several in-game items as a thank you.
Blizzard Charges €40 for Single Overwatch Skin, More Than Full Games
Blizzard Entertainment is facing community backlash for charging €40 for a single cosmetic weapon skin in the free-to-play game Overwatch. Players on Reddit and other platforms are criticizing the pricing as excessive, especially when compared to the cost of full AAA games. This controversy highlights ongoing discussions about monetization strategies in the gaming industry and player expectations for cosmetic items.
Major Upcoming Sony PS5 Game Might Be Free – Report
A report from Insider Gaming suggests that Haven Studios' upcoming PlayStation 5 and PC title, Fairgames, may launch as a free-to-play game. The extraction shooter will reportedly rely on in-game monetization for funding. The game was originally revealed in 2023 as a competitive heist experience.
PlayStation’s long-lost Fairgame$ reportedly pivoting to include an extraction mode after years of silence
PlayStation's Fairgame$, developed by Haven Studios, is reportedly pivoting to include an extraction mode, years after its initial announcement. The game, originally described as a competitive heist experience, may incorporate mechanics similar to popular extraction shooters like Escape From Tarkov. It is expected to be free-to-play on PlayStation 5 and PC.
PS5's Fairgames Is a Free-to-Play Extraction Shooter, and It's Not Dead Yet
Sony's PlayStation 5 exclusive, Fairgames, is confirmed to be a free-to-play extraction shooter developed by Haven. A private playtest is scheduled for this weekend, with the game's 'Cargo Heist' mode involving finding vault codes, collecting cash, and extracting loot. Despite early criticisms of clunkiness, Sony continues development on the title, which aims to compete in a crowded genre.
Fortnite Save the World Goes F2P
Fortnite's Save the World mode has officially transitioned to a free-to-play model, as previously announced. This makes the entire Fortnite experience, including its Battle Royale and Creative modes, accessible without purchase.
Sony's MIA Live-Service Game Is Going In The Exact Direction You'd Expect
New details have emerged regarding Sony's upcoming live-service game, Fairgame$, including its 'Cargo Heist' game mode and free-to-play business model with microtransactions. The game, which focuses on players acting as modern-day Robin Hoods against billionaires, has seen several key developers depart its studio, Haven. Sony has faced challenges with its live-service strategy, with cancellations and failures like Concord following initial investments, though Helldivers 2 achieved significant success.
PS Store Drops New Free PS5 Games Including Long-Awaited Title
The PlayStation Store has added two new free games for PlayStation 5 owners: Fortnite: Save the World and the 3D fighting game Starward. Fortnite: Save the World, a player-versus-environment co-op action game, is now free-to-play after nearly a decade. Starward, published by Wuhan Shengtian Game Network, features mecha girls and multiple game modes, including 2v2 and 1v1 PvP battles. Neither title requires a PlayStation Plus subscription.
Fortnite: Save The World Is Finally Free-To-Play, Offers A Free Skin For Good Measure
Epic Games has made Fortnite: Save the World free-to-play for all Fortnite players, offering a free skin as part of the launch. The co-op survival mode, which predates the popular Battle Royale mode, is now accessible through the Discovery section of the lobby. Crossover quests with Battle Royale will award XP and cosmetics, including a free skin for completing specific objectives.
The Gameplay of Gacha
Gacha games continue to dominate the mobile market due to their integration of popular intellectual properties and engaging role-playing game mechanics. These games leverage psychological elements like the chase and fear of missing out, combined with continuous content updates and competitive features, to maintain player engagement and drive monetization. While some gacha designs can be manipulative, successful titles demonstrate significant investment in ongoing development and player retention strategies.
The Sims 4's microtransaction Marketplace has officially shown me the door after 24 years of Simming
The author expresses disappointment with Electronic Arts' implementation of a microtransaction marketplace in The Sims 4, viewing it as a shift towards a live service model that detracts from the game's creative community. This change, coupled with the lack of a confirmed Sims 5, marks a significant departure from the series' traditional format, leading the author to consider returning to older titles like The Sims 2.
Epic Games Store Users Only Grab Free Games Then Return to Steam
Former Epic Games employees have revealed that many users primarily engage with the Epic Games Store to claim free titles before returning to Steam for regular gaming. Despite Epic's large monthly active user base, Steam maintains significantly higher concurrent player numbers, indicating a stronger user habit and community integration. This pattern suggests that while free games attract users, they do not foster the same level of sustained engagement or loyalty as established platforms like Steam, which has become deeply integrated into PC gaming culture.
Engagement Ring
Graveyard Keeper generated over $250,000 following a free giveaway promotion. The article also notes the release of an accolades trailer for Hades II.
All Heartopia Codes April 2026
This guide lists all active Heartopia codes for April 2026, offering players free in-game rewards such as Wishing Stars, Mermaid Fish Attractors, and Moonlight Crystals. Heartopia is a free-to-play life simulation game set on Whale Island, focusing on cozy, non-combat gameplay. The article also details how to redeem these codes within the game and claim rewards from the mailbox.
Top 5 Gaming Trends Shaping Esports and Player Engagement in 2026
The gaming industry is evolving with five key trends shaping esports and player engagement through 2026. These include the rise of mobile esports, AI-driven personalization, increased community interaction via streaming platforms, widespread cross-platform play, and the dominance of free-to-play and subscription models.
Giving your game away on Steam can earn you $250,000 in a few days, says Graveyard Keeper publisher: "Makes sense…
tinyBuild CEO Alex Nichiporchik revealed that making Graveyard Keeper free on Steam has led to significant success, including over 40,000 concurrent players and propelling the sequel to 400,000 wishlists. The strategy has also generated nearly $250,000 from DLC sales for the original game on Steam alone.
Graveyard Keeper's mammoth success proves that giving games away for free on Steam works
Publisher tinyBuild found significant success by offering the original Graveyard Keeper for free on Steam during a promotional weekend, coinciding with the reveal of Graveyard Keeper 2. This strategy led to a new all-time peak player count of over 46,000 concurrent players and generated substantial revenue through DLC sales, demonstrating the viability of free-to-play models for driving engagement and future sales.
Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online To Play Pokemon Champions?
Pokemon Champions is a free-to-start title available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 that does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online play. Players only need an active internet connection to participate in online multiplayer battles. The game also features optional in-game purchases such as a monthly membership and a Premium Battle Pass.
