Free-to-Play
Ongoing coverage on Free-to-Play.
Latest coverage
Feature: The Rise of “Social Currencies” in Modern Free-to-Play Games
The article explores the rise of "social currencies" in modern free-to-play games, particularly for Xbox gamers. These intangible assets, such as status, access, and influence, go beyond traditional progression and focus on community validation, visibility, and prestige through elements like battle passes and leaderboards. Developers must maintain transparency to avoid exploitative practices and build trust, as social currencies are becoming a key pillar in game design and player interaction.
See More Of The FPS-Style World Of Tanks: Heat In New Gameplay Video
Wargaming has released a new gameplay video for the upcoming free-to-play tank game World of Tanks: Heat, showcasing its FPS-style mechanics. The video details the 'Agent' system where players control different roles like Defender, Assault, and Marksman, each with unique abilities and the ability to switch between two tanks during a match. The game is set in an alternate post-World War II timeline and is currently in development without a release date.
Konami Stealth Drops Free PS5 Game on PS Store, Players Like It
Konami has released eBaseball: Pro Spirit as a free-to-play title on the PlayStation 5, with an optional PS Plus membership required for online play. The game utilizes the 'eBaseball Engine' for realistic stadium and player actions. Early player reception has been positive, with the game holding a near 4/5 star rating on the PlayStation Store.
Get Planet Coaster Collection for Free
The theme park simulation game Planet Coaster is currently available for free on the digital store Digiphile. Players can claim the game permanently by acquiring it before the giveaway period ends.
Highguard stänger för gott
Wildlight Entertainment has confirmed that their free-to-play shooter Highguard will be shut down on March 12, less than two months after its January 26 release. Despite efforts and a player base of over two million, the game failed to build a sustainable community. Developers with experience from Apex Legends and Titanfall were involved in its creation.
Three Free Games on Steam
Steam is offering three games for free, including the action/adventure title BOOMEROAD. Players can claim these titles before they transition to a paid model.
Highguard Will Officially End Service This Month
Wildlight Entertainment announced that its free-to-play shooter Highguard will cease operations on March 12, just 45 days after its January 26 launch. The developer cited an inability to build a sustainable player base, with reports indicating Tencent withdrew funding due to poor commercial performance and low player retention. The game remains available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
Hit PS4 Exclusive Action Game Shutting Down After 10 Years
The PlayStation 4 exclusive action game Let It Die, developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and published by GungHo Online Entertainment, will shut down its online servers on September 1, after nearly a decade of service. An offline version is planned, which will allow players to transfer their save data and enjoy the game without restrictions, though this version will require a purchase.
Let It Die Ending Online Service After Nearly 10 Years, But You'll Still Be Able to Play It
Let It Die will end its online service on September 1st, 2026, after nearly a decade. An offline version, Let It Die Offline Edition, will be released this fall as a premium title, allowing players to continue enjoying the game's content. Save data from the online version will be transferable to the offline edition.
Highguard will shut down permanently next week because Wildlight doesn't make "enough revenue to keep anyone employed to work on it"
Developer Wildlight is permanently shutting down its free-to-play hero shooter Highguard on March 12th, less than six weeks after its launch. Despite attracting over two million players, the game failed to generate enough revenue to sustain its development. Wildlight cited a lack of a sustainable player base as the primary reason for the closure, with a final update planned before servers go offline.
Highguard Closing Next Week
Wildlight Entertainment announced that its free-to-play shooter Highguard will be shutting down on March 12th. This decision follows unexpected developer layoffs, suggesting a challenging period for the company.
Pirate Ships Release
Pirate Ships, a free-to-play PvP strategy game where players build and battle with sailing ships, has launched on PC via Steam. A release trailer showcases the game's combat mechanics.
Free PS5 Shooter Being Delisted, Shuts Down Later This Month
The free-to-play PlayStation 5 hero shooter Highguard, developed by Wildlight Entertainment, will shut down its servers on March 12, 2026, just over a year after its release. The developer cited an inability to build a sustainable player base despite a final update adding new content. Reports indicate Tencent, a major funder, pulled its support, leading to layoffs.
Highguard to end service on March 12
Wildlight Entertainment announced that its free-to-play shooter Highguard will cease operations on March 12, just 45 days after its launch on January 26 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. Despite a significant player base at launch, the developer cited an inability to build a sustainable community. A final update adding new content is planned before the shutdown.
Warframe arrives for Nintendo Switch 2 later this month, alongside a host of new content
Warframe is launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 25, 2026, with a new update titled The Shadowgrapher. The Switch 2 version will feature 60fps at 1080p resolution, improved load times, and enhanced textures. The update includes new quests, a new 1v4 asymmetric multiplayer mode called Follie's Hunt, and the 64th Warframe, Follie. Details for TennoCon 2026, including ticket sales and event programming, were also announced.
Compete Without Spending Money – Expert Game Reviews
This guide provides strategies for free-to-play users in Diablo Immortal, focusing on realistic expectations, resource optimization, and efficient progression systems. It details daily and weekly activities, resource allocation, legendary gem strategies, and psychological approaches to maintain enjoyment and competitiveness without spending money.
MMO Week in Review: The clock strikes Midnight
This week's MMO news roundup covers the early access launch of World of Warcraft: Midnight, BitCraft entering its second early access phase, and Gamigo reviving Gloria Victis. The article also touches on layoffs at Corepunk, Discord's postponed age verification rollout, and various updates and issues across numerous other MMO titles.
XDefiant Season 01 Is Here! - The Game Fanatics
Ubisoft has launched Season 1 for its free-to-play first-person shooter, XDefiant. The update introduces a new battle pass, maps, weapons, cosmetics, and game modes. XDefiant is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, with purchases limited to cosmetics and boosters.
Report: Fewer than 20 staff remain at Highguard dev Wildlight Entertainment
Fewer than 20 employees reportedly remain at Highguard developer Wildlight Entertainment following significant layoffs after the game's troubled launch. Sources indicate the studio ran out of money, despite being initially funded by Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studio Group. The free-to-play shooter lost approximately 90% of its player base within a week of its January 26 release.
Former Highguard level designer suggests "sweaty" competitive 3v3 play "was the biggest thing that turned a lot of players off"
A former level designer for Highguard suggests that the game's focus on intense 3v3 competitive play alienated many players. The game's complex rules and high skill requirement for team-based play created a steep barrier to entry. This comes amid reports that Tencent pulled funding from developer Wildlight shortly after the game's launch, leading to layoffs.
