Free-to-Play
Ongoing coverage on Free-to-Play.
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Quake Champions ditches free-to-play and kills off its Microsoft Store version eight years after its original release
Quake Champions is transitioning from a free-to-play model to a paid product, eight years after its initial release. The Microsoft Store version is being discontinued, with the game now exclusively available on Steam for £8.99/$9.99. This change also marks the end of ongoing development for the game.
4 years after full launch, Quake Champions is a paid game on Steam with old content unlocked and microtransactions removed as devs announce an end to updates
Quake Champions has transitioned to a paid model on Steam, removing microtransactions and unlocking all characters and most vanity content. This change comes four years after its full launch and marks an end to further content updates for the game, with id Software and Bethesda Softworks citing structural changes within Microsoft's gaming division.
Following id layoffs, Quake Champions drops free-to-play nonsense and becomes a £9 game on Steam
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play model to a premium purchase on Steam, removing battle passes, loot boxes, and its in-game store. This change occurs in the context of significant layoffs at id Software, its developer, following Microsoft's acquisition of Zenimax. While the game will continue in some form, no further content updates are planned.
Quake Champions is No Longer Free-to-Play, Cosmetics Unlocked For Everyone
id Software has transitioned Quake Champions from a free-to-play model to a paid one, removing all microtransactions and battle passes. The developer has also made 30 seasons' worth of content available for free to all owners and confirmed no future content updates are planned. This change coincides with update 1.31, which introduced new weapons, features, and quality-of-life improvements, while also reducing server data centers.
Quake Champions takes a shower, shedding all its 2017 live-service grime and becoming a $10 game
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play live-service model to a one-time $10 purchase on Steam. The update removes all live-service elements, including Battle Passes, challenges, stores, and loot boxes, making all champions and most vanity content available to all players. While no further content updates are planned, the game is considered improved by shedding its live-service grime.
Quake Champions moves from F2P to a paid game & unlocks all content for existing players
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play model to a paid game for new players, with all content now unlocked. Existing players will retain access to all content for free, and those who purchased Platinum within the last 60 days will receive a refund. The Microsoft Store version is being retired, with players encouraged to migrate to Steam.
PUBG Drops Another Free Survivor Pack For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can claim the free PUBG – 2026 Xbox Game Pass Exclusive Survivor Pack #3, which includes Hunter's Chests, Keys, and Contraband Coupons. This limited-time offer is available once per account on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Microsoft’s latest patent could mean the arrival of in-game ads that play during downtime
Microsoft has filed a patent for a system that would display advertisements during moments of downtime in free-to-play games. The system would monitor gameplay activity and present video or static ads during loading screens or after completing objectives, with options for ad-free time and rewards for watching ads. This development raises concerns for players, particularly those subscribed to services like Xbox Game Pass.
HoYoverse's Nodusfall might look like Elden Ring, but there's a promising dark fantasy action game here that took me by surprise
HoYoverse's upcoming dark fantasy action game, Nodusfall, surprised during a Gamescom preview with its engaging combat and compelling boss encounters, despite initial comparisons to Elden Ring. The free-to-play title features a co-op focus with characters unlockable through gameplay, though monetization details are still pending.
Free Play Days – Sea of Thieves and Hell Let Loose Vietnam
Xbox is offering Free Play Days for Sea of Thieves and Hell Let Loose from September 17 to September 20. Hell Let Loose requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential membership, while Sea of Thieves is available to all Xbox members on Xbox and PC.
Aniimo codes (September 2026)
This guide provides a list of active Aniimo codes for the free-to-play creature collector game, offering rewards such as glimmer, credits, growth flowers, and aniipods. It also explains how to redeem these codes within the game and troubleshooting tips for when codes may not work.
All Free Aniimo Rewards And How To Get Them
This guide details how to obtain all currently available free rewards in the creature-catching game Aniimo. It covers rewards from the limited-time 'Set Out, Pathfinder' login event, which runs until October 16, and daily activity challenges that reset every 24 hours after reaching the Institute.
For Honor is Now Free to Keep on Ubisoft Connect
Ubisoft is offering the Standard Edition of its melee combat game For Honor for free on PC via Ubisoft Connect as part of its 40th anniversary celebration. Players can claim the game until September 28, 2026, and it will remain permanently in their library. The giveaway coincides with the launch of Year 10 Season 3: Blood Hunt.
Multiplayer creature capturing RPG Aniimo officially goes live – here’s what its monetization looks like
The multiplayer creature-capturing RPG Aniimo has officially launched as a free-to-play title, detailing its monetization strategy which includes a monthly pass, a premium battle pass track, and a cash shop utilizing Lumin Crystals. The cash shop offers cosmetic outfits, in-game currency, leveling materials, and items for capturing Aniimo, with some earnable in-game. Pawprint Studios is also offering launch bonuses for PC and console players, with a mobile version planned for September 23rd.
Free-to-play Pokemon and Palworld-like Aniimo launches to "Mixed" Steam reviews: "It's very much a…
The free-to-play creature collector Aniimo, developed by Pawprint Studio, has launched on PC and consoles to a "Mixed" reception on Steam. While praised for its cute visuals and comparisons to Palworld and Infinity Nikki, many negative reviews cite aggressive monetization, predatory gacha mechanics, and pay-to-win elements as significant drawbacks.
Here's the Aniimo release time for your region
Aniimo, a free-to-play monster-catching game developed by Pawprint Studios, is set to release on September 15 or 16 depending on the region. Preloads are already available, with the game size around 40GB. The title aims to capture a similar audience to Palworld but without the survival crafting elements.
Borderlands 4 DLC Character and Free-to-Play Weekend Attract Resurgence on Steam
Borderlands 4 is experiencing a resurgence on Steam charts, driven by the popularity of its new DLC character, Loveless the Hacker. The game is also benefiting from a free-to-play weekend.
Riders of Icarus officially returns from its sunset this fall, with closed beta scheduled for September 29
The pet-taming MMORPG Riders of Icarus is returning as Icarus Online this fall, developed by Valofe and published by GOP Co. Ltd. The free-to-play title will feature adjustments to creature types, abilities, and dungeon rewards, with a closed beta scheduled from September 29th to October 5th.
GOALS 2.0.0 Takes Free-To-Play Game Pass Football To The Next Level
The free-to-play football game GOALS has received its largest overhaul with the release of update 2.0.0. This update introduces 5v5 Ranked mode, a new tournament experience called The Trial, and hundreds of underlying changes to gameplay, matchmaking, and progression. GOALS 2.0.0 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC with full cross-platform play.
The next game by the creators of Steins;Gate is an entirely vibe-coded FPS slopfest
Mages Inc, known for the Steins;Gate visual novel series, is releasing Juggernaut, a free-to-play boomer shooter that heavily utilizes generative AI for its graphics and effects. The game's asset creation tool also uses AI, drawing criticism from some Steam users who question the studio's commitment to development.
