Free-to-Play
Ongoing coverage on Free-to-Play.
Latest coverage
Ananta release date places the free-to-play anime take on GTA in January 2027, just 2 months after Rockstar's GTA 6
NetEase Games has announced that its free-to-play, anime-style open-world game Ananta will launch in January 2027. This release date places it just two months after Rockstar Games' highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, which is set to release on November 19. The announcement was made during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026.
Analyst reckons the Epic Games Store can't "recover" in duel with Steam, Epic GM says "the data…
An analyst from Newzoo believes the Epic Games Store cannot compete with Steam due to Steam's established dominance and Epic's strategy of giving away free games. However, Epic Games' VP and GM, Martin Keely, stated that data shows significant growth in player hours and spending on third-party games on the Epic Games Store in 2025, with further acceleration expected.
The Library Is A Gateway To Free Video Games
This article explores how public libraries can serve as a gateway to free video games, offering a more cost-effective alternative to subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. It highlights the value of library cards for accessing gaming content without significant personal expense.
Riot Games to end LoL fighting game 2XK0's development and issue refunds, less than a year since launch
Riot Games is ending active development on its free-to-play fighting game, 2XKO, in December, less than a year after its full release. The company cited a lack of a sustainable path forward due to low player retention and engagement. All in-game purchases made before August 20th will be refunded, and all characters will be unlocked by the end of development.
Riot Games is shutting down 2XKO development this year after a weak launch: "We haven’t seen enough players…
Riot Games is ceasing development on its fighting game 2XKO this year due to a lack of sustained player engagement. The game will remain playable, but the final content update is scheduled for October. All purchases made before August 20 will be refunded, and a final cosmetic bundle will be released alongside the last champion, Samira, in October.
Battlefield 6 is free at same time as Modern Warfare 4 beta as EA trolls rival
EA is offering a free week-long trial for Battlefield 6 that coincides with the beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, a move seen as a deliberate attempt to undercut Activision. The trial includes new maps and modes, and features a Top Gun crossover with character skins. While Modern Warfare 4's first beta is pre-order exclusive, Battlefield 6's free access aims to attract new players amidst ongoing pressure for both titles to succeed.
Ananta Will be Showcased at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026
Ananta, formerly known as Project Mugen, will be showcased at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 on August 25, with Geoff Keighley promising a fresh look at the urban open-world game. Developed by NetEase for PC, PlayStation 5, Android, and iOS, Ananta features traversal mechanics inspired by Marvel's Spider-Man and combat similar to Sleeping Dogs. The free-to-play title has garnered significant pre-registration interest.
Barbie and Hot Wheels owner Mattel launches Mattel Game Studios
Toy maker Mattel has launched Mattel Game Studios, a new subsidiary of Mattel Digital Studios, to develop and publish titles based on its iconic brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels. The studio will oversee existing mobile games and publish new free-to-play titles, as well as original experiences on platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. This move follows Mattel's recent acquisition of mobile studio Mattel163.
Games Inbox: Should Call Of Duty become free-to-play?
This collection of reader letters discusses various gaming topics, including the potential for Call of Duty to go free-to-play, skepticism about the Kingdom Hearts series, hopes for a FIFA rival from 2K, and the surprising success of Pokémon Pokopia. Other topics include the perceived 'Marvel curse' in games, the changing landscape of game reveals, and recommendations for PlayStation 5 accessories.
Gorgeous PlayStation 5 RPG Gets Release Date, Will Be Free
The PlayStation 5 open world action RPG Aniimo has received a September 2026 release date and will be free-to-play at launch. An Advanced Edition for $9.99 and a Collector's Edition for $19.99 will be available, offering exclusive digital accessories, battle passes, and other in-game items. The game allows players to collect and transform into various creatures called Aniimo to solve puzzles and battle.
Dave the Diver is Coming to Mobile on September 17
MINTROCKET announced that Dave the Diver will be released globally on iOS and Android devices on September 17, 2026. The mobile version will be a full port of the original game, available for $4.99 with an option to try the opening portion for free. The game will feature mobile-optimized controls and no advertisements or pay-to-win elements, though some DLC will be sold separately.
Aniimo is Coming to PC, Consoles and Mobile on September 16th
Pawprint Studio announced that its free-to-play creature collection game, Aniimo, will launch on September 16th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Android, and iOS. Pre-orders for Advanced and Collector's Editions are available on PS5, offering in-game accessories and battle passes. The game features creature collection, settlement building, farming, and multiplayer adventures.
Perfect Ten: Looking back at the absurdly stacked MMO year of 2010
The year 2010 was a landmark year for MMORPGs, marked by numerous significant launches, business model shifts, and notable events. Key moments included the launches of Star Trek Online, Global Agenda, and Mortal Online, alongside the controversial launches and shutdowns of All Points Bulletin and the initial version of Final Fantasy XIV. The year also saw major shifts with EverQuest II and Lord of the Rings Online adopting free-to-play models, and the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm and City of Heroes: Going Rogue expansions.
How to Get Free Legendary Champions in Raid: Shadow Legends (2026) - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
This guide details how to obtain free Legendary Champions in Raid: Shadow Legends without spending money, focusing on guaranteed methods like mission chains, fragment shops, fusion events, and login rewards. It emphasizes that random summoning is the least reliable path and highlights specific Champions obtainable through these consistent, progression-based routes.
Free-to-play Division game launches on Steam to mixed reviews: 'Calling it slop disrespects actual slop'
Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence, originally launched on mobile, has arrived on Steam for PC with a "mixed" review rating. Players are criticizing login issues, bugs, and a perceived imbalance between microtransactions and rewards, leading to frustration with the game's UI and progression systems.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Aug. 7: Steam Cyberpunk Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Cyberpunk Fest featuring discounts on titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex games. Several storefronts like Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Humble Bundle are also offering significant sales on various games, with some titles available for free. Additionally, Ubisoft is celebrating 25 years of Ghost Recon with deep discounts and a free trial for Ghost Recon Wildlands.
Get Beacon Pines and We Were Here Together for Free
Beacon Pines and We Were Here Together are currently available for free on the Epic Games Store as part of its weekly giveaway promotion. Players can claim these titles to keep them permanently if they are downloaded before next Thursday.
This week's Epic Games Store free games drops you into a novel, or tasks you and a friend to escape a haunted castle
The Epic Games Store is offering two free PC games: Beacon Pines, a narrative adventure with branching story paths, and We Were Here Together, a co-op puzzle game set in Antarctica. Both titles are available for PC players to claim between August 6 and August 13.
Evening Interviews
Ustwo Games was reportedly pushed out of the mobile market due to the prevalence of free-to-play models. However, the article suggests that the free-to-play approach is now influencing the PC gaming landscape.
Ustwo Games was pushed out of mobile by the rise of free-to-play – but the mobile way of doing things is coming to PC
Ustwo Games is shifting its strategy from mobile-first to PC-first, citing the dominance of the free-to-play model on mobile and a desire to focus on premium, narrative-driven experiences. CEO Maria Sayans and CCO Daniel Gray explained that while this transition is challenging, the studio aims to retain its core identity while adapting its development philosophy for a new audience. Other mobile-focused companies like Outfit7 are also exploring PC releases, indicating a broader trend of diversification within the industry.
