The shared-world shooter Anthem has been in development for a long time. Now, some developers revealed that during the early phase, they considered a Free2Play model.
For 7 years, even before the release of Destiny 1, Anthem has been in development. In such a long period, there can be many adjustments, changes, or even realignments. Now, Anthem is about to have its official release on February 22 and will be offered as a full-price title for PC and consoles.
Here’s what it’s about: However, it could have gone differently. As the developers revealed, they seriously considered launching Anthem as a Free2Play game during an early development phase – similar to Fortnite. While such a model attracts more players, developers must also find other ways to make money.
Bioware decided against the F2P model for Anthem
This is why they decided against it: As Gamingbolt.com reports, Bioware employees Jonathan Warner and Ben Irving spoke about it to EDGE magazine.
On one hand, they thought that a F2P release would not fit a AAA title. AAA or Triple-A titles refer to games that have extremely high production and marketing costs and thus cost a lot of money throughout the entire development. This includes big titles like Destiny, Far Cry, or Red Dead Redemption 2.
On the other hand, Bioware apparently feared becoming too dependent on generating income in the case of F2P. Thus, they would not be able to respond freely to feedback and would have to make compromises to generate revenue. For instance, they would not be able to deliver certain DLCs for free:
What would we really lose if we offered the game for free? There’s all the money that we would need to make profitable. And you’re less generous towards the players. I think in the Triple-A space, players are more willing to pay the purchase price to then receive a player-friendly model, with free DLCs and optional paid vanity items that you can buy with in-game currency.
Microtransactions in Anthem: How satisfied players really are with this model will likely have to wait until release. Currently, there are discussions about Anthem’s cash shop, where you can buy with real money. Players fear exorbitant prices for cosmetic items and that it could take forever to unlock them through regular means.
Players also had concerns that they could buy crafting materials and other items with real money to gain an advantage.
EA and Bioware have already given a clear answer to the Pay2Win question.
