The Free2Play model is now indispensable in the MMORPG field. However, this does not mean that this model is always well implemented. Therefore, today we are asking what you think is the best Free2Play MMO.
When the term “Free2Play” is mentioned, many players immediately wrinkle their noses. Because “free” games are usually not free at all. While it is possible to download them for free and play them at no cost, there are often significant limitations. Especially those who want to achieve something quickly in an MMO to compete with others cannot avoid spending money in the in-game shop.
Free2Play=Pay2Win?
Free2Play is often associated with the negative term “Pay2Win.” Only those who spend as much money as possible in the in-game shop can buy certain advantages and have a chance to become the best. EXP boosters or particularly powerful weapons available for purchase in the item shop drive many players crazy. Because fairness is very important in an online game.
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However, it is the case that the genre of MMORPGs or also MOBAs and online shooters would look very different today if there were no Free2Play model. It arose because fewer and fewer players were willing to spend money on a subscription. Those who spend between 12 and 15 euros per month on a game want to get as much out of that game as possible. Playing two, three, or four subscription games at the same time is expensive, and on the other hand, you have less and less time for each individual game.
How to market online games?
Since the genre of MMOs was very popular at the beginning of the millennium and still has many enthusiastic fans today, many developers and publishers wanted to get in on the action in this market. The Free2Play model allowed them to at least attract players, hoping they would enjoy it and spend money.
The development and operation of an online game cost money, which is why it cannot be offered completely for free. Thus, the in-game shop presents a good alternative for developers. Those who want can buy items there.
Fairness is the top priority!
However, the offer must be fair. Some games like League of Legends finance themselves through skins, which simply give the heroes a different appearance. They do not become stronger, thus fairness is maintained. These are simply fashionable items that those who want to give their characters a more interesting appearance can purchase.
Other games such as RIFT however offer the possibility to buy more space in the inventory. Here, there can be arguments about whether it is fair if a player has to go to town more often to sell things because his inventory is smaller than that of another player who has purchased a larger inventory.
Mounts, pets, the ability to complete certain game content more often, or more character slots to create more heroes… What is fair and what is not? Which online game does it right and which does not? Does the quality of the game suffer if it has an in-game shop? Can you still play well even if you don’t buy anything?
Andreas says: For developers, it is not easy to place an online game in the market these days. The willingness to spend money on a subscription has decreased. Simply offering the game for sale might not cover ongoing costs. An optional in-game shop is therefore almost a must. However, the items offered there should not affect the enjoyment of the game. I want to be able to enjoy the game even if I don’t spend money. And I can usually do that when I have no ambitions to compare myself to others.
Finding the right balance so that an item shop does not feel like Pay2Win or a compulsion is very difficult. Many MMOs fail because of this. But some succeed, showing that Free2Play is not always bad.
Therefore, our question to you today is: What do you think is the best Free2Play MMORPG with the fairest shop and the fairest model that also impresses in terms of quality?
