The free-to-play model is a model that many developers have chosen to adopt these days for their games. It basically makes a game free for download, but at the same time monetizes by charging gamers for in-app purchases. It is a good way to get gamers to try the game and at the same time potentially making a lot more from it.Naturally this is not a model that gamers particularly enjoy, especially since sometimes the progress of a game is hindered due to the fact that they need to purchase certain items to help them pass a difficult level, or in some cases, pay to pass the level entirely. That being said, Dungeon Keeper and Fable’s creator, Peter Molyneux, has recently expressed his distaste for the model.
In the past Molyneux has commented on how he did not particularly enjoy EA’s take of Dungeon Keepers namely due to the free-to-play system which basically prompted players to make in-app purchases at every turn (almost). This time round in an interview with Develop on his upcoming game Godus, Molyneux further elaborated on what he said last time concerning EA’s Dungeon Keeper.
According to Molynexus, “There is a lot of contention happening in free-to-play right now. I hate the term, and I hate the way free-to-play is burning through our consumers and the tender shoots of new gamers. I think the world is ready for a new way to approach that whole angle.”
He also adds that games like League of Legends is a good example of a game that is free to play, but at the same time makes gamers want to invest in the game by purchasing cosmetic upgrades for their characters simply because they are truly enjoying the game.
While his statements and observations ring true, the fact of the matter is that there is just too much money to be made from the free-to-play model and it would be hard to walk away from that, but what do you guys think?
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