Games that should have been free-to-play

Features

February 22, 2015

The general premise of a free-to-play game is one that offers a significant portion of its content free of charge, but that locks away some of its premium content behind a pay wall – additional items, improved bonuses, and premium memberships for example.

As such, if you want to experience the entire game, you’ll have to pay for it. For the most part, however, being able to play a game for free encourages a larger community, more developer input post-release, and a number of other benefits.

Bearing this in mind, these are the games I think would have worked better as free-to-play titles.

Destiny

When Destiny launched back in September of last year I was in love. Many months later and I can no longer stomach the thought of playing it.

Its poor progression system, a generally thoughtless loot mechanic, and a constant need for unappealing grinding are far from ideal.

That’s exactly why Destiny would make the perfect free-to-play title. Flawed as they may be, Destiny’s loot and progression systems are perfect for a free-to-play atmosphere.

Instead of playing for 5 hours to find the Ascendant shard needed to upgrade your armour, you could purchase it with real money.

Remember, if you put the hours in, as a free-to-play game, you’d never pay a thing for Destiny.

Call of Duty

Every year we play another new Call of Duty, but let’s be honest, we only buy the game for its comprehensive multiplayer suite. With all of its add-ons, customisation options, and maps, Call of Duty should be free to play.

Call of Duty Online could be the solution. Imagine new maps, modes, weapons, customisation options, and more being offered for a cost, but the initial game is free.

There’s a lot of potential there. Not to mention that a single game would mean the community is maintained rather than divided after each new iteration.

Right now, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare receives fairly costly, weekly DLC packs. These packs include new skins for your weapons and Exo-Suits. To me, this is pushing the gamer a bit.

We already spent a fortune on the game and now are subject to constant add-ons. Make the game free and we will buy them.

World of Warcraft

I’ve no interest in World of Warcraft, not at least until it’s free to play.

Blizzard could offer premium memberships to those who wish to benefit from the game’s many buffs, or perhaps offer additional raids. Blizzard could also make all of the game’s expansions require a purchase to experience.

There are a number of people playing World of Warcraft on illegal free servers, and making the game free should allow many of them into the fold. A stronger community usually results in a better game.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

I love Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. I think it’s the most ambitious MMO since World of Warcraft and a true testament to the series.

My only issue is the subscription cost. I’m in no way cheap, but I barely have the time to play the game – so why should I spend money every month to keep my subscription up when I am not using it?

Making Final Fantasy XIV a free-to-play title would increase the player count and solve quite a few issues revolving around matchmaking for dungeons. It would also mean that I do not waste money on a game that I do not have time to play often.

Which titles do you think would make great free-to-play games? Let us know in the comments and forum.