Free-to-play business models in games have proven quite controversial in recent years, but it’s not always because gamers have a problem with the initial idea. Who doesn’t want to play for free? Rather, it’s microtransactions and pay-to-win schemes that rub gamers the wrong way, which raises the question; are the hassles and frustrations worth the lack of admission fees?
In a discussion with GameSpot, Sony Online Entertainment’s John Smedley expressed his firm support of free-to-play, emphasizing its enormous potential for both players and developers alike.
We believe very strongly in this idea that if you open it up so that anybody can play it, it is the most powerful form of democracy in gaming that there is. Because they can vote with their feet and they don’t have to pay us a dime. So it really keeps you on top of your game.
I’ll assume “feet” simply means continuously choosing to play a game, with no guilt or self-imposed commitment to continue when you haven’t parted with real-life cash. When asked why the model hasn’t caught on for consoles if it’s such a great fit, Smedley didn’t have a concrete answer, joking that he “hopes it takes them [competitors] a really long time to figure out.”
Regardless of free-to-play, though, the longevity of console games has increased dramatically in recent years, even for titles without paid DLC. Grand Theft Auto V still receives regular content updates, for example, while EA’s Battlefield titles are often supported up until the next installment is released. This is the main reason Smedley feels free-to-play will never fully replace standard business models; games have, in many cases, become services that continuously evolve.
The reason that I don’t think that’s going to be the case is because you’re seeing games evolve very strongly into a games as a service model. I think it’s just going to be all about taking time to see the market develop. I don’t think [free-to-play] will ever completely replace it at all.
Sony has the portfolio to prove its commitment to free-to-play — not to mention excellent results — but will the industry catch up? I certainly hope so. As long as standard purchasing methods remain intact, I don’t expect gamers will complain about more free games anytime soon.
