F2P = Free to play?
What is a free to play (F2P) game? Literally, it can be translated as “free to play”.
However, in French-speaking countries, the expression F2P is used most of the time. It is the abbreviation of the English word “Free To Play”. The main characteristic of an F2P game is that it is free to play. Free to play games are opposed to so-called pay to play games, which are video games that require paid access. F2P games are usually run with micro-payments that give gamers the opportunity to acquire bonuses or additional elements.
Therefore, free-to-play characterises the economic concept of game development where gamers have the possibility to play for free. In F2P, the development of the title, the technical infrastructure as well as potential marketing investments are financed by paid content related to the game.
These various paid elements aim to guarantee the profitability of the F2P concept. They can be materialized by : Additional game levels, special statuses, virtual goods or a paid multiplayer system. F2P is a concept mainly used for games on mobile devices, tablets and social networks. This offers the possibility of inexpensive distribution of the title. In addition, it should be noted that the distribution of these games is also largely based on so-called viral marketing and recommendation, especially on social networks.
Business model and advantages of F2P
Free-to-play online games survive financially by means of advertising concepts or through a purchase scheme for virtual goods, usually called an online shop. The F2P concept even affects paid games, in order to attract new players or because they fail to meet the success originally hoped for. Thus, they switch to F2P. Examples are World of Warcraft and DC Universe Online.
Considered in the past as low-end, F2P games have become qualitative game series attracting thousands and thousands of gamers across the globe. Free-to-play games welcome players for free, removing the financial barrier. It should be noted that paid games do not necessarily ensure quality of play. So with F2P MMORPGs, you can test a game without any risk! Another interesting point: F2P titles are not pirated as they can be played for free. Finally, a F2P concept does not require a marketing strategy, as communication takes place on the web via specialised sites and other blogs, where it works in a similar way to word of mouth.
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