Tag

Free To Play

All articles tagged with #free to play

Embark Studios offers full, unrestricted ARC Raiders trial to launch Frozen Trail update
gaming23 days ago

Embark Studios offers full, unrestricted ARC Raiders trial to launch Frozen Trail update

Embark Studios will make ARC Raiders free to play from October 8 to 12, 2026, coinciding with the release of the 'Frozen Trail' update. The trial grants access to the entire game, including the new Pendola Pass map, with no content locked. This follows a period where the game lost its initial launch audience, and the studio aims to attract new players and returning veterans through this comprehensive free weekend.

Quake Champions Ends Free-to-Play Era, Becomes $10 Steam-Only Title After id Software Layoffs
gaming1 month ago

Quake Champions Ends Free-to-Play Era, Becomes $10 Steam-Only Title After id Software Layoffs

id Software has transitioned Quake Champions from a free-to-play model to a premium $9.99 title on Steam, effective September 23, 2026. The update removes all microtransactions, loot boxes, and battle passes, granting existing players free access to the paid version. This shift follows significant layoffs at id Software and marks the end of planned content updates for the game.

Aniimo Launches Free on PS5, Xbox, and Cloud Services Amid Mixed Reception
gaming1 month ago

Aniimo Launches Free on PS5, Xbox, and Cloud Services Amid Mixed Reception

Pawprint Studio’s free-to-play open-world RPG Aniimo launched globally on September 15, 2026, across PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and cloud platforms. The game, set on the continent of Idyll, features creature-catching mechanics and a 'Twine' system that allows players to transform into collected creatures. While the title attracted over 127,000 peak concurrent players on Steam, it received mixed reviews, with critics and players citing monetization and gacha mechanics as primary concerns despite praise for its exploration and character design.

Ubisoft Gives Away For Honor Permanently for 40th Anniversary, Excluding Linux Users
video-games1 month ago

Ubisoft Gives Away For Honor Permanently for 40th Anniversary, Excluding Linux Users

Ubisoft is giving away the Standard Edition of For Honor for free on Ubisoft Connect until September 28, 2026, as part of its 40th-anniversary celebrations. The game, which features 14 characters and multiple PvP modes, will remain in players' libraries permanently. However, the giveaway excludes Linux and Steam Deck users, a decision that has drawn criticism from the community.

Overwatch Season 4 Overhauls Battle Pass to Reduce Cosmetic FOMO
gaming2 months ago

Overwatch Season 4 Overhauls Battle Pass to Reduce Cosmetic FOMO

Overwatch Season 4 launches August 11, 2026, introducing a revamped battle pass system designed to reduce player frustration. The update replaces the linear 80-tier structure with a track-based system, allowing players to prioritize specific cosmetic rewards. Additionally, a new 'Tier Hack' feature enables premium pass holders to swap unwanted legendary skins for curated alternatives. The season also introduces D.Mon, a new tank hero, and plans to 'unvault' previous battle passes in September.

The Division Resurgence Hits Steam to Mixed Reviews and Low Player Counts
gaming2 months ago

The Division Resurgence Hits Steam to Mixed Reviews and Low Player Counts

Ubisoft’s free-to-play mobile offshoot, The Division Resurgence, launched on Steam last week. Despite being announced in June, the release received minimal marketing, resulting in a 'Mixed' Steam rating and low concurrent player counts. Critics argue the game is a poor port of the original title, while Ubisoft continues to support the mainline Division 2.

Xbox Trials Ad-Supported Cloud Gaming for Insiders
technology3 months ago

Xbox Trials Ad-Supported Cloud Gaming for Insiders

Microsoft is running a voluntary test of an ad-supported cloud gaming experience for Xbox Insiders. Players can stream owned titles or free-to-play games (e.g., Forza Horizon 6, 007 First Light, Call of Duty: Warzone, Genshin Impact, War Thunder) after a two-minute ad block, then play for up to an hour before another ad block is offered to resume. Xbox says this test will help gauge interest and impact, but it does not confirm a broader ad-supported tier yet; ads are designed to add value without interrupting gameplay and will follow a set of quality guidelines.

technology5 months ago

Marathon Goes Free for a Week as Season 2 Drops

From June 2–9, Marathon is free to play on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with progress saving if you buy the game for $40; PS5 online doesn’t require PS Plus. The free window coincides with Season 2, which adds Night Marsh, a new Sentinel Runner shell, and other features, while inventories are wiped to level the field. Season 2 also introduces Cradle to level the Runner shell stats independently of faction progression, faster faction progression, a larger Vault, and several QoL improvements.

Marathon Takes a Week-Long Free Ride to Jumpstart Season 2
news5 months ago

Marathon Takes a Week-Long Free Ride to Jumpstart Season 2

Marathon will be free to play for a week (June 2–9) across Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S as Season 2 begins, with progress carried over. PC players have always had free online play, while console players need a paid subscription. The Open Play Week is aimed at reviving a shrinking player base and Bungie plans ongoing Season 2 updates and storytelling beyond the first year.

World of Tanks: Heat Lands Free on Xbox with 32 Achievements
technology5 months ago

World of Tanks: Heat Lands Free on Xbox with 32 Achievements

World of Tanks: Heat launches today as a free-to-play spin-off on Xbox Series X|S and PC, featuring 32 achievements worth 1,000 Gamerscore across 5v5 and 10v10 modes. Players control Agents with two tanks each, unlockable upgrades, and a mix of challenge types including critical hits, assists, and base captures. It won’t be in Xbox Game Pass at launch, but Game Pass perks may come later.

Sega Scraps Five-Year 'Super Game' Bet, Shifts to IP Reboots and Films
business5 months ago

Sega Scraps Five-Year 'Super Game' Bet, Shifts to IP Reboots and Films

Sega has canceled its enigmatic 'Super Game' project five years after its announcement, citing weak performance of its free-to-play and live-service titles (like Sonic Rumble Party) and financial strains linked to Rovio. The planned roughly $880 million investment and a March 2026 release are scrapped, with more than 100 staff redirected to other projects. The company will focus on rebooting classic IPs such as Virtua Fighter, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and Crazy Taxi, while expanding into film adaptations and related titles ( Sonic the Hedgehog 4, The Angry Birds Movie 3, and adaptations of OutRun, Golden Axe, Shinobi, Streets of Rage).