PlayStation-exclusive shooter becomes free-to-play just months after launch

FEBRUARY was exceptionally busy for games, with a large number of big-name releases coming out in that month.

In particular, we saw a surge in the number of live-service games that were released, with four big-name games launching in that time.

1

Previously, live-service games have been free to download and play, but then make money by selling in-game purchases such as skins and battle passes.

This is the model for some of the most popular games of this genre, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Genshin Impact.

Publishers started to charge a base rate for games on top of the in-game shops, but it has proved to be unpopular with players.

In February, Skull and Bones, Suicide Squad, Foamstars and Helldivers 2 were all released with this payment model, and only Helldivers was successful.

While Helldivers 2 costs £35/$40 up front, all in-game purchases can be bought using currency earned via missions, and don’t require real money.

This made it more favourable with fans who saw these additional microtransactions as an option rather than a requirement.

Skull and Bones and Suicide Squad have stuck to the original business model, but Square Enix’s Foamstars will soon change its strategy.

Foamstars is the Final Fantasy developer’s attempt at a colourful arena shooter like Nintendo’s Splatoon.

It has some major differences from the Nintendo IP in that you can build walls of foam to protect yourself or to gain the high ground.

Splatoon features seasonal content, events and skins, but these are all included in the price you pay when you buy the game.

Conversely, Foamstars is cheaper than Splatoon at just £25/$35 but requires purchases for battle passes using real money.

Foamstars was free for PlayStation Plus subscribers in the first month after launch, but since then has required payment in order to play.

Square Enix has just announced that Foamstars will soon become free-to-play, which will likely encourage new players to join.

Live-service games rely on a strong playerbase in order to keep the game popular so that players can match online easily.

The PlayStation exclusive is available on both PS4 and PS5 and will be made free-to-play from October 4.

Following the change, players will also no longer require a PS Plus subscription in order to play with others online.

Those who purchase or have purchased Foamstars before it goes free-to-play will receive a Legacy Gift.

This includes the Bubble Beastie skin in 12 colour variants, a Slide Board design and the title Legacy.

If you want to read more about PlayStation, check out our Metal Gear Solid Delta preview.