Is the Free-To-Play model the cure for piracy and DRM?

[djbriandamage]

Crytek recently announced that they only plan to release games with the free-to-play model henceforth. Studios designing MMOs always implement a free-to-play strategy even if they plan to start off subscription-based. LOTRO and other early pioneers have proven that free-to-play is a successful model that drastically lowers the barrier to entry and is more fulfilling and convincing than a demo.

What do you guys think? Would you be open to paying for single player games that adopt this model? Would you rather pay $5 every hour until you own every level of a single player game, or would you prefer to pay the full $60 upfront and run the risk of not playing past the first level?

[Kadayi]

Free to play only really suits certain game styles though which is a bit of an issue.

[pakoito]

It is like trying to get rid of herpes by contracting AIDS. Piracy was hurting the industry and budgets, F2P hurts the games, the players and ultimately the industry. They are investing a lot of money on a short-ride pony and it will die sooner or later. Then comes games-as-service but don't make me go there.

[Hypernetic]

Assuming piracy is a problem that needs solving in the first place...

[duff]

Would you rather pay $5 every hour until you own every level of a single player game, or would you prefer to pay the full $60 upfront and run the risk of not playing past the first level?

Why can't you have both with a discount for buying the whole thing?

[Xercies]

I've always said F2P is a problem because you really don't have the budget to make a truly great game to be honest since your only going to get so much from people. I would rather have games that cost less and are made for less then F2P

[squirrel]

Here's the first thing: why they dont release Crysis 3 as a F2P title?

There doesn't seem any studio can fund an AAA grade title by F2P model. I bet most gamers who play a F2P title won't spend a dime on it. I for one haven't, since there is no pressure to pay to win and I can play when I want. Motivation to pay is never that strong enough.

BTW should this thread be in PC gaming broad?

[pakoito]

There is good money in F2P, often even more than retail, that is why they are shifting. Also, F2P allows for constant long-term income, aside from the initial bang. Piracy is a non-issue and you control discounts and economy. And it is a less risky bet if the game flops.