‘Free-to-Play (F2P)’ Meaning | Esports Terms Explained
F2P is a term that describes games that are free to play, meaning that anyone can download and play them without paying any upfront or subscription fees. However, F2P games may have purchasable content, such as cosmetic items, extra characters, or in-game currency, that can enhance the gameplay experience or provide some advantages. F2P games are also known as freemium games, as they combine free and premium elements.
F2P games are common in esports, as they attract a large and diverse player base and generate revenue through microtransactions, advertisements, or sponsorships. F2P games are usually supported by regular updates, patches, and events that keep the game fresh and engaging. F2P games can also foster a competitive and collaborative environment, as players can form teams, join leagues, or participate in tournaments.
What are the features of Free-to-Play (F2P) games?
F2P games have some common features that define their business model and gameplay, such as:
Accessibility: F2P games are easy to access and play, as they only require an internet connection and a compatible device, such as a PC, a console, or a mobile phone. F2P games are also designed to run on low-end or mid-range hardware, making them more affordable and available to a wider audience.
Variety: F2P games offer a variety of genres, themes, and styles, catering to different tastes and preferences. F2P games can range from casual to hardcore, from realistic to fantasy, from single-player to multiplayer, and from strategy to action. F2P games can also have different modes, levels, and challenges that suit different skill levels and goals.
Community: F2P games create a sense of community and socialization, as players can interact with each other through chat, voice, or video. F2P games can also encourage cooperation and competition, as players can team up, challenge, or support each other. F2P games can also have fan-made content, such as mods, maps, or guides, that enhance the game and the community.
What are some examples of Free-to-Play (F2P) games in esports?
F2P games are present in many esports genres, such as MOBA, FPS, or Battle Royale, where each game has its own rules and mechanics. Here are some examples of F2P games in popular esports genres:
MOBA: MOBA stands for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, where two teams of players control individual characters with unique abilities and try to destroy the enemy’s base. Some examples of F2P MOBA games are:
League of Legends: League of Legends is one of the most popular and influential esports games, with over 100 million monthly players and a global competitive scene. League of Legends has over 150 characters, called champions, that players can choose from and customize with items and runes. League of Legends also has different maps and modes, such as Summoner’s Rift, ARAM, or Teamfight Tactics.
Dota 2: Dota 2 is the sequel to the original mod that created the MOBA genre, Defense of the Ancients. Dota 2 has over 100 characters, called heroes, that players can select and upgrade with items and talents. Dota 2 also has different maps and modes, such as All Pick, Turbo, or Ability Draft.
FPS: FPS stands for First-Person Shooter, where players use guns and other weapons to shoot and eliminate their opponents. Some examples of F2P FPS games are:
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the latest installment of the iconic Counter-Strike series, which started as a mod for Half-Life. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has two teams of players, terrorists and counter-terrorists, that compete in various modes, such as Bomb Defusal, Hostage Rescue, or Deathmatch. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive also has different maps and weapons, such as Dust II, Mirage, or AK-47.
Valorant: Valorant is a new FPS game that combines elements of Counter-Strike and Overwatch. Valorant has two teams of players, attackers and defenders, that compete in a mode called Spike, where the attackers have to plant a bomb and the defenders have to stop them. Valorant also has different characters, called agents, that have unique abilities, such as Jett, Phoenix, or Sage.
Battle Royale: Battle Royale is a genre where a large number of players are dropped into a shrinking map and have to scavenge for weapons and items and eliminate each other until one player or team remains. Some examples of F2P Battle Royale games are:
Fortnite: Fortnite is one of the most popular and influential esports games, with over 350 million registered players and a global competitive scene. Fortnite has a mode called Battle Royale, where up to 100 players can compete solo or in teams of up to four. Fortnite also has a unique feature called building, where players can construct structures and traps with materials they collect.
Apex Legends: Apex Legends is a new Battle Royale game that adds elements of hero shooters and RPGs. Apex Legends has up to 60 players that compete in teams of three, called squads. Apex Legends also has different characters, called legends, that have unique abilities and roles, such as Wraith, Lifeline, or Pathfinder.
To Sum Up
F2P games are games that are free to play, meaning that anyone can download and play them without paying any upfront or subscription fees. However, F2P games may have purchasable content, such as cosmetic items, extra characters, or in-game currency, that can enhance the gameplay experience or provide some advantages. F2P games are common in esports, as they attract a large and diverse player base and generate revenue through microtransactions, advertisements, or sponsorships. F2P games are usually supported by regular updates, patches, and events that keep the game fresh and engaging. F2P games can also foster a competitive and collaborative environment, as players can form teams, join leagues, or participate in tournaments.