Video games that let users access a large amount of its content without charging or don’t require payment to keep playing are known as free-to-play games. Unlike traditional commercial software, which demands payment in order to access the game or service, free-to-play software is accessible to anybody.
It is also distinct from freeware games, which have no fee at all. Because the free-to-play concept isn’t totally free, it’s sometimes mockingly called “free-to-start.” Free-to-play games have also been frequently criticized for being “pay-to-win,” meaning that users can typically purchase advantages over other players in order to get a competitive or powerful advantage.
Some of the best free-to-play games for users are Fortnite, Valorant, Apex Legends, Genshin Impact, Warframe, Final Fantasy 14, and Call of Duty Warzone, among others.
How do free-to-play games make money?
Different types of free-to-play business models exist. The most popular is based on the freemium software model, where customers are given access to a game that works perfectly but are encouraged to make small payments in order to access more material.
At times, the content is completely inaccessible without any money. In other cases, it takes a very long time to “unlock” for players who aren’t paying, but paying the charge expedites the process. Including commercials in the game is an additional way to make money.
How does Fortnite make money?
Fortnite generates revenue from in-game purchases made by users, the sale of Fortnite products, Fortnite: Save The World, and the Fortnite World Cup.
In-game purchases
The bulk of Fortnite’s earnings come from this part of the business’s revenue creation. Players on Fortnite have the option to buy V-bucks, the virtual currency used on the site, with which they may subsequently buy in-game digital items. Among the in-game purchases are:
- unique skins for the avatars of players
- character dance routines
- additional changes to the characters’ powers
The fact that Fortnite only offers these purchases for a short period of time encourages them as well. The value and demand for the in-game items that can be purchased rise as a result.
Fortnite merchandise
Additionally, Fortnite makes a sizable profit from its goods. Popular video games and franchises frequently use this method to make money, and Fortnite is no exception. Among the many different branded things that Fortnite sells are toys, clothing, and other products bearing the Fortnite logo.
Fortnite: Save The World
When it was introduced in 2017, this was a dated tactic used to make money off of video games. Players have to pay $40 to play the video game Fortnite: Save the World. The game may eventually become free, despite rumors to the contrary.
Fortnite world cup
Millions of Fortnite gamers come here for this worldwide video game event. It’s speculated that this event alone generates enormous earnings for a company.
How does Valorant make money?
With over 20 million average monthly users, Valorant was developed and published by Riot Games in 2020. Ticket sales from Valorant eSports live events, in-game purchases, advertising revenue, and item sales are the four ways that Valorant generates revenue.
In-game purchases
The selling of Valorant Points is one way Valorant generates revenue. Users can purchase and utilize Valorant Points, the in-game money of Valorant, to acquire battle passes, skins, Radianite Points, and other in-game stuff.
Users can buy Valorant Points in-game or at participating stores that offer Valorant Points Gift Cards.
Ad revenue
Together, the seven Valorant YouTube channels have over 1.2 million subscribers. The Valorant brand also generates revenue through the monetization of the YouTube videos that are posted to these channels.
These seven channels post content, such as live feeds of professional games from every league in the world, including the World Cup. In addition, there are game analyses, weekly highlights, commentary, and more.
eSports live events
Apart from providing tournament streaming services, Valorant generates revenue by selling tickets for certain Valorant eSport events. These are live, in-person tournaments, similar to League of Legends’ eSports events, where fans who buy tickets can see these gamers live at the venue, which is held in different regions of the world.
Sale of merchandise
Valorant generates revenue through the sale of its own products via the official Riot Games Store online. Branded Valorant clothing, accessories, memorabilia, and more are available here, with prices ranging from $5 to $940+ USD.