GDC Report: LawBreakers Ditches Free-to-Play, Changes Art Style

Michael Byrne
By Michael Byrne, Editor in Chief Posted:
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LawBreakers_GDC_feat

It seems like Cliff Bleszinski may agree with Jason Winter's assessment of the future of free-to-play games. Today at GDC Boss Key Studios, the team behind the previously announced free-to-play title LawBreakers, made a few big announcements...the most notable being that the game would no longer be free-to-play. While an official price has yet to be revealed, a "less than $60" tagline was revealed.

“As the game continued to take shape, we realized free-to-play wasn’t the right fit for what we’re building,” said Cliff Bleszinski of Gears of War fame. “LawBreakers is a competitive game at heart and that means balance is a big priority to me, my team, and our community. Using a digital premium model helps ensure an even playing field by giving fans access to every available role without any barriers.”

While the officially released announcement is very politically correct, Polygon reports that the presentation wasn't exactly "glowing" about the free-to-play model as a whole. "We did a lot of discussions and even more research. There are some core free-to-play games that do well, but for us, we didn’t want to go down the well of players buying 'energy' or other sleazy things," Bleszinski said. "A lot of core gamers have a negative reaction when they hear free-to-play because they think they’ll get ripped off." The free-to-play community having "rampant negativity" was also spoken to.

While this marks the end of our LawBreakers coverage here on MMOBomb, those looking forward to the game should know that the art style has been overhauled and that the title will initially release exclusively on Steam. You can add it to your wishlist now.

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About the Author

Michael Byrne
Michael Byrne, Editor in Chief

Mike “Magicman” Byrne has been a part of the MMOBomb family for years and serves as the site’s current Editor-in-Chief. His love for MMOs and gaming in general has led him to covering games for numerous gaming websites including Gamebreaker TV and XIV Nation where he proudly displays his fanboy flag for FFXIV:ARR.

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Discussion (16)

x4ever 8 years ago
So since the game is going b2p does that mean it won't have a f2p cash shop? Probably not.

And that's my one problem with any game that says they are b2p and want to avoid p2w because they still sell most if not all the same stuff that the f2p guys sell.

Kek 8 years ago
Newest trend is to sell unfinished product and charge money for it. In the end game dies and kids lose money on fake hopes. Desperate to see the profit, you rush this game into its grave, just like many others did so far.

Pro tip: you're buying an empty cereal box. the goods were never inside.

Ghestly 8 years ago
Wanted to mention that on May 3rd game from Gearbox software Battleborn will be launched that concept looks close to Lawbreakers

View 1 reply
Samson 8 years ago
hahahahaha I TOLD YOU SO ..

LLLLL 8 years ago
First you got to milk the sheep.
|
Then you milk the cows.

Satokh 8 years ago
"Using a digital premium model helps ensure an even playing field" here's a crazy idea, how about just not making it PAY TO WIN when going FREE TO PLAY, but what do I know, I'm not Cliff Bleszinski

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Ghestly 8 years ago
My first comment was deleted and all what i said was "sad day :(" O.o nwm
Yea nowadays seems its normal to change business model when game comes to release. Well one goal they achieve make awareness about game, still myb not best move to do.

Satoru 8 years ago
Despite innovative combat features, Lawbreakers suffers from repetitive gameplay like your typical generic shooter. The player base will quickly diminish as a result. I expect the P2P model to change to F2P soon after release, since Lawbreakers lacks the content to justify purchasing it.

Jafarson 8 years ago
it's new trend? announce as F2P and go B2P? bravo... i will never buy product of liar company

View 3 replies
Ghestly 8 years ago
sad day :(


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