
The work shows the broad view of how and why free-to-play games have become so successful, how they have transformed games, and what problematic aspects are connected to them. This dissertation takes up the challenge by studying free-to-play games from various perspectives through multiple methods, concentrating on qualitative approaches. The significance of free-to-play games and their connection to our game culture and society are still lacking critical inspection. The voices of players are measured mostly through log data or quantitative surveys, while exploratory, qualitative research has been in the minority.

Simultaneously, the model has received a backlash for offering inferior, imbalanced game experiences that take advantage of players, manipulating them into playing and paying.ĭespite the criticism and changes in game experiences, the research on free-to-play games is still heavily focused on economic aspects, with the goal to maximize revenue and find the best practices by which to implement the model. Due to the model, more people than ever before play games, and the economic significance of games as business has multiplied.

Offering a game for free and gaining income through voluntary purchases during gameplay have proven to be the most successful way to gain revenue. Free-to-play games have permanently transformed the game industry.
