Battleborn Embraces Free-to-Play to Compete in the Team Shooter Arena
Gearbox Software’s Battleborn is making a strategic pivot to free-to-play, a move that could revitalize the game after its 2016 launch was overshadowed by Blizzard’s blockbuster Overwatch. The shift aims to attract new players and breathe fresh life into the team-based shooter.
Why Battleborn Is Going Free-to-Play
Released just before Overwatch in May 2016, Battleborn struggled to gain traction despite its unique blend of first-person shooting and MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) mechanics. With Overwatch amassing over 30 million players, Battleborn faced an uphill battle for attention.
Key Challenges:
- Launched too close to Overwatch, a genre-defining hit
- Mixed critical reception, with some praising its innovation but others finding it unfocused
- Premium pricing model in a market where many compe*****s (like League of Legends) were free-to-play
What the Free Trial Offers
The new Battleborn Free Trial provides:
- Unlimited access to all competitive multiplayer modes
- A rotating selection of 6 heroes (from a roster of 30)
- Option to permanently unlock characters using in-game currency or microtransactions
- Full upgrade path to the premium version, which includes all heroes and story campaigns
This model mirrors successful MOBAs like League of Legends and Heroes of the Storm, giving players a taste of the game while offering monetization through character unlocks and cosmetics.
How Battleborn Differs From Overwatch
While both games are team-based shooters with colorful characters, Battleborn sets itself apart with:
- MOBA-inspired progression: Characters level up during matches
- In-match economy: Earn currency to purchase upgrades mid-game
- Hybrid gameplay: Blends FPS action with strategic MOBA elements
Can Free-to-Play Save Battleborn?
The shift to free-to-play could give Battleborn the second chance it needs. By removing the price barrier, Gearbox and publisher 2K hope to:
- Expand the player base
- Reignite interest in the game’s unique mechanics
- Compete more effectively in the crowded team shooter market
Only time will tell if this move will allow Battleborn to step out of Overwatch’s shadow, but it’s a bold strategy that could pay off for persistent players and newcomers alike.
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