Free-To-Play version will make you more money#1768

TL;DR for the caveman brains at the bottom

I think a Free-To-Play version of the game will be overall beneficial to both consumers and the developers of the game.

Reason:
All multi-player games suffer from diminishing player bases. This game is no different. The quality of the gameplay experience (particularly for the casual player base) scales directly with the player count. Reducing the barrier of entry is key.

The Current Model:
In a fairly recent tweet, I saw Dan make his argument for the base price and I think it does make sense. My understanding of it was that, the live service and free character DLCs were core reasons why the base price had to exist. Balancing the server costs with the limited player base is more reasonable for the game how it is today.

The Suggested Model:
I am suggesting a new version of the game that will still have cross compatibility with the paid version of the game. I will list all features that I believe should become free-to-play and you can basically assume everything else should remain only on the paid model.

1. Peer-to-Peer custom lobby system. Cross compatibility is crucial imho. Avoids the need for more server space.
2. Four player Free For All queues should still be available. Encourages and targets casuals. Would help the queue remain healthy just in general. I think it would be worth investing the server space for ONLY solo queue F2P players.
3. Local play should be free. This can be useful for local tournaments and as an offline feature it would be odd to gatekeep from a F2P audience.
4. Full character roster but NO DLC characters. Just personal opinion.
5. Purchasing enough skins should unlock the full game version. Another personal opinion one, but I believe that this type of pay model would be highly well-received and unique enough to create buzz and encouragement for players to spend more money.

Everything else that is currently in the game like the Arcade, Story Mode, Ranked/Casual/Duo queue, Coins/Bucks, and Replay System should all remain in the paid version.

Also, Free For All should have items. Items should exist. It’s a crucial party element in Smash Brothers (it’s a nintendo game, look it up), and wildly successful and will be perfect for the discord channels out there who are getting drunk and need a party game to play.

TL;DR:
FREE TO PLAY IS GOOD. PAID VERSION IS GOOD.

1. FREE PEER TO PEER LOBBIES. PAID QUEUES.
2. FREE FREE-FOR-ALL QUEUES. PAID PLAYERS ENJOY HEALTHIER QUEUES.
3. FREE LOCAL PLAY FOR EVERYONE.
4. FREE BEGINNING ROSTER. PAID PLAYER HAVE ALL DLC.
5. FREE GAME IF YOU BUY A LOT OF SKINS.

EVERYTHING ELSE NOT FREE. NO COINS OR BUCKS EITHER. HOW SOUND?

rushdown revolt attempted a model like this and it suffered for it.

rushdown revolt being free to play was the only reason i ever gave it a chance. Pretty sure online 1v1 was free so that’s extremely different than what im proposing. It also just wasn’t nearly as good as rivals.