Online Games That Would Benefit From Going Free to Play in 2019
Rocket League
Rocket League’s Steam player count has been pretty consistent around the 50k mark for the past three years, but this racing-meets-soccer hit is also available on the big three consoles.
With how many players that adds up to, why go free? With full cross-platform play, a release across every major platform, unique and addictive gameplay, and a modest esports scene, Rocket League has plenty going for it.
Well, I’ve thought since the game’s launch that Rocket League could have been one of the world’s biggest esports —and I really wish it was. Opening the floodgates, as they’ve done on a few free-to-play weekends, would really give the title a chance to see some growth in this area.
Major tournaments do see big viewership on Twitch, but I’d like to see a regular season get the same numbers that League of Legends or Overwatch pulls.
As ironic as it sounds, going free could really see some revenue benefits for Psyonix, too. How about a system like Fortnite’s Battle Pass? If it works for one of the hottest games out right now, there are surely ways that Psyonix could implement it in Rocket League. The seasonal structure is even already in place.
It’s unfortunate that there aren’t any major Rocket League competitors out now, because I think that would be enough to nudge Psyonix towards a free release.
