Free to Play vs Paid Games – What Makes a Game Successful?
F2P is called GaaS (Gaming as a Service) - Yay, Capitalism
Back in my day, online games weren’t that much of a thing, at least for me, but all of that changed when COVID-19 decided to take over our world. Because of it, gaming took a massive turn, and suddenly, everyone was online. I remember that I was all about playing AAA games like Resident Evil 2 remake and other similar story-driven games. I even bought a pc just to play AAA games because I was so obsessed with them.
But then something changed. Any guess what that might be? Actually, I was introduced to the world of online gaming by a cousin of mine, and I completely forgot that story games existed. You might also have a similar story to mine. The truth is, everyone has their own lore of how they got pulled into the world of online gaming.
I have heard tons of debates on whether online games are more successful or just as popular as AAA games, but what exactly is the truth? Think about it:
"Would you rather pay $70 for a game upfront or get it for free and then spend way more down the line?"
At first, a free game sounds like a great deal, like who wouldn’t want to save $70? But here’s the catch: people end up spending way more on online games than they do on traditional ones. That free price tag is just bait. Once you're hooked, you end up buying different skins, battle passes, and in-game currency so that you can show it to your friends and feel relevant. And before you know it, you've spent way more than that upfront $70.
Gaming has come a long way. Once upon a time, you would simply buy a game, play it, and that was it. But in our new world, the industry has completely shifted, with free-to-play (F2P) titles taking over.
Traditional AAA and AA games still exist, but they’re fighting a battle against games that dominate in both player count and revenue. So the real question is:
Are online games actually more successful or just more popular than AAA titles?
That’s exactly what we’re breaking down today. Based on stats, trends, and my own experience, we will dive deep into this debate, and by the end, we might just have our answer. So, buckle up your belts because it’s about to be a bumpy ride, fellas!
What Are Games as a Service (GaaS)?
Once upon a time, you bought a game and played it, and that was the end of the story. You repeated the process endlessly. But now things have changed. Games as a Service (GaaS) aren’t just games. They’re ongoing platforms that are constantly evolving their games with new updates, which really hooks the users into playing their games.
What updates? Well, constantly updating the item shop so you can spend money. Different seasonal events, such as concerts, and this is just some of the things that I listed off the top of my head.
I remember attending the Travis Scott event in Fortnite, and boy, wasn’t it fire. Due to the updates being so good, you never want to stop playing them, and that is exactly what online games are meant for. You aren’t just supposed to play them; you are supposed to live them, and none of us realize this. Games like Fortnite, Warzone, Apex Legends, Genshin Impact, and League of Legends all fall under the GaaS category. And yes, I didn’t forget Marvel Rivals either. The point is, these aren’t just games; they’re leeches that stick on to you until they suck the very last drop of blood out of you.
How Did GaaS Take Over?
Gaming isn’t what it used to be. It’s no longer just about buying a game, playing it, and moving on. Instead, we live in a world where games don’t just entertain you, they own you. Most importantly, they never end, instead, these games evolve endlessly. Such games have completely changed the industry, pulling players into an endless cycle of updates.
You might be wondering how they managed to do all that, right? The answer to this question is simple if you think about it. Any guesses? It’s the business model! These games keep players engaged, and on top of that, they are quite accessible. Let’s look at some of the key reasons why these games are taking over the world.
Lower Barrier to Entry
Almost all the GaaS titles are free-to-play, meaning anyone can jump in without spending a dime out of their pocket, and everyone loves that, right? When people see the free label, they don't hesitate to hop on to play the game. It’s an instant dopamine hit without the usual $70 price tag. And that’s what makes these games so addictive. Once you’re in, you’re in, there is no going back.
Live Events & Constant Updates
Every online game’s developers keep dropping constant updates, which include different live events and patches for bugs to ensure players get a smooth gaming experience. Developers also constantly update the map of the different games as well, so players don’t get bored of the playground inside which they are playing.
On top of all this, developers keep dropping new content, such as seasonal events, massive crossovers (e.g., Fortnite x Marvel), and limited-time game modes to make sure there’s always something new for players to look forward to.
Due to all of this effort, players stay engaged not just for weeks but for years. In most story-driven AAA games, things are very different.
These games are one-and-done experiences. You finish the campaign, and if you love the game too much, maybe you will replay it once, and then eventually, you will move on. But with GaaS, there is no moving on.
Microtransactions & Customization
The business model on which GaaS operates is very interesting. It’s a perfect money-making strategy that includes no charging upfront, instead, they monetize engagement. Skins, battle passes, in-game currency- these small purchases don’t feel like much at first. But over time, if you add them up, they seem like a fortune. Players end up spending way more than $70 without even realizing it.
And guess what is the worst part? Many of these games are where they are in the context of popularity and success due to the utilization of FOMO (fear of missing out). You probably have seen this too: skins labelled as limited-edition, exclusive battle pass rewards. Such things make you feel like if you don’t buy them now, you might never get them again. This psychological hook makes people come back with their wallets in their hands.
The Traditional Model: AAA & AA Games
Remember the good old days before gaming turned into a never-ending cycle of updates and battle passes? You simply bought a game, played it, and enjoyed it, and that was it. No one had any fear of missing out, and it was just simple. It was a complete experience from beginning to end.
You might be wondering what defines traditional games, right? Well, these are games built around a single, complete experience rather than an evolving service. You pay upfront, and you get the full package. You don’t have to wait for new seasons, battle passes, or any new skins in the item shop, which slowly puts holes in your wallet without you noticing it. These games don’t have any hidden agenda going on behind the scenes.
Games like The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Baldur’s Gate 3 are just some of the examples of games that fall under the category of AAA & AA games. The world within these games is so deep that you could get lost in it for months. The storytelling of these games proves that the lore of the game matters way more than those shiny cosmetics in the item store.
Why Do They Still Succeed?
It’s not like story games are dying or something. Sure, each year, the number of story games that are actually good is negligible, but still, every year, there are multiple games that break records in the gaming world. Witcher 3, which is quite an old game, is still so famous. Due to the Witcher sequel being such a success, the trailer for Witcher 4 has also been launched, meaning that we will see more of Witcher in the near future.
This is just one of the few examples of the top-hit titles. The point is that it is undeniable that AAA games are indeed successful, but the real question is, how are they able to achieve all this while GaaS exists, right? Let me shed some light on the main reasons.
Storytelling & Immersion
AAA and AA games don’t need flashy events or overpriced skins to keep you engaged. They pull you in with something real, which is storytelling. The kind of story that sticks with you and makes you wonder whether reality is an illusion while you watch the credits roll. Games like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 aren’t just entertainment; they’re experiences.
And let’s be real: games teach us things. I’ve picked up life lessons just by playing, and I know I’m not the only one. Maybe a game changed your perspective on something. If that’s happened to you, drop a comment. I’d love to hear how games have shaped you.
Anyway, back to the topic. So when it comes to AAA games, we don't have any headaches like battle passes or daily logins. Most importantly, no endless updates designed to keep you trapped. Just a complete and fulfilling experience. That’s the difference. While live-service games always make you feel like you are missing out, traditional games give you something that actually lasts: a True Feeling of Joy.
No Reliance on Microtransactions
No paywalls. No artificial grind. No mind games so that you can drop $20 on a skin just to feel relevant. AAA games don’t play mind games with your wallet. You buy them once, and that’s it. The whole experience is yours. No pressure. No FOMO. Just a game that respects your time.
No battle passes. No “exclusive” skins that disappear if you don’t buy them in time. Just a complete experience. AAA games don’t need to manipulate you into playing because the games themselves make you want to play them due to the story being so good. You’re not endlessly grinding even if you don’t feel like playing the game just to get the free reward; you’re there simply for the story and the world, and when it’s over, it’s over. No strings attached.
Replayability on Your Terms
One of the key factors behind the success of AAA & AA games is that they don’t try to control you; you are the one in control of everything. There’s no fear of missing out that forces you to play the game. No limited-time skins that force you to spend money, and lastly, there is no pressure to log in every day just to stay relevant.
AAA and AA games respect your time. You replay them because the experience was that good, not because some external force is forcing your hand.
The best games don’t need live updates to stay alive. They’re built to last.
Popularity vs. Success – Are Online Games Winning?
So, who’s really winning? Online games rake in billions, dominate different streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick, and keep players engaged for years. But does that mean traditional AAA games are not succeeding in their own way? Not exactly. The answer to this question is not really that simple.
While free-to-play giants are generally more accessible and provide continuous updates to keep players engaged, AAA titles bring something different to the table. Any guesses as to what that might be? Yes, you are right! Contained experiences, and not only that, the deep storytelling can make players forget about reality for some time. On top of that, AAA games also focus on quality over quantity. One isn’t necessarily better than the other; they just serve different purposes.
I cannot simply give you a straightforward answer to this controversial discussion, but what I can do is provide you with facts and different perspectives, and chances are, you will ultimately end up drawing the conclusion. So, are you ready to dive down the rabbit hole once again?
Player Count & Engagement
Numbers don’t lie. Free-to-play games flood the market, pulling in millions because they’re free. Well, not technically free, but yeah, no upfront cost, which means no hesitation. Just click download, and you’re ready to immerse yourself in the gaming world. And once a player hops in the game, he doesn’t go offline that easily.
I remember that I used to grind whatever online game I played for hours with my friends; that is also one of the strongest points of such games, that you can play them with your friends, and this makes online games even more addictive. You stay in that virtual world, attend Live events, buy battle passes and new skins, which feels great for a short time, but the point is, it does give you that dopamine hit and that feeling. Everyone craves it.
Did you think I forgot about AAA games? Nah! I get it; they have their moment. When something massive launches, there is a lot of hype, however, it slowly fades. But it’s not like that with GaaS. If the game is actually good, then it attracts more and more players each day. For example, Marvel rivals came like a storm and is becoming more popular with each passing day.
In this round, online games dominate. They attract millions, and they never let go.
Financial Success
GaaS prints money. Players drop cash like it’s nothing on different skins, battle passes, and loot boxes. They don’t think twice while pressing that pay button. I had a friend who literally stole his mom's credit card to buy 50$ worth of limited skins and emotes. (He did get himself beaten up later.) The point is that a game doesn’t need to be great, just addictive enough to attract more players and keep them in prison. Sure, 50$ might not seem that much, but imagine how many people have spent that much money over the past. Even small purchases add up to billions.
On the other hand, when it comes to AAA games, they have a different strategy to rack up millions: they play the long game. Titles like Sekiro, Elden Ring, and Skyrim don’t need flashy battle passes. They just sell regardless of those flashy skins. Decades pass, new consoles drop, and somehow, people still buy them. Why do people do that? Well, because of the world, the story, and the gameplay, it’s worth the money.
So, who wins this round? Depends on what you call success: fast money or a lasting legacy.
Game Quality & Experience
Triple-A games don’t beg you to pay to unlock the full experience. They don’t lock the best experience behind microtransactions. Once you buy the game, it’s yours. You can throw it in the dustbin if you don't like it, or you can play it and have fun, and that’s it. The world is all designed around skill, not spending. Whether it’s Elden Ring endlessly punishing you for being bad or The Witcher 3 pulling you into its world, the goal of AAA games is to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.
The story with GaaS is entirely different. On paper, they claim to be fair. But in reality, they are not. Ever heard the quote “Money makes the mare go”? This quote applies perfectly here. I've seen it firsthand. Take Fortnite, for example. Some skins are slimmer, making them harder to hit. Others blend too well into the environment, making them harder to spot. It might seem like a small thing, but trust me, it’s not.
In competitive games, even the smallest advantage matters. Pay to win doesn’t always mean buying power outright; it means paying for every edge you can get.
So, who comes out on top here? AAA wins; quality beats profit schemes.
Player Satisfaction
When it comes to experience and satisfaction, there is no competing with story games. AAA games offer something online titles often can’t, which is peace. It hits really differently when playing games like The Walking Dead: Telltale Series. The characters in it are so good that a person literally gets emotional over their death. We also got the good old zombie world: Days gone, imagine sipping your coffee while you are peacefully riding the bike in the game. Feels so good, right?
I can't describe how good it feels when you don’t have to worry about some 9-year-old spawning in your face and one-shooting you, only to laugh-emote on you. Like, let me have some fun, bro!
On the other hand, we have GaaS. The majority of online game lobbies are filled with under-15s who spend their entire day on Xbox, inhaling nachos and screaming at everything in sight. Combine that with how try-hard these games have become, and it’s no surprise that many players just uninstall the game. Ever tried to casually enjoy a round of Valorant or Fortnite, only to get bullied by someone playing like their life depends on it?
Keeping all of these things in view, yeah, AAA wins this round.
The Future – What’s Next?
At this point, I think we all have a clear vision; both types of games are winning in their own way. AAA games bring deep storytelling and polished experiences, while GaaS dominates with player engagement and financial success. But what does the future hold for the world of gaming?
Will AAA studios chase the money train just like GaaS does, or will players finally rebel against these never-ending microtransactions? Some studios are already mixing live-service features
into single-player games, but will that ruin what makes AAA games special, or will it give birth to something entirely different?
GaaS is changing, too. Developers know players are tired of pay-to-win and reused content. And if they don’t change things, sooner or later, the players will leave. So, will they improve or keep using the same formula until their game dies? The truth is, even I don't know the answer to these questions, and only time can answer such questions. But one thing is for sure: the future isn’t set, and both models will need to evolve to survive.
The Final Verdict
Today was a different day. The topic was controversial, but we broke down the major concepts that allowed us to compare both online and offline games. If you have made it this far, then I am sure you now understand what makes both GaaS and AAA games successful in their own way.
When you started reading this, you might have expected a clear winner, but now, you see it’s not that simple. Success isn’t just about player count or revenue; it’s also about what kind of experience you’re looking for.
At the end of the day, neither side truly "wins". To be honest, it all comes down to the person who is playing the game, it depends on what the particular individual values in a game and what he is looking for in a game. Sure, if you want constant updates, live events, and multiple 9-year-olds spawning in your face to one-shot you, GaaS is indeed your playground.
But if you prefer stories that can hit you where it hurts the most, deep storytelling, high-quality craftsmanship, and a game you can revisit without feeling like you are being held at gunpoint, AAA is where you’ll find that.
It’s important to know that the gaming industry has room for both, and as long as players keep demanding quality, both GaaS and Triple-A game models will keep evolving. Whether it’s GaaS evolving or the world of AAA becoming better, one thing is clear: gaming isn’t going anywhere.
In the end, the real win isn’t about which model is better. It’s about having the choice to play whatever your soul desires.
Lastly, if you found this article valuable, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment below and let me know what you think. Your feedback helps me level up, and trust me, I love that.
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