While most online-focused games these days are released as free-to-play (F2P) and rely on cosmetics, themed items, and more to generate revenue, not everyone is on board with that business model regarding new releases.
Sloclap, the studio behind the successful brawler Sifu, doesn't think every game needs to be F2P to be successful. The studio is applying this to its in-development soccer game, Rematch, which will be released as a premium title with a price tag of $30.
Sloclap Never Considered F2P For New Game In Development
Speaking to PC Gamer during a recent studio visit, Creative Director Pierre Tarno mentioned that he doesn't think online games need to be free to achieve commercial success; they need to be good.
Tarno mentioned, "I never considered free-to-play," and added, "One of the things I love about making games is that there is no secret formula or anything, but the best way—or maybe actually the only way—to make a commercial success is to just make a very good game."
Further explaining the studio's point of view, Tarno doesn't think releasing an online game that isn't F2P in today's climate means...
