free to play
No purchase required
Free to play describes video games that cost nothing to download and start playing, though they typically generate revenue through optional in-game purchases: The game is free to play, but you can buy cosmetic skins.
Often abbreviated F2P.
The model dominates mobile gaming and has spread to PC and console titles.
Critics note that some free-to-play games aggressively push purchases, blurring the line with pay-to-win.
Hybrid monetization approach
- microtransactionsSmall payments within software
- in-app purchasesTransactions within downloaded software
- ad-supportedRevenue from advertisements
- paywallFee-based content restriction
pay-to-win · loot boxes · battle pass · premium currency · cosmetics · skins · gacha · whale
Multiplayer internet adventure game
- multiplayerInvolving multiple participants
- mobile gamesSoftware entertainment for smartphones
- esportsProfessional video game competitions
- leaderboardsRanked player score lists
guilds · clans · quests · PvP · PvE · coop · tournaments · sandbox
Activity filling idle moments
- mobileCapable of movement
- relaxingBecoming less tense
- simpleFree of complexity
- puzzleChallenge testing ingenuity
arcade · idle · clicker · simulation · match-three · endless runner · snackable · drop-in
Without monetary exchange
- open accessFree public scholarly content
- try before buySample before purchasing
- demoShort trial presentation
- entry-levelRequiring minimal prior experience
beginner-friendly · instant access · guest mode · cross-platform
freemium
Hybrid monetization approach
- microtransactionsSmall payments within software
- in-app purchasesTransactions within downloaded software
- ad-supportedRevenue from advertisements
paywall · pay-to-win · loot boxes · battle pass · premium currency · cosmetics · skins · gacha · whale · subscription
MMORPG
Multiplayer internet adventure game
- multiplayerInvolving multiple participants
- mobile gamesSoftware entertainment for smartphones
- esportsProfessional video game competitions
leaderboards · guilds · clans · quests · PvP · PvE · coop · tournaments · sandbox · idle games
time-killer
Activity filling idle moments
puzzle · arcade · idle · clicker · simulation · match-three · endless runner · snackable · drop-in · noncompetitive
no cost
Without monetary exchange
- open accessFree public scholarly content
- try before buySample before purchasing
- demoShort trial presentation
entry-level · beginner-friendly · instant access · guest mode · cross-platform
free to playpay to play
Fee required for participation
paid · premium · full price · retail · one-time purchase
free, play, freely, freedom, freeness, freer, freest, unfree, freeborn