CARY – Just over a year after buying Rocket League owner Psyonix, Epic Games is going to make the esports community “free to play” later this summer.
“After nearly five years, millions of players, and billions of soccar matches played, it’s time to talk about the next chapter of Rocket League,” Psyonix and Rocket League announced Tuesday. No firm launch date was disclosed, however.
“Today, we’re excited to announce that we’re gearing up to make that community even bigger. Beginning later this summer, Rocket League is going free to play!”
Described as a “vehicular soccer game,” Rocket League thus is being taken down a “free-to-play” road that Epic’s globally popular Fortnite took to financial and critical success.
“The decision to ensure Rocket League is not just on every platform but also free for everyone mirrors the wildly successful formula Epic concocted for Fortnite, which is now a cultural phenomenon played by a generation of gamers,” notes The Washington Post.
Epic will be offering Rocket League through its Epic Games Store for play on PC as well.
Source: Rocket League graphic breaks down earnings in mid-2019.
“This version of the game will be identical to the version found on other platforms, and will feature cross-platform play anywhere you play Rocket League, including between the Epic Games Store and Steam,” Rocket League explained.
But players need not fear change, the league promised.
“What does this mean for the Rocket League gameplay you know and love? The core gameplay will remain the same, but we are refining the main menus to make exploring the game easier,” Rocket League said.
“Plus, we’re revamping and improving major features like Tournaments and Challenges, and introducing cross-platform progression! Rocket League action on the field will still be the same core, high-octane hybrid of sports and action you love today, and soon, even more players will share that love. That begins with Rocket League’s release on its newest platform: the Epic Games Store.”
But there will be some changes.
“Oce Rocket League goes free to play, anyone who already owns Rocket League on any platform (including Steam) will be able to play and enjoy the game with full support for future updates and features,” the league said.
“However, the Steam version will no longer be available to download for new players. To put it simply, wherever you play now (including Steam), you’ll still be able to play in the future.”
