14 DAY TRIAL // Epic Games has talked a bit more about the free-to-play nature of its upcoming Fortnite shooter, and how it won't use different infamous tactics seen in the genre, like time gates or energy systems that refill over time.
Fortnite has started getting more and more details in recent months, after its initial reveal many years ago by Epic Games.
The game is set to deliver a free-to-play online shooter experience, but it will also emphasize scavenging for supplies in the world and building forts that need to be defended in front of invading monsters.
Of course, its being a free-to-play title has drawn in some speculation from fans about what sort of microtransactions are going to be included in the game, as Epic certainly has to make a profit through it.
While the studio has refrained from offering some actual details, Epic's Roger Collum mentioned to RPS that the game won't have infamous free-to-play mechanics like time gates.
"As gamers ourselves, we’re irritated at a lot of the free-to-play practices that some games apply. Time gates, things of that nature. 'You get X number of turns per day unless you spend money.' That’s super lame. We don’t want to do anything like that," he pledged.
Collum also said that free-to-play titles can be quite successful without resorting to such tactics, exemplifying with Team Fortress 2. He also mentioned that, unlike TF2, Fortnite will provide players with gameplay advantages, not just cosmetic ones.
"Look at TF2, for example. Their primary source of income for that game is cosmetics. They don’t really provide power. We’re not interested in providing power. Maybe we’ll provide health or XP boosts, things that can accelerate time, but we’re not going to make time a hindrance to players."
The developer also mentioned that players who don't pay a cent will have to do some work if they want to progress in levels and achieve things in the title.
"People who don’t pay are going to have to work. There’s going to be some level of work, but it’ll be satisfactory. It’ll be like in an MMO where you’re busting your butt to get to the next level and then you’re like, 'Hurrah! I did it!' I think we’re going to generate that experience."
It's going to be interesting to see if Epic Games manages to strike a good balance between offering microtransactions and not stressing players to spend money in order to gain advantages.
Fortnite is set to get an alpha stage later this year on the PC platform.