Imagine stepping into an arena, charged with magical powers and armored to the teeth, all ready to lock horns with champions from around the globe. No, it’s not a dream.
It’s League of Legends, the heart-throbbing multiplayer online game that has taken the world by storm. And the cherry on top? It’s free! But have you ever stopped to wonder, “Why is League of Legends free?” Let’s dive into the depths of this mystery.
TL;DR
- League of Legends operates on a freemium model that drives revenue through in-game purchases.
- Riot Games believes in offering complete games for free, not just demos.
- The trend of free-to-play games has been steadily rising in the gaming industry.
- League of Legends earned over $1 billion in revenue through in-game purchases in 2019.
The Magic Behind the Freemium Model
League of Legends is a freemium game – a term that marries ‘free’ and ‘premium’. Simply put, you can play the game for free but there are additional features and items up for grabs if you’re willing to spend some dough.
By doing so, League of Legends isn’t just widening its player base but also generating massive revenue through these in-game microtransactions.
A Pioneer of the Freemium Model
Co-founder of Riot Games, Brandon Beck once said:
“We believe that ‘League of Legends’ should be free to play and not just a demo. It’s a big part of our mission to continually find ways to deliver value to players who are investing their time into our games.”
It’s clear as day that Riot Games is committed to providing an authentic gaming experience for free, enhancing it further with purchasable content.
League of Legends is free because it operates on a freemium model, a business strategy utilized by many companies, especially in the digital sector. This model offers basic services for free, while advanced features or services come with a cost. League of Legends, the game itself is free for anyone to download and play.
In-game Purchases
This strategy has allowed it to reach a broad global audience and build a substantial player base. By making the base game available for free, Riot Games eliminates the barrier to entry and invites players of all sorts to try the game. However, the game offers a variety of in-game purchases, which is how it generates revenue.
These include cosmetic items like skins, which change the appearance of characters, and other aesthetic features such as emotes or loading screens. Players can also buy champions, the characters controlled in the game, although these can also be earned by playing the game over time.
This freemium model thus allows the game to be both accessible to a wide audience and still profitable. It also maintains a fair approach where no player can gain a competitive advantage over others just by spending money, as the purchasable items do not impact the game mechanics or the outcomes of matches. They only serve to enhance the visual experience and personal satisfaction of the players.
? The Rising Trend of Free-to-Play Games
Lo and behold, the gaming industry is experiencing a massive shift towards free-to-play games. These games have proven to be extremely profitable. For instance, in 2019 alone, League of Legends reportedly generated over $1 billion in revenue through in-game purchases, which is simply mind-boggling! This goes to show the enormous potential of this business model.
FAQs
Why is League of Legends free?
League of Legends operates under a freemium model, which allows it to be free to play, while also offering premium features for purchase. Â
How does League of Legends make money?
League of Legends generates revenue primarily through in-game purchases made by players. Â
What is a freemium model?
A freemium model is a business strategy where basic services are provided for free, with a charge for advanced features. Â
Why do people pay for in-game items if the game is free?
Players often purchase in-game items to enhance their gaming experience, gain a competitive edge, or for aesthetic appeal. Â
Are there other games that follow this model?
Yes, there are many games that follow the freemium model, such as Fortnite, DOTA 2, and Hearthstone. Â
How much money has League of Legends made from this model?
In 2019, League of Legends reportedly generated over $1 billion in revenue from in-game purchases.
A Personal Conclusion
So, the big question, “Why is League of Legends free?” boils down to the brilliant freemium model. By offering the game for free, it attracts a massive player base. And when these players get engrossed in the game, they’re more likely to invest in enhancing their gaming experience through in-game purchases. It’s a win-win!
? References:
- riotgames.com
- leagueoflegends.com
- bloomberg.com
- businessofapps.com
