Free-to-play (F2P or FtP) video games are games that give players access to a significant portion of their content without paying or don't require paying to continue playing. Free-to-play is distinct from traditional commercial software, which requires a payment before using the game or service. It is also separate from free games, usually referred to as freeware, which are entirely costless. Free-to-play's model is sometimes derisively referred to as free-to-start due to not being entirely free.
There are several kinds of free-to-play business models. The most common is based on the freemium software model, in which users are granted access to a fully functional game but are incentivised to pay microtransactions to access additional content. Sometimes the content is entirely blocked without payment; other times it requires immense time 'unlocking' it for non-paying players, and paying the fee speeds the unlocking process. Another method of generating revenue is to integrate advertisements into the game.
Free to Play (Video Game) +
![[PC, Steam, EA] 50% off PC Games, Batman: Arkham Collection $3.89 and More @ CDkeys.com](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/06/910506.jpg?h=669fd663)
![[Android, iOS] Free - Burnoff Outfit (Log in via Mobile Device Required) @ Fortnite](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/75/907175.jpg?h=d53567c9)
![[iOS, Android] Free Machop Community Day Classic Ticket (Requires a Great Friend or Higher to Receive Gift) @ Pokémon GO](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/67/906667.jpg?h=c42b8a51)
![[PC, Steam] World of Warships — Oktyabrskaya Revolutsiya (DLC RRP $22.63) - Free @ Steam](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/72/905972.jpg?h=6dcc41ae)
![[Android, iOS] Free 24x Hour Glass and 500x Trade Tokens @ Pokémon TCG Pocket](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/83/904083.jpg?h=d5e9bf11)
![[PC, Epic] Free DLC - Albion Online Free Welcome Gift @ Epic Games](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/49/903149.jpg?h=6071b466)
![[iOS, Android] Free Pokemon Horizons Timed Research @ Pokémon GO](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/96/902396.jpg?h=bc0646f2)
![[PC, Epic] Free DLC - Idle Champions of The Forgotten Realms Astarion's Champions of Renown Pack (Log in Required) @ Epic Games](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/84/900484.jpg?h=447e3e73)
![[PS Plus] Free Fortnite Virtual Warrior Pack @ PlayStation Store](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/65/900065.jpg?h=85e462a9)
![[Android, iOS] Free - ex Starter Deck, Cyclizar Card, Shining Revelry Pack + More for Completing Missions @ Pokémon TCG Pocket](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/16/899616.jpg?h=40754231)
