Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli believes the free-to-play (F2P) sector is the future of console gaming.
In an interview with CVG, Yerli thinks that the "freemium" business model — which has worked wonders on the PC — will work on consoles, too.
We see the future of consoles as free-to-play – ideally focussed on free-to-play. That's what I want to see in the future. But unfortunately not everybody shares this vision due to many other reasons.
So, what's stopping the Crysis developers from making one now for current-gen consoles? According to Yerli, it's Microsoft and Sony themselves.
Why are free-to-play online games not widespread on consoles? You should ask Microsoft and Sony this question…Eighteen months ago we talked to Microsoft about doing a free-to-play version of Warface, and then again 12 months ago, and then again six months ago. It was the same with Nintendo and Sony.
Yerli states that one of the reasons Microsoft and Sony is against the F2P business model is simply because they're reliant on distribution and retail businesses. And going F2P will hurt that relationship with the GameStops, Amazons of the world.
Do you agree with Yerli's statements? Sony, for its part, is going to publish its own F2P shooter — Dust 514 — later this year. However, the FPS will be connected to EVE Online in what I presume is a move to make sure the game's sustainable even on consoles.
Are you willing to be a part of a console future where gaming is dominated by F2P games? Sound off and let us know.
