This past week, reports were shared online that claimed Sony is preparing to resurrect its long-dormantTwisted Metalfranchise.Twisted Metalis a vehicular combat game franchise, a genre that peaked over a decade ago but has seen some renewed interest. Details aboutTwisted Metal’s return have been intriguing, even hinting at a cross-promotional television show coinciding with the game’s launch. Now, another interesting detail about the supposedTwisted Metalreboot has appeared; it could be a free-to-play game.
In a report from Video Games Chronicle, the newTwisted Metalgame is said to be targeting afree-to-playrelease structure. In other words, players would be free to access and play the game, which would fund itself through optional microtransactions. It’s easy to see howTwisted Metal’s arcade gameplay and quick rounds would suit a free-to-play model, such as how Rocket League has converted free-to-play, too.Twisted Metalcould also adopt Rocket League’s cosmetics with skins and animations as microtransactions.
RELATED:David Jaffe Comments On Twisted Metal Revival Rumors
The decision to build a free-to-playTwisted Metalgame is in part due to the rumored developer of this new game. It’s said to be Lucid Games, the developer ofDestruction All-Stars. WhileDestruction All-Starswasn’t officially a free-to-play game, it may as well have been. It was released as afree title via PlayStation Plus, available for the game’s first two months. It was also heavily criticized for its excessive microtransactions. Sony, however, must have seen something inDestruction All-Stars’monetization worth elevating.
Sony has also spoken publically about its effort to, quite specifically, “develop more service-led experiences.” In saying so, Sony cited thesuccess ofMLB The Show 21, which drew more money from players than any other sports game on the PlayStation store in its launch month.MLB The Show 21featured randomized gacha gambling mechanics much like whatFIFA’s Ultimate Team game mode has popularized.
WhileTwisted Metalitself remains a rumor, and a free-to-playTwisted Metalis just another rumor layered on top, there’s obviously some concern about what the franchise will become in Sony’s new vision. With influences including gacha monetization andDestruction All-Stars' aggressive microtransactions, theTwisted Metalbrand sounds like it may being used as a device for aggressive monetization.
Of course, there’s a number ofTwisted Metalfans who would be more than willing to deal with heavy monetization if it meant the franchise’s return. And even if it’s heavily monetized, that doesn’t mean that theTwisted Metalgameplay aspect of the experience will be lessened. Regardless, with a rumored release window of 2023, there’s still a lot left to find out aboutTwisted Metal’s reboot.
