VR battle royale Population: One goes free-to-play on March 9

Big Box VR, the developer behind VR battle royale recreation Population: One, introduced right this moment that its recreation goes free-to-play on March 9. More particularly, it’ll be free for customers enjoying on Meta Quest 2 and Pro headsets. For these on Steam and Rift, it’ll be out there for a decreased worth of $19.99. Big Box can be launching new updates for the sport on the identical time.

Population: One launched in 2020, and was acquired by Meta in 2021. Players who’ve already bought the sport earlier than it goes free-to-play will obtain a free content material pack known as the Original Banana Bundle. As the title suggests, this contains a number of banana-themed cosmetics. According to its Meta weblog publish, the builders hope to “bring POP1 to a larger audience and broaden the social multiplayer experience.”

While any recreation going free-to-play will seemingly see a surge in numbers, battle royale video games look like hitting a saturation level. Games reminiscent of Knockout City and Rumbleverse are shutting down completely (each video games had been free-to-play on the time). Meta has additionally shut down one among its most acclaimed VR titles, Echo VR, earlier this month, citing a participant depend within the low ten-thousands.

In addition to the free-to-play mechanic, the March 9 updates embrace map adjustments, new gameplay balances, new single-player modes and an up to date in-game store.

GamesBeat’s creed when overlaying the sport business is “where passion meets business.” What does this imply? We need to let you know how the information issues to you — not simply as a decision-maker at a recreation studio, but additionally as a fan of video games. Whether you learn our articles, hearken to our podcasts, or watch our movies, GamesBeat will make it easier to be taught in regards to the business and luxuriate in participating with it. Discover our Briefings.