Did Fall Guys ever cost money?
To provide a clear, upfront answer: Yes, Fall Guys did originally cost money. When the game first launched in August 2020, both the PlayStation 4 and PC (via Steam) versions carried a $20 price tag to purchase and play.
Fall Guys Originally Launched as a Paid Game
For that initial $20, players received full access to the complete Fall Guys game, including all game modes, levels, costumes, and DLC content that was progressively added in subsequent seasons. While free games often use an à la carte pricing system for additional content, paying Fall Guys players initially got the "full package" upfront.
This was the pricing model for the first year until…
The Switch to Free-to-Play in June 2021
On June 21, 2021, Fall Guys transitioned to a free-to-play title across all platforms. This coincided with launches on new consoles like Nintendo Switch and Xbox, as well as its addition to the Epic Games Store for PC players.
Within one week, over 20 million new players had downloaded the game. And as of February 2023, Fall Guys remains a fully free download on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC with new seasonal content continuing to be added.
The Financial Impact of Going Free
While the initial $20 price point generated significant revenue after Fall Guys breakout launch success, transitioning to free-to-play has clearly expanded the game‘s financial reach even further.
Total players across all platforms since June 2021: Over 50 million
Revenue from in-game microtransactions since June 2021: $185+ million
So while no longer charging for the base game, Fall Guys monetary intake has increased substantially via the free-to-play model popularized by Fortnite and other hit multiplayer titles. Season passes, downloadable costumes, and customization options offer plenty of opportunities for invested players to spend real-world money.
Rewarding Early Supporters
Players who purchased Fall Guys prior to the pricing change received the Legacy Pack – a bundle of bonuses including:
- A unique legacy nameplate and tag
- 3 costumes only available to early supporters
- Season Pass Legacy content
This was a nice gesture rewarding early adopters who supported the game before the boom in popularity. Legacy players stand out from the free newcomers with their exclusive outfits.
What Does the Future Hold? My Thoughts as a Passionate Gamer
I don‘t anticipate Fall Guys will revert to being a paid title again. The momentum and player base growth thanks to free access makes that highly unlikely. While surprises happen, a return to paid status would almost certainly slow adoption.
However, if development costs rise for Mediatonic, we may see new monetization options added alongside the current system. I wouldn‘t rule out a paid seasonal Battle Pass subscription or premium downloadable content.
But for now, enjoy Fall Guys for free! As a dedicated player myself, I‘m thrilled with how this model has expanded the community. It proves free games can still generate profit, benefit players, and sustain ongoing development. The future looks bright for my jellybean crew!
Let me know your own thoughts on this pricing journey in the comments below. Do you prefer game pricing models like Fall Guys has adopted? Or do you think upfront payment leads to better quality? I read every comment so would love to hear your gamer perspective!
