The most requested mode from the DropZone community has been the addition of a mode where players control only a single unit in this unique RTS / MOBA hybrid rather than the usual trio of playable units. The developers at Sparkypants have heard their communities’ request and are set to deliver.
Over the next two weeks Sparkypants will rollout two significant updates to DropZone that will provide new ways for existing players to enjoy the game as well as opening up the experience to everyone thanks to the adoption of a free-to-play business model.
Next Wednesday, April 5th, a brand new 3 VS 3 mode will go live allowing players to take control of a single unit to see their team to victory. In addition for more serious players of DropZone the developers will also be adding a Ranked Draft (1 Vs 1) mode to the game with this update. These new modes are only the beginning as their recent news release promises that more modes will be on the way in the future.
Gameforge (the game’s publisher) also announced that DropZone will be transitioning from a paid product to free-to-play on Steam as of April 12th. They say that the game was always intended to eventually become free-to-play and that this was an on-going ambition r during the game’s continued development. As of press time Gameforge has not announced what restrictions free-to-play players may face or what their monetization strategy for DropZone will be once the price point has been removed.
Their Steam Early Access Q&A page actually outlines why they chose to charge for the in-development version of Dropzone:
“Dropzone was built to be a Free to Play (F2P) game but first we need to get the game and content polished with feedback via Steam’s Early Access program. In Early Access, players have the choice of purchasing two different bundles.
The SQUAD Bundle features a selection of Pilots, Rig Classes and Gear. Furthermore it includes an Exclusive Pilot Skin, Early Access Player Emblem and Vision Tower each never to be available anywhere else. In a future F2P release players will start with significantly fewer pilots and a limited gear selection.
The COMMANDER Bundle adds even more Gear, several Exclusive Items, and all Pilots ever. Both bundles deliver instant access to a huge amount of content and offer exceptional value for players joining the Dropzone community right now.”
It’s probable that these bundle contents will cost more once the game is F2P”
DropZone has an overall Steam review score of “Very Positive” and costs $21.99 CDN as of press time before the launch of free-to-play.