Free-to-play and triple-A games don’t often go together. But Ubisoft is hoping hardcore gamers go for that combination. Today, the French game publisher announced the open beta for Ghost Recon Online.
The game is Ubisoft’s attempt to capitalize on the collision of hardcore online games and the free-to-play business model, which is disrupting the $60 retail game business. In this title, you can play the game for free, but you can spend real money on virtual weapons if you want to. The title ratchets up the bar for quality in free-to-play, since it adds high-end graphics and a well-known brand.
Ubisoft launched its Ghost Recon Future Soldier high-end game for the consoles and PC in May, and it also launched a low-end 2D game on Facebook, Ghost Recon Commander. These are part of Ubisoft’s “companion game” strategy, where Ubisoft delivers its top franchises to gamers wherever and whenever they like it.
Ghost Recon Online is a combat first-person shooter game set in a near future in which soldiers have all sorts of high-tech gear. This includes forward-facing shields or bubble shields, enemy trackers, drones, and other cool stuff. The game pits squad against squad, and players choose from assault, recon, or specialist soldier classes. Up to 16 players can participate in firefights in Onslaught and Conquest game modes. You can enhance your gear with Requisition Points that you win in combat or purchase premium Gold Coins. Your persistent character evolves as you level up. There are hundreds of enhancements.
The game’s lobby has social chat features and leaderboards. And you can see how you progress in achievements as you play the game over a long time.
The title was made for Windows PCs by Ubisoft Singapore.