Free-to-play

Free-to-play (F2P) is the business model for Ananta, an urban open world action RPG developed by Naked Rain and NetEase Montreal and published by NetEase. Unlike most free-to-play games, particularly in the anime gaming space, Ananta eliminates character gacha entirely in favor of cosmetic monetization, representing a significant experiment in sustainable, player-friendly revenue generation.

Business Model Overview

Free-to-play allows players to download and play games without upfront purchase costs, generating revenue through optional in-game purchases. Traditional F2P games, especially in anime gaming, typically monetize through character gacha systems where players spend money for randomized chances to obtain characters.

Ananta challenges this model by making all characters accessible through the Character Acquisition System - story progression and exploration - while monetizing exclusively through cosmetic items and customization options that don't affect gameplay power.

Ananta's Approach

No Character Gacha

Revolutionary elimination of standard F2P mechanics:

• Story Unlocks - Characters join through narrative progression
• Exploration Discovery - Meeting characters in Nova City's open world
• No Randomization - Deterministic progression without gambling
• No Limited Banners - Characters always accessible
• No Pity Systems - Unnecessary when acquisition is guaranteed

This represents significant financial risk for NetEase, removing the primary revenue source for most anime F2P games.

Cosmetic Monetization

Revenue generation through visual customization:

• Clothing Customization - Outfits and accessories for characters
• Dyeing Systems - Color customization for garments
• Vehicle Modifications - Car and bike visual customization
• Real Estate - Property ownership within Nova City
• Free and Paid Options - Balanced availability across price points

The cosmetic monetization model ensures gameplay power remains accessible while providing ongoing revenue opportunities.

Developer Philosophy

NetEase's rationale: "satisfy users through compelling storylines and natural character progression, and revenue will follow organically through a larger, more engaged player base rather than exploiting a smaller group of heavy spenders."

This philosophy assumes:

• Broader satisfaction creates larger active populations
• Engaged players spend more on cosmetics
• Word-of-mouth drives growth more than exploitation
• Long-term retention exceeds short-term extraction
• Player goodwill has commercial value

Platform Distribution

Ananta's F2P model spans:

• PC - Steam and potentially other storefronts
• PlayStation 5 - Console free-to-play
• Mobile - iOS and Android platforms
• Cross-Platform - Unified progression across devices
• Global Release - Simultaneous worldwide launch planned

This broad availability maximizes potential player base while maintaining consistent monetization across platforms.

Comparison to Traditional F2P

Typical Anime F2P Games

Standard model (Genshin Impact, Honkai, etc.):

• Character gacha as primary revenue
• Pity systems requiring hundreds of pulls
• Limited-time banners creating FOMO
• Weapon/equipment gacha layered on top
• Battle passes and monthly subscriptions
• Cosmetics as secondary revenue

Ananta's Differences

• No character randomization
• All characters obtainable through play
• No time-limited character availability
• No equipment gacha
• Cosmetics as primary revenue
• Optional battle pass/subscription (if implemented)

Financial Considerations

Development Costs

Ananta's 700+ person team requires substantial ongoing revenue:

• Salaries across Naked Rain and NetEase Montreal
• Server and infrastructure costs
• Marketing and community management
• Ongoing content development via Urban Density System
• Platform fees and distribution costs

Revenue Uncertainty

Questions about sustainability:

• Will cosmetic sales support massive team?
• Can broader audience compensate for lower per-player spending?
• How do conversion rates compare to gacha?
• What happens if revenue falls short?
• How long can NetEase sustain investment?

Player Value Proposition

Advantages for Players

F2P without gacha offers:

• Zero Entry Cost - Try game without financial commitment
• Fair Progression - Time investment over spending
• No Gambling - Predictable character acquisition
• Completability - Realistic goal of obtaining all characters
• Respect - Ethical monetization without manipulation

Potential Concerns

Players might question:

• Whether cosmetic monetization feels rewarding enough
• If premium cosmetics create visual pressure
• Whether free cosmetic options feel adequate
• If real estate creates pay-to-flex dynamics
• Whether model can sustain long-term development

Content Accessibility

All core gameplay available free:

• Main Story - Full narrative progression
• All Characters - Complete roster via Character Acquisition System
• Activities - Basketball, Mahjong, Movie Theaters, Fitness Centers
• Exploration - Entire Nova City accessible
• Dating System - Relationship mechanics fully available
• Multiplayer - Cooperative play without restrictions

Only cosmetic items behind paywall.

Community Impact

Positive Reception Potential

Players may appreciate:

• Ethical monetization approach
• Respect for player experience
• Accessibility without spending
• Transparency about revenue model
• Industry leadership in fair practices

Market Differentiation

F2P without gacha creates:

• Unique selling proposition
• Appeal to anti-gacha audiences
• Positive press coverage
• Community goodwill
• Competitive advantage

Industry Implications

Potential Influence

If successful, Ananta could:

• Inspire other developers to abandon gacha
• Shift player expectations industry-wide
• Prove cosmetic-only model viability
• Influence regulatory environments
• Transform anime gaming economics

Market Test

Ananta answers critical questions:

• Can AAA quality be sustained without character gacha?
• Will broader audiences compensate for lower ARPU (Average Revenue Per User)?
• Does player goodwill translate to financial success?
• Can storytelling alone drive sustained engagement?
• What does ethical F2P look like at scale?

Monetization Ethics=

Player-Friendly Practices

Ananta commits to:

• No predatory gambling mechanics
• No pay-to-win advantages
• Transparent pricing
• No hidden costs
• Respectful engagement

Industry Standards

Challenging common F2P practices:

• FOMO manipulation through limited banners
• Sunk cost fallacy from gacha investment
• Psychological pressure from incomplete collections
• Whale exploitation through extreme spending
• Addictive randomization mechanics

Long-Term Sustainability

Post-Launch Revenue

Ongoing monetization through:

• Regular cosmetic releases
• Seasonal content and limited cosmetics
• Real estate expansion
• Battle pass systems (if implemented)
• Special events and celebrations
• Community-requested items

Content Updates

The Urban Density System requires sustained funding:

• New venues and activities
• Additional city density
• Expanded character storylines
• Enhanced systems and features
• Bug fixes and optimization
• Community engagement

Regional Considerations=

F2P implementation may vary:

• Different pricing across markets
• Regional cosmetic preferences
• Cultural customization options
• Local payment methods
• Platform-specific offerings

Player Conversion Strategy=

Converting free players to spenders:

• High-quality free experience building trust
• Attractive but optional cosmetics
• Regular new content maintaining engagement
• Community events encouraging participation
• Transparent communication about development costs

Comparison to Premium Model=

Versus $60 Games

F2P advantages:

• Zero barrier to entry
• Larger potential audience
• Ongoing revenue for continued development
• Cross-platform easier without multiple purchases

F2P disadvantages:

• Monetization presence in gameplay
• Perception concerns
• Pressure to convert players
• Ongoing content expectations

Future Evolution

Potential model adjustments:

• Introduction of optional subscriptions
• Expansion of cosmetic categories
• Special edition content
• Collaboration cosmetics
• Community-funded features

Success or failure will inform whether the model continues unchanged or requires adaptation.

See Also

• Ananta - Game using this model
• Cosmetic Monetization - Revenue generation approach
• Character Acquisition System - No-gacha alternative
• NetEase - Publisher taking financial risk
• Urban Density System - Post-launch content requiring funding