Thoughts on free to play games 8/25/13

Plants vs. Zombies 2 was released for free on iOS last week. PopCap, the publisher of Plants vs. Zombies 2, hopes to make money by selling power-ups through in-app purchases. Despite enjoying the first Plants vs. Zombies, I’ve been hesitant to try the sequel. I just don’t trust free games, especially after reading Gamasutra’s article on how some game developers manipulate people into spending money on in-app purchases.

If I like a game, I’m happy to buy additional levels or expansion content¹. In those cases the core gameplay isn’t compromised. It’s an honest transaction where you’re buying more of the same thing you already enjoy. However, with purchasable power-ups, you have to question whether or not a game is trying to frustrate you into paying your way past a challenge.

I much prefer buying a game knowing the developer tried their best to make it fun. From what I’ve heard, the in-app purchases in Plants vs. Zombies 2 are tastefully done, but I don’t want to constantly wonder whether a game experience would be more fun if I were spending more money.