Square Enix has announced plans to transition its Splatoon-inspired multiplayer 4v4 shooter Foamstars to a free-to-play model starting October 4.
Foamtstars was released eight months ago as a PlayStation exclusive, priced at £24.99, and was even given away as part of PlayStation Plus to attract a strong player base.
“FOAMSTARS is currently available on PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4, and starting at 1:00 a.m. on October 4, 2024, the game will change from current regional pricing to free-to-play,” Square Enix said.
As part of the free game, a PlayStation Plus subscription is no longer required to enjoy the soap opera fun of Foamstars. Each person will also receive a “legacy gift” which includes:
-12 unique color-changing Bubblemon skins
-1 exclusive skateboard design
-1 Title: “Heritage”
The decision to move to a free-to-play model may be a last-ditch effort to keep Foamstars going. According to Bloomberg’s Takashi Mochizuki, Square Enix told analysts that Foamstars failed to meet internal targets. Takashi concluded: “Foamstars fell short of expectations. Initial momentum fell short of internal targets. No sales figures to share”
Since PlayStation doesn’t share player data, and Square Enix doesn’t disclose Foamstars sales, it’s impossible to know what Foamstars’ current player base is, but it’s worth pointing out that the number of people who are still playing the game Seemed to be having a lot of fun.
While I doubt this move will be enough to save it, I hope I’m wrong and Foamstars can find itself an audience willing to give it a try, as long as it doesn’t cost anything.
