Free-to-Play Games: The Anti-Community Paradox
Gaming has always been about community.
Whether it’s teaming up for epic raids, strategizing in competitive matches, or just hanging out in the same virtual space, games have historically brought people together. But the rise of free-to-play (F2P) games has introduced a paradox: they’re more accessible than ever, yet they’re increasingly anti-community.
Here’s why F2P games are failing the very foundation of gaming culture — and what we need to do about it.
1. Accessibility Over Accountability
The beauty of F2P games is their accessibility. Anyone can jump in without spending a dime, but that also means there are fewer barriers for bad actors. Toxic players, trolls, and cheaters thrive in these environments, often hopping between multiple free accounts to avoid consequences.
For example, in Overwatch 2, competitive players frequently create alternate accounts (a.k.a. smurfing) to manipulate matchmaking, dominate casual players, or simply test new strategies with no repercussions. This isn’t just frustrating — it’s alienating. For players who only have one account and genuinely want to climb the ranks, it feels like the odds are constantly stacked against them. I’ve been playing Marvel Rivals for the last month and while I have high hopes, I’ve seen some highly suspicious gameplay in my gold lobbies. I’ve also gone down rabbit holes researching these accounts and looking at their previous games.
Some things I’ve found that are dead giveaways of smurf accounts include: Low levels (under 20) using a character that they’ve had little to no playtime on in current or past season and getting upwards of 25+ kills, receiving MVP/SVP in almost every game. I’ve also noticed some players running with a low-ranking teammate with a long-ish standing account, which would indicate a boost. Am I salty? Maybe, but I also am frustrated with the frequency in which this happens. It can be a game ruining experience for the average player.
2. Competitive Chaos: When Pros Take Over
F2P games often attract “pro” gamers looking to climb leaderboards or flex their skills in competitive modes. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with competition, it can crush the casual player base that forms the backbone of gaming communities. The number of “Grind to Top 500” livestreams that have landed on my TikTok fyp is exhausting.
Isn’t it enough to be mediocre these days? — Asking for a friend
Unfortunately, many of these competitive players also bring premade teams into the mix. While this typically means they stick to higher ranks, there’s always the risk of running into them if they’re smurfing on alternate accounts. For casual players or those in lower ranks, even a single encounter with a smurf team can make the experience feel unfair and frustrating.
This revolving door of pro players, smurfing, and premade teams disrupts the balance of competition. It creates a clear divide between those who are there for fun and those who are there to dominate, often at the expense of the community vibe that should make free-to-play games more inclusive and welcoming.
That said, there are pros who embody what gaming is all about — those who share tips and tricks, engage with their communities, and actively play with fans. These players remind us of the collaborative spirit that defines gaming, and honestly, we need more of this. THIS is what gaming is made of!
3. The Monetization of Community
Let’s not forget how F2P games are funded. Battle passes, skins, and in-game currencies dominate the monetization strategy, and while they’re not inherently bad, they shift the focus from fostering a strong player base to maximizing sales.
This becomes painfully clear when games prioritize flashy cosmetics over quality content. Instead of designing systems that encourage teamwork or collaboration, developers focus on creating the next must-have skin (looking at you, Susan Storm in Marvel Rivals). It’s not about building connections — it’s about building revenue streams.
I need to pick on Overwatch 2 for a hot second, here. Before their transition from Overwatch to Overwatch 2, cosmetics were a nice to have. There was nothing more exciting than opening FREE special loot boxes during the holiday events and getting that sparkling legendary skin! Taking loot boxes away was probably one of the worst decisions Overwatch has made to date, next to the actual switch over to Overwatch 2 and the cancellation of PVE which was the BIGGEST reason they gave the community for the switch-over. Now they are fully reliant on microtransactions to keep their game alive - mostly the character skins, which, by the way, you can barely see when you’re playing because the game is first person view. Come to think of it, I think Valorant does something similar, but their bread and butter is weapon skins. To each their own, I guess.
4. Toxicity Thrives in Unmoderated Spaces
One of the biggest issues in F2P games is the lack of proper moderation. Voice and text chats, which should be tools for strategy and bonding, often become breeding grounds for toxicity. Constructive communication is drowned out by insults, gloating, and harassment.
In competitive games like Marvel Rivals, I’ve seen this firsthand. Instead of building each other up, players tear each other down — or worse, ignore teamwork entirely in favor of self-serving playstyles. Without stricter rules or better moderation, F2P games become hostile environments that repel the very players who might help create lasting communities.
What I will say about Marvel Rivals as compared to similar games like Overwatch 2 and Paladins is that the mods seem to respond and react quickly in their communications once a complaint is filed. I also appreciate that they not only let you know the outcome of the report, they also let you know if the person already has other complains made against them.
5. Where Do We Go From Here?
The F2P model isn’t going anywhere, but it doesn’t have to be anti-community. Developers need to step up and prioritize creating spaces that foster connection and collaboration. Here’s how:
• Matchmaking Accountability: Link alternate accounts to a single profile to curb smurfing and ensure fair competition.
• Moderated Chats: Implement stricter guidelines and better moderation for in-game communication.
• Community-Driven Content: Focus on modes that encourage teamwork, like co-op modes or community events (social impact gaming is my personal fave), rather than just monetized cosmetics.
• Rewarding Positive Behavior: Incentivize players who contribute positively to the community, whether through commendation systems or exclusive rewards.
Closing Thoughts
Free-to-play games have the potential to bring more people into gaming than ever before, but their current approach often undermines the very essence of what makes gaming special: community. By prioritizing monetization at the expense of connection, F2P games risk alienating the players who could help them thrive long-term.
I’m really rooting for you, Marvel Rivals. With the incredible breadth and depth of your fan base, you have the unique opportunity to turn F2P gaming on its head. By leaning into your entire community — not just competitive gamers — you could redefine what it means to create an inclusive, thriving gaming experience that truly embodies the heart of gaming.
It’s time for developers to recognize that a great game isn’t just about graphics or gameplay — it’s about the people who play it. Let’s make free-to-play games free for everyone to enjoy, not just for the loudest or most toxic voices.
