Awesomenauts, the 3v3 side-scrolling MOBA by Ronimo Games, will be going free to play on Steam on May 24, 2017, according to a news post on the game's Steam Community page.
The game takes place in the far future of 3587 where robot armies duke it out amongst the stars. Players engage in Moba-style 3v3 battles where they can charge into battle as one of the titular Aweomenauts, special mercenaries with unique and interesting powers. You can customize the kit of your character throughout the course of the game, and ample opportunities for cosmetic upgrades exist as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4EV6KmsW58
Anyone who has played the game before April 26, 2017, will automatically be given a "Founder" status which unlocks an exclusive portrait and medal. Additionally, anyone who buys the game and both expansions will be upgraded to the "All Nauts" pack which will give them access to all current and future characters automatically. Otherwise, existing owners of the base game (and whichever expansions they may own) will have those characters automatically unlocked once the free-to-play transition gets underway.
As for free players, an in-game currency called "Awesomepoints" is being introduced. Playing the game and leveling up will earn you more Awesomepoints which can be used to unlock new characters (including the ones from previous expansions) and certain cosmetics such as drop pods and character portraits. Skins for the individual Nauts will only be able to be purchased with real money.
A few new features are being added to the game as well. The game's tutorial has been completely revamped. The Armory menu will allow players to see all of the content they've unlocked on one convenient page. Finally, as with many MOBAs players will be able to team up in a comp-stomp style match and fight against A.I. bots at a skill level of their choosing,
The transition to a free-to-play model will only be happening on Steam for the moment; no plans exist to change the console's business model, although Ronimo Games has stated that they are not ruling out such a transition in the future.
What do you think of Awesomenauts going free to play? Do you think that Ronimo Games should have made the leap earlier or do you think that now is the right time? What's your favorite character in the game? Let us know in the comments below!
