Awesomenauts goes free to play on Steam next month

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Ronimo’s side-scrolling MOBA, Awesomenauts, is set to go free-to-play next month, the developer has announced, with Steam users able to pick up the game at no cost from 24 May.

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by Liam Andrews

@pass_controller

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The transition to a free-to-play model has supposedly been in the works for “several years”, and is said to build upon the changes the developer has introduces over the last year, including adding a “AAA-level matchmaking system”. Ronimo were keen to stress that people who purchased the game in the past would not be losing any content they have already unlocked, and would receive ‘Founder’ status and a unique medal as a “thank you” from the developer.

Also, anyone who purchased the Starstorm and Overdrive expansions would be gifted the Awesomenauts All Nauts Pack, which will grant access to all future added heroes, at no extra charge.
 
News of the game going free-to-play arrives alongside the latest update, dubbed Awesomenauts 4.0, which introduces a number of changes in anticipation of Awesomenauts’ change in business model.
 
Key changes included in the update are:
 
●       A completely overhauled tutorial and beginner experience to help make the game more accessible. Though the game has always been fairly easy to pick up and play, the MOBA genre is inherently challenging to get into because of the highly competitive matches.
●       A new progression system allows players to level up both their profile as well as each of their characters. Both will unlock their own unique rewards such as currency bonuses, character items, and portraits. This way you're never far removed from the next reward.
●       A new currency called Awesomepoints, which can be earned by playing matchmade games. These games can be either against other players or through the new 'co-op vs bots' mode. Awesomepoints can be used to unlock playable characters, profile portraits, and the new drop pods.
●       This update also introduces medals to the game. These are unlocked by reaching various milestones in the game and can be used to show off the achievements a player is most proud of. All of the new customization options can be unlocked either by completing milestones in-game, or purchasing them with in-game currency.
●       Real money will still be the only way to buy character skins, but can now also be used to buy individual playable characters and drop pods. Players will also be able to buy all current and future characters through the ‘Awesomenauts All Nauts Pack’. On top of all the characters, owners of the Pack will be granted the 'Collector' status, giving them an exclusive medal and skin.
 
Ronimo will be running a free-to-play version of the game in a closed beta from now until it’s changeover goes live next month. If you would like to get an early look at the game’s new model ahead of everyone else, then you can sign up for the beta here. You’ll also be granted a unique medal for your troubles, along with Vanguard status.
 
There’s no information on whether Ronimo plan to bring the same changes to the console versions of Awesomenauts at this time.
 
What do you think of the news that Awesomenauts is going free-to-play on Steam? Let us know below or in the forums.

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