H1Z1 To Become Two Games, Neither Will Be Free-to-play

Daybreak has announced that zombie survival game H1Z1 will be splitting into two separate games on February 17th. H1Z1: Just Survive will focus solely on the open-world–post-apocalyptic experience. While H1Z1: King of the Hill will continue to be the last player standing shooter that has proved widely popular for the game.

Players who own H1Z1 will be granted both versions on the 17th, and any "existing crates, keys, and items will be duplicated across both games. As originally intended, Airdrop tickets will be useable in H1Z1: Just Survive and Event tickets will be usable in H1Z1: King of the Kill."

Each version of the game will have its own development team. I'm curious why they need to split H1Z1 in two, instead of offering two game modes form the main menu.

If you have any interest in H1Z1 now is the time to buy in. Any purchases made before the split will grant both games. After the 17th both games will be available as Early Access titles for $19.99.

Daybreak has also announced H1Z1: King of the Hill will be leaving Early Access some time this summer. But it will NOT be free-to-play.

I've speculated for a long time that H1Z1 would never become free-to-play. And this latest news update confirms my suspicion. In Daybreak's self-questioning Q&A  beneath the official posts sits the question many players have wondered since the game was announced:

Q: Will H1Z1: Just Survive and H1Z1: King of the Kill become Free-to-Play games after they come out of Early Access?

A: At this time, we do not have any plans to make either H1Z1: Just Survive or H1Z1: King of the Kill Free-to-Play titles.

Which either means that leaving Early Access does not constitute full release. Or, Daybreak has decided to abandon the free-to-play model altogether.

Interesting note: H1Z1: King of the Hill will be competing directly with The Culling, and I'm eager to see how the two differentiate their experiences. I wonder which one will survive?