Jagged Alliance Online Bucks Free-To-Play, Rebalances Game

The team at Cliffhanger Productions that are working on Jagged Alliance Online announced today that they have wrested control of the game. As a result, it will be leaving free-to-play territory. This move is likely thanks to their experience with Shadowrun Online. Perhaps they see more potential in a buy-to-play format for their games than a free-to-play format.

This, of course, means that there are several major changes on the way. Firstly, the game will be fully reworked and rebalanced to remove all free-to-play mechanics, grind, and, I quote, "all the other crap that stopped people from enjoying the game fully." One of the most important changes, in my opinion, is the change in mercenary contracts. Mercenary contracts are now based on in-game time instead of real-time. Backpack space for mercenaries has been doubled, as well.

Now, you might wonder what this means for your accounts. As the free-to-play edition will be ending, as well as Gamigo's service for the game, it's an understandable concern. All existing accounts will be moved to the new servers. Players that have purchased any sort of DLC in the past will be able to continue playing. Players who have never put any money towards the game will not be able to play, but their accounts will be safe, nonetheless.

The team hope this will make PvP "more viable." And, of course, that players will be able to enjoy the game more.

Do you think this will bring you back to Jagged Alliance Online? I'm certainly more likely to try the game out again, myself.