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“Knockout City” may not be part of a well-established video game franchise, but it is getting generally positive reviews since its launch last May 21. Possibly to encourage more people to try the new game, EA announced that the chaotic dodge ball-inspired multiplayer will be free-to-play until new players reach a certain level.
When “Knockout City” launched a few weeks ago, EA announced the in-game Block Party event that offered a free trial of the game developed by Velan Studios. The promo lasted until May 30, but the free access to the game has been extended for good.
In an announcement through the “Knockout City” official Twitter page, EA confirmed that the game has been transformed into a free-to-play, at least for newcomers. Those who are just discovering the game can play it for free, but they have to pay for the $20 full price once they reach Street Rank 25.
Block Party is over, but new players to Knockout City can still start brawlin' for free!
— Knockout City (@knockoutcity) May 30, 2021
If your friends are just joining us, they'll be able to play for free and level up to Street Rank 25 before purchasing the game. That’s also enough game time to teach them to pass the ball. pic.twitter.com/aWjPjKS0ES
The sudden change in pricing strategy for “Knockout City” has been received well, based on the reactions of fans online. Some fans have pointed out that chaotic fun gameplay and a cross-platform play available at launch were some of the reasons they did not mind purchasing the game upfront. The multiplayer is available on PC (through Steam and Epic), PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It is also backward compatible and will play with some enhancements on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
New players can download “Knockout City” as a free trial on the mentioned platforms. After reaching level 25, they will have the option to purchase the base game for $20 or get its deluxe upgrade for an additional $10. The latter comes with exclusive Epic Crew cosmetic items, including an outfit, vehicle, logos, and banners. The deluxe upgrade also offers 1,000 Holobux in-game currency, which will cost $10 when purchased separately.
Even before the Block Party and the free-to-play model was announced for “Knockout City,” EA has already offered a couple of ways to get unlimited access to the game for free. The new multiplayer has been added to the EA Play at launch, which means subscribers and those with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership can get the base game without paying for its full price. EA Play subscription is available on PS consoles, as well as through Origin and Steam, for $4.99 a month.
