Free-to-play's model is sometimes derisively referred to as free-to-start due to not being entirely free. It is also separate from freeware games, which are entirely costless. Free-to-play is distinct from traditional commercial software, which requires a payment before using the game or service. For the Dota 2 film, see Free to Play (film).įree-to-play ( F2P or FtP) video games are games that give players access to a significant portion of their content without paying or do not require paying to continue playing. For business models other than for games, see Freemium. This article is about the business model for video games.