Prop Hunt-style Game 'Mannequin' Goes Free-to-Play on Quest as Freemium Multiplayer Games Thrive

In a move that could signal a shift in the gaming industry, developer Fast Travel Games has made its VR game "Mannequin" free-to-play on Oculus Quest, starting today. The game, which launched last June on Quest and SteamVR headsets, offers a unique twist on the classic prop hunt genre. By making Mannequin available for free, Fast Travel Games is embracing the freemium model, a business strategy that involves offering games for free with in-app purchases.

The Game

Mannequin is not your typical shooter or game of prop hunt. Instead, two gun-toting Agents must track down three shape-shifting aliens, aka Mannequins, who can evade capture by blending into crowds of frozen NPCs. The twist? Agents can only fire their guns once before a cool-down period, giving the aliens the perfect moment to strike back. This dynamic gameplay creates an exciting and unpredictable experience for players.

The Shift to Freemium

While Mannequin has received positive reviews from critics and players alike, its popularity on Quest has been modest compared to other multiplayer games like Gorilla Tag and Population: One. However, the game's developer, Fast Travel Games, believes that making Mannequin free-to-play will boost its player numbers across both platforms.

The Rise of Freemium Games

The free-to-play trend appears to be growing on Oculus Quest, with Meta's VP of Metaverse Content, Samantha Ryan, recently confirming that the platform has seen an influx of younger users. This demographic tends to spend more time in social games and is more likely to engage with in-app purchases.

The Future of Freemium Games

While Mannequin may not be the first premium game to adopt the freemium model on Quest, it's unlikely to be the last. With developers eyeing the success of games like Gorilla Tag, which topped $100 million in gross revenue last summer, the shift towards freemium games is likely to continue.

A New Chapter for Mannequin

The free-to-play launch of Mannequin comes with a new update, which includes a new map called "Towers", featuring portals for the first time. This update is available now on Quest 2 and above, and over on Steam for PC VR headsets.

Getting Started

You can find Mannequin over on the Horizon Store for Quest 2 and above for free, and over on Steam for PC VR headsets, priced at $10. With its unique gameplay mechanics and exciting multiplayer experience, Mannequin is sure to attract a new wave of players to the Oculus Quest platform.

Why Free-to-Play Now?

While we don't know exactly why Fast Travel Games decided to make Mannequin free-to-play now, it's likely that the studio wants to capitalize on the growing trend towards freemium games on Quest. By embracing this business model, developers can attract new players and increase revenue through in-app purchases.

Conclusion

Mannequin's free-to-play launch marks an exciting development for the Oculus Quest platform. With its unique gameplay mechanics and exciting multiplayer experience, Mannequin has the potential to become a hit game on Quest. As the gaming industry continues to shift towards freemium games, it will be interesting to see how other developers follow in Fast Travel Games' footsteps.