No, really- it's not so bad. In fact, this is one of the best changes to come to MicroWorks. We've been working on this update for a long time since the release, and we're so excited to finally reveal it.
But first, let's get all the important bits out of the way:
May 25th, 2023 - MICROWORKS IS GOING FREE TO PLAY.
Mark the date, clear your plans and get the gang together! MicroWorks will become free to keep forever.
The free versions of MicroWorks will include all the available microgames, boss stages, modifiers, and all main game content. They will, however, also be locked out of certain premium features, which will be exclusive to the "Party Pass" DLC.
Introducing The Party Pass
The Party Pass is a DLC that unlocks all premium features of the game (which we'll detail in a moment), and also rewards you with some digital bonus goodies. It will cost just $9.99 and you get to keep it forever - so no, no MTX, or subscriptions, or any of those nasty things. We remain committed to our promise.
And yes - everyone who already owns the game will receive the Party Pass automatically for free! You're not skipping a beat.
The features that will be exclusive to Party Pass owners are as follows:
- Workshop Cosmetics - Free users will not be able to equip custom workshop cosmetics. They can still, of course, see others' cosmetics, and even create their own.
- Custom Emotes - Free users will not be able to create custom emotes. They can still, of course, see others' custom emotes.
- Private Hosting - Free users will not be able to create private or password protected servers. This one might come off a little controversial, but it comes as an effort to encourage more public games. The good news is that free users can still join private games - so if you're looking to get a private party going on with your friends, only your host needs to own the Party Pass!
- Mutators - Free users will not be able to create or join mutated servers.
- Boss Rush - The Boss Rush gamemode will be exclusive to Party Pass owners, and free users will not be able to create or join servers playing it.
In addition to unlocking all the features above, Party Pass owners will receive the following digital goodies:
What Else Is Coming In This Update?
XP & Leveling System
Progression system? Progression system. Get ranked at the end of every match, earn XP and level up to unlock new customization options! Every match you play now counts.
(HINT: Winners get a big XP bonus!)
Skins & Auras
Grinding up those levels is cool and all, but surely there has to be a reward for doing it? For this, we've introduced two new customization options: Skins & Auras.
Skins are, as you'd expect, new skins for your Kai. They are fully colorable.
The rarer Auras are special particle effects you can attach to your Kai. They, too, are colorable.
And yes, Skins & Auras are available to everyone, free users too!
Custom Emotes
Exclusive to the Party Pass, custom emotes allow you to upload any image you want to use as an emote and customize your emote wheel in any way you'd like. You can even create custom expressions on Kai's face! The future of sharing memes is here.
This comes with a ton of balance adjustments, fixes, major networking improvements and a whole bunch of behind-the-scenes stuff to improve your game experience.
Why the F2P Change?
...is probably a question you haven't asked, because the answer is likely obvious. But I like talking so you're gonna listen to me ramble anyway.
MicroWorks is, at its core, a social game - you can play it alone, but the real magic comes out when you have a whole party going wild at it. As developers, it's our mission to optimize your game experience, and in MW's case, it means breaking down the barrier of entry as far as we can. Convincing your entire group of friends to invest in a niche game can be a little tough.
We've been closely listening in on feedback and players' experiences since the release and carefully planning how to carry out this mission, and we believe this to be the best possible solution. Everyone wins when everyone can play, and we can grant you with a bunch of cool stuff if you choose to support us (the Party Pass is the only way we are earning revenue from the game).
It's cheesy to say but the only reason we can even allow ourselves to go free is thanks to your support. All you peeps out there playing and making noise about it online, we see you and we are grateful for every single one. <3
SO, MAY 25TH. SEE YOU THERE?
Oh, And One More Thing
MicroWorks is now discounted at 70% off until May 25th - all the way up until its free to play debut. Chip in now to get instant access to the game and secure your Party Pass at a cheaper cost!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1233410/MicroWorks/