Top 10 Earning Free to Play Online Games in 2016
Are you a fan of online gaming? Do you enjoy playing games without spending a dime? If so, you might be interested in knowing which free-to-play online games were the most profitable in 2016. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 earning free-to-play online games of that year, exploring their features, popularity, and the reasons behind their success.
1. League of Legends
At the top of the list is the iconic League of Legends (LoL). Developed by Riot Games, LoL has been a staple in the free-to-play gaming industry since its release in 2009. The game’s success can be attributed to its engaging gameplay, regular updates, and a strong community. In 2016, LoL generated over $1.6 billion in revenue, making it the highest-earning free-to-play game of the year.
2. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft (WoW), developed by Blizzard Entertainment, has been a mainstay in the gaming industry since its release in 2004. Although it transitioned to a free-to-play model in 2016, it still managed to rank second on the list of top earning free-to-play games. With its expansive world, deep lore, and a loyal player base, WoW continues to attract new players and keep old ones coming back for more.
3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), developed by Valve Corporation, is a first-person shooter game that has gained immense popularity since its release in 2012. The game’s competitive nature and the introduction of the Steam Marketplace have contributed to its success. In 2016, CS:GO generated over $1 billion in revenue, making it the third highest-earning free-to-play game of the year.
4. Dota 2
Dota 2, also developed by Valve Corporation, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that has been a favorite among competitive gamers since its release in 2013. The game’s unique gameplay, regular updates, and the introduction of the Dota 2 International tournament have helped it become the fourth highest-earning free-to-play game in 2016, generating over $900 million in revenue.
5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), developed by PUBG Corporation, is a battle royale game that took the gaming world by storm in 2017. Although it wasn’t released until late 2016, PUBG quickly gained popularity and became the fifth highest-earning free-to-play game of the year, generating over $700 million in revenue.
6. Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans, developed by Supercell, is a mobile strategy game that has been a hit since its release in 2012. The game’s simple yet engaging gameplay, along with its social features, have contributed to its success. In 2016, Clash of Clans generated over $600 million in revenue, making it the sixth highest-earning free-to-play game of the year.
7. Clash Royale
Clash Royale, also developed by Supercell, is a real-time strategy game that was released in 2016. The game’s unique blend of tower defense and collectible card game elements has helped it become the seventh highest-earning free-to-play game of the year, generating over $500 million in revenue.
8. Smite
Smite, developed by Hi-Rez Studios, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that has gained popularity for its unique approach to the genre. The game features gods and mythological characters from various cultures. In 2016, Smite generated over $400 million in revenue, making it the eighth highest-earning free-to-play game of the year.
9. Warframe
Warframe, developed by Digital Extremes, is a free-to-play third-person shooter game that has gained a dedicated following since its release in 2013. The game’s unique art style, gameplay mechanics, and the introduction of the Foundry, a level editor, have contributed to its success. In 2016, Warframe generated over $300 million in revenue, making it the ninth highest-earning free-to-play game of the year.
10. Path of Exile
Path of Exile, developed by Grinding Gear Games, is a free-to-play action
