Duelyst Devs: "Our Game Is Purely Better Because It’s More Generous”
Counterplay Games' Duelyst has won over legions of fans looking for a more strategic and/or less random version of Hearthstone, but that wasn't always the case. It may seem like ancient history now, but it was just over a year ago that the game switched gears from pay-to-play to free-to-play, enraging a number of its backers on Kickstarter.
The negative response was amplified, as most negative things on the internet are, but in an interview with Rock, Paper, Shotgun, Counterplay's Keith Lee said that only 3% of players took him up on a refund offer. He and his counterpart, Emil Anticevic, agree that the outrage was justified, but they're more than pleased with how the game has turned out since declaring as F2P, with over 100,000 games being played per day.
A big reason for that success, Anticevic says, is Duelyst's generosity, with the ability to earn roughly a pack a day through gameplay and the chances of getting a legendary card at about one in four packs, as compared to around one in 20 for Hearthstone, prompting him to boldly declare:
"In terms of free-to-play, our game is purely better because it’s more generous."
Lee adds that they're just trying to "offer players the most value" and not expecting to have profits that rival the bigger games out there. It just goes to show that you can have a successful and well-liked F2P game without gouging players, as long as you accept that it's a niche title.
Related Articles
About the Author

Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.
Read Next
Revelation Online Gives A Brief Glimpse Of Its Non-Targeted Combat System Option
My.com released a -- rather short -- video today highlighting the non-targeted combat system available in its upcoming MMO Revelation Online.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 7 years agoYou May Enjoy
Vindictus Unleashes New Raid With A Boss Monster Who Wields Different Weapons Every Phase
Team up and take on Eisen Ritter.
By Troy Blackburn - 3 days agoTGS 2023: Wayfinder Teases New Lion-Warrior Grendel In Trailer By “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” Co-Director
Grendel arrives later this Fall.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 2 days agoLeaked Footage From Upcoming Skate Reboot Game Shows Parkour Elements
Previous titles allowed players to run on foot, but this suggests a deeper focus on these mechanics.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 5 days agoReminder: Call Of Duty: Warzone Caldera’s Closure Is Almost Upon Us
There are only two days left.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 4 days agoNew Letter From Throne And Liberty Producer Shows Off Never-Before-Seen Bosses And Areas
I can't even front...this stuff looks incredible.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 day agoBlood Bowl III’s Season 2 Is About To Kick Off, But Some Awaited Changes Just Aren't Ready Yet
It’s time to introduce a new faction.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days ago
the gmaeis just another pay to win RNG garbage, plus it looks terrible.