OpenFront Leaves Browser For Steam Early Access
A browser strategy game with an established free player base is now a paid Steam early access title, sold with the developer's stated intent to fund ongoing development while the browser version stays free.
Reporting from 1 source: Automaton.
OpenFront Inc launched the multiplayer RTS OpenFront in early access on Steam on September 17. The game began as a free browser title in September 2024 and reached over 21 million cumulative players and more than 1 million monthly active players, per the developer. The Steam version holds 90 percent positive reviews from about 350 user reviews and supports crossplay with browser players.
The Steam release is a paid title, and the developer says the price exists to support development rather than to gate content. The build is the same game as the browser version, with full crossplay matching Steam players against browser players. The developer notes a faster startup on some PCs as a benefit, and says future perks may include exclusive skins and Steam achievements. Anyone who only wants the gameplay is told they do not need to buy it.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.