Train2Game students will probably have noticed the increasing rise of free-to-play titles, with Star Trek Online the latest previously subscription based MMO to switch to the model.

The move received a mixed reception on the Train2Game Facebook page, while Train2Game forum users were more positive.

The concept of free-to-play has received a more negative reaction from publisher Namco Bandai, who not only say it’s not possible to create high quality games using the model, but also that it’s bad for the industry.

“Free-to-play games can’t be high quality,” said Namco Bandai Senior VP for Europe Olivier Comte.

Namco Bandai are the publisher behind titles including Dark Souls, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and the upcoming Soul Calibre V.

“We need to put certain value on certain work,” he continued. “When you’re a big company… you can’t take risks too quickly, you can’t make a change just because there’s a fashion for a couple of years; you want to be there in 20 or 30 years.” he argued while speaking at Cloud Gaming Europe.

Dungeons and Dragons Online, Lord of the Rings Online and DC Universe Online are subscription based MMOs that have made the leap to free-to-play, while the model has also been successful for games including World of Tanks and Team Fortress 2.

TheTrain2Game Blog recently reported that Ubisoft believe their upcoming free-to-play title Ghost Recon Online will be AAA quality, something that won’t be possible if you’re convinced by Comte.

For the latest news about industry trends, including free-to-play, keep reading The Train2Game Blog.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on the comments from Namco Bandai? Can free-to-play titles ever match the quality of AAA? Are there free-to-play titles you enjoy?

Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Industry Gamers]