Daybreak Game Company has announced that H1Z1 will officially be going free-to-play starting today at 10 AM PT on March 8th, 2018. That’s not the only major announcement for H1Z1 today, as the developer also revealed that eSports will be the focus moving forward.
H1Z1 General Manager Anthony Castoro said: “Not only does this decision allow us to share our version of Battle Royale and Auto Royale with even more players, but it signifies the next step in making H1Z1 a must-watch eSport. The Pro League is going to redefine esports when it kicks off in Las Vegas this April, and whether a person is an aspiring pro athlete or just wants to play with friends, we want everyone to have the chance to play the most competitive battle royale game.”
Those who have already purchase H1Z1 need nor worry, as you will be receiving the “H1Z1 Appreciation Pack,” which contains a Gasrunner Hoodie, Bloom Survivor T-Shirt, Splinter Camo ARV, 10 victory crates and 10,000 skulls. To celebrate the game’s transition to free-to-play, Daybreak Game Company will be introducing three new Steam DLC bundles. These bundles will come with unique Crates, as well as several pre-existing and brand new skins.
H1Z1 will enter the eSports scene with the H1Z1 Pro League (H1PL), which will be kicking off its first season on April 21st, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The H1PL has made a deal with Facebook, allowing the social media giant to exclusively broadcast all digital content. The H1PL’s official venue will be Caesars Entertainment Studios, a 50,000 square foot production facility designed for feature films, television show, and live eSports event productions.
Established in a joint venture between Daybreak Game Company and Twin Galaxies LLC, 15 eSports teams have been confirmed to participate in the H1PL. These include internationally well-known teams like North America’s Counter Logic Gaming (CLG), Team Solo Mid (TSM), Cloud 9, Europe’s Alliance, Team Vitality and Epsilon Esports.
For more information on H1Z1 and its foray into eSports, head on over to the official site. In other related news, H1Z1 only recently left Steam Early Access, introducing Auto Royale, a vehicular battle royal mode, as well as the beginning of Season 1.
