Death Game Hotel, a VR multiplayer experience taking cues from Squid Game, is shifting to a free-to-play model next month on Quest. We connected with the developer for deeper insights.
Initially launched last year on Quest, Death Game Hotel marks the first VR title from White Owls, a studio helmed by renowned director Hidetaka ‘SWERY’ Suehiro, famous for Deadly Premonition. Previously offered as a premium game at $19.99, the team has announced that this gambling-themed social horror game will transition to a free-to-play format starting on April 10, 2025. SWERY shared the following video with us.
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The multiplayer aspect will be entirely accessible to players without any payment, while the single-player storyline featuring original characters will transition into a DLC format. Additional cosmetic items and specific game content will also be available for purchase. Among the fresh offerings accompanying this shift are a solo ‘Death Slot’ game for accumulating currency and items, new avatars, and an innovative zero gravity space area named ‘Space Room.’
In light of today’s revelations, we had the opportunity to interview Suehiro via email. Given the rising concerns among developers regarding the increasing prevalence of free-to-play models on Quest, I asked if this influenced their choice. While White Owls is aware of these trends, Suehiro mentioned that the VR industry is ever-evolving, necessitating adaptability across all platforms.
“On any platform, the business model needs to adapt to user trends and demand. As a developer, I always want to deliver my creations, which I see almost like my own children, to as many players as possible. That’s why I believe in embracing new trends, technologies, and business models with flexibility. That said, we’re deeply committed to preserving the essence of our work—the ‘SWERY-ness’ and ‘White Owls identity.’ No matter the model, we won’t compromise on that.”
The studio acknowledges that free-to-play and social gaming are gaining popularity on Quest, with other multiplayer offerings, including Mannequin, adopting similar freemium approaches. However, Suehiro explained that this transition to freemium is a community-focused decision, intending to broaden access to Death Game Hotel.
“Regardless of Meta’s broader strategy, this was an internal decision rooted in community input and the moment’s opportunity.”
Players who currently own Death Game Hotel will receive exclusive benefits, including an early supporter badge, 10 premium cigars, a uniquely engraved lighter, and in-game currency. White Owls also aims to provide a warm welcome to newcomers. Upon relaunch, every player will receive new stash items, such as a laser gun, a selfie camera, and 2000 gold nuggets.
“While expanding our community is a significant goal, we don’t want to leave our original supporters behind. That’s why we’ve prepared special in-game items and rewards for those who’ve been with us since launch as our way of saying thank you. At the same time, we’re making sure new players feel welcomed. We’re planning things like first-login bonuses and stash item gifts to lower the entry barrier and avoid any ‘this isn’t for newbies’ vibe.”
As White Owls’ inaugural free-to-play venture, the studio is looking to leverage community feedback for the game’s evolution post-launch. Although Suehiro was limited in what he could disclose about imminent plans, he did confirm that seasonal events and ongoing content updates are on the agenda for the coming year.
Suehiro indicated that venturing into this model may present additional challenges, especially with the anticipated increase in the player base for Death Game Hotel. He characterized VR as a “young medium full of untapped potential,” considering the expected growth and management of a live service as part of the learning experience, leaving future title strategies open-ended.
“I believe that managing this free-to-play experience will help us unlock even more possibilities for VR multiplayer games in the future. So yes, I can absolutely see us choosing VR again, and potentially the F2P model, but it all comes down to the nature of the experience or concept we want to create and deliver through our game.”
Death Game Hotel is currently accessible on the Meta Quest platform, with the free-to-play relaunch set for April 10, 2025, at 10 AM PT.