Robotoki’s Nexon deal ends after studio ditches free-to-play

Human Element developer Robotoki and Nexon have ended their publishing deal after the studio’s decision to ditch the free-to-play model in favour of a premium price in its upcoming game Human Element.

In a statement to Gamasutra, Robotoki founder Robert Bowling said the fun factor in the game was being hindered by F2P.

The decision to ditch the business model in favour of a premium price point has resulted in Nexon pulling out of its deal, as well as a number of layoffs at the studio.

The developer expects to announce a new publishing partnership for Human Element next month. The title is expected to be released in November 2015.

"Nexon and Robotoki have come to a mutual decision to end their publishing agreement for the game Human Element," said a spokesperson for Nexon.

"As development of the project progressed the direction of the game naturally evolved, and it no longer aligns with the Nexon portfolio."