Robotoki and Nexon dissolve partnership, Human Element No Longer Free-to-Play

Robotoki has parted ways from the publisher Nexon in order to give its debut title, Human Element, the treatment it deserves.

Gamasutra reports that the LA-based indie studio, Robotoki, has discarded the free-to-play plans of its debut title, Human Element, and will be launching the game a year from now as a full-fledged, premium game. Unfortunately, Robotoki's dissolving of its publishing agreement with Nexon resulted in the studio laying off a portion of its staff to stay afloat.

"As the game evolved we realized that the elements that make Human Element the most fun would be hindered by keeping it a free-to-play experience," said Robert Bowling, the founder of Robotoki. "Therefore, we made the decision to switch to a premium experience for our players; which also meant that working with the premier publisher in free-to-play was no longer the best partnership fit for the game we were creating."

Bowling formally worked at Infinity Ward as the Creative Strategist for the Call of Duty franchise.

"Nexon and Robotoki have come to a mutual decision to end their publishing agreement for the game Human Element. As development of the project progressed the direction of the game naturally evolved, and it no longer aligns with the Nexon portfolio."

Robotoki will be announcing its new publisher for Human Element sometime next month.