The trend of increasingly more large games adopting the free-to-play model, dependent on payment for cosmetic items and battle passes rather than traditional expansions and monthly fees, is evident in games like the online role-playing Genshin Impact, which has done well utilizing this strategy. 

However, as per a recent interview with Eurogamer, Naoki Yoshida, the Game Director of the blockbuster game Final Fantasy XIV, assured that they have no intentions of implementing such a model in the game. However, they are considering extending the game's trial period so that gamers can make an informed decision before making a purchase. 

Yoshida asserts, "There's currently no plan to make the game itself free, though the free trial could be expanded." Given the large investment of time and funds into the expansion packages, the revenue from these sales is crucial to produce more expansions of the same scale. We always strive for excellence, both creatively and business-wise, to ensure that we continue to provide content that can be enjoyed."

The game's expansion set to release next year, Dawntrail, will introduce version 7.0 of Final Fantasy XIV. It will include not only new narrative content but also a graphical upgrade - the first since the game was relaunched a decade ago.