A battle pass or rewards track is a monetization approach in video games that provides additional content through a tiered system, rewarding players with in-game items for playing the game and completing specific challenges.
Definition
A battle pass (also called a rewards track) is a monetization model that grants additional game content through a tiered system. Players earn in-game items by playing the game and completing specific challenges, progressing through successive tiers of rewards.
Context and origins
The battle pass was inspired by the season pass ticketing system and originated with Dota 2 in 2013. The model gained wider adoption as an alternative to subscription fees and loot boxes beginning in the late 2010s.
Types of passes
Battle passes typically come in two forms: free passes, which are available to all users, and premium passes, which require annual or seasonal charges in exchange for enhanced items and cosmetics.
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