Velan Studios is turning its multiplayer dodgeball battler, Knockout City, into a free-to-play title and breaking away from publisher EA.

Knockout City launched last year under the EA Originals banner, but Velan will be assuming publishing responsibilities moving forward.

The studio said the pivot to in-house publishing will help it "fully realise our vision for the long-term future of this game," and thanked EA for its "incredible support" since the title launched in May 2021.

Velan believes the freemium switch could also attract "millions of new players" and outlined plans to work even more closely with its player community.

As a result of the shake-up, Season 5 of Knockout City will have less content than previous seasons, including fewer bundles and cosmetics. Players will still need an EA Account to play the title for the time being.