The video game industry is changing. Or, more specifically, it’s already changed, and we’re just starting to realise it.
Loot boxes and games geared towards a ‘service’ model have seemingly reignited the debate over the monetisation of in-game experiences – one that we faced years ago when free-to-play titles first reared their heads but are now barging into our games in more obvious, conspicuous ways.
Some gamers are, obviously, pretty upset about being plied to throw down an extra chunk of cash to buy in-game content after purchasing a game outright. Others aren’t happy, but see it as an inevitable step in games and seem to be lapping up the cosmetic items. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, it’s a discussion that often glosses over the reason why we’re here in the first place.
The short uncomfortable answer is this: Loot boxes, microtransactions and DLC as a whole are the vanguards of a new era in gaming, one where games – even the ones on annual release cycles – become money sinks far beyond that initial purchase. The games industry is a business, after all.
It’s something we often forget when we sit down after a long day at our …read more
Source:: techradar.com – Gaming
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