Bringing back subscription games could be the answer to greedy microtransactions

[Redaktion]

So, another game comes out. It's packed with battle passes, a cosmetic store, and an intolerable grind carefully designed to inflate playtime until you give up and spend money on it. It's not made to be fun, it's made to drive engagement. You know the story by now...

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Bringing-back-subscription-games-could-be-the-answer-to-greedy-microtransactions.756911.0.html

[George]

There was a time not all that long ago where EVERYTHING computer/game related was 'stand alone' or 'buy once'.

Then came the horrible realization that modern electronics MAY have a 30yr lifespan and suddenly all these OEM's might as well of been making washers/dryers/microwaves and refrigerators (otherwise known as <sic> "appliances" <gasp>!!).

Otherwise known as items that consumers purchased and continued use until such time the item stopped working and THEN they replaced it. Individual items and Brands were rated on their reliability or how long they lasted.

In a odd 'Catch22' the OEM's that made the most reliable and longest lasting products were effectively 'shooting themselves in the foot' as their customers would not be purchasing a new product anytime soon. :)

So what does any of this have anything to do with computers, software and games?

Plenty.

If it were not for Microsoft and their constantly growing operating system and software (bloatware?) faster computers would not of been needed. The same goes with other types of software (IE:Games). If new games did not push the limits of CURRENT hardware there would be no incentive to upgrade to faster and better hardware.

When it comes to basic applications why on earth would someone buy a 'new improved' version if the current or old version does everything you think you need?

Hence while first it was Adobe followed by others (including Microsoft) started offering the masses 'rentalware' where you could only use the software on a 'subscription'.

While many highly specialized software packages (for Engineering and creatives) were offered on a 'subscription model' long before companies like Adobe and Microsoft unleashed the concept on the general public, the model affords the developer a constant revenue stream from those that are using their product.

"Gaming" has a number of different business models with many of them being far to intrusive to actual game play. While large content AAA games are still released in a 'buy once play forever' model it is becoming more of the exception rather than the norm.

We now see many more titles released with uTransactions or only 'partial releases' with the rest of the game locked behind 'expansion pack' paywalls and of course the downright 'rentalware' and 'subscription' games.

When I started this hobby one could simply purchase a computer and a game and play.

Now one needs to have subscriptions to: internet, antivirus, VPN and whatever Game you wish to play.

No longer is gaming a 'one time purchase'.


:(

[hugh mungus]

There was a time not all that long ago where EVERYTHING computer/game related was 'stand alone' or 'buy once'.

Then came the horrible realization that modern electronics MAY have a 30yr lifespan and suddenly all these OEM's might as well of been making washers/dryers/microwaves and refrigerators (otherwise known as <sic> "appliances" <gasp>!!).

Otherwise known as items that consumers purchased and continued use until such time the item stopped working and THEN they replaced it. Individual items and Brands were rated on their reliability or how long they lasted.

In a odd 'Catch22' the OEM's that made the most reliable and longest lasting products were effectively 'shooting themselves in the foot' as their customers would not be purchasing a new product anytime soon. :)

So what does any of this have anything to do with computers, software and games?

Plenty.

If it were not for Microsoft and their constantly growing operating system and software (bloatware?) faster computers would not of been needed. The same goes with other types of software (IE:Games). If new games did not push the limits of CURRENT hardware there would be no incentive to upgrade to faster and better hardware.

When it comes to basic applications why on earth would someone buy a 'new improved' version if the current or old version does everything you think you need?

Hence while first it was Adobe followed by others (including Microsoft) started offering the masses 'rentalware' where you could only use the software on a 'subscription'.

While many highly specialized software packages (for Engineering and creatives) were offered on a 'subscription model' long before companies like Adobe and Microsoft unleashed the concept on the general public, the model affords the developer a constant revenue stream from those that are using their product.

"Gaming" has a number of different business models with many of them being far to intrusive to actual game play. While large content AAA games are still released in a 'buy once play forever' model it is becoming more of the exception rather than the norm.

We now see many more titles released with uTransactions or only 'partial releases' with the rest of the game locked behind 'expansion pack' paywalls and of course the downright 'rentalware' and 'subscription' games.

When I started this hobby one could simply purchase a computer and a game and play.

Now one needs to have subscriptions to: internet, antivirus, VPN and whatever Game you wish to play.

No longer is gaming a 'one time purchase'.


:(

Nothing you said is remotely true. Take your meds.

[George]

Nothing you said is remotely true. Take your meds.

It seems you have no understanding of the electronics and software industries.

Best of luck in life - your going to need it!


g.