For decades, video games have been a medium for sharing stories, much like movies and TV shows, creating strong communities and fond memories for many. However, the gaming industry has shifted, with more games appearing to be designed with investors in mind rather than players. As a result, monetization tactics like battle passes and in-game stores filled with microtransactions are becoming a problem for gamers. While these practices are profitable, they have led many players to question whether games are being made to enrich investor pockets rather than enhance their experience.
The rise of these monetization systems has changed gaming from a one-time purchase experience to a constant pay-to-win grind. Many games have become free-to-play to incentivize downloads, but then hit players with unavoidable in-game purchases. Gameplay is now structured around what developers think will encourage players to spend. This alienates those who feel they are being exploited rather than respected by video game companies, especially AAA studios like Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft.
However, gamers are starting to tire of these tactics, which is reflected in the performance of recent games. Concord was expected to be PlayStation’s next big Intellectual Property (IP) — a unique game franchise that could be expanded over time — but it had to be shut down after less than two weeks, and the studio behind it, Firewalk Studios, closed shortly afterward. Meanwhile, Infinity Nikki, a game by Infold Games, a brand founded in 2022, is surpassing expectations with 26 million global pre-registrations as of writing this article. But why did Concord, a game with a budget of around $400 million USD, made by a multi-award-winning studio, flop? Concord was filled with microtransactions despite its $40 USD price tag, and its designs were considered, by gamers, to be poorly made and very uninspired.
On the other hand, Infinity Nikki seems to be a game that understands its fanbase. Even as it expands into an open-world format with puzzles, combat, and exploration, it remains true to its core as a dress-up game, which fans love. However, as much as fans have been hyping up this game, we’ll have to wait and see about any hidden in-game purchases when Infinity Nikki releases in late 2024.
Concord and Infinity Nikki are two examples of games focused on maximizing profit, and those developed with players in mind. Baldur’s Gate 3, last year’s biggest success from indie developer Larian Studios, offers players a monetization-free experience that has been praised for respecting players’ time and money. In contrast, Star Wars Outlaws, one of Ubisoft’s recent releases, has underperformed and faced backlash over its high pre-order prices, lack of engaging gameplay, and weak immersion. These comparisons show how players prefer games that prioritize genuine engagement over profit-driven design.
As games that focus on player experience continue to receive praise and outperform profit-driven games, it becomes clear that long-term success in the industry might come from balancing necessary financial goals with gamer satisfaction. While investor and corporate interests are essential, developers need to prioritize player experience to build a stronger, more player-driven industry.
