Business Models
Ongoing coverage on Business Models.
Latest coverage
Xbox exec clarifies that Netflix-style in-game ads that interrupt gameplay would be a bad idea, actually
Xbox's chief strategy officer, Matthew Ball, clarified that while ads may be necessary to make games more affordable, interrupting gameplay with Netflix-style advertisements is not the intended approach. Ball stated that his comments were misinterpreted and that his personal belief is against ads that interfere with the player experience, advocating instead for ad-supported tiers similar to streaming services.
The Hidden Power of Indie Games in Shaping Gaming’s Future
Indie games are significantly shaping the future of the gaming industry by introducing innovative art styles, gameplay mechanics, and business models that are increasingly adopted by larger publishers. These smaller, passion-driven projects often serve as the originators of transformative shifts in game design and narrative, with platforms like Roblox and digital marketplaces like Eneba facilitating their reach and impact.
New Xbox Exec Advocates For Something Everyone Hates To Help Save Gaming
Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball suggests that in-game advertising could be a solution to rising development costs and consumer reluctance to pay more for games. He points to the success of ad-supported tiers in streaming services as a model. Ball acknowledges past negative reactions to in-game ads but argues that companies need to explore such revenue streams to keep products affordable and fund development.
Xbox preparing for mass layoffs as Project Helix implied for Christmas 2027
Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs, potentially affecting around 1,000 employees, as the company faces declining revenue despite substantial investments. This comes as Xbox leadership discusses the high cost of console components and the need for new business models for the upcoming 'Project Helix,' rumored for a Christmas 2027 launch. The company has also seen multiple game cancellations and studio closures in recent years.
Microsoft doesn't know what to do about the memory pricing crisis Microsoft is causing
Microsoft is facing a memory pricing crisis, partly caused by its own AI ambitions, which is impacting its ability to release a cutting-edge new Xbox at an affordable price. New Xbox boss Asha Sharma acknowledged the need for new business models beyond just high-performance hardware, suggesting radical changes and flexible storage solutions to address the affordability issue.
Xbox CEO Believes Consoles Are Too Expensive And “Radically Different” Plans Are Needed
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma believes current console pricing is too high for mass audiences and that "radically different" business models are needed for the future. She acknowledged disappointing financial results and stated that Xbox will introduce exclusive content to improve its business health, citing Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution as examples.
Xbox admits consoles are becoming unaffordable and hints at 'new business model'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated that the company is exploring new business models for future consoles due to the current hardware crisis and rising component costs. She suggested that the next Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, may move away from a purely premium, high-performance focus to ensure affordability for a wider audience, potentially through flexible storage options or different pricing strategies.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma teases "radically different business models", hints at potentially cheaper console to arrive this year
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated that the company is exploring "radically different business models" to address rising hardware costs and make consoles more accessible. Sharma suggested that a potentially cheaper console could arrive later this year, moving beyond solely focusing on high-performance hardware. These new models might involve optimizations in console manufacturing and could lean more heavily on cloud gaming solutions.
Xbox CEO outlines strategy to prioritise cost-efficiency and exclusive titles over premium hardware
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company will prioritize cost-efficiency and new business models over developing the most premium hardware. She believes consumers are unwilling to spend thousands on consoles and that focusing on distribution and experiences outside of hardware is key. Xbox is also reintroducing exclusive titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution to strengthen its platform.
XBOX CEO Says New Business Model is Needed “Rather Than Premium, High-Performance” Consoles
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is exploring new business models for consoles, moving away from solely focusing on premium, high-performance hardware due to rising costs. This approach contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond about a "very premium" next-gen console. Industry analysts suggest cloud gaming subscriptions as a potential alternative for budget-conscious gamers.
Guild Wars 3 won’t feature a subscription or battle passes, Colin Johanson reassures fans
ArenaNet's Colin Johanson has confirmed that Guild Wars 3 will not feature a monthly subscription or battle passes. The upcoming MMO aims to evolve the genre with combat inspired by action games and a focus on player movement, set 1200 years before the original Guild Wars.
Guild Wars 3 will have no battle pass or subscription because ArenaNet studio lead doesn't want to "keep people hostage"
ArenaNet studio head Collin Johanson revealed that Guild Wars 3 will not feature a subscription or battle pass, opting for a premium buy-to-play model similar to previous titles. Johanson emphasized a desire to avoid the "second job" perception of MMOs and innovate within the genre. Support for Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 will continue alongside the development of the new game.
Perfect Ten: The online game sunsets of 2026 to date
This article lists ten online games, primarily MMORPGs, that have experienced significant end-of-life milestones or full sunsets in 2026. It highlights titles like Occupy White Walls, Destiny 2, and Horizon Worlds, discussing their unique aspects, reasons for closure, and the broader implications for the gaming industry, particularly concerning business models and player engagement.
Business and Finance
A veteran from BioWare's Dragon Age series suggests the game industry could adopt revenue strategies from the movie business. In related news, Atari is reportedly in the process of acquiring the company behind the popular Crossy Road games.
Former BioWare producer says we could be saved from a world where there's 'no AAA games that aren't live…
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah suggests the AAA gaming industry could learn from Hollywood's business models to avoid a future dominated solely by live service games. He argues that the current reliance on microtransactions and live services discourages innovation and the exploration of diverse game genres. Darrah proposes that adopting strategies like tiered release windows and more varied subscription models could lead to a healthier and more sustainable industry.
Forza Horizon 6 Has Moved Beyond The Game Pass Argument
Forza Horizon 6 has surpassed six million players in its first week, demonstrating strong performance despite the ongoing discussion around Game Pass. While many players accessed the game through the subscription service, significant sales figures on Steam and Xbox indicate that the title can achieve both high player counts and commercial success. The game's release on PlayStation 5 is also expected to further boost its sales, highlighting its ability to thrive in various market conditions.
The 100-Yen Democracy
This article argues that the core value of video games lies in their inherent democracy and equality, symbolized by the '100-yen coin' philosophy. It critiques modern industry trends like free-to-play and subscriptions for potentially undermining this principle, contrasting them with Nintendo's consistent focus on accessible and equitable gaming experiences across platforms like the Famicom and Nintendo Switch 2.
Games Inbox: Could 2026 be the best year for video games ever?
Readers discuss the potential for 2026 to be a landmark year for video games, citing high review scores for titles like 007 First Light and Forza Horizon 6. Concerns are raised about the lack of couch co-op in modern games and the sustainability of large development studios with infrequent releases. The article also touches on the perceived staleness of the Forza Horizon series and the delayed review copies for 007 First Light.
Business and Finance
Kotaku, a video game website, has introduced a controversial new business model that reportedly involves paying only per click. This change has sparked debate within the industry regarding its fairness and sustainability.
The next 25 years of Xbox will see "more change" than "the 25 years that got us here," says director…
Xbox director Guy Richards stated that the next 25 years will bring more change to the platform than the past 25, emphasizing a shift in player behavior and business models. Recent changes include adjustments to Game Pass pricing and collaborations with Discord, signaling a focus on appealing to players who engage with games across various devices and access methods.
