Business Models
Ongoing coverage on Business Models.
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Gaming Needs More Ads, Expert Says, And A $6 Game Pass Tier
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly exploring ways to make Xbox Game Pass more affordable, potentially through a lower-priced, ad-supported tier. Industry expert Joost van Dreunen suggests embracing advertising, citing its prevalence in other media, and notes that subscriptions excel at retention but not market growth. Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden expressed skepticism about Game Pass's current trajectory, while Netflix CEO Greg Peters indicated openness to potential bundle collaborations with Xbox.
Business and Finance
Grand Theft Auto Online is identified as the primary competition for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI. This analysis suggests that the continued success and player engagement with the live service component of Grand Theft Auto V pose a significant challenge for the launch and long-term performance of the new single-player focused title.
This game has been free on Steam for over a year, but the devs say they have to charge $4 now because "keeping the servers active indefinitely requires covering costs"
GGTech Studios is changing its free-to-play multiplayer platformer eWorlds to a premium model, charging $3.99 to cover ongoing server costs. The transition comes over a year after the game's initial free release on Steam. The developers state this change is necessary for the long-term sustainability and growth of the game.
Perfect Ten: Have official MMO websites improved in the last decade?
This analysis revisits the state of official MMORPG websites a decade after an initial assessment, finding that while some aspects like business model explanations have improved due to industry consolidation, others like news feeds and screenshot updates have significantly worsened. The article highlights the continued reliance on platforms like Discord and Steam for communication, often at the expense of dedicated, searchable official channels.
NFT Projects Confront Survival Challenges
The NFT sector is facing survival challenges, with projects now divided between those with viable business models and those lacking purpose. Scarcity alone is no longer sufficient, shifting focus to utility, integration into gaming, and sustainable revenue streams. The gaming NFT space is moving from 'play-to-earn' to 'play-to-own', though successful implementation remains difficult.
Subscription service for indie games gets a rough reception
A new subscription service called Indie Pass has launched, offering a curated catalog of indie games for $6.99 per month. The service has faced criticism regarding its revenue model, which compensates developers based on playtime, and concerns about not owning the games. While some see potential for discoverability, many express skepticism about adding another recurring charge and launcher.
Indie Developer Makes Final Game Free to End 9-Year Series Right
Indie developer AcroGames has made the final installment of its nine-year series, Sotidrokhima II: Against Eternity, completely free on Steam. The studio cited a desire to share the culmination of their work with everyone, regardless of their ability to purchase games. While the finale is streamlined compared to its predecessors, AcroGames intends to support the game post-launch.
Xbox could make Game Pass cheaper, and even bundle it with Netflix
Microsoft is reportedly exploring new strategies for Xbox Game Pass, including the introduction of cheaper subscription tiers and potential bundles with services like Netflix. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is investigating ways to make Game Pass more accessible to a wider audience, with discussions already underway between Microsoft and Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters regarding bundle possibilities.
Room Escapes to Reward Loops: How Game Design Has Shifted Since 2010 - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Game design has evolved significantly since 2010, shifting from contained challenges with defined endings to continuous engagement systems driven by layered rewards. This transformation is influenced by technological advancements, changing player expectations, and new monetization strategies, particularly evident in mobile gaming and live service titles. Modern games prioritize instant feedback, progression loops, and adaptive experiences to maintain player interaction over extended periods.
Hasbro CEO thinks the video game industry needs to "think about things differently"
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks believes the video game industry needs to adopt new strategies due to rising development costs and slower market growth. He suggests exploring global talent pools, leveraging AI to enhance games, and rethinking business models beyond traditional AAA releases. Cocks also hinted at upcoming high-quality video game releases from Hasbro.
Seven Superstars That'll Knock Your Socks Off in WWE 2K26
The author criticizes the annual release model of games like WWE 2K26, coining the term 'offscription' to describe products that are abandoned for new yearly installments. They argue that developers should focus on creating a single product per console cycle rather than recompiling old code for yearly releases.
Hypothetically, Could Sony Stop Its PS5 Ports from Running on Xbox Helix?
The article speculates on whether Sony could prevent its PlayStation 5 games from running on Microsoft's rumored 'Xbox Helix' PC platform. It discusses the shift in console business models, the implications of PC ports, and Sony's recent decision to pull back from releasing some of its single-player titles on PC, questioning the future of console exclusivity.
Outersloth shares contract terms and game funding lessons for sickos
Outersloth, the funding arm of Among Us developer Innersloth, has shared details about its game funding contracts and business model. The company aims to invest $25 million over five years into indie projects, focusing on sustainability and breaking even rather than infinite growth. Key terms include a 50 percent recoup for Outersloth, a 15 percent post-recoup share, and a fixed seven-year contract term, emphasizing a partnership approach with developers.
WWE 2K26 Review | The Outerhaven
This review criticizes WWE 2K26 for its "offscription" business model, where yearly releases are seen as recompiled versions of old code rather than new products. The author suggests that developers should focus on creating one product per console generation instead of charging annually.
Elder Scrolls Online’s four oldest DLC merge into the base game offering starting next week
Starting March 9 with Update 49, four classic The Elder Scrolls Online DLCs – Orsinium, Imperial City, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood – will be merged into the base game for all players at no extra charge. ZeniMax Online Studios also reiterated that future content will be free updates, with the game funded through its box fee, optional subscription, and premium battle pass.
The complete guide to game subscription services in 2026
This guide details the current state of gaming subscription services as of February 2026, analyzing pricing, library sizes, and platform support across major offerings like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online. It highlights recent price hikes, tier restructurings, and the evolving landscape of cloud gaming and bundled services, offering insights for consumers to determine the best value.
GTA VI Online May Launch as Separate Game at Lower Price Point
Speculation suggests Rockstar Games may launch Grand Theft Auto VI Online as a separate, lower-priced product from its single-player component. This strategy aligns with the industry's shift towards live service models and could broaden the game's accessibility and revenue potential. The move would leverage the success of Grand Theft Auto Online and potentially extend the game's lifecycle.
Highguard Joins The List Of Live-Service Games Axed Within Weeks Of Launch
Several live-service games, including Highguard, Concord, and RumbleVerse, have been shut down shortly after launch due to issues with player retention and funding. This article examines various titles that failed to sustain their player base or business models, leading to premature closures or development halts.
How publishers can do better by devs (and still profit)
Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender suggests that some publishers do not adequately support their developer partners, leading to developers considering self-publishing. The Game Developer podcast discusses strategies for a more sustainable game industry, with hosts Bryant Francis and editors Pierre Landriau and Mike Meehan.
Steam Vs Epic Game Store
This analysis compares Steam and the Epic Games Store, highlighting Steam's dominance in PC gaming with its vast user base and extensive features. Epic Games is challenging Steam through exclusivity deals and offering weekly free games, aiming to capture a significant share of the market despite Steam's established ecosystem and customer loyalty.
