Victor Omega
Member
Microsoft's Game Pass, while undoubtedly a great deal for gamers, has shown signs of following in Netflix's footsteps in a way that might not be entirely beneficial for the gaming industry.
You know how Netflix often flaunts the success of its original series, telling us they're "trending" but not revealing the actual viewership numbers? This lack of transparency has implications in the film industry, especially for creators who want to determine the real success and value of their work.
Now, think about this in the context of gaming. Microsoft might shout from the rooftops (Twitter) that a game on Game Pass has a ton of active players. But what they're not telling us is how many new subscriptions they got because of that game or how many folks bought it at full price.
If Game Pass starts operating purely on a 'new subscription' model, there's a genuine concern that games could be developed solely to drive these numbers. Doesn't that sound eerily familiar? Think of Netflix producing show after show just to get more subscribers.
If every game's value is tied only to its ability to drive subscriptions, what happens to the traditional gaming market? Microsoft once praised the idea that Game Pass would offer players more variety, but if this trend continues, it could end up stifling the very creativity and variety it promised to champion.
The real danger is if developers start crafting games not out of passion or creativity but out of a need to fit a 'subscription-friendly' mold. We've seen how this can play out in other media, with unique ideas often sidelined for 'safe bets' that guarantee views or plays.
The gaming industry thrives on innovation and creativity, and it would be a genuine tragedy if we lost that in the pursuit of subscription numbers.
What do you folks think?
You know how Netflix often flaunts the success of its original series, telling us they're "trending" but not revealing the actual viewership numbers? This lack of transparency has implications in the film industry, especially for creators who want to determine the real success and value of their work.
Now, think about this in the context of gaming. Microsoft might shout from the rooftops (Twitter) that a game on Game Pass has a ton of active players. But what they're not telling us is how many new subscriptions they got because of that game or how many folks bought it at full price.
If Game Pass starts operating purely on a 'new subscription' model, there's a genuine concern that games could be developed solely to drive these numbers. Doesn't that sound eerily familiar? Think of Netflix producing show after show just to get more subscribers.
If every game's value is tied only to its ability to drive subscriptions, what happens to the traditional gaming market? Microsoft once praised the idea that Game Pass would offer players more variety, but if this trend continues, it could end up stifling the very creativity and variety it promised to champion.
The real danger is if developers start crafting games not out of passion or creativity but out of a need to fit a 'subscription-friendly' mold. We've seen how this can play out in other media, with unique ideas often sidelined for 'safe bets' that guarantee views or plays.
The gaming industry thrives on innovation and creativity, and it would be a genuine tragedy if we lost that in the pursuit of subscription numbers.
What do you folks think?