Survey: Developers are worried about the sustainability of the game-services model and are looking towards paid DLC,The Game Developer publication surveyed about 600 game developers about their attitude to the games-services model, as well as monetization in video games. The study revealed that 70% of developers are concerned about the sustainability of the game-services model.
67% and 53% of developers described service games as titles that receive frequent updates and offer in-app purchases, respectively.
- 39% of respondents are slightly concerned about the game-services business model, 31% are very concerned, and 29% were either not concerned or undecided.
- Among the greatest causes of concern – 62% and 63% – were competition with existing game services and a decrease in player interest, respectively. 47% said they need to spend too much money to attract players
- The attitude of developers towards service games also varies. For example, 44% are ambivalent about them, and 45% have a negative assessment of their impact on the gaming industry
- Against the backdrop of doubts about service games, developers began to look again towards paid DLC – 30% of developers would prefer this business model for future releases (previously this was 21%)
- 76% of respondents said their next game will be a digital-only release, with 22% aiming for a physical release (up from 27% today)
Warner Bros will focus on mobile and F2P games instead of “unpredictable” AAA games for consoles
In early April, Newzoo released a report on the gaming market for 2023. It revealed that 61% of all gaming time in 2023 was spent in games that are more than six years old.