"The next-gen consoles are going to be fully embracing the free-to-play and these IAP-type business models."
- Mark Rein, VP of Epic Games
At a recent roundtable discussion at the Game Horizons conference in Newcastle, UK, Mark Rein of Epic Games confirmed for audiences that Sony and Microsoft were both poised to make a big play on mobile monetization models on their new consoles.
"Sony and Microsoft are both going heavily in that area," said Rein. "I'm telling you what they're telling developers."
Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida had previously confirmed in Game Informer that Sony is working on a free-to-play title for the PlayStation 4.
"We are developing a free-to-play type of game, but we haven't announced it yet," Yoshida said. "We don't have any subscription-based games in development, but we are not crossing out any type of game; if it makes sense for a particular project, we'll look at adopting different models."
Sony also previously announcedBlacklight: Retribution - a recipient of the same Pub Fund resources which previously supported Minority Media' Papo & Yo - as a free-to-play title for the next-gen console.
"Overall, we are increasing investment in the digital side of development, either through digital titles like Journey that we've been doing, but also trying to add more service-based models to our games going forward," said Yoshida in the same interview.
I can see why they might be doing it, but I don't necessarily like the idea. As a consumer, I don't like being nickled and dimed for everything that I might want to do in a game. I can just imagine next year's soccer game: Want to play a round against your friend? $0.99. Want to play against all the teams in a league? $2.99. Want to make a custom jersey color? $0.99.
Yes, it is definitely a way of making a lot of money, but it doesn't sit well with me as both a developer and a consumer. I'd much rather be up front and honest with regards to the total cost of playing (or selling) a game.
Home was a nickel and dime advertisement for Sony. Maybe it worked out for them enough to allow it in PS4. I mean don't these Hardware manufactures go where the money is?
Yes, it is definitely a way of making a lot of money, but it doesn't sit well with me as both a developer and a consumer. I'd much rather be up front and honest with regards to the total cost of playing (or selling) a game.