November 19th 2023.
Is pay as you play a good idea? It's a pretty controversial topic, but one reader thinks it could be a great way to benefit both game companies and gamers.
Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two, recently made headlines when he suggested that we should pay for games by the hour. While it sparked a lot of criticism, the reader thinks there may be something to the idea.
At first, it may sound like a crazy idea, but it's actually quite reasonable. Games are already really good value for money, and Zelnick was simply suggesting that the cost of games should reflect how long you play them for.
The problem is that the cost of making games has gone up so much that it's hard for companies to make a profit, even if they charge a lot. That's why they've turned to microtransactions and other forms of monetization, which don't take as much time or money to make.
So the reader's suggestion is that all full-priced games should be free for the first five hours. After that, you can pay for what you've played. For some games, five hours may be too long, but there could be a sliding scale or percentage of the game length.
This way, you get a generous chance to try before you buy, and you're not paying for something you don't play. It may even make more money for companies in the long run, as people may be more likely to buy something they've already tried.
Unfortunately, this idea probably won't ever become a reality. Most businesses are more focused on getting money now, rather than investing in the future. And even if they did, Take-Two is more likely to increase the cost of their games, rather than adopt this new payment plan.
Still, it's a thought-provoking idea, and one that could benefit both game companies and gamers. It's up to the industry to decide if they want to give it a try.
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