Numerous new business models have penetrated the games industry in recent years, but Activision CEO Bobby Kotick says he doesn't expect any 'dramatic changes' in the way you'll pay for games on consoles.
"I think we're seeing a lot of exciting new ways for customers to pay for their experiences, there are a lot of new ways for us to monetize our content, but I can't say that you're going to see any dramatic shifts in the way things are monetized on consoles," he added.
The emerging free-to-play business model has already impacted console gaming on current-generation machines, particularly on PS3 with major releases such as DC Universe Online, Dust 514 and Free Realms.
Meanwhile, Activision has seen the loss of 1.3 million World of Warcraft subscribers in three months - one of a narrowing selection of MMOs still using a subscription model.
Comments
10 comments so far...
wwinterj on 8 May '13 said:
"I think we're seeing a lot of exciting new ways for customers to pay for their experiences"
I just love paying for DLC! Please strip more of the game and sell it to me! Really looking forward to the single player pass of your next COD so I can pay to complete each level! That would be amazing.
KK-Headcharge78 on 8 May '13 said:
Well it is refreshing to hear that it's not all this digital crap for everyone.
Audest_Oggust on 8 May '13 said:
Ignorance is bliss.
Alaann on 8 May '13 said:
whats wrong with digital.the story isnt about digital its about how you pay for the game not what copy you buy ie disc or digital
Fr33Kye on 8 May '13 said:
He's actually probably right. Though we might see the kind of f2p games we see on pc make their way to the console space! Which could be considered a significant change. Who knows though, all it takes is one game that tries something new and knocks it out of the park.
RoOhDiNi on 9 May '13 said:
To me it is simple: If you expect me to pay money for a product - then give me something that offers resale value in return.
Games are not services to me - dev's don't have to perform the same tasks for every player over and over again spending resources - other than maintaining their servers that is. As long as games are packaged goods bound to accounts - I want to be able to trade them - this highly influences my value perception.
Microtransactions are the cancer of this industry.
Gemini40 on 9 May '13 said:
I was wondering that. Digital distribution is a perfectly viable format and home to some of the best games this generation.
ted1138 on 9 May '13 said:
Yeah, I'm with you, screw digital, it's analogue for us! (now, where did I put my Magnavox Odyssey...)
Black Fox on 9 May '13 said:
Money money money, it's really funny, isn't it?
KK-Headcharge78 on 10 May '13 said:
So you want to pay the notoriously high prices for digital games, games which you own in a virtual format that you can't sell or trade?
I'll stick with discs thanks until the prices for digital get real.