The video game industry has reached levels of growth that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago. Today, it's not only a multi-billion-dollar sector, but it's also become the center of attention for fans, pop culture, and, above all, major technology corporations. However, despite its impressive commercial success, something at the heart of this industry isn't working as it should. The video game industry is crying out for transformation, but it seems no one is really listening.
Through an in-depth analysis, I want to explore how the industry has reached this inflection point, the tensions that run through it, and the reasons why large companies are losing sight of the true essence of what makes video games special. Is the microtransaction business model killing the art of game design? Is technological innovation in favor of the player, or is it being used more to generate profit than to improve the gaming experience?
In this article, we'll examine the factors that are causing the video game industry to falter and how, if left unaddressed, we could see a fundamental shift in gamers' relationship with video games in the coming years.
The Era of Subscription Entertainment and Games as a Service: A Threat to Creativity?
If there's one thing that has defined the gaming industry in recent years, it's the explosion of subscription services and the "game as a service" model. Companies like Microsoft, Sony, and EA have invested heavily in these models, with Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and EA Play being the most prominent offerings. The problem lies in how these platforms have changed the dynamics of video game development.
Instead of focusing on creating quality gaming experiences, developers are often pressured by contracts with these services to constantly release content. This has led to a troubling phenomenon: the creation of games that feel incomplete or forced into "grinding" experiences. The reason? The business model requires games to continue generating revenue over the long term, leading to an overload of microtransactions and post-release content that, in many cases, doesn't improve the player experience, but simply dilutes it.
A clear example of this is the failure of BioWare's "Anthem." The game was touted as a response to Bungie's "Destiny," but when it launched with incomplete gameplay and a hollow structure, it resulted in a monumental disappointment for fans. Instead of delivering a finished product, the developers were pressured by promises of "future updates" that never came. It's hard to ignore that these types of experiences are increasingly common in modern gaming, leading to player frustration.
Microtransactions: An Economic Necessity or an Excessive Strategy?
Let's talk about microtransactions, a topic that generates divided opinions among gamers. On the one hand, microtransactions have become a key source of revenue for many video game companies, especially in free-to-play titles like Fortnite or Apex Legends. However, paid titles are no exception to this economic model, which raises a crucial question: do they really need microtransactions to survive?
The example of "Star Wars: Battlefront II" is the most notable when it comes to the risks of microtransactions. When the game was released in 2017, microtransactions were so prevalent that they were impacting the game's performance. Players could purchase in-game upgrades, which sparked a massive public backlash and forced Electronic Arts to reverse its decisions. While microtransactions allow companies to maintain revenue and fund post-release development, it's hard not to question whether this model actually benefits the industry as a whole or if it's causing games to lose their original purpose as immersive experiences.
In markets like Chile, where purchasing power is relatively low, microtransactions become an even bigger barrier for players. Developers who prioritize profit over content quality often alienate a large portion of their player base, especially those who can't afford to constantly purchase additional content.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Gaming: Ally or Enemy?
Artificial intelligence is another component that is beginning to take a central role in the industry. It's not just a development tool to improve gameplay, but is also being used to create more immersive and adaptive worlds. However, a major problem arises here: are we sacrificing human creativity for the efficiency of AI?
While AI has improved graphical quality and NPC intelligence, it has also led to the automation of certain processes, which, in some cases, has made games feel predictable. It's true that AI can generate more personalized gaming experiences, but some also argue that this automation could lead to a more homogeneous production model, where innovations are limited to optimized algorithms rather than the creative spark that comes from human developers.
In practice, this means that many future games could rely too heavily on AI to automatically generate ad hoc content and enhance the experience, when, in reality, the human touch remains irreplaceable. What about the narrative, emotions, or creative twists that can only come from human effort?
Augmented and Virtual Reality: The Next Frontier or a Marketing Gimmick?
When it comes to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), many are wondering if we're really ready to adopt these technologies massively in gaming. While titles like "Half-Life: Alyx" have demonstrated the potential of VR, the reality is that we're still far from a truly immersive experience that's accessible and engaging for the general public.
The main reason for this lack of widespread adoption is the high cost of the equipment needed to enjoy these experiences, combined with the scarcity of truly innovative content that makes players want to immerse themselves in these virtual worlds. The Chilean market , for example, is still in its early stages of VR adoption, with few local titles and a limited infrastructure to support this type of gaming.
Is the Video Game Industry Lost Along the Way?
As the video game industry continues to grow and diversify, it seems something important has been lost along the way: the passion for creating unique and memorable experiences. Instead, we're seeing a growing trend toward excessive monetization, a lack of innovation in game design, and the abuse of economic models that alienate players from what originally made video games special.
The video game industry may be "screaming," but perhaps it's time we listened more closely. Are we willing to sacrifice quality and creativity for short-term profit? Only time will tell if we can recapture what truly makes video games so powerful: their ability to connect us, excite us, and make us dream.
What do you think about the future of the video game industry? Do you think the current business model is harming the quality of gaming? Share your thoughts in the comments.