EA’s looking to change the way that games are monetised, focusing more and more on DLC and Micro-transactions; something that makes many of their games very much like free-to-play games that happen to not be free at all. More like a pay-to-pay-even-more model. It’s the way the industry is going though, right? Activision’s Bobby Kotick doesn’t really think so.
While the oft-despised Activision boss thinks there are a number of ways to extract extra cash from gamers, he doesn’t think it’s something Activision is interested in right now.
“With respect to new business models, I can’t comment specifically on the next-generation consoles,” Bobby Kotick said to investors. “But our general view is we approach new business models sceptically. And we take our time. And we look for those that will turn out to be something that is sustainable for a long term.
For now, Activision’s playing a more reserved, wait-and-see game.
“I think we’re seeing there are a lot of exciting new ways to allow customers to pay for their experiences, there are a lot of new ways for us to monetise our content. But I can’t say that you’re going to see any dramatic shifts in the way that we monetise on the console.”
I hope he’s right, and that Activision steers clear of the path that EA’s on. I’m growing increasingly tired of my games being treated as “services” instead of… well, games.
Last Updated: May 9, 2013
Trevor Davies
May 9, 2013 at 14:11
Exciting new ways to allow me to pay? How about I send you a hand made thank you card? It will have artistic value. Now I’m excited too.
Rince da Ref Lvl2
May 9, 2013 at 14:30
I was thinking sending my firstborn…
Trevor Davies
May 9, 2013 at 14:53
The only problem I have with that is picking the first born out of the millions…
Edit: Now I just grossed myself out. Way to go self.
Admiral Chief Combat Engineer
May 9, 2013 at 14:54
O_O
Rince da Ref Lvl2
May 9, 2013 at 15:30
Wow… I mean… Wow… You’d only choose ONE out of the millions? trololololo!
Trevor Davies
May 9, 2013 at 15:43
Why spoil them 😀
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
May 9, 2013 at 14:22
Man, I really hope that everything doesn’t become freemium. That would rather suck 🙁
CODDAMIT
May 9, 2013 at 14:24
I’d like to see him try to pick up his teeth with broken fingers after I wipe that smile from his face.
Admiral Chief Combat Engineer
May 9, 2013 at 14:32
That’s why I get them through Steam, at a much more reasonable price
caponeil
May 9, 2013 at 14:51
Yeah I am big fan of Steam. It just makes the process of getting games so much easier and because of the user based they can afford to lower prices.
Admiral Chief Combat Engineer
May 9, 2013 at 14:55
Exactly
Lourens Jordaan
May 9, 2013 at 15:21
Imagine a world where all games are sold at a premium price gives every single bit of DLC downloadable for free.
Wyzak
May 9, 2013 at 16:18
First article from Activision/Blizzard that I can actually agree with in a while 😀
Jimmwyrm
May 13, 2013 at 11:33
Exciting new ways to pay… I can see it now… Call of Duty: Totally Not a Copy 27, you are mid fire-fight with some pimply, profanity spewing pre-pubescent (who has just mentioned something involving your mother), when suddenly you fire the last round in your magazine… No problem, reload right? WRONG! A pop-up appears on screen prompting you to enter your credit card details to buy more ammo before you can continue… But oh no! You can only afford another 2 rounds! You maxed your card getting into the game! You are forced to sit and watch as N003z3rBlastorz10293 applies teabaggage to your digital face…