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Up First from NPR

The Sunday Story: Video Game Economics (It's Not Play Money)

Jun 9, 2024
Wailin Wong from The Indicator discusses the economics of gaming, sustainability in the industry, college scholarships for gamers, accessibility, and efforts to make the industry more sustainable in the face of mass layoffs.
27:35

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Quick takeaways

  • Live service games offer in-game purchases for special perks, creating revenue options for developers.
  • eSports growth requires sustainable business models and viewer engagement for long-term viability.

Deep dives

The Rise of Live Service Games

Live service games have transformed the video game industry by offering free-to-download games with in-game purchases. This model provides players with the opportunity to buy special perks or costumes, creating collaboration and revenue options for game developers. The introduction of live service games like Warframe has shown how real-money purchases impact player experiences, leading to adaptations for a more balanced gameplay. However, the model has also led to concerns about never-ending games and potential player exploitation.

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