If you're reading this, you probably like playing video games. But do you like to continuously pay for that privilege? It seems that you will have to, if you're keen on trying next-gen consoles as soon as you can. The upcoming consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Scarlett, are launching with live service games that require players to either pay for a subscription service, or employ a free-to-play model with in-game purchases.
Launching either at the same time as the two consoles - both set to arrive during the holiday season of 2020 - will be games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Final Fantasy XIV, Rocket League, Warframe, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege and others. They are expected to either have in-game events, visual upgrades in line with the new hardware specs, or in-game updates. These things are all guaranteed to have players flocking to both the new consoles and the updated games, which can only be a good thing for both of them, as it effectively enables them to live in a sort of symbiosis that games employing different sales strategies may not be able to offer.
First reported by Venture Beat, this approach could be what sets apart these consoles that only grow in popularity from platforms such as Stadia that, well, flopped. There is zero way to play the same service games you already know and love, and people are not too keen on repurchasing titles that had already launched on several other platforms. On the other hand, Microsoft is launching Halo Infinite along with the Scarlett as part of the Xbox Game Pass service that will have people all too happy to pay the needed amount and play the game.
But of course, this is far from a good thing for many gamers. Instead of getting groundbreaking new games along with these consoles, we will have to wait for those, while cashing out on a semi-regular basis in order to play live service games that are often readily available elsewhere as well. This makes is an easier pill to swallow when deciding whether to buy the PS5 immediately or to wait another year or so until bigger titles start dropping.
While the need for both next-gen consoles and live service games to coexist is perfectly understandable, we can't help but feel slightly miffed that the monetary aspect is taking the front seat once again. On the other hand, it is only natural for people to prefer sticking with familiar titles when trying out new consoles, especially if they're not willing to fork out money for titles they've already played. What remains is the expectation that both the PS5 and the Xbox Scarlett will be able to offer the best of both worlds for a wide range of gamers' preferences.
Source: Venture Beat