Subscription services are not yet driving major changes in game design

Game subscription services, such as Xbox Game Pass, Apple Arcade, and PlayStation Plus, have introduced a new paradigm in the industry, promising benefits to both players and developers. While the 168 million global subscriptions present a significant opportunity for broader reach and steady revenue, developers are treading carefully.A July 2024 survey of the Game Developer Collective reveals that while many developers are optimistic about including their games in subscription services, few are tailoring the design of their games specifically for these platforms. No doubt, the slowing uptake of game subscription services post-pandemic has been a key factor in this restrained approach.This is in contrast with the experience of other industries, such as music, where streaming services have h…

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