The video game industry cannot quit microtransactions.
In fact, two of the largest video game companies in the United States — Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive — now make the overwhelming majority of their money from live-service games, subscriptions and in-game purchases, according to their recent earnings reports.
Game publishers must provide updates throughout certain game life cycles to retain player attention, which is where the term "live service" comes from.
Gamer backlash from the early attempts at in-game purchases caused the video game industry to shift its approach to these subscriptions and bundling purchasable content.
Watch the video above to learn more about microtransactions, the backlash involved, and where the industry goes from here.
Persons:
Mat Piscatella
Organizations:
Electronic, Gamers, Electronic Arts, Epic, Apple
Locations:
United States, Europe