- Shawn Layden says that Game Pass makes developers ‘wage slaves’.
- However, indie titles may benefit from the subscription model.
- The gaming market is a troubled place, with most titles destined for failure even before they launch.
The Game Pass debate has heated up significantly in recent months, particularly following allegations that the subscription service contributed to the recent layoffs at Xbox. While the service may be appealing for gamers, it is quite the opposite for developers, costing them a significant portion of sales and profits for a fair bit of exposure.
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden thinks the same. As per his words, subscription services like Game Pass are not feasible for developers and essentially turn them into ‘wage slaves.’
Why it matters: The gaming industry is in a terrible condition, and giant corporations are the ones to blame.
Speaking to Gamesindustry, Layden questioned the idea of AAA games launching day one on Game Pass. Speaking against the idea, he admitted that now that the idea is out there, it’s difficult to go back.
Stating that developers become wage slaves under the service, he said:
They’re not creating value, putting it in the marketplace, hoping it explodes, and profit sharing, and overages, and all that nice stuff. It’s just, ‘You pay me X dollars an hour, I built you a game, here, go put it on your servers’
Putting AAA games on a service, developers trade off their potential sales for just a fraction of profit. However, they have no other way either since the gaming market has become so saturated that video games have fewer chances of succeeding day by day.
I don’t think it’s really inspiring for game developers.
At the same time, Layden also acknowledged that Game Pass might do well for Indie titles, giving them the exposure they desperately need.
The gaming industry is structured in a way that most video games are set up for failure even before their release. Live-service games have done more harm in this regard. As stated in the same article, F2P games have crowded the market so much that gamers no longer need to purchase the game.
Do you agree with Layden’s take? Let us know in the comments, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheerzahid03@gmail.com
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