The Dark Side of Live-Service Games: Are They Worth Your Time?
The Dark Side of Live-Service Games: Are They Worth Your Time?
Blog Article
Live-service games have gained popularity around the world by storm since they promise that the contents are continuously updated, the most recent challenges are included and the users have an always different experience. Games like Fortnite, Destiny 2, and Genshin Impact have become the topmost worldwide and have attracted the worldwide attention of millions of players. Still, behind all the entertanining events and avast amount of updates, there is a less known aspect of live-service games that each gamer should take into consideration before deciding to invest time and money.
The Never-Ending Grind
One of the biggest problems concerning live-service games is the everlasting grind. The main idea that developers want to make clear to the players is that they use the structure of these video games in order to be able to use the time of the players as much as possible, using artificial progression systems whereby one needs lots of hours to unlock favorite content. Although some consider this to be a pleasant time, quite a few of them see themselves doing the same boring and arduous tasks over and over again just to be on par with the rest.
Monetization and Predatory Practices
Live-service games are typically supported by aggressive monetization plans; those can be like a battle pass, at times a loot box, or even pay-to-win mechanics. This is somewhat controversial because many the game developers argue that they add the longevity of the game. However, they often condone a gambling lifestyle to support the features they add to the game. Moreover, the fear of missing out is one of the reasons players are pushed to use real-life money to compete properly therefore, instead of being a great moment, it is the opposite, money takes precedence to fun.
Server Shutdowns and Lost Progress
Unlink regular single-player games, live-service games are actually java programs that use online servers to keep them running. If now a game loses its public or the game company decides to develop something new, servers are turned off and the game cannot be moved anymore so it is impossible to play. As a result, progress that had been gained after many years, digital purchases, and accomplishments may disappear all at once in only one night. For example, many of their fans got frustrated when some of the games such as Pharaoh’s Night abruptly closed down, and as a result, they lost their progress that they made through their hard work.
Content Droughts and Burnout
Despite the fact that live-service games make a guarantee about the regularity of updates, there are quiet periods of content drought for games of this type. Makers might need to wait for months for new add-ons to come out on which they can play or which offer some interesting content. In this regard, single-player entries give gamers not only an already present but entirely enclosed package enjoy without waiting for the release of future content.
Are Live-Service Games Worth It?
The reply is in your own choices in game playing. If you are into competitiveness, socializing, and adoptive play methods, then live games may serve well. However, if you opt for a composite, immersive experience that does not demand time and money investments on a recurring basis, you might as well try the traditional solo player or buy-to-play multiplayer games.
When the day closes down, the choice to spend or not to spend your time and money on the games is the most important one. Exclusive skins or limited-time events should not be a deciding factor in how you enjoy playing. Whether it’s an AAA title or a game like Bitsky, an indie game, ask yourself the following question: Does the time spent playing the game justify the value I get out of it?