“We always place a burden on our customers.”

technology

by alex mitchell

This is virtually impossible to substantiate.

A former top video game executive suggests that players who have already devoted an arm and a leg to expensive top titles should next bring their excess chips into the virtual world – by paying up to 30% more in tips. is.

Mike Ybarra, former president of major game company Blizzard Entertainment, proposed a concept that “most people would hate.'' Last week at X. He said the move was to support game developers who were already making good money, even though the cost of their products was “already high” for players.

“When you win a game, it's awe-inspiring how amazing the experience was,” he wrote, listing a few titles he felt were tip-worthy, including “Red Dead Redemption 2.” I mentioned it.

“When the game was over, I often thought, 'I wish I could give these guys another $10 or $20,' because it was worth more than my first $70, and they gave me every second of it.” Because he didn't want to take two sen or two.

By the way, a 20% tip on a $70 meal is $14.

Meanwhile, the average salary for a game developer is $108,471, according to ZipRecruiter.

Praiseworthy sentiments aside, this message is likely tone-deaf as customers continue to pay extra to experience the game to its fullest. Gone are the days when you could just run to GameStop, buy a disc, and play it all the way through.

Games currently sell additional features separately by encouraging players to purchase recurring elements, special features, deeper access, and cosmetic additions that are not included in the base price.

In 2022, Fortnite creator Epic Games settled a $520 million lawsuit alleging that it designed the popular teen game in a way that tricked children into making extra purchases.

Players may also offer triple-digit prizes for a special cross-platform version of the game that allows Xbox and PlayStation users to meet online.

For example, the standard NHL 24 currently costs $24.99, but the cross-play version costs a whopping $99.99.

Ybarra didn't even hint at how the chip would work, and as he predicted, many gamers want to disassociate themselves from his entire concept.

“Let's do philanthropy to big companies to support 'developers'.” Always put the burden on the customer. What a great idea,” one user responded with Bronx cheers.

“I often play matches and feel disappointed. Can I get my money back?” wrote another.

“Let's not start this trend,” chimed in a third.

Techspot's Rob Thurbon also asked a related question: “Will all the money go to the right people, and could companies use tips to cut wages?”

Another X user had a simple solution for what the gaming giant should do.

“Instead of demanding more from consumers, we can share more profits with developers.”