The gaming industry has witnessed a persistent trend in its development and execution. It’s a promise that “guarantees” its community with dynamic updates, fresh content, and basically nurturing endless amounts of fun that can keep up with the times. And while this has been the case, to an extent, this concept of “live service” has painted the line gray in the category of game releases issuing some sort of escape when developers attempt to live up to their promise. Is it good, or is it bad? Find out more so you can discover the answer to that question.
What exactly is a live service game?
Live service means that the game in topic will be provided with ongoing content, updates, and support to players before and after its initial experience—resulting in a longer lifespan for the game. This was most notably seen in the release of the game World of Warcraft back in 2004. Fast forward to today, and World of Warcraft still stands strong after an astonishing 19 years, a testament to the power of live services.
Through meticulous attention to live services, Blizzard has enriched its community with a plethora of profoundly engaging content updates that provide hours and hours of enjoyment– keeping the iconic World of Warcraft game alive.
From World of Warcraft Official GIPHY
The landscape of live service games, however, could be better. Perfection in gaming would breed monotony, after all. Below, we dissect the pros and cons of live services:
Pros
- Continuous content updates. These breathe new life into the game, offering fresh experiences over time.
- Evolving narratives and dynamic worlds. They immerse players in engaging experiences that evolve organically.
- Cost efficiency. A live service game, when consistently updated, offers the most value for your investment.
Cons
- Online reliance. Dependence on online connectivity and dedicated servers can lead to disruptions or interruptions. Not unless you’re using PLDT Home Fiber Plus plans.
- Monetization pitfalls. Aggressive or unbalanced monetization practices can be off-putting, bordering on predatory.
- Initial content limitations. Some games may be released with limited content, relying on subsequent updates to fulfill their full potential. Essentially, they may feel incomplete.
From Star Wars Official GIPHY
Indeed, games today are sometimes released with the disclaimer that they are yet to be completed, yet playable. This practice, while justifiable to an extent, can lead to repetitive frustrations for players. A prime example of live service games is Blizzard’s Overwatch franchise, which promised a PVE mode in 2019 but has yet to deliver, causing a massive uproar from its casual player base to its professional star scene.
In yesteryears, games were released as complete experiences, ready to be enjoyed alone or with friends. This quality seems missing in many titles of the current century—an unfortunate trend.
From Boston Uprising official GIPHY
In today's gaming landscape, players may encounter a subpar initial experience plagued with bugs and unfinished elements. Complaints are met with the assurance that these issues will be addressed in the next update, creating a reliance on gradual updates rather than delivering an exceptionally polished product from the outset.
Gamers want to get an uninterrupted experience, but sometimes it is difficult. If you are also engaged with online gaming, pair it with a network that can meet your needs. With PLDT Home Fiber Plus Plans, you can remain at the top of your game with fiber-fast speeds that keep you connected!