Summary
Since the success of games likeFortnite, countless studios seem to be vying for a slice of the live-service pie. However, while many of these titles seem to go the free-to-play route, there are some that like to attach a price tag to the experience. Studios want to make their money back somehow, but making games likeSkull and Bonescost money may be detrimental to their success, which is why that needs to change.
Live-service games live or die based on the amount of money players are willing to sink into them, which is why many of these games are designed for players to keep grinding for hours on end.Skull and Bonesis no different, yet many players are likely put off by that $70 price tag. On top of that, the content that these games offer rarely backs up the AAA prices. Eventually, many of these games go free-to-play or are offered at a steep discount anyway. So, the entire concept of costly live-service titles needs to end.
$70 Live-Service Games Like Skull and Bones Need to Stop
Skull and Bones Could Have Been Better as a Free-to-Play Game
Skull and Bonesis not a bad game, there is just not a lot for players to do within it. The high seas are fun to explore and it does offer players a ton of customization. While the experience is far from perfect, there is a strong pirate game underneath. However, that content does not back up its price of admission, and some players have even turned their back on the title because of it.
$70 is a lot to ask from players, so the content that the game has should match that price point. But games likeSkull and Bones,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, andRedfalldo not really show players why they should be spending that amount of money in the first place.
Even if the initial experience is enjoyable, once players hit that endgame, they are often forced to just chew through the same content for hours on end.
Games likeSkull and Bonesfeel like they would be better off as a free-to-play experience. If players were able to jump on without spending a dime, then the actual gameplay and content would likely be a bit less controversial. Additionally, the in-game store would seemingly look a bit better as Ubisoft would have to support the game somehow.
The Live-Service Genre Thrives on Free and Supported Experiences
For some reason, AAA studios have been approaching the live-service genre much like any other genre. Instead of going the free-to-play route, many studios have been attaching a price tag to the experience. That is not the only reason some of these games have failed, but it has definitely not helped. If players are paying $70, they often expect the experience to reflect that, but the grindy nature of the live-service genre coupled with microtransactions often makes such games fall flat.
Traditionally, it seems like free-to-play live-service games tend to have a lot more longevity than the ones that charge players to check them out.Games likeFortnite,League of Legends,Counter-Strike 2,Apex Legends, andGenshin Impacthave been extremely successful with this model. Other titles likeFall Guys,Destiny 2, andRocket Leagueall ended up adopting it after initially costing money.
There aremany reasons why live-service games fail, including lack of content, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues. But attaching an expensive price to it does not help, either, especially because that raises players' expectations. If games likeSkull and Boneswere free-to-play from the start, then there is a chance that they would have been received a bit better at launch, or at least given a shot when players might otherwise elect not to.
Skull and Bones
WHERE TO PLAY
Set sail into the vibrant open world of Skull and Bones, a naval online action RPG where you rise to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.ENGAGE IN SPECTACULAR NAVAL COMBATPrepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.SAIL INTO A DANGEROUS HELL IN PARADISEVoyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.TEAM UP WITH FELLOW PIRATESSail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENTEach season, face a brand-new legendary sea lord and discover fresh content, limitless endgame opportunities, and new exciting features designed to enhance your pirate experience.
