Baldur's Gate 3 Dev Critiques Ubisoft's Subscription Focus
Ubisoft's recent strategy shift has sparked a conversation in the gaming world. The director of Baldur's Gate 3 has criticized Ubisoft's focus on subscriptions over sales. This approach, he argues, is not reasonable. The debate highlights the tension between digital ownership and traditional game sales. Let's dive into the details and see why this strategy might not be working for Ubisoft.
The Ubisoft Strategy Shift
Ubisoft has been promoting its own platform and subscription service heavily. Their recent games, like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, initially launched only on Ubisoft's store and the Epic Games Store, delaying their Steam release by eight months. This decision has raised eyebrows among gamers and industry experts alike.
Recent Game Performance
Ubisoft's recent titles, including The Crew Motorfest, Assassin's Creed: Mirage, and Avatar: Frontier of Pandora, haven't met expectations. The company has been quiet about their performance, leading to speculation that the subscription model isn't driving the success they hoped for.
Industry Reactions
Michael Douse from Baldur's Gate 3 voiced his concerns on social media. He believes that if gamers must get used to not owning their games, developers might face job insecurity. This comment reflects the industry's broader concerns about job stability and game ownership.
- Far Cry 6 was Ubisoft's last notable game on their platform, released in 2021.
- The Crew, Mirage, and Avatar, released in 2023, underperformed.
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown faced limited platform availability at launch.
Developer Concerns
The industry's trend of layoffs and studio closures has been troubling. Earlier this year, Larian's Sven Winke criticized this trend, highlighting its negative impact on game development. Douse's comments add to this ongoing conversation about the industry's future.
As the gaming landscape evolves, the balance between digital ownership and traditional sales remains crucial. Ubisoft's strategy has sparked important discussions, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt moving forward.
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