• they want repeat players (users)
  • they repeat a formula that sells
  • when it doesn’t, they look to “adjust” it with something new and preferably cheap
  • they give free samples to spread word of mouth
  • they try to lock people into their environment
  • they always want people to chase the next high
  • looking for ways to keep you hooked on something for as long as possible
  • they try to use their formula in all their products
  • JayEchoRay@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    2·
    14 hours ago

    That is probably one of the more famous examples, yeah. They pivoted resources from the single player experience once they saw how much money they were making with their shark cards (I believe it was called). Developed an ecosystem that encouraged spending money to enjoy the game (but not forced) and I guess it was an equivalent experience of getting players to “micro-dose” with a payment to bypass elements of grind to get the best stuff and have an overall smoother experience.

    • qwestjest78@lemmy.ca
      2·
      14 hours ago

      Agreed. I would add that when they noticed that GTA online got stale, they would add a dlc or some new vehicles and weapons. Some updates were good, but I bowed out the year they introduced the casino and the MX mrk 2. The mrk 2 was game breaking and so over powered that they had to nerf it later. The casino felt like they had stooped to the parts of society they had always made fun of. Its sad to think that the amazing single player studio has become just a cash in now.

      I also hate that they have a terrible launcher that they make you use for all of their games.

      • JayEchoRay@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        2·
        14 hours ago

        That sounds depressing, it is like they commoditised cheat codes. Sad to see it fall into the trappings that the game makes fun of. I can almost imagine what the GTA 6 version might become if they decide to intergrate that level of “hooks” into its shiny game environment.

        I think that was the 2K launcher, if I recall, I remember they were doing something with their games (was playing XCOM 2 at the time) and promptly made use of a workaround

        Didn’t like the extra steps just to get into a game - like they were reminding you that you only pay for the license to play the game and the property is theirs to do with as they please. I mean, it is, but still doesn’t help feeling like I am being constantly reminded.