As we have covered in a previous blog post, Games as a Service (GaaS) has revolutionized the gaming industry, transforming the way players engage with video games. Now, let’s take a closer look at how this paradigm shift affects players worldwide and the reasons behind its widespread appeal.
The Impact of GaaS in the Gaming Community
There are both unique advantages and disadvantages associated with GaaS in the gaming community.
Pros:
- Social gaming: GaaS has facilitated the expansion of online gaming, often with a strong social element. Players can connect and play with friends, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
- New and upgraded content: Games following the GaaS model continuously receive new and monetized content over time. This constant flow of updates encourages players to keep supporting the game and exploring fresh challenges.
- Longer engagement: GaaS has proven highly effective in keeping players engaged for extended periods. Instead of losing interest after completing a game level, players eagerly anticipate new content, maintaining their interest and enthusiasm.
- More free-to-play options: GaaS allows for a broader range of free-to-play (F2P) options, wherein microtransactions by paying players sustain the game. This offers accessible entry points to players who may not wish to invest in the game upfront.
- Content creation by players: GaaS platforms often allow users to earn money or other rewards while playing and streaming, making content creation an exciting trend in the gaming community. Content creators share their experiences and creations on various social channels, boosting the game’s visibility and appeal.
Cons:
- Play-to-win vs. pay-to-win: The impact of microtransactions can create an ongoing debate in some games, as sometimes developers can’t strike the delicate balance between providing enough free rewards and offering appealing paid content. This can adversely affect gameplay and frustrate players.
- Overspending: Players may find it easy to spend real money on in-game purchases, leading to potential overspending. While the decision ultimately rests with individual players, it’s crucial for developers to ensure a fair and enjoyable playing experience.
- Oversaturation of the market: The rise of free-to-play live service games may lead to oversaturation in the gaming market, resulting in varying levels of quality among GaaS titles.
- Premature game shutdowns: Some GaaS games struggle to maintain their player base, leading to premature shutdowns before completing full arc updates. This leaves games unfinished and disappoints loyal players.
- Changes in the service: Live games require players to log in to the cloud to retrieve their gaming history, relying on hosting services worldwide. Changes in server locations or policies can impact players’ progress.
Localization’s Vital Role in GaaS
Localization allows frequent updates to reach players in their native language at the same time as everybody else. On top of that, localization of the game boosts players immersion, but localization of the surrounding materials (trailers, announcements, broadcasting, etc.) also plays a role in making players feel valued and turning them into loyal raving fans.
Working with a reliable language service provider (LSP) is essential to manage the extensive multilingual materials involved in GaaS. An LSP ensures consistency, quality, and timely delivery of localized content, enhancing the overall gaming experience for players.
The Takeaway
GaaS has brought about significant changes in the gaming industry, enticing players with its continuous content updates and social gaming elements. While the model has its drawbacks, strategic implementation and localization efforts can ensure a thriving gaming community. By delivering localized content to players worldwide, developers can reach new markets, enhance engagement, and create a sustainable and profitable gaming service for players to enjoy.
