Video Games: has the internet turned fun into a subscription service? – Steve Wright

Through predatory monetisation, rushed development, and profits over player enjoyment, has the joy and escapism of video games been lost? To give us a walkthrough, we’re joined by Steve Wright, owner and Editor-in-Chief of Stevivor.com, Australia’s leading independent video games outlet. https://stevivor.com https://bsky.app/profile/stevivor.com http://instagram.com/stevivor http://facebook.com/stevivor http://www.youtube.com/c/stevivor https://discord.gg/7YXk6DcS https://www.twitch.tv/stevivor In this episode, Steve joins us to explore the profound impact of the internet on the video game industry, discussing both the positive and negative aspects, including the evolution of gaming experiences, the rise of indie games, the dynamics of gaming communities, and the future of gaming in terms of subscription models and AI. Additionally, the discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by the internet, emphasising the importance of connectivity and community in shaping the gaming landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Journey to Video Game Journalism 02:22 The Impact of the Internet on Gaming 04:31 Games as a Service: Trends and Consumer Behaviour 07:19 Community and Co-op Gaming Experiences 09:12 The Shift from Local to Remote Gaming 11:49 The Evolution of Game Design and Storytelling 15:38 Quality Control and Post-Launch Issues 17:59 Community Feedback and Developer Response 21:27 Indie Games and the Democratisation of Development 23:49 Nostalgia and Preservation of Classic Games 24:45 The Rise of Indie Games and Community Innovation 27:02 Navigating Healthy vs. Toxic Gaming Communities 29:03 The Phenomenon of eSports and Competitive Gaming 31:57 The Impact of Competitive Mindsets on Casual Gaming 34:18 Finding Your Place in the Modern Gaming Landscape 36:46 The Financialisation of Gaming: Microtransactions and Subscriptions 37:57 The Role of Early Access in Game Development 41:00 The Future of Gaming: Subscription Models vs. Ownership 44:16 The Potential of Customised Gaming Experiences 46:10 The Positive Impact of Connectivity on Gaming Culture If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠⁠