In a recent and rather ...unconventional move, Mike Ybarra, the former president of Blizzard Entertainment, proposed a new concept via a tweet that left many in the gaming community scratching their heads: tipping video game developers. On his X account, Ybarra shared his personal experience and the genesis of his idea.
"I've thought about this idea for a while, as a player, since I've been diving into single-player games lately"
Ybarra suggests that gamers should consider leaving a gratuity—up to 30% of the game's price—for developers, especially after experiencing exceptional games.
"When I beat a game, there are some that just leave me in awe of how amazing the experience was," Ybarra tweeted, recounting his feelings towards titles like "Horizon Zero Dawn" (HZD), "God of War" (GoW), "Red Dead Redemption 2" (RDR2), "Baldur's Gate 3" (BG3), and "Elden Ring."
"At the end of the game, I've often thought 'I wish I could give these folks another $10 or $20 because it was worth more than my initial $70 and they didn't try to nickel and dime me every second'."
However, this idea raises several eyebrows, considering the current landscape of the gaming industry. Video games are not only becoming increasingly expensive, but many also come laden with in-game purchases and expansions that significantly drive up the total cost. The suggestion of tipping on top of high base prices and optional add-ons seems almost tone-deaf in an era where players are already feeling the pinch.
Financially, the gaming industry has been thriving, with developers and top executives often drawing handsome salaries. The average game developer's salary, for instance, is reported to be $108,471 annually according to ZipRecruiter. Given these figures, the call for tipping could appear misplaced, putting an undue burden on consumers who are already investing heavily into their gaming experiences.
The nature of gaming transactions has evolved. Gone are the days of purchasing a complete game at a store like GameStop. Modern games often require additional payments for full access to features, ranging from cosmetic items to significant gameplay elements. This model was highlighted negatively in 2022 when Epic Games faced a $520 million lawsuit over its handling of in-game purchases in “Fortnite,” which allegedly manipulated younger players into spending more.
Adding a tipping feature could further complicate the gaming economy, turning what was once a straightforward transaction into a layered purchasing experience where the cost isn't all that clear upfront. For many gamers, the joy of gaming could be overshadowed by the continuous reach into their wallets—not just for the game itself but for the developers behind it.
Ybarra acknowledges the potential unpopularity of his proposal.
"I know most will dislike this idea. :) BTW, I realize we are tired of 'tipping' in everything else - but I view this different from a pressure to tip type scenario many face and give feedback on"
Ybarra's proposal, while potentially rooted in a place of admiration for game developers' hard work, seems to overlook the broader implications on consumer satisfaction and industry standards. As games continue to evolve into services with recurring revenue models, the idea of tipping, though well-meaning, might not be the gesture that bridges the gap between developers and players.
Instead, it highlights the growing divide between the increasing costs of gaming and the consumers' capacity to support these costs. Is the solution more financial contributions from players, or should the industry focus on creating value that consumers feel is worth more than what they've already paid? These are the questions we need to consider as we ponder the future of gaming economics.
~Smash
