Mike Ybarra, the former president of Blizzard, has recently stirred up a significant buzz on social media with a tweet proposing a new idea for players to express their gratitude for video games.
Adding Tipping Functionality
Ybarra suggested adding an optional tipping feature, allowing players to give developers between $10 and $20 after completing a game that exceeds their expectations.
I've thought about this idea for a while, as a player, since I've been diving into single player games lately.
When I beat a game, there are some that just leave me in awe of how amazing the experience was. At the end of the game, I've often thought "I wish I could give these…
— Mike Ybarra (@Qwik) April 11, 2024
Pricing and Value
Drawing from his experience with single-player video games, Ybarra acknowledges that many new releases currently have a price tag of $70. However, he argues that this initial purchase may not fully reflect the value delivered in certain titles.
Games Worth More Than the Base Price
He mentions Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Elden Ring as games that offer experiences worth more than the base price.
Encouraging Quality Game Development
The main idea behind the proposal is to encourage game developers to focus on creating more comprehensive and high-quality games, rather than relying on money-making strategies such as in-game purchases or a slew of extra downloadable content (DLC).
Mike Ybarra Suggests the Option to Tip the Developers if Players Like the Game
byu/thehandsomeraider inXboxSeriesX
Concerns and Risks
However, Ybarra admits that his idea could have drawbacks. Introducing a tipping system could lead to unintended problems, such as players feeling obligated to tip regardless of their financial situation.
Community Reaction and Discussion
Ybarra’s suggestion has sparked debate in the gaming community. Some players approve of the idea as a way to directly express gratitude for outstanding development work. Others, however, have expressed concerns about potential manipulation and the prioritization of maximizing tips over providing complete gaming experiences.
Reflecting on Game Monetization
This debate raises broader questions about the current state of video game monetization and how to ensure fair compensation for developers while offering players worthwhile experiences.