Game Over: How Influencers and Predatory Practices Are Tanking ARPGs

[Rob⛧Slayer]

You ever notice how folks are just letting their favorite game genres go down the toilet, all because of slick marketing scams? Free-to-play has turned into a codeword for "we're gonna drain your wallet dry," and a chunk of this mess falls on those YouTubers and Twitch streamers hawking shoddy game designs like snake oil salesmen.

Anyone who thinks game developers can't make a buck the old-fashioned way has been drinking the Kool-Aid, probably fed to them by some shady streamer or developer with a hidden agenda. It's obvious now that the defenders of these scammy models are neck-deep in the sunk cost fallacy, and they want to drag the rest of us into their quagmire. Instead, let's hold these developers, publishers, and influencers' feet to the fire for their deceit and borderline criminal antics.

Free-to-play games? Total con jobs. Games-as-a-service? All hype, no substance. These models are designed to mess with your head, putting the good stuff—like cosmetics and basic features—behind a paywall. They've warped how we see and play games, and in the low-rent world of free-to-play, you'll never truly get what's missing compared to a straightforward, honest sales model.

Remember when games actually gave you something worth your time? Earning cosmetics was a badge of honor, proof of your skill and dedication. Now, you can buy your way into looking like a big shot, making real achievements meaningless. Tencent and GGG have trashed the industry’s integrity with their shady tactics.

Even Diablo III managed to keep live service going without resorting to dirty tricks. They handed out seasonal cosmetics with the base game, each class getting unique rewards. Nowadays, games drip-feed you content and milk you for every penny.

Influencers like Darth Microtransaction, Raxxanterax, and Rhykker are some of the worst offenders. They've sold out for fame and sponsorships, betraying the community’s real interests and going easy on publishers. They're helping to sink the genre, focused more on personal gain than on preserving the soul of ARPGs.

Tencent and GGG are throwing money at YouTubers and Twitch influencers to push their sketchy models, grooming players into accepting their con games disguised as "fun."

In Path of Exile and ARPG circles, you've got people like Raxxanterax, Rhykker, and Darth Microtransactions pulling the strings. The OTK network, Tectone, Mizkif, and Asmongold are doing the same in the open-world action RPG arena. In FPS and action shooters, figures like NickMercs, TimtheTatman, and Dr. Disrespect are spreading the deceit.

Then you've got Hasan Piker slamming xQc, Trainwreck, and Adin Ross for promoting gambling, while he's pocketing Tencent cash to push their "free-to-play" scams. This trend of influencers selling out for Tencent's dirty money is wrecking the western gaming market.

The 'free-to-play' model is a con, pure and simple, playing on the sunk cost fallacy. Players keep dumping time and money into these games even as they get less and less out of them. Their emotional and financial investment makes it tough to walk away, even when the genre’s quality and integrity are shot.

Publishers and developers have perfected the art of audience manipulation, prioritizing marketing over real game development. We need to get back to honest gaming, where the focus is on enjoyment and player well-being, not squeezing every cent out of us. We must hold these influencers accountable and push for a gaming industry that respects players and the heart of our beloved genres.

A straight-up honest release would mean a full game launch, season passes included, and expansions every couple of years—none of these anti-consumer gimmicks that Tencent has polluted the industry with.

I almost caved and bought Diablo IV's expansion in the sale, and PoE 2 was tempting until I reminded myself there's no real reward in playing these games as they are now. We desperately need everyone on board to save the genre from Tencent’s clutches. The only way to do this is by spreading the word about what’s really going on.


Please read Salt Engineer's post where he provides an in-depth analysis of how Tencent's acquisition of various gaming companies, including GGG, has led to predatory monetization practices that prioritize profits over player experience. The post delves into Tencent's history and ethics, outlining how their influence has changed the gaming landscape, particularly in the ARPG genre. It also criticizes influencers who promote these deceptive models, drawing attention to the negative impact on the industry. By reading this, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader implications of corporate control in gaming and why it's crucial to support indie developers who prioritize genuine player enjoyment.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/2694490/discussions/0/565867433751007187/

[Rob⛧Slayer]

Nguyên văn bởi Perfection:

Virtually all mega successful video games are free to play with cosmetics. Do basic research?

Claiming that all mega-successful games are free-to-play with cosmetics is shallow. Yes, these games can be lucrative, but revenue isn’t everything. They exploit players with predatory monetization tactics that prioritize profit over experience.

Free-to-play games lure players in, locking essential features and desirable cosmetics behind paywalls, creating a pay-to-win scenario. Skill and dedication are replaced by financial clout, selling the soul of gaming to the highest bidder.

Influencers, now modern-day snake oil salesmen, sell out for sponsorships, betraying their communities. They endorse exploitative models, trapping players in the sunk cost fallacy.

Gone are the days when cosmetics were earned through skill. Now, achievements are meaningless compared to bought status. To anyone defending this model: do your "basic research." Look beyond the surface to see the industry for what it truly is—a cesspool of exploitative practices. Tencent is the founding father of deceptive game design, taking these models from their mobile games, buying out western studios, and forcing their adoption in mainstream games.

[F.U.D.F.]

Microtransactions suck and influencers who exchange their influence for money don't have their follower's interests in mind.

That's one sentence, and it's obvious. Do you really get anything out of making a post and arguing everyone who comes here to say they like the game? Literally doing anything else is a better use of time.

[Perfection]

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

Nguyên văn bởi Perfection:

Virtually all mega successful video games are free to play with cosmetics. Do basic research?

Claiming that all mega-successful games are free-to-play with cosmetics is shallow. Yes, these games can be lucrative, but revenue isn’t everything. They exploit players with predatory monetization tactics that prioritize profit over experience.

Free-to-play games lure players in, locking essential features and desirable cosmetics behind paywalls, creating a pay-to-win scenario. Skill and dedication are replaced by financial clout, selling the soul of gaming to the highest bidder.

Influencers, now modern-day snake oil salesmen, sell out for sponsorships, betraying their communities. They endorse exploitative models, trapping players in the sunk cost fallacy.

Gone are the days when cosmetics were earned through skill. Now, achievements are meaningless compared to bought status. To anyone defending this model: do your "basic research." Look beyond the surface to see the industry for what it truly is—a cesspool of exploitative practices. Tencent is the founding father of deceptive game design, taking these models from their mobile games, buying out western studios, and forcing their adoption in mainstream games.

Ah yes, Dota2, counter strike 2, league of legends, fortnite. Very shallow games indeed...

The current industry standard of cosmetics and battlepasses are far more consumer friendly than the DLC and expansion model of the past.

Maybe realize that you're just getting too old and whatever life problems you have you're projecting onto others and the video game industry. Take a step back.

[Rob⛧Slayer]

Nguyên văn bởi Perfection:

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

Claiming that all mega-successful games are free-to-play with cosmetics is shallow. Yes, these games can be lucrative, but revenue isn’t everything. They exploit players with predatory monetization tactics that prioritize profit over experience.

Free-to-play games lure players in, locking essential features and desirable cosmetics behind paywalls, creating a pay-to-win scenario. Skill and dedication are replaced by financial clout, selling the soul of gaming to the highest bidder.

Influencers, now modern-day snake oil salesmen, sell out for sponsorships, betraying their communities. They endorse exploitative models, trapping players in the sunk cost fallacy.

Gone are the days when cosmetics were earned through skill. Now, achievements are meaningless compared to bought status. To anyone defending this model: do your "basic research." Look beyond the surface to see the industry for what it truly is—a cesspool of exploitative practices. Tencent is the founding father of deceptive game design, taking these models from their mobile games, buying out western studios, and forcing their adoption in mainstream games.

Ah yes, Dota2, counter strike 2, league of legends, fortnite. Very shallow games indeed...

The current industry standard of cosmetics and battlepasses are far more consumer friendly than the DLC and expansion model of the past.

Maybe realize that you're just getting too old and whatever life problems you have you're projecting onto others and the video game industry. Take a step back.

Because when I think of consumer-friendly practices, I certainly think of virtual lotteries where people spend real money on digital hats and skins. Truly groundbreaking.

Let’s not pretend that free-to-play games are some magnanimous gift to gamers. They're designed to prey on psychological vulnerabilities, turning what used to be a straightforward transaction into a never-ending siphon of your wallet. Comparing this to the DLC model is like saying choosing between getting a splinter or walking on broken glass is a choice favoring players.

And about me getting too old? The classics still shine brighter than the present-day cash cows. It's not age—it’s about understanding the value of genuine gaming experiences versus hollow purchases.

Take a step back.

[Perfection]

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

Nguyên văn bởi Perfection:

Ah yes, Dota2, counter strike 2, league of legends, fortnite. Very shallow games indeed...

The current industry standard of cosmetics and battlepasses are far more consumer friendly than the DLC and expansion model of the past.

Maybe realize that you're just getting too old and whatever life problems you have you're projecting onto others and the video game industry. Take a step back.

Because when I think of consumer-friendly practices, I certainly think of virtual lotteries where people spend real money on digital hats and skins. Truly groundbreaking.

Let’s not pretend that free-to-play games are some magnanimous gift to gamers. They're designed to prey on psychological vulnerabilities, turning what used to be a straightforward transaction into a never-ending siphon of your wallet. Comparing this to the DLC model is like saying choosing between getting a splinter or walking on broken glass is a choice favoring players.

And about me getting too old? The classics still shine brighter than the present-day cash cows. It's not age—it’s about understanding the value of genuine gaming experiences versus hollow purchases.

Take a step back.

It's really interesting that you think the world revolves around your narrow perceptions. It's hard for you to grasp but the vast majority of gamers disagree with you. It's that simple.

MTX for cosmetics are infinite money generator because people buy and love em.

[Detergent]

BaCk In My DaY wE hAd To ReBuY mK3 AnD a NeW cOnSoLe To GeT tHe PaTcHeS aNd UpDaTeS
.
Is this what you refer to as traditional video games? Because thats a true story. My dad actually said it when I was digging around in his old collection and noticed 5 different versions of Mortal Kombat 3 on 5 different consoles.
"Thats how we get the new characters" was his reasoning

Or maybe you are referring to something a tad bit more modern, like Dark Souls? You buy it, you play it, then you never touch it again because why would you? No new content since the day it was released.
If you're lucky, your favorite game gets DLC for 70% of the price with only 10% of added content.
And lets be honest, you buy this DLC for the new overpowered gear and skins. D2 did it, Dark Souls, ect.

If your tradition video games are what I think they are, i'm still not convinced.
Sounds like the dark ages of video games to me. At least thats what my dad implies.
I prefer my constant stream of new content and patches at the measly cost of optional skins.

[Rob⛧Slayer]

Nguyên văn bởi Perfection:

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

Because when I think of consumer-friendly practices, I certainly think of virtual lotteries where people spend real money on digital hats and skins. Truly groundbreaking.

Let’s not pretend that free-to-play games are some magnanimous gift to gamers. They're designed to prey on psychological vulnerabilities, turning what used to be a straightforward transaction into a never-ending siphon of your wallet. Comparing this to the DLC model is like saying choosing between getting a splinter or walking on broken glass is a choice favoring players.

And about me getting too old? The classics still shine brighter than the present-day cash cows. It's not age—it’s about understanding the value of genuine gaming experiences versus hollow purchases.

Take a step back.

It's really interesting that you think the world revolves around your narrow perceptions. It's hard for you to grasp but the vast majority of gamers disagree with you. It's that simple.

MTX for cosmetics are infinite money generator because people buy and love em.

There's a generation that's growing up that has never experienced a traditional video game. They play these games because their favorite influencers do. Fandoms are now cults and you're an example of that fandom being groomed to adopt deceptive narratives to defend, promote, and die for your sunk cost fallacy.

These influencers, often backed by the very corporations that profit from predatory monetization, shape opinions and tastes in a way that’s not dissimilar to propaganda. Young, impressionable gamers see their idols endorsing these practices and are led to believe that this is the pinnacle of gaming. They’ve never known a world where the experience wasn’t dominated by microtransactions and paywalls, and they’ve never felt the satisfaction of earning in-game rewards purely through skill and dedication.

As you defend this model, it’s clear that you’ve been conditioned to see this as the norm, unable to recognize that it’s a carefully orchestrated business strategy designed to maximize profits at the expense of genuine gaming enjoyment. The sunk cost fallacy keeps you tethered to these games; you've invested so much time and money that it’s psychologically difficult to step back and see the larger picture.

Remember when games were about immersion, storytelling, and the joy of discovery? Those elements are being eroded, replaced by a superficial veneer of digital goods that offer no real value. The industry is banking on your willingness to defend these practices because they’ve successfully blurred the lines between enjoyment and exploitation.

So, next time you feel the need to defend these practices, take a moment to consider if you're truly advocating for the betterment of gaming or simply perpetuating a cycle that benefits a few at the cost of many.




****To other readers, be wary of individuals like this—they are the most dangerous type of bad faith actors. They will defend exploitative practices to their last breath, not out of reason but because they've been ensnared by the very tactics they claim to champion.****

[Salt Engineer]

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

There's a generation that's growing up that has never experienced a traditional video game. They play these games because their favorite influencers do. Fandoms are now cults and you're an example of that fandom being groomed to adopt deceptive narratives to defend, promote, and die for your sunk cost fallacy.

This is probably the most important piece of context that is regularly overlooked.

There are individuals on both sides of the development equation who's first video game is both recent, and full of poor practices. Developers who started on titles like Doom, or Diablo, are a minority now.

For context, adult developers entering the industry right now would have started on titles closer to 2015. The first loot boxes were introduced in 2003, and weren't popularized until FIFA 09 in 2008... 17 years ago. These predatory practices have been around as long as some developers, which should help illustrate why it's so easy for some people to brush off the effects. They've literally never known games without them.

[Rob⛧Slayer]

Nguyên văn bởi Detergent:

BaCk In My DaY wE hAd To ReBuY mK3 AnD a NeW cOnSoLe To GeT tHe PaTcHeS aNd UpDaTeS
.
Is this what you refer to as traditional video games? Because thats a true story. My dad actually said it when I was digging around in his old collection and noticed 5 different versions of Mortal Kombat 3 on 5 different consoles.
"Thats how we get the new characters" was his reasoning

Or maybe you are referring to something a tad bit more modern, like Dark Souls? You buy it, you play it, then you never touch it again because why would you? No new content since the day it was released.
If you're lucky, your favorite game gets DLC for 70% of the price with only 10% of added content.
And lets be honest, you buy this DLC for the new overpowered gear and skins. D2 did it, Dark Souls, ect.

If your tradition video games are what I think they are, i'm still not convinced.
Sounds like the dark ages of video games to me. At least thats what my dad implies.
I prefer my constant stream of new content and patches at the measly cost of optional skins.

Mortal Kombat had multiple editions, mainly designed for tournament players seeking balanced updates. Those who grew up in my era mostly played the original versions without the illusion of becoming professional gamers.

Most kids today think gaming is a real career, but it often involves spending all their time streaming and promoting terrible games and deceptive models to their community so they can get paid by advertisers.

This brings up another topic:

Years ago, companies like Valve promised that the digital age would lower costs for consumers. The idea was that eliminating physical production, distribution, and retail middlemen would make games more affordable.

They also promised that the digital shift would improve games by allowing developers to directly update and fix their games in real time without any extra cost. So, you wouldn't have 10 different Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter editions.

The negative impact Valve and Tencent have had on the market is evident, but no one will admit it because they've invested too much.

[Detergent]

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

Mortal Kombat had multiple editions, mainly designed for tournament players seeking balanced updates. Those who grew up in my era mostly played the original versions without the illusion of becoming professional gamers.

Buying a $400 new console and a $60 copy of a game you already own just for a few new characters sounds like a scam to me. Even if you ignore the console price, still sounds bad.
Think you're generation got scammed. The one before yours, scammed at the arcade. You just wont admit it.

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

Years ago, companies like Valve promised that the digital age would lower costs for consumers. The idea was that eliminating physical production, distribution, and retail middlemen would make games more affordable.

And its true, no? My kid owns a Switch, $80 per game.

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

They also promised that the digital shift would improve games by allowing developers to directly update and fix their games in real time without any extra cost. So, you wouldn't have 10 different Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter editions.

And they do... games with mtx or not, they get updates. Not to be confused with content patches.

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

The negative impact Valve and Tencent have had on the market is evident, but no one will admit it because they've invested too much.

So far you have only made it sound as if things got better. Not doing a very good job at convincing anyone.

[PoopActionPimp]

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

You ever notice how folks are just letting their favorite game genres go down the toilet, all because of slick marketing scams? Free-to-play has turned into a codeword for "we're gonna drain your wallet dry," and a chunk of this mess falls on those YouTubers and Twitch streamers hawking shoddy game designs like snake oil salesmen.

Anyone who thinks game developers can't make a buck the old-fashioned way has been drinking the Kool-Aid, probably fed to them by some shady streamer or developer with a hidden agenda. It's obvious now that the defenders of these scammy models are neck-deep in the sunk cost fallacy, and they want to drag the rest of us into their quagmire. Instead, let's hold these developers, publishers, and influencers' feet to the fire for their deceit and borderline criminal antics.

Free-to-play games? Total con jobs. Games-as-a-service? All hype, no substance. These models are designed to mess with your head, putting the good stuff—like cosmetics and basic features—behind a paywall. They've warped how we see and play games, and in the low-rent world of free-to-play, you'll never truly get what's missing compared to a straightforward, honest sales model.

Remember when games actually gave you something worth your time? Earning cosmetics was a badge of honor, proof of your skill and dedication. Now, you can buy your way into looking like a big shot, making real achievements meaningless. Tencent and GGG have trashed the industry’s integrity with their shady tactics.

Even Diablo III managed to keep live service going without resorting to dirty tricks. They handed out seasonal cosmetics with the base game, each class getting unique rewards. Nowadays, games drip-feed you content and milk you for every penny.

Influencers like Darth Microtransaction, Raxxanterax, and Rhykker are some of the worst offenders. They've sold out for fame and sponsorships, betraying the community’s real interests and going easy on publishers. They're helping to sink the genre, focused more on personal gain than on preserving the soul of ARPGs.

Tencent and GGG are throwing money at YouTubers and Twitch influencers to push their sketchy models, grooming players into accepting their con games disguised as "fun."

In Path of Exile and ARPG circles, you've got people like Raxxanterax, Rhykker, and Darth Microtransactions pulling the strings. The OTK network, Tectone, Mizkif, and Asmongold are doing the same in the open-world action RPG arena. In FPS and action shooters, figures like NickMercs, TimtheTatman, and Dr. Disrespect are spreading the deceit.

Then you've got Hasan Piker slamming xQc, Trainwreck, and Adin Ross for promoting gambling, while he's pocketing Tencent cash to push their "free-to-play" scams. This trend of influencers selling out for Tencent's dirty money is wrecking the western gaming market.

The 'free-to-play' model is a con, pure and simple, playing on the sunk cost fallacy. Players keep dumping time and money into these games even as they get less and less out of them. Their emotional and financial investment makes it tough to walk away, even when the genre’s quality and integrity are shot.

Publishers and developers have perfected the art of audience manipulation, prioritizing marketing over real game development. We need to get back to honest gaming, where the focus is on enjoyment and player well-being, not squeezing every cent out of us. We must hold these influencers accountable and push for a gaming industry that respects players and the heart of our beloved genres.

A straight-up honest release would mean a full game launch, season passes included, and expansions every couple of years—none of these anti-consumer gimmicks that Tencent has polluted the industry with.

I almost caved and bought Diablo IV's expansion in the sale, and PoE 2 was tempting until I reminded myself there's no real reward in playing these games as they are now. We desperately need everyone on board to save the genre from Tencent’s clutches. The only way to do this is by spreading the word about what’s really going on.


Please read Salt Engineer's post where he provides an in-depth analysis of how Tencent's acquisition of various gaming companies, including GGG, has led to predatory monetization practices that prioritize profits over player experience. The post delves into Tencent's history and ethics, outlining how their influence has changed the gaming landscape, particularly in the ARPG genre. It also criticizes influencers who promote these deceptive models, drawing attention to the negative impact on the industry. By reading this, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader implications of corporate control in gaming and why it's crucial to support indie developers who prioritize genuine player enjoyment.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/2694490/discussions/0/565867433751007187/

I think the fact you haven't had your post removed says a lot about the company.

[Rob⛧Slayer]

Nguyên văn bởi Salt Engineer:

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

There's a generation that's growing up that has never experienced a traditional video game. They play these games because their favorite influencers do. Fandoms are now cults and you're an example of that fandom being groomed to adopt deceptive narratives to defend, promote, and die for your sunk cost fallacy.

This is probably the most important piece of context that is regularly overlooked.

There are individuals on both sides of the development equation who's first video game is both recent, and full of poor practices. Developers who started on titles like Doom, or Diablo, are a minority now.

For context, adult developers entering the industry right now would have started on titles closer to 2015. The first loot boxes were introduced in 2003, and weren't popularized until FIFA 09 in 2008... 17 years ago. These predatory practices have been around as long as some developers, which should help illustrate why it's so easy for some people to brush off the effects. They've literally never known games without them.

It is disheartening to witness the de-evolution of gaming. In my spectral journeys across Nosgoth, donning the guise of Raziel, I beheld the profound craftsmanship woven into the fabric of those bygone games—an intricate tapestry of writing and art direction. Today, however, it seems as though the very souls of modern games have been stripped away, replaced by hollow templates and soulless in-game stores, peddling licensed content or features intentionally excised from the traditional experience. The decay of creative innovation is a fate most tragic, a far cry from the immersive and thoughtful experiences we once reveled in.



The transformation of the landscape feels like a shift away from the true artist's vision, overtaken by tech bros and investors. The focus pivoted from creative artistry to profit-driven schemes, replacing visionaries with individuals turning franchises into online marketplaces.

The real disappointment lies in Valve not upholding its original promise to make Steam a sanctuary for indie developers. The platform's inadequate curation led to an influx of low-quality mobile games, resulting in mass shovelware dumps that effectively obscured genuine indie titles.

Valve and major publishers have increased the financial burden on indie developers and consumers.

[Demigod Dan]

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

Nguyên văn bởi Salt Engineer:

This is probably the most important piece of context that is regularly overlooked.

There are individuals on both sides of the development equation who's first video game is both recent, and full of poor practices. Developers who started on titles like Doom, or Diablo, are a minority now.

For context, adult developers entering the industry right now would have started on titles closer to 2015. The first loot boxes were introduced in 2003, and weren't popularized until FIFA 09 in 2008... 17 years ago. These predatory practices have been around as long as some developers, which should help illustrate why it's so easy for some people to brush off the effects. They've literally never known games without them.

It is disheartening to witness the de-evolution of gaming. In my spectral journeys across Nosgoth, donning the guise of Raziel, I beheld the profound craftsmanship woven into the fabric of those bygone games—an intricate tapestry of writing and art direction. Today, however, it seems as though the very souls of modern games have been stripped away, replaced by hollow templates and soulless in-game stores, peddling licensed content or features intentionally excised from the traditional experience. The decay of creative innovation is a fate most tragic, a far cry from the immersive and thoughtful experiences we once reveled in. :soulreaver:



The transformation of the landscape feels like a shift away from the true artist's vision, overtaken by tech bros and investors. The focus pivoted from creative artistry to profit-driven schemes, replacing visionaries with individuals turning franchises into online marketplaces.

The real disappointment lies in Valve not upholding its original promise to make Steam a sanctuary for indie developers. The platform's inadequate curation led to an influx of low-quality mobile games, resulting in mass shovelware dumps that effectively obscured genuine indie titles.

Valve and major publishers have increased the financial burden on indie developers and consumers.

Fully agreed, but the problem is that we're all talking heads and everybody has lost the ability to listen to substance. Fame in the form of # of subscribers and/or viewers does all the talking now, and overpopulation has caused any other voice (like a thread on the Steam forums) to be drowned out. You could've written "poopy poopy" in all of your posts and it wouldn't have made a single difference in the form of some kinda butterfly effect.

There are too many people alive now, and the dumber they are the easier they are to *influence* + the more likely it is that they'll follow someone to make their decisions for them, like a streamer / YTer. All that corporations have to do now = get streamers / YTers to favor them, which is much easier and cost-effective than to search for and listen to constructive criticism to improve their product. It just needs to look good and be promoted positively; you don't matter to them nor do you matter to people with just as much 'internet fame' as you.

[Salt Engineer]

Nguyên văn bởi Demigod Dan:

There are too many people alive now, and the dumber they are the easier they are to *influence* + the more likely it is that they'll follow someone to make their decisions for them, like a streamer / YTer. All that corporations have to do now = get streamers / YTers to favor them, which is much easier and cost-effective than to search for and listen to constructive criticism to improve their product. It just needs to look good and be promoted positively; you don't matter to them nor do you matter to people with just as much 'internet fame' as you.

It's less about quantity, and more about a total lack of accountability. Everyone is valued, and all opinions are equal... which means that even the 10IQ take is given it's time to shine.

Nguyên văn bởi Rob⛧Pentakill:

The transformation of the landscape feels like a shift away from the true artist's vision, overtaken by tech bros and investors. The focus pivoted from creative artistry to profit-driven schemes, replacing visionaries with individuals turning franchises into online marketplaces.

Pollution of rational takes has taken a toll here as well. Art requires the ability to be subjective, and to interpret - but as "modern audiences" are incapable, the only rational step is to spoon feed the desired outcome. That outcome of course is more about profit generation than a statement or substantial vision...

Funny enough, those lining the board and conference rooms fall victim to all those same problems - lack of vision, creativity, or even really independence. High level decisions in corporations are often made based off what the competition is doing rather than what the best decision is.


And so nearly everything created by any company over a certain size is just cookie cutter garbage of little worth.

[Happy]

Nguyên văn bởi Echo2Omega:

Vote with your wallet.

And keep voting with your wallet.

Ubisoft got the message, Sort of.

Yes, this was the last game i purchased after a long time and only paid 15 dollars but i have no intention of buying any games being released unless they are geniune like in old times. I even refunded my yearly wow subscription even though they tripled its cost with the new year.

Life is already ♥♥♥♥♥♥ up, I'm done getting screwed in gaming as well where its supposed to be a safe haven, an escape outlet from all the ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ and terror of their capitalist world order.