This week on the Eurogamer Newscast, we delved into the ongoing debate surrounding the implementation of a battle pass in PlayStation’s live-service game Concord. While Concord has chosen not to offer a battle pass as part of its marketing strategy, the question remains – would the game see greater success if it adopted this popular monetization model?
The concept of a battle pass has become increasingly prevalent in the world of gaming, with titles like Apex Legends making adjustments to their battle pass system in response to player feedback. The allure of a battle pass lies in its ability to provide players with a sense of progression and rewards for their gameplay, while also offering developers a steady stream of revenue post-launch.
One of the key considerations for game developers when deciding whether to implement a battle pass is striking a balance between monetization and player satisfaction. While a free-to-play model with a battle pass may attract a larger player base, there is also value in offering a full-priced experience like Concord’s £40 launch. The recent decision by the creator of Stardew Valley to forgo post-launch content sales demonstrates that there are alternative approaches to sustaining a game’s longevity.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is clear that live-service games like Concord must carefully navigate the landscape of post-launch monetization. With titles like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League also exploring the incorporation of paid content, the debate around the role of a battle pass in ensuring a game’s success is more relevant than ever.
Joining me this week on the Eurogamer Newscast are Ed Nightingale and Victoria Kennedy as we dive deeper into the nuances of the battle pass debate. While Concord may have chosen not to sell a battle pass at this time, the conversation surrounding the potential benefits and drawbacks of this monetization model remains a topic of significant interest within the gaming community.
Whether Concord ultimately decides to introduce a battle pass or not, the ongoing dialogue surrounding the implementation of post-launch content in live-service games serves as a testament to the ever-changing nature of the industry. As players and developers alike continue to seek out new ways to engage with and sustain their favorite titles, the debate over the role of a battle pass in the success of games like Concord is sure to persist.
