The Rise of Games as a Service (GaaS) in the Gaming Industry

Over the years, gaming has undergone a major transformation. From casual games on consoles to triple-A titles on PC, the definition of gaming has significantly evolved. Moreover, the gaming industry is thriving, and we see new innovations and trends almost every year. One such trend that has gained immense popularity in recent years is Games as a Service (GaaS).

What is Games as a Service (GaaS)?

Games as a Service refers to the business model where video games are designed, developed, and delivered as online services to gamers. It includes delivering new content, updates, and features to players on a regular basis. GaaS is built on the principle of continuous play, where developers aim to offer ongoing engagement to the players. The gaming experience gets better with time, as developers and publishers keep on adding new content regularly.

Benefits of Games as a Service

GaaS has become a popular business model because of the benefits it offers to both developers and players.

For developers/publishers:

Steady revenue streams – Developers can generate revenue by offering subscriptions, in-app purchases, and microtransactions.
Lower risk – GaaS reduces the risk of investment and failure as developers launch games as services, testing and iterating them in real-time with their profits.
Regular content – With the GaaS model, developers can keep adding new content to the game without developing new titles, making their gaming catalog more varied and engaged..

For players:

Continous games – Players can enjoy the game for a long time with new features and updates without investing money into a new edition.
Lower upfront cost – The cost of playing the game is relatively low, and players need to pay only for the add-ons and extra content they want.
More content – Players get access to new content frequently, keeping the game fresh and engaging always.

Examples of Games as a Service (GaaS)

There are many examples of GaaS in the gaming industry:

Fortnite – Epic Games’ Fortnite is a perfect example of a GaaS game. It contains a free-to-play model that offers players with constant updates and new in-game items.
World of Warcraft – WoW introduced a revolutionary subscription-based GaaS business model way back in 2004. Blizzard releases new expansions, quests, and patches regularly to keep the game up-to-date.
Destiny 2 – Bungie’s Destiny 2 operates with a GaaS model, offering regular content updates and expansions to keep players engaged.

Conclusion

GaaS is a new and exciting business model shaping up the gaming industry in many ways. The benefits of offering continuous game experiences to players go beyond traditional monetization models. The approach benefits players and developers alike, allowing developers to create and deliver innovative content and features while delivering a continuous stream of revenue. What is your experience with Games as a Service? Share in the comments below.