Gaming has experienced a boom in players over recent decades, thanks to the internet, along with gaming site operators and game developers making games compatible with various devices, such as tablets or smartphones. Smartphones, in particular, have made gaming revolutionary because the games once only playable on consoles can now be played on them without compromising audiovisual quality.
This has led to what’s known as live service games. Also known as games as a service (GaaS), these games are developed to keep players continuously engaged and playing with them. To stop players from losing interest, these games are regularly updated.
What are Live Service Games?
Live service games are a type of video game to which developers keep adding content to. This is done to keep regular players playing them and to gain new players in the process. It also saves developers from having to keep developing new games.
New content can include skins, cosmetics, and weapons, which can be released at different times of the year, which is usually seasonal. Some games even allow players to buy their equivalent of money. With this, they can buy all these things and more. Developers will often provide players with free content or even additional bits for those who buy a pass to play.
What’s the Difference Between Live Service Games and Live Games?
A live service game is an online multiplayer game that players can play in or against friends or strangers. Unlike single-player games, they’re usually free to play, with players having the option to buy additional things.
This differs from single-player games that provide downloadable content after launching because their end goal isn’t to keep players playing the game indefinitely. Instead, it’s usually provided for players willing to pay for the extra content.
Live service games also differ from other online live games, like poker and Slingo. For a live bingo game like 80s Night, which entices players with plenty of 80s nostalgia, a bingo caller is present to tell players what number’s popped up, answer any queries, and keep the party atmosphere going. Live service games won’t have someone officiating. The two are completely different, which isn’t bad but keeps things interesting for players.
It’s the players that game developers and gaming site operators keep in mind when they’re thinking about what games to release. They need players to want to play and to keep playing to consider games successful. Retaining and gaining players to keep playing is key.
There’s enough variety available on the internet to keep players interested, whether they play live service games or games like bingo or poker. Players need to find what they enjoy playing and let the fun begin.