Embracing the Long Game: The Resilience of Live Service Games

In an industry where success is often measured by immediate launch performance, Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair offers a contrarian perspective. He argues that game companies must have more faith in their live service projects, even if they struggle initially. Sinclair's insights shed light on the importance of perseverance and the potential for long-term growth in the ever-evolving world of gaming.

Unlocking the True Potential of Live Service Games

The Perils of Abandoning Live Service Titles Too Soon

Sinclair laments the trend of large companies in the live service space quickly abandoning titles following launch stumbles. He believes this approach is short-sighted, as it fails to recognize the inherent value and potential of these projects. "They think the release is make or break, and it's not," Sinclair asserts. "They have a financial way to be persistent, and they never do it."The Digital Extremes CEO argues that abandoning live service titles too soon is a disservice to the developers who have invested years of their lives into iterating on the systems, building the technology, and fostering a community. "Isn't that a shame when you put so many years of your life into iterating on those systems or building technology or building the start of a community, and because the operating costs are high, you get terrified when you see the numbers drop and you leave," he laments.

The Resilience of Successful Live Service Games

Sinclair points to the success of Digital Extremes' own Warframe as an example of the resilience and long-term potential of live service games. Warframe, an early entrant into the modern live service space, was first released in 2013. Now, a decade later, the game has spawned a yearly convention and regularly receives new content updates. The game's next big update, Warframe 1999, is scheduled for this year, further solidifying its longevity.The longevity of Warframe stands in stark contrast to the high-profile live service titles that have shut down in recent years, such as Electronic Arts' Knockout City, Smilegate's Crossfire X, PlatinumGames' Babylon's Fall, and EA's Anthem. These games, despite their initial promise, were unable to maintain the necessary player engagement and financial viability to sustain their operations.

Embracing the Long-Term Mindset

Sinclair's message is clear: game companies must adopt a long-term mindset when it comes to live service projects. Rather than being deterred by initial launch struggles, they should have the courage and commitment to see these projects through, investing in their continued development and community engagement.This approach requires a shift in the industry's prevailing mindset, which often prioritizes short-term financial gains over long-term sustainability. Sinclair believes that by embracing the long game, companies can unlock the true potential of live service games, creating experiences that evolve and grow alongside their dedicated player bases.

The Importance of Perseverance and Adaptability

Sinclair's perspective underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the live service game landscape. Rather than abandoning projects at the first sign of trouble, developers and publishers must be willing to weather the storms, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine their offerings to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their players.This commitment to long-term growth and improvement is not only crucial for the success of individual live service titles but also for the overall health and vibrancy of the gaming industry. By fostering a culture of resilience and a willingness to invest in the long-term potential of their projects, companies can create experiences that truly stand the test of time and leave a lasting impact on the gaming community.