The Evolution of Video Games: LiveOps Versus Complete Experience Games

As the video game industry continues to evolve, one significant development that has transformed the landscape is the advent of live operations, commonly known as live ops.

These games stand out for their ongoing updates and events, a feature designed to keep players engaged long after the initial release. This approach, which contrasts sharply with complete experience games, offers a unique gaming experience that is continuously evolving. In this article, we’ll explore how live ops impact game longevity, player engagement, and monetization strategies, using real-world examples to illustrate these differences.

Game Longevity and Player Engagement

One of the most thrilling aspects of live ops games is the constant influx of new content. These games are designed to keep players returning through regular updates, events, and fresh content, creating an environment of perpetual excitement and engagement.

Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, is a prime example of a successful live ops game.? Since its release in 2017, Fortnite has continually introduced new seasons, bringing fresh and exciting content such as new skins, weapons, maps, and in-game events. These updates maintain player interest and attract new players, contributing to the game’s sustained popularity. Fortnite's frequent crossover events with popular franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and even artists like Travis Scott and Ariana Grande, who have held virtual concerts within the game, exemplify how live ops can create a dynamic and ever-evolving gaming experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Consider The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a game that offers a complete and fulfilling gaming experience. Released in 2017, this complete experience game offers an expansive and richly detailed world that captivates players. Once players completed the main story and explored the game’s vast open world, they felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, having fully experienced the game's narrative and gameplay.

Economic Impact: Revenue Models and Monetization Strategies

The differences between live ops and complete experience games extend beyond player engagement to their economic models and monetization strategies. Live ops games often adopt a free-to-play model with in-game purchases, which has proven highly effective in generating recurring revenue. In contrast, complete experience games rely on upfront purchase revenue, which can be less sustainable in the long run.

Fortnite’s revenue model is heavily reliant on microtransactions. Players can purchase V-Bucks, the in-game currency, to buy cosmetic items like skins, emotes, and battle passes.?

The battle pass system, in particular, has proven highly effective. For a set price, players gain access to exclusive content and rewards that can be unlocked by playing the game and completing challenges throughout the season. This system generates recurring revenue and incentivizes regular play, enhancing player engagement.

Another notable example is Destiny 2, developed by Bungie. Initially launched as a paid game, Destiny 2 transitioned to a free-to-play model with extensive live ops elements.

Bungie regularly releases expansions, seasonal content, and events that keep the game fresh. Players can purchase season passes, expansions, and cosmetic items, providing a steady revenue stream beyond the initial purchase. This model allows Bungie to fund continuous development and support, ensuring the game remains engaging and relevant.

On the other hand, complete experience games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by CD Projekt Red rely primarily on sales revenue from game purchases. Released in 2015, The Witcher 3 received significant post-launch support through free updates and two paid expansions, "Hearts of Stone" and "Blood and Wine." These expansions were well-received and added substantial content, but they were one-time purchases, and there are no additional revenue streams unless new content is released. The game's revenue model is also supplemented by sales of merchandise and licensing deals, such as the Netflix adaptation of the game's story. However, these additional revenue streams are less consistent or significant than initial game sales.

The Developer Perspective

From a development standpoint, live ops present unique challenges and opportunities. Maintaining a live ops game requires a continuous content pipeline, robust server infrastructure, and responsive community management. Developers must balance quality with frequency, ensuring that updates are substantial and engaging without overwhelming the team or the players. This can be a delicate balance, as too many updates can lead to player fatigue, while too few can result in player disengagement. Additionally, the need for a robust server infrastructure to handle the increased player load during events and updates can be a significant cost and logistical challenge for developers. This complex process, however, has proven effective in keeping games like Fortnite vibrant and profitable.

Epic Games, for example, operates Fortnite with a dedicated team focused on creating new content and addressing community feedback. This approach requires significant resources but has proven effective in keeping the game vibrant and profitable.

In contrast, development for complete experience games follows a more linear process. Developers focus on creating a polished, complete product for release, with any post-launch content typically planned well in advance. CD Projekt Red’s approach with The Witcher 3 involved extensive pre-release development to ensure a comprehensive experience, followed by substantial but finite post-launch support.

The dichotomy between live ops games and complete experience games highlights the diverse strategies within the video game industry. Live ops games like Fortnite and Destiny 2 thrive on continuous engagement and recurring revenue, driven by regular updates and in-game purchases. In contrast, complete experience games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt rely on a one-time purchase model, offering a full experience upfront with limited post-release content. Both approaches have their merits and cater to different player preferences. Live ops games offer a dynamic, evolving experience that can keep players engaged for years. In contrast, complete experience games provide a focused, immersive journey that delivers a comprehensive narrative and gameplay experience. Understanding these differences will be crucial for developers, players, and stakeholders as the industry evolves.