Ubisoft recently opened a can of worms and a box chock full of criticism when it revamped its subscription service and its director of subscriptions, Philippe Tremblay, suggested that gamers should adapt to not owning their games because of how popular video game subscription services have become.
While staunch opposition to this stance was always expected from gamers, it appears consumers have an unlikely ally in the CEO of the studio behind the reigning Game of the Year award winner.
Swen Vincke, the CEO of Larian Studios, has emphatically stated that the studio’s titles, including the critically acclaimed and commercially successful threequel, Baldur’s Gate 3, isn’t coming to any subscription service – not now and not ever.
Whatever the future of games looks like, content will always be king. But it’s going to be a lot harder to get good content if subscription becomes the dominant model and a select group gets to decide what goes to market and what not. Direct from developer to players is the way. https://t.co/wEUvd5adt0
— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) January 17, 2024
In a conversation on social media, Vincke doubled down on his earlier stance on the paid service model, emphasizing a belief that these services aren’t aligned with what gamers desire. He argued that high-quality content could become a rarity if subscription models dominate, as these platforms often prioritize profit over creative idealism. Vincke expressed concern about the monopolization of subscription services and the impact it would have on game development and diversity.
He pointed out the potential risks of a model where a select few control which games reach the market. Vincke asserted that direct interaction between developers and players is the preferred route, allowing for more creative freedom and a much better diversity in game development. His argument extends beyond just Microsoft’s Game Pass to encompass all digital distribution platforms that might adopt subscription models, which he believes would lead to an overly competitive and restrictive environment for game developers.
Despite his reservations about subscription models, Vincke clarified that he respects the decision of other developers to use these platforms as an opportunity to create their games. However, he remains committed to ensuring that alternative ecosystems continue to thrive, emphasizing the value they bring to the gaming industry.
Vincke’s stance echoes that of several other entertainment industry professionals who have raised concerns about the implications of subscription-based gaming models. These concerns are not just about the economics of gaming but also about the creative and cultural diversity within the industry. The shift towards subscription services has been compared to the dynamics in the on-demand TV industry, where the prevalence of subscription services has led to the cancellation of critically acclaimed shows and a focus on more profitable, mainstream content.
Larian Studios, known for its independence and innovative approach to game development, has built a reputation as one of the few go-to studios for expansive and high-quality games, including Baldur’s Gate 3 and the Divinity: Original Sin games. Vincke’s comments reflects the studio’s commitment to preserving the traditional model of game ownership and distribution, where players purchase and own the games they play.
The discussion around subscription services in gaming is complex, involving issues of consumer and developer rights, the autonomy of studios, and the long-term sustainability of the industry. While subscription models offer convenience and affordability, they also pose challenges to the traditional ways games are created, distributed, and experienced.
As the industry continues to evolve, the debate over the role and impact of subscription services is likely to remain a critical topic for developers, players, and industry observers alike.
For now, it’s safe to say that Larian isn’t about to put Baldur’s Gate 3 on any subscription service anytime soon. But, if you’re curious, the first two Baldur’s Gate games are on Game Pass.
