Hexx wrote:When they decided to make the third most expensive game ever and realised they need a way to make some money back?
As always with videogaming, a few people test the water and introduce a system - in this case maybe UT packs in FIFA, or loot boxes in Overwatch, or Eververse in Destiny - and then the rest of the industry notice it, realise it's a ridiculously easy way to make money and then start seeing how far they can push it.
It's why all three consoles are going to have pay-to-play online subs. Why there are about 50 different pre-order exclusives for big games and why we now have £40 season passes at launch.
A game isn't just done at launch and then you get your income from sales. Games are now designed as products that can bring in cash throughout their lifespan. Why restrict yourself to 90% of your income coming in those first few weeks at launch when you can partition bits off and monetize them.