Season pass (video gaming)
Overview
A season pass in video gaming refers to a type of purchase that grants the buyer access to all or a selection of a game's downloadable content (DLC) for a one-time fee. This concept originated from the business model of amusement parks and television series where a pass is purchased for a season's worth of content. In the context of video gaming, a season pass usually includes a series of DLC released over a period, typically a year. This model has been adopted by many AAA game publishers to monetize their games post-launch.
History
The concept of the season pass in video gaming was first introduced by Rockstar Games in 2011 with the release of L.A. Noire. The pass allowed players to purchase all planned DLC for the game at a discounted price compared to buying each DLC individually. This model was quickly adopted by other major game publishers, such as Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Activision, and has since become a standard practice in the industry.
Structure and Pricing
The structure and pricing of a season pass can vary greatly depending on the game and publisher. Typically, a season pass includes all or most of a game's DLC released over a specific period, usually a year. The price of a season pass is usually less than the total cost of all included DLC purchased separately, providing an incentive for players to purchase the pass. Some publishers also include additional bonuses with their season passes, such as exclusive content or early access to DLC.
Criticisms
The season pass model has been subject to criticism from some players and industry observers. One common criticism is that it encourages the development and release of DLC over improving the base game. Others argue that it can lead to a fragmented player base, as those who do not purchase the season pass may not have access to all of a game's content. There are also concerns about the value of season passes, as the quality and quantity of included DLC can vary.
Future Trends
Despite these criticisms, the season pass model appears to be here to stay, with many major publishers continuing to use it as a key part of their post-launch monetization strategies. However, some changes are being seen in the industry. For example, some publishers are moving towards a "live service" model, where a game is continuously updated with new content over its lifespan, often funded by microtransactions rather than a traditional season pass.
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