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Comment by Revisor | Hacker News Reader

What he describes can be summed up as "Don't sell games, sell services". And I wholeheartedly agree.

Games-as-a-service in the future?

Present. There are a number of games that require internet access - MMOs, some where your save file is online, and some which simply phone home frequently. ie, Assassin's Creed 2.

Not considering MMOs, those other examples sound more like a nuisance (DRM) than an extra service.

It absolutely is a nuisance - I regret buying Command and Conquer 3 because it is intrinsically tied to EA's servers, you can't even play single player games without being signed in and online. Even your saved games only exist on their servers.

But I bet it was more effective than any other form of DRM they've used over the years.

I wholly agree. Just pointing out that they're "games as a service", even if that service is a disservice.

In the case of Assassin's Creed 2 your save file can also be saved online.

I much prefer the Metaboli/Gametap rental model. You pay a reasonable monthly fee and you have access to their full library to download and play as you wish. Profits are apportioned to the developers according to what is being played. A bit like Spotify, I guess.

Unfortunately their catalogue is pretty old and weak (a few diamonds but nothing special) and I'm more of a console gamer. If a similar rental system was available on the consoles I'd probably never buy retail again.

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