The Troubling Trends in Modern Gaming: Yakuza Infinite Wealth and Ubisoft’s Subscription Shift

TechArcade
3 min readJan 25, 2024

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, two recent developments have raised eyebrows among gamers. The first involves the highly anticipated release of Yakuza Infinite Wealth, a game from a beloved franchise that has taken an unexpected turn. The second pertains to Ubisoft’s bold statement on the changing dynamics of ownership in gaming through their subscription service. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of these issues and discuss the implications for gamers.

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Yakuza Infinite Wealth: A Dive into Monetization Tactics

Inflated Prices and Paywalls:

The excitement surrounding Yakuza Infinite Wealth has been overshadowed by its pricing strategy. With the base game costing a hefty $90 in Canada, the introduction of deluxe and ultimate editions with additional content raised concerns. The most alarming revelation was the locking of the new game plus mode behind a paywall. In the world of modern gaming, it seems even basic features are not exempt from monetization.

Unveiling Deluxe Edition Contents:

For those willing to pay extra for the deluxe edition, the bonuses include a bonus dungeon, special items, and resort guests’ outfits. However, the contentious issue arises with the inclusion of the new game plus mode, a staple in many Yakuza games until now. Is it fair to gatekeep a fundamental game mode behind an additional paywall?

Outrage and Player Concerns:

The gaming community has not taken these revelations lightly. Some players voiced their concerns, questioning the decision to lock essential game content behind a financial barrier. The argument against such practices emphasizes the importance of preserving the full gaming experience for all players, regardless of their willingness to pay extra.

Ubisoft’s Vision: Shifting Ownership Dynamics in Gaming

The Rise of Subscription Services:

Ubisoft’s recent statement sheds light on the industry-wide trend of embracing subscription services. With offerings like Ubisoft Plus, gaming companies aim to tap into the active back catalog of games, providing consumers access to a plethora of titles for a monthly fee. However, the catch lies in the shift away from owning games outright.

The Notion of Comfortable Non-Ownership:

In an eyebrow-raising statement, Ubisoft suggests that gamers are becoming “comfortable” with not owning their games, drawing parallels to the transition from physical DVDs to streaming services. The question arises — should gamers surrender the concept of owning their favorite titles?

Concerns About Subscription Services:

While subscription services offer convenience, concerns arise regarding the longevity and ownership of gaming content. Unlike physical copies that can be preserved, games tied to subscription services may face challenges if servers go down. The industry’s push towards a subscription-centric model raises questions about the future of ownership in gaming.

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Navigating the Changing Tides of Gaming

As we navigate the changing tides of the gaming industry, it’s crucial for gamers to be vigilant and voice their concerns. Yakuza Infinite Wealth’s monetization tactics and Ubisoft’s vision of shifting ownership dynamics prompt reflections on the future of gaming. Gamers must decide whether to embrace subscription models with the potential loss of ownership or advocate for a gaming landscape that prioritizes the player’s right to fully own and enjoy their favorite titles. The journey ahead is uncertain, but the gaming community’s collective voice can shape the path towards a more player-centric future.

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Keywords: Yakuza, Infinite Wealth, Paywalling, Deluxe Edition, New Game Plus, DLC, Sega, Ownership, Physical Copies, Subscription Services, DVD, Ubisoft Plus, Game Pass, Game Prices, AAA Industry, Expansion Packs, Industry Shift, Ubisoft, Sega, Gaming, PC Gaming, Console Gaming, Xbox, PlayStation, Microsoft, Sony

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