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Sid Meier, the creator behind the popular strategy series Civilization, says that gaming companies run the real risk of losing their audiences if they focus heavily on different forms of monetization tactics. Meier seems to single out monetization tactics like microtransactions and NFTs.
Meier says that games should be fun first and foremost. In an interview with the BBC, Meier says, "People can assume that a game is going to be fun and what it needs for success are more cinematics or monetization or whatever - but if the core just is not there with good gameplay, then it won't work."
He continues on to explain that if the gameplay isn't there front and center, it pushes players away.
"The real challenge and the real opportunity is keeping our focus on gameplay.
"That is what is unique, special and appealing about games as a form of entertainment. When we forget that, and decide it's monetisation or other things that are not gameplay-focused, when we start to forget about making great games and start thinking about games as a vehicle or an opportunity for something else, that's when we stray a little bit further from the path."(...)
"I think we need to be sure that our games continue to be high quality and fun to play - there are so many forms of entertainment out there now. We're in a good position... but we need to be sure we realise how critical gameplay is - and how that is the engine that really keeps players happy, engaged and having fun."
"That is what is unique, special and appealing about games as a form of entertainment. When we forget that, and decide it's monetisation or other things that are not gameplay-focused, when we start to forget about making great games and start thinking about games as a vehicle or an opportunity for something else, that's when we stray a little bit further from the path."(...)
"I think we need to be sure that our games continue to be high quality and fun to play - there are so many forms of entertainment out there now. We're in a good position... but we need to be sure we realise how critical gameplay is - and how that is the engine that really keeps players happy, engaged and having fun."
