Life hack: how to save money on buying games with Xbox Live Gold. Top Paid MMORPGs Definitely worth a try
Distribution of content by subscription is far from a new idea, the history of cable channels in the United States confirms this. At the turn of the 90s and 00s, HBO channel became a pioneer of the cable revolution on American television, showing that the viewer is ready to pay for quality and interesting content. Other channels followed suit. With the development of the conductive capacity of Internet networks, streaming services began to develop: Netflix, Amazon, Hulu - on this moment one of the largest players, whose profit allows not only to pay for the work of employees, servers and purchase films for online screening, but also to produce their own films and series with the proceeds. In addition, there are services that make it possible to listen to music without limit (Apple Music, Spotify), read books or scientific articles.
Within a couple of years, Netflix was able to build momentum to release 20-30 series and shows a year.
However, in this case, we are primarily interested in Netflix - a company that initially (since 1997) provided the opportunity to rent DVDs and developed a site with recommendations for viewers. In 2007, they started working on an online cinema. Seven years later, in 2014, the number of its subscribers exceeded 50 million people, and its net profit reached $266 million. In the era of Big Data, social networks and universal Internetization, the creation and study of the portrait of an ordinary user-consumer is becoming extremely important. In addition to the fact that the algorithms themselves compile lists of recommendations personalized for each user from the information content already available in the catalogs of Internet sites, these sites begin to focus on the consumer in the process of creating new content. The strength of social networks is that people themselves are ready to fill them with content: they themselves are ready to tag films, write reviews, and express wishes regarding future work. Feedback allows creators to almost instantly identify what people liked (and what they didn’t like), and analyzing the behavior of tens of thousands of people even allows you to find out which episode of the series people mostly stop watching, or after which episode they will definitely watch the season to the end. And this data can really help when creating products in the future.
Thanks to online cinemas, the process of moving mid-budget cinema has also begun - Netflix can already release films for $ 60 million with Brad Pitt in the lead role. Epic fantasy (Game of Thrones) and other niche genres have long been released as TV shows, leaving theaters with only 200 million blockbusters.
The most striking example of this approach to content creation (full orientation to the needs of the viewer) can be considered a series. This is a good series, but still the main complaint against it was the lack of new ideas. He average good, sewn from pieces of other works and constantly gives out references to already existing films and series, instead of telling and showing something that the viewer has never seen. Such an approach only leads to the fact that the created products become almost mechanistically programmed for success, where each action of the character is calculated according to the formula of meeting the expectations of the audience. What becomes important is not so much the desire of the author to speak out, but the creation of such a product that would satisfy the viewer in most respects. Although this is a general problem of commercialization, which is only becoming more noticeable in the current realities. and video game industry already faced these problems.
Unlike movies, music or TV shows, games are not static works; inside them, the player interacts with an artificially built environment that can be changed by developers at any time. The interactivity of games is not only in the interaction between the player and the game itself, but also in the fact that the developer, focusing on community feedback, is able to improve an existing project or use the experience gained when creating a new one. The idea of Early Access is not new to the industry and has been actively used by indie developers for several years. Focus groups and closed tests have not disappeared anywhere (AAA projects still need them), but projects from no-name studios are quite actively developing with the assistance of the gaming community. Layers of Fear, Starbound, Rust - these are the projects that could not become what they are without passing the "public tests". But this approach also has a downside: what the players want does not always coincide with the desires and plans of the developers themselves. And since the process is interactive, there may be much more sincerely offended compared to traditional methods of creating content.
Draining the Steam redesign project.
The largest digital distribution service Steam games is trying with might and main to become a platform that could help players decide on the choice of game. Tags, user reviews, curators are all small steps towards creating a system that can only recommend games that are interesting to a particular user. However, unlike Netflix, Valve has not yet started hiring freelancers to rate games and fill in tag columns. And they don’t have a subscription to play “all the indies of this world” either.
On the other hand, it cannot be said that the industry is far from the global process of transition to a subscription system: back in 2010, Sony and in 2013 Microsoft launched their own services that allowed users to play multiplayer and receive once a month several "free » games. However, these services differ in small details: after purchasing the game, it will be possible to play it on Sony consoles only with the Internet and an activated subscription, on the Xbox 360 it can be done without them, and all games for Xbox One will expire when you unsubscribe. The third major player in the console market, Nintendo, is also thinking about introducing such a subscription, but its option seems to be the most “unfriendly” - after a month the game will simply “burn out”. But they have not yet launched their service for Switch, so by the time it leaves beta in September 2017, the game activation process may change significantly.
The Gaikai service was announced along with OnLive in 2009. Unlike OnLive, which competed for the end user alongside Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, Gaikai provided a platform for game makers to try demos of the latest titles for free. In 2012, the sale of the service for $380 million to Sony was announced, and PlayStation Now was made on its basis.
Also, a year before the announcement of PS + at the international exhibition Game Developers Conference 2009, the OnLive cloud service was announced, which allowed you to rent games and play them from any platform, as long as it was good internet and keyboard-mouse/gamepad. A little later, OnLive went bankrupt, and other enthusiasts took their place. In 2015, Sony launched the PlayStation Now service in the United States, which allowed you to play PS3 games on your PC. In 2016, Remote Play appeared on PS4, allowing you to stream games from the console to your PC.
EA was the first to offer a fundamentally new approach to players, launching the EA Access service in 2014, which allowed subscribers on PC and Xbox One (console players to play multiplayer will have to buy Gold) to play full versions games, as well as participate in beta tests and try out trial versions until the official release. And at the moment, the service can be considered successful, so it is not surprising that Microsoft went the same way the other day with Xbox Game Pass, a service that will give Xbox One and Windows 10 users the opportunity to play more than a hundred games (most of the announced ones were released before 2015 or in 2015). Despite all the advantages, the main disadvantage of these subscriptions is already visible - they are tied to a specific publisher, the choice of games is very limited, and users do not have an understandable and simple platform for feedback. And it's far from a fact that these services will allow developers and publishers to get something that employees from the marketing research department could not find out before.
Ultimately, it is not entirely clear whether the gaming industry can change so much that thousands of games begin to be distributed by subscription, and developers can focus on data obtained from such library services. Perhaps Valve has its own analysis tools Steam profiles(but there is SteamSpy and Steam Database) and the behavior of players in individual games, but it is not noticeable that they share it in official press releases, and it is not a fact that they are seriously engaged in analyzing the information available - their plans (which we know for sure) so far limited only to the redesign of Steam in order to get the work done already now. And whether someone will be doing something similar in the near future is still unknown. The music and film industries have already reached the point of giving the user all the content they have for a moderate monthly fee, it's up to game development.
I hope that Microsoft will be able to change the industry, and one day I will see a subscription to games from Ubisoft on my PS4.
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Top Paid MMORPGs
Five hundred years have passed since the original EverQuest. The gods began to trade in robberies, they also allow more shameful things. A rift occurred throughout the territory of Norrath - the map began to change because of this. Many cities were destroyed, forests, mountains, rivers also suffered.
Destiny is a new space shooter that tells the story of the world after the apocalypse. The player needs to customize his own hero and go to complete various missions. You will find excellent graphics, a chic atmosphere and a sea of adrenaline.
The events of this game develop simultaneously with the narration of the famous novel "The Lord of the Rings". It all starts from the moment Frodo leaves the Shire. In general, the epic plot is a clear advantage of the project. During the game, many famous characters are sure to meet.
The events of this game take place in a world where a terrifying zombie apocalypse has come. A terrible epidemic began on the planet - because of it, most of the population died. Who is responsible for such a disaster? Of course, Zombies - because of them all the troubles happen!
Very popular game in the world, the number of users is in the millions. Location: fantasy world, after the events of Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne, according to the story, it's been four years. Players are waiting for tasks, travel, unique experience.
The game includes a whole series of interesting quests: missions can be completed in different ways, therefore, the game fate of the character is predetermined by the player's actions. Careful study of the game world also gives certain bonuses.
Rust is multiplayer computer game in the survival-action genre, developed by the British company Facepunch Studios. Based on the Unity 3D engine. The creators of Rust were inspired primarily by games like Day Z and Minecraft, which is why there is crafting, hunting and resource extraction here.
This fantasy world is inhabited by five races at once: the norns are mighty giants, the charms are graceful and dexterous. There are also plant people and asura dwarfs - very arrogant and cunning. There are also ordinary people - without them, in such projects, nowhere. There are no violent wars between races - they all oppose the same destructive force.
A characteristic feature of this project is cubic graphics. The game world is completely open. Some users may think that such a technique reduces the overall quality of the game, but after spending a few hours in the Minecraft universe, this impression completely changes.
Ultima Online is a classic MMORPG that is the ancestor of all role-playing games. However, the game is still popular. Diverse awaits you game process, nice graphics, massive battles, craft and character leveling system.
Dreaming of open space? Then EVE game Online will love it! Where can you get rich quick, gain recognition and fame at the level of the entire galaxy? Of course, in outer space! Also here you can find true friends and associates!
The popular role-playing project Warhammer Online will take you to the world of Warhammer! The player will be able to create a unique character and go to explore the game world. Fight bots and real players, upgrade your hero and take part in boss raids.
colorful, bright online game Wander will offer you a distraction from endless battles and take a journey through a huge game world! Together with your friends you have to walk around the island, look for new character forms and enjoy beautiful views of nature.
Last year, Microsoft announced a new Xbox Game Pass service for Xbox One users and devices running Windows 10. It was launched in the spring of 2017, but it still remains a bit incomprehensible to the Russian user.
And very in vain. Xbox Game Pass is a great option to rent hundreds of games for a nominal monthly fee. But first things first.
What kind of Xbox Game Pass is this?
It will hardly come as a surprise to you that in order to play on Xbox One, you must first purchase the game. The price for one release can vary from a couple of hundred to four thousand rubles.
So Microsoft realized that it would be much more profitable for the user to subscribe to a whole arsenal of games for a fixed monthly fee.
In essence, Xbox Game Pass is a kind of streaming service for games. Instead of buying tracks from iTunes, many have chosen Apple Music, and for a hundred and fifty a month they get access to millions of songs.
The same is true for Xbox Game Pass. You pay once a month and get access to a large library of games right now.
And how much does a subscription cost?
The cost of a subscription to Xbox Game Pass is several times lower than the cost of a good shooter from a well-known developer.
For access to over a hundred Microsoft games asks for everything 599 rubles per month.
What's more, Xbox Game Pass users can count on a permanent 20% discount on non-subscription Xbox One games and add-ons. The only "but": Microsoft offers a discount only a month after the release of new games.
But anyone can try the service right now. First 14 days free.
And what games are on Xbox Game Pass?
The Microsoft Store censors estimate that there are over 1,300 games available for Xbox One right now. Of these, about 200 are exclusive to the console, and another 400 are already recognized as platform classics.
Of course, all of these games are not available with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. After all, this is not a premium service with access to all the new products on the day of release. New items arrive here with a slight delay.
For example, from the expected releases: the shooter Crackdown 3 will be available to subscribers immediately after the release. And play State of Decay 2, which was released a few days ago, right now. And even the unusual Sea of Thieves is available for free with a subscription.
In addition, such large publishing houses have already entered into an agreement with Microsoft, such as:
2K, 505 Games, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Capcom, Deep Silver, Focus Home Interactive, SEGA, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft Studios
In short, there will always be something to play.
The catalog of games available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers is updated monthly. You can see the full catalog on the official Xbox website.
And do not forget to add support for Windows 10 to this variety with all the ensuing releases for the platform.
What about Xbox Live Gold then?
Yes, Microsoft has another platform - Xbox Live Gold. This is a kind of premium Xbox Live account with advanced features for gamers.
The main feature of the Xbox Live Gold status is that you can play with friends. That is, a full-fledged multiplayer mode is provided.
In addition, Xbox Live Gold subscribers have access to regular discounts on games and the ability to purchase releases with impressive discounts of up to 70%.
That's just for an Xbox Live Gold subscription free games are available to you only occasionally and strictly for a certain time, but on Xbox Game Pass on a regular basis. And the range of Xbox Game Pass subscribers is much wider.
If you wish, you can get a full luxury by subscribing to both services.
Definitely worth a try
Peace console games- a costly thing. At least for a newbie who has bought an Xbox One, it is very difficult at first to get used to the fact that you have to pay for everything. Also 4000 rubles per game.
Subscribing to Xbox Game Pass allows you to approach the harsh reality of life a little softer. For a symbolic amount of 599 rubles a month, you can get access to hundreds of interesting games.
Agree, this is much more profitable than buying each game separately. In addition, it is unlikely that you will go through the same shooter for months or endlessly cut into a dynamic RPG. Diversity is priceless.
This product allows you to activate a subscription to Xbox Game Pass for one 1 month (30 calendar days). Only suitable for new accounts that have never purchased/activated Xbox Game Pass.
With Xbox Game Pass, you'll always have something to play. For a low monthly fee, you get unlimited access to over 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 games on Xbox One. Find and download the games you've been wanting to play for a long time, including legendary old titles in the highest quality, with no streaming or connection hassles. Enjoy games of all genres such as action and adventure as well as family games, hard shooters and sports simulators. Do you like an Xbox One game in the catalog and would like to purchase it? Buy it and save 20% and get an additional 10% off any supplement for xbox games One in the catalog. Xbox Game Pass is access to a catalog with new games added every month. Subscription can be canceled at any time.
Peculiarities:
- Always something new! - Play games of various genres: action, adventure, family, shooters, sports, puzzles and more. New games are added every month, so there will always be plenty to choose from!
- Download and play full games!- Download directly to your console and play full games online or offline without any streaming or connection issues. Enjoy games as they were meant to - go on new adventures and re-explore familiar worlds.
- Discounts on Xbox One games- Do you want to buy the game you like for Xbox One? Interested in purchasing an expansion or season pass for a game in the Xbox Game Pass catalog? Take advantage of 20% off Xbox One games and 10% off all game add-ons (provided that base game available in the catalog). Xbox 360 games do not count toward discounts.
Note: You do not need to be an Xbox Live Gold member to use Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Live Gold is required to play multiplayer games with Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass is only available on Xbox One consoles. Activation is done via account user.
*At launch, Xbox Game Pass will be valid in at least 30 countries where the Xbox console is sold. New regions will be added as the catalog expands. Countries where support is offered: Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Hungary, Germany, Hong Kong, Greece, Denmark, Israel, India, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, United United Arab Emirates, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, United Kingdom, USA, Turkey, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Chile, Switzerland, Sweden, South Africa.
A major upgrade or the purchase of a powerful gaming computer at today's ruble is comparable to the purchase of a used car.
- Budget GeForce GTX 1060 + average Core i5 will cost about 40 thousand rubles.
- The average GeForce GTX 1070 + older Core i5K or younger Core i7K cost around 60 thousand rubles.
- The top GeForce GTX 1080 + the older Core i7K that reveals it will lighten the wallet by 80 thousand rubles or more.
We add a mother, cooling, RAM, SSD, case, power supply, monitor (in the case of the GTX 1080 they take a 4K screen, otherwise it makes no sense), accessories, and the price of the initial configuration from current components with a good start for the future comes to 80 thousand rubles . The average is over 100-120 thousand. The cost of a top gaming assembly is even scary to consider.
System requirements in games are growing, people don’t have money for new computers or upgrades, and this is the statistics:
- Over the past three years, the share of eligible gaming computers and laptops in the population has decreased from 23% to 5%.
- 76% of gamers are not satisfied with the power of their computers.
- 48% of gamers are deprived of the opportunity to invest in a computer upgrade, and only 6% of game fans can afford an upgrade worth more than 20 thousand rubles.
What to do? Credit? The toad will suffocate, the wife will not understand. It takes a long time to save, but I want to play now. Accept and play what the current computer pulls? No. Modern technologies come to the rescue.
Gaming PC as a Service
You use cloud storage, mail, instant messengers, social networks and so on. Their work is provided by data centers. You send and receive data, and remote servers handle processing and storage.