If it’s f2p I’m assuming there’s going to be microtransactions to generate the income. Cosmetic microtransactions are conspicuous consumption and the ‘value’ comes from others seeing the items. Like skins on Fortnite, kids love showing them off to each other and that’s what generates the frenzy that means they buy them. Add in a few other dark patterns (limited time sales, dodgy conversion into fake money, loot boxes, etc) and you’ve got a game that uses kids to extract massive amounts of money from their parents for nothing.

Unfortunately, this feels like the dominant model for a lot of big studio games now. I’m sure the next bit disappointment will be GTA. Although, interestingly FIFA / EA FC sounds like they’re starting to realise that this might not be enough and are putting more effort into offline gameplay.

This is 100% the way. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s so much more enjoyable to just use something rather than worry about keeping it perfect.

Sony patented this in 2010 to allow people to simultaneously watch two different videos on the same TV.