Destiny producer claims live service benefits all

A former executive producer at Bungie, known for his work on Halo and Destiny, shared insights on why the live service model of video games is better for both developers and players. Joe Tung, now CEO of Theorycraft Games, explained that the traditional model of purchasing games for $60-$70 leads developers to make decisions that aren't always in the best interest of players. Instead, the live service model allows for long-term planning, continuous updates, and a closer alignment between the needs of players and the goals of the company. Tung criticized the old model for pushing developers to create misleading promotional content for events like E3. He also highlighted that while the live service model can include elements like microtransactions and paid expansions, it enables ongoing development and better player engagement. Games such as Helldivers 2 have successfully balanced one-off purchases with live service components, offering a positive example of this model's potential.

The live service model allows for continuous updates, better long-term planning, and more engagement with player feedback. This model helps developers align their goals more closely with the interests of players, ensuring ongoing content and improvements.

Destiny 2, developed by Bungie, was one of the pioneering titles to adopt and popularize the live service model. Since its release in 2017, Destiny 2 has consistently released new expansions, seasons, and events to keep players engaged. The game's transition to a free-to-play model in 2019 further underscored the advantages of the live service approach, providing a continuous stream of content while maintaining a dedicated player base.