Have you ever heard of live service games? These types of digital titles provide gamers with an ongoing, evolving experience that is hardly ever the same twice. From cosmetic updates to changes in the core of the gameplay, live service games keep players engaged with often surprising, new content. To make the most of this dynamic gaming style, understanding how it works is essential. Therefore, let’s take a look at the concept of live service games.
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What is a Live Service Game?
Essentially, live service games are video titles that undergo consistent updates and change over time rather than being completed after a single purchase. These modifications often occur in the form of patches as well as seasonal events to keep players invested during long play sessions.
These energetic titles become far more personalized and expansive than your average single-player game. New challenges, characters and even plot points are often added to the existing framework in response to trends as seen by developers or studios fashioning the project. Live blackjack, video bingo and even advanced puzzles with ever-changing rules can also fit into this category.
As such games are evolving all the time, it’s normal to see some differences in performance from title to title. Despite this, one thing remains the same: many live service titles provide gamers with an experience that continuously grows! From daily-rotating missions to special events and more, these types of games offer incentives unlike any other.
The Good and the Bad Side of Live Service Games
On the plus side, live service games make sure gamers always have something new to look forward to! This can range from a fresh set of levels with thrilling objectives or rare rewards. Even though virtual purchases and other in-game costs may reduce funding for these titles at their launch, they still provide some incredible ways to experience the itineration game.
Moreover, many live services also focus on community feedback as well as taking into account user requests when deciding what content should be added next. As a result of being able to deepen relationships between publishers and players alike.
Unfortunately, though, not all is rosy. Since these titles depend on updates for their success – players may be let down if the opposite were true in some cases. The lack of content or permanent bugs can make a game fail to live up to expectations and dishearten its most passionate adherents altogether. Another potential downside is the fact that with each new expansion, a lot of players may feel overwhelmed by all the fresh content being added.
4 Live Service Games You Should Try
Certainly, there are countless live service titles available right now, so picking the best starting point can be quite challenging. To narrow down the choices, why not jump into some of these popular titles?
- Counter Strike Global Offensive. Frenetic, strategic and unforgiving – CS: GO stands as one the most influential First Person Shooting (FPS) of all time. Two teams compete in varying game modes to complete different objectives – usually, it is either planting or defusing a bomb while duelling with opponents at some points and executing precise shots that define victory. The title has been popular since 2012 and is still going strong with millions of players worldwide.
- Fortnite. One of the most iconic games in modern times, Fortnite is a Battle Royale title that revolves around scavenging useful items, building fortifications and then competing with others being barely victorious. Its unique mixture of shooter and survival dynamics, together with a broad range of cosmetics makes Fortnite an ideal starting point for anyone interested in this genre. The game has several updates every month, giving interlaced players something to look forward to!
- Dota 2. Another popular title amongst hardcore gamers is Dota 2. Developed and published by the powerhouse that is Valve Corporation, this game builds upon a tried-and-true formula but modernizes it with spectacular graphics while maintaining its competitive spirit. Players select from an astronomic roster of characters each armed to their teeth in order to compete against other teams across multiple maps as they fight for dominance over valuable resources – whilst sacrificing some along the way!
- Call of Duty: Warzone. The most recent title from the CoD franchise is a free-to-play battle royale. Up to 150 players are dropped on an expansive map and fight it out until there’s only one team left standing, with tools such as armour plates allowing them to modify various elements of their loadout. The game shows classic elements of the series while introducing a whole new set of dynamics and action.
These titles have content patches that only increase their lifespan by introducing relevant items, maps and more. Whether you’re a veteran or rookie in games of this type there’s always something available to enjoy, be sure to give them a try.
Conclusion
Live service games have certainly shaken up our idea of what video gaming used to be. To some, they might be too overwhelming or complicated. Yet, there’s no denying that this style of gaming has come to stay and for a good reason! After all, it provides players with a dynamic experience that keeps them engaged and updated like never before.
