Rothschild of Gaming Industry

Information from The State of Sarkhan Official Records
(hits bong) 
When you really think about it: 
Sony (PlayStation), Microsoft (Xbox), Ubisoft, EA, Valve (Steam) combined together they are really the Rothschilds of the Gaming Industry.

The Rothschilds of Gaming: Power and Influence

  • Market Dominance: Just like the Rothschilds influenced entire economies, these companies dominate various aspects of the gaming industry. They control major franchises, distribution platforms (like Steam), and development studios.
  • Financial Clout: These companies have substantial financial resources, allowing them to acquire studios, fund expensive AAA titles, and influence development trends.
  • Subscription Services: Similar to how the Rothschilds controlled financial access, some companies (Sony with PlayStation Plus, Microsoft with Xbox Live Gold) require subscriptions for online console gaming, creating a recurring revenue stream.

The Case for PC Gaming as the "Wild West"

While these companies hold considerable power, the PC gaming landscape offers a more diverse ecosystem:

  • Free-to-Play Model: Many PC games are free-to-play with optional in-app purchases, offering alternatives to subscription-based models.
  • Independent Developers: A thriving indie scene allows for innovation and experimentation outside the control of major publishers.
  • Open Platforms: Platforms like Steam offer access to a wide variety of games from different publishers, creating a less restricted environment.

Epic Games: The Disruptor with Free Games

Epic Games, with its Epic Games Store, is an interesting case study. They've tried to disrupt the market by:

  • Exclusivity Deals: Offering exclusive free games for a limited time to attract users to their platform.
  • Lower Revenue Share for Developers: This strategy aims to attract developers by offering a more favorable revenue split compared to Steam.

The Gamer's Choice: Convenience vs. Openness

While free games are enticing, some PC gamers are hesitant to use the Epic Games Store due to:

  • Exclusivity: Limited access to certain games compared to the vast library on Steam.
  • Newer Platform: Steam has a longer history and a more established community, making it a familiar choice for many players.

The Future of Gaming: A Multi-Platform Landscape

The gaming industry is constantly evolving. Here are some potential future trends:

  • Subscription Model Expansion: Subscriptions might offer broader benefits beyond online play, including access to game libraries or cloud gaming services.
  • Rise of Cloud Gaming: Cloud gaming services could potentially shake things up by offering high-end gaming experiences without expensive hardware.
  • The Power of Choice: Gamers will likely continue to have a choice between subscription models, diverse PC storefronts, and traditional console experiences.

Conclusion:

While Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft, EA, Valve, and Epic Games hold significant power, the gaming industry, especially on PC, is not a complete monopoly. Gamers still have a surprising amount of choice in terms of platforms, pricing models, and the types of games they play.