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curl-6 said:
It starts this way, with ads to support a free service, then over time the ads creep their way into paid tiers to further monetise the base. It already happened across streaming services. |
I'm aware of Xbox tests but this is exactly as I said, free tiers & subsidised tiers well below the regular asking price.
Some services are initially offered below a break even price in order to grow the market. Spotify for example only made it's first profit in 2024 after like 20 years.
For me, ad subsidised tiers isn't an inherent issue and actually more options & entry points are generally better. I get the apprehension though...
But do people prefer flat out price rises without any lower cost entry options? I think it has to be dissected on a case by case basis & whether you're happy paying the price you're paying for a service/good. Just as with the $70-80 price rises we've seen on games like Mario Kart & GTA. I personally refuse to pay that.
