Ex-Blizzard President Suggests Tipping Option for Exceptional Video Games

Mike Morhaime, the former president of Blizzard Entertainment, has sparked a conversation with his recent suggestion: players should be able to leave tips for video game developers. During a casual conversation on social media, Morhaime mentioned that certain exceptional games might warrant a tip of $10 or $20, over and above their purchase price.

Why Consider Tipping Developers?

Morhaime believes that for games which deliver an outstanding experience without additional monetization pressures, such as Horizon: Zero Dawn, Red Dead Redemption 2, and God of War, players might feel compelled to express their gratitude financially. This idea stems from his own experiences as a gamer, where he’s felt that some games were worth more than their initial cost due to the quality of the experience they delivered.

Community and Industry Reactions

However, the concept has not been warmly received by all. Critics argue that tipping might not effectively reach the developers as intended. Concerns are that these tips could instead become part of general revenues, benefiting company executives rather than the developers themselves. Additionally, there is apprehension about the practical implementation of such a system, especially considering the complexities of game pricing and developer compensation.

The gaming community and industry insiders have mixed feelings. Some appreciate the sentiment behind rewarding developers directly for their hard work, while others worry about the potential for exploitation and the blurring of lines between voluntary tips and expected additional payments.

This idea highlights the ongoing discussion about fair compensation and appreciation in the gaming industry. Whether or not tipping becomes a part of gaming culture, the conversation underscores the need for innovative solutions to ensure developers are rewarded for their contributions to the industry.