Game Design Business Model: The correlations between key design elements and revenue mechanics in free to play video games
Authors
Hurwitz, Kasper ; Wulff, Kristian ; Jensen, Nikolaj Frølund ; Larsen, Thomas Lykke
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2014
Submitted on
2014-06-30
Pages
188
Abstract
Denne kandidatafhandling i Informationsteknologi, Interactive Digital Media, ved Aalborg Universitet undersøger, hvordan free-to-play-spil kombinerer spildesign med måder at tjene penge på (indtægtsmekanismer som mikrotransaktioner for virtuelle varer) for at skabe underholdende oplevelser og samtidig en bæredygtig forretning. Efterhånden som free-to-play-modellen er blevet dominerende på både pc og mobil, har den ændret, hvordan vi spiller, og hvordan spil finansieres. Afhandlingen spørger: Hvad er den bedste sammenhæng mellem spildesign og forretningsmodeller for at sikre en engagerende spilleroplevelse og en holdbar indtjening, og hvordan indarbejdes indtægtsmekanismer i selve spildesignet? For at belyse dette blev der indsamlet data fra seks aktuelle spil, gennemført fire ekspertinterviews og lavet litteraturstudier om spildesign og forretningsmodeller. På baggrund af analyserne præsenterer afhandlingen en Game Design Model og et Revenue Mechanics Framework, som kortlægger forbindelser mellem centrale designelementer (fx spillets kerneaktiviteter, sessionslængde, balance, spillerengagement og retention, dvs. at få spillere til at vende tilbage) og valg af monetisering (fx mikrotransaktioner, virtuelle varer og eksklusivitet). Værktøjerne kan både bruges til at analysere eksisterende titler og til at støtte udviklere i at skabe bedre free-to-play-spil. Afslutningsvis fremlægges et sæt Guiding Principles, der sammenfatter konklusionerne og giver praktiske anbefalinger til at forene gode spiloplevelser med en bæredygtig forretningsmodel.
This master’s thesis in Information Technology, Interactive Digital Media, at Aalborg University examines how free-to-play games combine game design with ways of earning money (revenue mechanics such as microtransactions for virtual goods) to deliver enjoyable experiences while sustaining the business. As the free-to-play model has grown on both PC and mobile, it has changed how we play and how games are funded. The thesis asks: What is the best alignment between game design and business models to create an engaging player experience and a sustainable revenue model, and how are revenue mechanics built into the design? To answer this, the study analyzed six contemporary games, conducted four expert interviews, and reviewed literature on game design and business models. Based on the findings, the thesis presents a Game Design Model and a Revenue Mechanics Framework that map links between key design elements (e.g., core gameplay activities, session length, balance, player engagement and retention—keeping players coming back) and monetization choices (e.g., microtransactions, virtual goods, exclusivity). These tools can be used to analyze existing titles and help developers create better free-to-play games. Finally, the thesis offers a set of Guiding Principles that summarize the conclusions and provide practical advice for aligning enjoyable play with a sustainable business model.
[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]
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