Baldur’s Gate 3 Creator Critiques Ubisoft’s Business Model
Michael “Cromwelp” Dowse, the CEO of Larian Studios and one of the key figures behind the acclaimed RPG Baldur’s Gate 3, has once again shared his thoughts on the gaming industry. In a recent interview, Dowse took aim at Ubisoft’s business practices, specifically criticizing their subscription model and platform strategy.
The Case of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Dowse’s comments were prompted by the underwhelming performance of Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Despite receiving positive reviews, the game failed to meet sales expectations. Dowse attributed this, in part, to Ubisoft’s decision to make the game exclusive to their subscription service, Ubisoft+.
The Subscription Model Dilemma
According to Dowse, the subscription model is fundamentally flawed. He argued that the lack of ownership associated with subscription-based games can deter potential buyers. Additionally, Dowse suggested that the exclusivity of games to subscription services can limit their overall reach and impact.
The Importance of Steam
Dowse emphasized the significance of Steam as a distribution platform. He contended that the game’s absence from Steam was a major factor in its poor sales. Dowse argued that Steam’s vast user base and established reputation would have significantly boosted Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown‘s visibility and sales.
A Question of Business Strategy
Dowse’s criticism extended beyond the subscription model. He also questioned Ubisoft’s platform strategy, suggesting that prioritizing their own platform over traditional distribution channels could harm the company’s long-term success.
The Developer’s Perspective
Dowse’s comments highlighted the challenges faced by game developers in today’s industry. He argued that a focus on sales and critical acclaim should be prioritized over platform exclusivity and subscription models. Dowse emphasized that developers deserve to be rewarded for their hard work and talent, regardless of the platform they choose to release their games on.
