Former Blizzard Entertainment president Mike Ybarra has suggested introducing a “tipping” feature upon game completion. This idea emerges amid increasing discussions about game pricing and developer compensation.
Ybarra shared his thoughts via a post on X/Twitter, expressing how certain games profoundly impacted him. “When I finish a game, there are some that amaze me with how amazing the experience of playing it is,” Ybarra wrote. He continued, “At the end of the game, I often think and wish I could give this guy about 10 or 20 USD because it’s worth more than the 70 USD I bought at the beginning.”
Unlike live service games, which continuously generate revenue through microtransactions and expansions, single-player titles typically rely on initial sales for their financial return. However, they occasionally include microtransactions, a practice that has been met with criticism from the gaming community.
Ybarra acknowledges the potential pushback against his idea, noting that “most people won’t like this idea,” yet he sees it as a heartfelt gesture, akin to tipping in other service-based industries. As some may have already predicted, this did not go well with gamers.
He also highlighted several games that he found exceptionally well-crafted, including popular titles such as Horizon: Zero Dawn, God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Elden Ring. These games, known for their deep storytelling and immersive gameplay, evoke the kind of emotional and artistic response that might inspire players to tip.
