Reading: Growing Micropayment Game Industry at BBC News

BBC News has a nice article up about the growing micropayment industry surrounding games. Maggie Shiels focuses more on the development in the mobile phone sector, which is definitely a place news should give as much attention to as it does the Web.

The biggest thought in the piece is whether North America will jump on board with micropayments as hardcore as Asia has once the friction of payment hassles is smoothed out. I think the technology definitely has something to do with it. However, I think North American gamers bring to the table an egalitarian notion that is more kneejerk in reaction to the spoils going to the one who forks over the most cash. Veteran gamers also tend to be upset by the idea of buying half a game and being nickled and dimed for the rest of the content (why free to play models are important). The article ends with the best note of how micropayment models may (negatively) affect good game design:

In a struggling economy, much is being made of the new payment models trying to take root. Some in the industry however are concerned there is too much focus on making money.

…

NGmoco’s Mr Young is also wary.

“As long as developers don’t prioritise greed over game play. You need to remember that at the end of the day, we are there to provide fun gaming experiences for people. Not something where they are constantly badgered to pay up for something.

Thanks to @oleschaper‘s feed for tipping me off to the story.