Software developer Ubisoft, who have released games such as CSI: Hidden Crimes, Assassin’s Creed: Pirates, Prince of Persia Shadow & Flame, and others, has made a decision that ought to be lauded by gamers everywhere. Another game from Ubisoft, called Valiant Hearts: The Great War, is a game/graphic novel about World War I which they had three different variants of on Google Play.
They had a free version to try the game out that that includes IAPs, a paid version costing a flat $14.99, and formerly a hybrid version running $4.99, and still full of IAPs. It was something to that effect anyways. Well, that hybrid model (previously available here on Google Play) that was charging both upfront, and then including IAPs, has been taken down from Google Play. This leaves Ubisoft with only the full/premium and the free with IAPs versions.
Good On Them.
Really, and forgive me for editorializing here, this is how it should be done. For developers and studios that want to reach both audiences, I see no reason why this can’t be done more often. From my experience, I can’t seem to enjoy games that are free with IAPs, as they feel rigged, so my sole preference is to pay for a game outright, upfront but with a single IAP, for a more balanced experience. And for those that want to try a game for free, and nickel and dime their experience, or can’t/won’t pay outright for a game, they can still play the same game with ads and purchasing options. Please developers, hear me on this: you can have your cake and eat it too. With digital goods, you don’t have to choose between the two.
We’re not sure when exactly this all happened, although it seems pretty recent. Either way even if this has been around for awhile it still brings up a good point for other developers to consider.
