I'm making my first game and I am implementing an Arcade mode. I was thinking it would be cool to have itch implement a quarter system in which people can contribute a quarter from their wallet to play. This is different from buying the game as it just allows a developer to embed their game into the site then charge for those to play it.
Pros
- This will give the game the arcade cabinet feeling while inspiring many to create there own arcade game. Aesthetics is what I'm arguing here.
- This can also be used to give small contributions before making a purchase. This is great for first time game developers who are learning to make games and just want to submit something small within a theme (OTHER than a game jam). (I understand that not charging and having donations is another way of contributing to something small, I just want to give another paid option.)
- Nostalgia. It sells...
Cons
- ANOTHER FORM OF MONETIZATION!!? Sadly, yes. I 'm pitching what I think would be a fun way of reliving my childhood in the new age.
- Ç̷̮̖̘͇̩͒̚Ō̸͓͚͆̽̉͒̅̿Ŗ̴͎̩̲̌͗͗̒̽̓R̵͓͙̠̥̦̗̘̞͖͑̃̈́̄U̴̡̜͍̳̟̲̬͂̅̿̒̂̂́̉͂͝P̷͖̒̏͊͘T̸̙̫̲̎̍͐͋̀͠I̴̡̹̫͖̪̝̠̭͌̈́̓͌͆͝͝ͅO̸̡̧̥͙͖͖̼͉͊N̶͕͖̋̈́. Like anything humans touch there will always be room for corruption. Expect to see games that aren't finished that the creator just wants to trick those into playing to make a few... coins? (Never underestimate the enemy) The idea is to have something that is 2/3, 3/4 or 3/5 more beneficial than it is harmful. This is up to you to decide where this lands.
I do want to note some safeguards:
- Corruption happens. Community action is always paramount. Reporting games that steal by not providing a playable* game or service should mitigate a lot of this. (*a game that's functions are to entertain via interaction which are devoid of such)
- Keep Pay to play arcade donations small. like $0.25 max (or whatever for inflation). This will make it not worth the time to implement something just to trick people.
- Block donations if the developer chooses to make it a virtual arcade. HOWEVER, you may want to allow game purchasing. This is so someone creates a fighting game, players can purchase the game and play it offline.
If the community wants to contribute than go ahead let's work on this idea together. If you disagree, gladly tell me why.