Subscriptions, the money-making machine of the game design world. It's the fuel that keeps the engine running, the reason we can continue to make and play games. Without proper subscriptions, games would be like a hobby, something we do for fun but not to make a living. So, let's dive into the world of subscriptions and see what makes it so important.

First things first, let's define what subscriptions are. Essentially, it's the process of generating revenue from a game through the sale of access to content, features, and updates. Subscriptions are typically recurring, meaning that the player pays a monthly or annual fee to continue to access the content.

Subscriptions also play a crucial role in creating a sense of value for the game. Think about the subscriptions in the game Fortnite, it's so well-designed that players feel compelled to make purchases and continue playing.

Another important aspect of subscriptions is its ability to support the development of a game. It's used to generate income for the developers and to continue to improve and update the game. Subscriptions also allow for a steady stream of income for the developer, helping to ensure that the game can continue to be updated and improved.

Now, let's look at some examples of subscriptions done right:

• The game Fortnite uses a battle pass subscription model to generate revenue. Players can purchase a battle pass to unlock new skins, emotes, and other in-game items.
• The game World of Warcraft uses a subscription model to generate revenue. Players pay a monthly fee to continue to access the game's content and features.

Subscriptions are the money-making machine of the game design world. It's used to generate revenue from a game through the sale of access to content, features, and updates. It creates a sense of value for the game, supports the development and sustainability of the game. Next time you're playing a game, take a moment to appreciate the subscriptions and if you're a game designer, remember to put just as much thought and care into your subscriptions as you do into your gameplay, audio, visual design, and overall game design. Happy designing!