"We'll Always Go with What's More Sustainable": Understanding the Financialised Logics of Game Development

This study investigates how monetisation decisions are made within the video game industry, focusing on the underlying financialized logics and precarious labor conditions that shape these choices. The research moves beyond examining the ethical implications of monetisation models to explore how economic sustainability drives development and funding decisions. The scope of the study primarily covers the Australian indie game development sector, though it includes perspectives from a broad range of industry professionals.

The methodology involved semi-structured interviews with 20 video game industry professionals, including developers, publishers, funders, and union leaders. Participants represented various monetisation models, such as premium, free-to-play, and blockchain-based games. The interviews explored approaches to releasing, publishing, or funding commercial games, the impact of monetisation on development, and general attitudes toward monetisation models.

Key findings indicate that monetisation decisions are primarily shaped by concerns for economic sustainability rather than profit generation, particularly within the current risk-averse climate. Managers expressed concerns about generating sufficient revenue to pay employees a living wage and fund future projects, while non-management developers prioritized stable employment. Although interviewees acknowledged concerns about exploitative or unethical monetisation, these were often secondary to the imperative of studio and employment sustainability.

The study concludes that a sole focus on ethical monetisation does not fully capture the complex decisions game developers make to ensure ongoing operations and employment. It suggests that greater financial support for game makers could foster innovative development and monetisation approaches less constrained by sustainability concerns. The findings also highlight the potential benefits of cooperative and alternative business ownership models for sustainable game production.