So now we're using Netflix as an example of a subscription (and industry) going to shit due to success?
1) Netflix going to shit is subjective
2) Netflix investment has increased so regardless of subjective opinions of execution, drawing a parallel that a platform holder will intentionally pump out shit once it hits critical mass isn't proven with the Netflix example
3) Success has only bred competition for Netflix meaning more options for consumers. Value comes from consumer options because it allows consumers to better fit their priorities while putting pressure on platforms to continue to invest in content and differentiation.
The total picture of streaming TV is one of more options and value since Netflix came out, not less. So we need better examples of how Game Pass is a race to the bottom. Because quality of TV is exponentially better than it was 20 years ago. Actors, actresses, directors, makeup artists and special effects leads have more job opportunities, not less. Developers aren't going to have less opportunities due to Game Pass or streaming services. It's the platform holders at risk with the market disruption to delivery. Which is exactly what this is about. People are concerned that Sony will get impacted with their business model which most people in this forum are very comfortable with. Wish we were more honest in our concerns.
Of course it's subjective. This whole thread, every single one lauding Game Pass, every single one lambasting Stadia and any ever comparing all of these services and subscriptions are subjective. I was drawing a parallel, not a line in the sand.
The point is that while the
quality of them is subjective (again, the quality of Netflix going down for some people) it is a real concern to those that care about them. There's a lot more
to TV shows these days than before, yes, but that's not necessarily an indicator of quality. We've learned and grown from our past experiences of making TV shows and movies and what works and doesn't work and the perceived quality has ended up in two camps: quality or mass appeal, and seldom the two shall mix
for some people. If this weren't the case we wouldn't have award-winning directors lambasting MCU films and people calling them boomers and other nonsense to justify their feelings. It's very possible that in the future, possibly the near future, games will have reached this state and I just won't anything to do with most or any of them because their quality, for me, will have gone down.
Again, to your point about the perceived quality of TV these days, I watch less and less TV each year because each year more and more shows come out catering to the lowest common denominator and almost all of them are terrible,
to me. There's a reason Chuck Lorre shows are divisive. I also cannot stand reality shows, of which we get more and more each year. I like the choice that using a bunch of streaming services over DirecTV or terrestrial cable has offered me, because my bills are lower and I can cut out a lot of crap, but there's still a ton of crap out there regardless and that won't change. the more of these services that continue to grow and the more we eat them up because they've been offering us a smorgasbord of content that we probably won't play even half of the more content will begin getting pared back to reach a sort of equilibrium that has a net loss of quality.