The Shift to Live Services Remains a Work in Progress

For years, the conventional wisdom in the gaming industry has been that the introduction of new hardware would significantly increase development costs. However, the current transition to live services poses a different kind of challenge. Ubisoft's recent announcement of cancelled games and reduced financial forecasts underscores the difficulties of shifting a company's focus towards live services. The move to live services requires a fundamental change in design, development, operation, and support, which can be difficult for companies to adapt to. Many publishers are attempting to make this transition, but it is proving to be a complex and expensive process. The question remains whether the industry's emphasis on live services will ultimately pay off, or if it will lead to a backlash from consumers who are tired of the constant stream of updates and microtransactions. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies like Ubisoft and others navigate this new landscape and balance the needs of their business with the desires of their customers.