Former Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shawn Layden considers subscription services like Xbox Game Pass to pose a significant threat to the gaming industry, suggesting they may even turn developers into ‘wage slaves’.

In a broad interview with Games Industry, Layden expressed concerns about gaming subscriptions and their impact on the industry. He drew a comparison between gaming subscription services and music subscriptions, noting that while platforms like Spotify have negatively affected physical music sales, musicians still have other revenue streams through touring and merchandise.

Layden stated: “The problem with gaming is all we have is launch. That’s it. No one wants to pay money to come into the studio and watch people code.”

Aside from financial implications, Layden highlighted how subscription services could adversely affect developers and creativity, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their profitability. He argued, ‘They’re not creating value, putting it in the marketplace, hoping it explodes, and profit sharing.’

Layden is not alone in voicing skepticism about the Game Pass model. Raphael Colantonio, founder of Arkane Studios, criticized it recently, saying, ‘I think Gamepass is an unsustainable model that has been increasingly damaging the industry for a decade.’

He reflected on Microsoft’s vast resources, suggesting they would eventually have to confront the repercussions of this approach.