Former Blizzard President Thinks Tipping Game Creators Is Splendid Idea

By now, everyone in the world knows that American tipping culture is getting out of hand. That doesn't mean you can't introduce another way of "supporting" creators. Mike Ybarra, the former president of Blizzard, shared his desire to tip developers of especially enjoyable games.

As an example of such games, he mentioned Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, Baldur's Gate 3, and Elden Ring. "I know $70 is already a lot, but it's an option at the end of the game I wish I had at times. Some games are that special."

Ybarra was ready for his idea to be disliked, and he was partly right: I was surprised how many people actually agreed this was something to consider. Interestingly, Ybarra thinks this would be different from the toxic tipping trends the US has now: "I view this different from a pressure to tip type scenario many face and give feedback on."

So what's wrong with this great plan? As many X/Twitter users pointed out, chances are game developers will never see these extra dollars after they go through publishers' hands (a fact an ex-Blizzard president should be well aware of). If you're eager to part ways with money, just buy another copy and give it to a friend, some players suggested.

The thing is, I'm sure that the now-unreasonable tipping culture started as a gesture of goodwill as well, appreciated but never demanded. But look at it now. I can imagine how if this idea really becomes a thing, we'll get half of the game unlocked for the full price and the other hidden until you pay a totally optional tip. Or maybe you won't be able to fast-travel. Or use magic. Or reload. Don't we already have microtransactions for that?

You might think this idea was met with criticism, and you're mostly right, but I did not expect to see some people agree with the sentiment. WindowsCentral's editor and a well-known insider Jez Corden has apparently "often thought about that," and he is not alone.

Ironically, before this post, Ybarra expressed his concern about consumers facing subscription fatigue. "So many subscriptions across various services…adds up very quickly esp with price increases." I don't think he himself feels this fatigue because I can't fathom how one can struggle (even only mentally) with paying companies their subscription bucks and at the same time want to tip anyone on top of that. Maybe I just don't see the bigger picture.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for supporting developers and think they sometimes deserve more than what they get. But in my view, there is no way to make this strategy healthy. Creators should be rewarded by companies, not players.

What do you think about Ybarra's idea? Find his post here and join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.