Dragon Age series producer says more games should be funded by product placement instead of live service

Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah says studios should explore product placement, subscriptions, and other funding models instead of leaning on microtransactions and live-service design.

He argues engagement-based payment systems can pressure developers to optimize for retention over player experience.

Darrah says some game genres fit live-service monetization poorly, making alternative revenue sources a better match.

The comments question whether current monetization trends are distorting game design and increasing risk for studios.