All articles tagged with #paywall
The rollout of Google's Gemini for Home smart device service has faced issues, including bugs, incorrect task responses, and features being locked behind a subscription paywall, leading to user frustration and a less than ideal experience compared to the mobile app, with Google needing to address these problems quickly.
The next Xbox is reportedly planning to eliminate the paywall for online multiplayer, potentially making PS6 the only upcoming console charging for online access via PS Plus, which could lead Sony to reconsider its online multiplayer policies.
Capcom announced that the upcoming Street Fighter 6 Capcom Cup finals will be a pay-per-view event, marking a departure from previous free broadcasts, which has left fans and the fighting game community puzzled and concerned about the impact on the game's reputation and accessibility.
The Chinese Room explains that two vampire clans in Bloodlines 2 are being sold as day-one DLC due to additional work and content expansion during development, despite fans expecting these features to be part of the base game. The decision appears driven more by monetization than development necessity, amidst ongoing changes and content additions to the game.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, set to release on October 21, will lock two of its six playable clans behind a $30 paid day-one DLC, which significantly impacts gameplay and player choices, sparking criticism over the cost and approach to game content.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, set to release on October 21, 2025, will require players to purchase additional DLC to access two of its six clans, Lasombra and Toreador, which could impact gameplay experience and cost. The game has faced development issues, and the reviewer suggests waiting to see how it evolves before buying.
Volkswagen is implementing a paywall to unlock full horsepower for the ID.3 in the UK, charging owners a fee for the upgrade, reflecting a broader industry trend of monetizing vehicle features through subscriptions and software restrictions, which raises concerns about ownership rights and consumer costs.
The BBC has introduced a paid subscription service for US visitors to BBC.com, charging $49.99 annually or $8.99 monthly for access to most news stories and streaming services, while maintaining free access to select content. This move aims to generate revenue to offset a budget deficit and is part of a broader strategy to reimagine content delivery in the US, with plans to expand offerings like documentaries and podcasts. UK audiences remain unaffected, and the initiative aligns with similar paywall models used by other media outlets.
BBC has introduced a paywall for US users on BBC.com, offering an $8.99/month or $49.99/year subscription that grants unlimited access to news articles, live streams, and upcoming exclusive content, while US users who do not subscribe can still access select news and radio streams for free. The paywall employs a dynamic model based on user engagement, and the service remains free for UK audiences. This move aims to boost international revenue and expand BBC's digital offerings in North America.
Rosanne Kincaid-Smith, COO at Northern Data Group, criticizes Google's consideration of putting AI search innovations behind a paywall, emphasizing the importance of democratizing access to transformative AI technology. She believes that Google, as a dominant force in the search market, has a responsibility to manage AI ethics and data governance properly, ensuring that such advancements are accessible to the public without barriers.
Major League Soccer's 2024 plan to capitalize on Lionel Messi's presence includes putting matches behind a paywall, inciting a power struggle with the U.S. Soccer Federation, and facing criticism for locking out referees. The league's deal with Apple for global broadcast rights, while potentially lucrative, presents a barrier for many fans. The controversies and paywall are seen as missed opportunities to attract a wider audience and maximize Messi's impact on American soccer.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is facing backlash for locking its New Game Plus mode behind more expensive Deluxe and Ultimate editions, priced at $85/£75 and $110/£95 respectively, while the standard edition is available for $70/£60. This move has sparked criticism from fans and even one of the game's actors, Yong Yea, who voices a protagonist, has spoken out against the paywall, stating that New Game Plus should be a base feature or a free update. The developer and publisher have yet to respond to the backlash.
Sega's game Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth appears to be locking the New Game Plus mode behind paywalls, with the standard edition costing $70 and the premium versions costing $85 and $110. This decision has sparked controversy as New Game Plus modes are typically considered a standard feature in games like this, and the information about the paywall is not prominently displayed on the game's official store pages. This move reflects a trend in the industry of locking features behind paywalls, which could potentially backfire.
Sega's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is causing controversy by locking the New Game Plus mode behind the digital Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, essentially paywalling the feature. The Standard Edition only includes the base game, while the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer New Game Plus as a perk. This decision has sparked criticism, with the physical copy not offering much clarity. The game is set for release on January 26 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
The NFL's decision to put the first playoff game behind a paywall has drawn criticism, with many fans refusing to pay on principle. The move is seen as a money grab that could harm the sport's popularity, similar to the effects of pay-per-view on boxing and MLB. Meanwhile, the college football championship broadcast was criticized for its excessive commercials and confusing commentary, while college basketball games continue to be marred by lengthy delays. Additionally, sports personalities like Aaron Rodgers and Mike Francesa have been embroiled in public controversies.