What makes a live service game successful? The constant cosmetics update in Fortnite is one way, while Helldivers 2 won’t ask for all your cash if you want to win, but will make you grind. The success of these kinds of games lingers on several elements, likely the most important is keeping players engaged and offering fair monetization.
Many live-service games have become a standard in the genre, but there are so many that have fallen faster than a Supply Llama in Fortnite with a faulty parachute.
Warframe (Good)
Warframe is not just a good live-service game, but also one of the best looter-shooters out there. Released back in 2013, Warframe has ever since been a fan favorite and one of the most-played games on Steam.
It is free-to-play like Fortnite, and each update brings new Warframes, weapons, and story continuation that keep players busy for hours. It successfully blends customization with monetization since most resources can be obtained through gameplay, avoiding the pay-to-win scenario.
Anthem (Bad)
Anthem was made as BioWare’s answer to Destiny. However, it failed in almost every element as a live-service game. Rushed in development, it resulted in a repetitive grind and underwhelming rewards.
While the Anthem had stunning visuals and a flying mechanic was only a plus, the final product fell short of the pre-release hype. Despite the efforts to revive the game with the Anthem NEXT project, all was scrapped in early 2021, just over two years after its initial launch.
Destiny 2 (Good)
Destiny 2 has changed so much since its original launch in 2017. The game was an incomplete though promising sequel to the original Destiny from 2014. The gameplay had its good points, but the overall game lacked content, especially the endgame.
However as Bungie and Activision broke ties, Destiny 2 was transformed into a poster child for successful live-service games. Constant updates and improvements have turned Destiny into a perfect multiplayer PvE, PvP looter shooter.
Marvel’s Avengers (Bad)
Marvel’s Avengers was intended for all those superhero buffs out there. Unfortunately, when released in September 2020, the game fell short on multiple targets. The repetitive grind for meaningless loot killed the game for most of the players.
Nevertheless, combat was still a peak of the game as bashing villains with Captain America’s shield can be fun, but only so much. Unfortunately, bugs, monetization, and repetitive gameplay overwhelmed its few good mechanics and Marvel’s Avengers became too boring for players to return.
Fortnite (Good)
Fortnite took the world by storm in 2017 and has since become a pop culture phenomenon with many crossovers from other franchises. Players fight to be the last one standing, building forts and wielding unique weapons on an ever-changing map.
The core of the game is free, while the optional purchases give players a chance to get fun cosmetic outfits, emotes, and gliders. Personalization of the character plays a huge part in the game, while quarterly and yearly content updates keep the game pretty much alive.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (Bad)
Playing as a villain can bring the most fun. Rocksteady Studios, the creators of the acclaimed Batman: Arkham series released Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League in January 2024, but the interest in the game is already lost.
The idea of assembling a team of quirks, comprising Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark to take down the Justice League sounds awesome, but the game’s potential suffered from a lack of story depth and repetitive mission.
League of Legends (Good)
League of Legends, just like Fortnite, has dominated its genre for years. Its free-to-play with a massive roster of champions to master model has kept the players in the game ever since its release of the game back in 2009.
While some champions can be purchased, most can be earned through gameplay, while cosmetics such as skins are the primary source of monetization. Regular champion updates, new game modes like ARAM and Teamfight Tactics, and an esports scene that just keeps on giving make the game one of the best live-service games ever.
Helldivers 2 (Good)
Helldivers 2 is the best live service game out there at the moment and there is no denying it. The immense success of the action shooter can be attributed to several elements.
The co-op gameplay, a grind that makes sense as players will unlock new gear and perks all contribute to the game’s success. Moreover, fair monetization as the game avoids a pay-to-win model by offering cosmetics through monetization adds to its value.
