Former Blizzard president, Mike Ybarra, has recently proposed the idea of allowing players to tip game developers after finishing a game. While acknowledging that most people may not agree with the concept, Ybarra believes that exceptional gaming experiences deserve recognition and a monetary appreciation.

During an interview on X platform, Ybarra expressed his admiration for games that leave players in awe. He stated, "When I beat a game, there are some that just leave me in awe of how amazing the experience was. I've often thought, 'I wish I could give these folks another $10 or $20 because it was worth more than my initial $70 and they didn't try to nickel and dime me every second'."

However, Ybarra did acknowledge the current weariness among consumers regarding tipping practices. He emphasized that this suggestion should not be interpreted as a pressure to tip but rather as a voluntary gesture of appreciation for exceptional game development.

Ybarra highlighted games such as Horizon: Zero Dawn, God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, Baldur's Gate 2, and Elden Ring as examples that have made him consider the tipping model. While it is not uncommon for independent developers to have virtual tip jars or donation options, this practice is rare in the realm of big-budget gaming.

A user responding to Ybarra's suggestion proposed an alternate way of showing appreciation by gifting a friend the game on platforms like Steam, effectively purchasing it twice. This idea reflects the strong impact certain games have on players and their desire to compensate developers accordingly.

The current generation of home consoles saw a rise in game prices, often reaching $70, citing economic changes and increasing development costs. However, players have consistently expressed frustration at the combination of high game prices and the integration of microtransactions. Some publishers have even launched microtransaction stores post-release to avoid scrutiny during the review process by media outlets.

While Ybarra's idea may be met with mixed reactions, it brings attention to the value of exceptional gaming experiences and the desire to support developers who deliver such memorable content. Whether this concept gains traction remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another layer to the ongoing conversation surrounding game monetization and player satisfaction.