I'm sort of surprised, but not really, about TS4 being EA's second most profitable game in live service. But honestly how many other live service games does EA have other than their sports games? Anyone? There's EA Sports then there is Maxis using a live service business model. So, yes, wouldn't TS4 be the second one making a profit? Stand to reason. What might be more impressive to me would be if TS4 passed up EA Sports like The Sims did. That would be remarkable in this day in age.
But is it any wonder? TS4 lacks content four years later, so of course most who like it are going to buy more. Anything, any little pack, any big pack and I would bet if there was a patch of DLC they wanted to charge for others would go ahead and pay for it even if they fussed about it. Because TS4 needs more content because it is what everyone says. It's not just me saying it. Not just those of us who look at it from a different point of view (it's had plenty of time) but those who adore it complain, beg, plead, wish, dream, it would deliver the content that they feel is missing. But it never does. So, they keep on buying, and share holders keep on believing this must be the best game ever, financially. They really don't buy out of choice but need, for a lack of gameplay and content. That's why live service is so successful, the purchase is made by a need for the product and not because you want it. But because you game needs it, since it's either something you need to win a level, or something to make you feel TS4 is fuller and not so empty. Where as in the past people chose to bypass or skip different packs out of choice and lack of interest in the theme or just didn't want something in their games. However, with live service, people are desperate for more content so they buy a pack though they don't want the theme in their game, because they want and need the other stuff since the content arrives in dribs and drabs and few choices.
Is it really any wonder TS4 would do well with a business model like that. And forced patches adds to the icing.
