A Low-Risk EMI Option for Game Purchases (A "Save to Play" Model)

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modim2664 3 Aug @ 6:08am

Overview
This proposal outlines a new payment system for the Steam platform that would allow users to purchase expensive games through monthly installments. This model is designed to be a win-win for users, developers, and Steam by increasing accessibility and sales while completely mitigating the financial risk of non-payment.
The core idea is that a user can start a monthly payment plan for a game they want, but they only receive the game after they have made all of the payments. This is not a "play now, pay later" system. Instead, it's a "save to play" model.
How the Model Works
* Select an EMI Plan: At checkout, for games over a certain price threshold, users would have the option to choose a monthly installment plan. The total cost would include the game price plus a small bank interest fee, which would be clearly displayed.
* Monthly Payments: The user would then pay a fixed monthly amount, for example, 250rs per month. These payments would be processed and tracked on their Steam account.
* Game Access is On-Hold: During the payment period, the game remains in a pending status. The user can see their progress but cannot download or play the game yet.
* Full Access Unlocked: After the user successfully completes all of their payments, the game is officially added to their library, and they get full, permanent access to it.
* Missed Payments: If a user misses a monthly payment, the EMI process is simply paused. They would need to pay the missed installment, along with a small penalty, to resume the plan. This ensures that Valve and the developers still generate revenue from the user's initial payments without providing the game upfront.
Key Benefits
* For Users: It makes expensive games accessible to a wider audience, including those with financial constraints. It gives them a structured way to save for a game they want.
* For Steam & Developers:
* Zero Financial Risk: Since the game is only delivered upon full payment, there is no risk of a user stopping payments after playing the game.
* Increased Sales & Revenue: This option would convert a large number of "non-buyers" into paying customers, driving sales for high-priced titles and expanding the market.
* Combats Piracy: By offering an affordable and flexible purchasing option, it provides a compelling alternative to pirating games.
* For the Game Ecosystem: It helps expand the user base for games, which can lead to larger and more engaged communities.
This "Save to Play" EMI model is a professional and innovative solution that addresses a significant market need while protecting the interests of the platform and the game developers. It offers a new path for users to acquire games, ultimately leading to a healthier and more profitable gaming ecosystem.

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Originally posted by Truth:

These idea's are incredibly horrible. If one cannot afford a game without making monthly payments they should not be buying the game in the first place and getting their finances under control.

If they wanted to buy a game nothing stops them from putting the money aside each month WITHOUT paying fee's. So your idea is hey, instead of me putting $5 aside for 12 months to buy a $60 game, i'm going to pay $5 + $2 a month in bank fees to buy a $60 game for $84.

If they want to get the money put aside and not spend it then just put say $5 in steam wallet each month. No bank fee's needed

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Showing 1-6 of 6 comments

Ettanin 3 Aug @ 6:09am

Use Steam Wallet balance. Top up until you have enough, then buy with just Wallet balance.

Mad Scientist 3 Aug @ 6:11am

Originally posted by modim2664:
Overview
This proposal outlines a new payment system for the Steam platform that would allow users to purchase expensive games through monthly installments.

That's called a credit card, and if one can't afford a 30-60 game outright, they shouldn't be charging it to their card to begin with.

The author of this thread has indicated that this post answers the original topic.

Truth 3 Aug @ 6:14am

rawWwRrr 3 Aug @ 6:18am

Originally posted by modim2664:
Overview
This proposal outlines a new payment system for the Steam platform that would allow users to purchase expensive games through monthly installments. This model is designed to be a win-win for users, developers, and Steam by increasing accessibility and sales while completely mitigating the financial risk of non-payment.
The core idea is that a user can start a monthly payment plan for a game they want, but they only receive the game after they have made all of the payments. This is not a "play now, pay later" system. Instead, it's a "save to play" model.
How the Model Works
* Select an EMI Plan: At checkout, for games over a certain price threshold, users would have the option to choose a monthly installment plan. The total cost would include the game price plus a small bank interest fee, which would be clearly displayed.
* Monthly Payments: The user would then pay a fixed monthly amount, for example, 250rs per month. These payments would be processed and tracked on their Steam account.
* Game Access is On-Hold: During the payment period, the game remains in a pending status. The user can see their progress but cannot download or play the game yet.
* Full Access Unlocked: After the user successfully completes all of their payments, the game is officially added to their library, and they get full, permanent access to it.
* Missed Payments: If a user misses a monthly payment, the EMI process is simply paused. They would need to pay the missed installment, along with a small penalty, to resume the plan. This ensures that Valve and the developers still generate revenue from the user's initial payments without providing the game upfront.
Key Benefits
* For Users: It makes expensive games accessible to a wider audience, including those with financial constraints. It gives them a structured way to save for a game they want.
* For Steam & Developers:
* Zero Financial Risk: Since the game is only delivered upon full payment, there is no risk of a user stopping payments after playing the game.
* Increased Sales & Revenue: This option would convert a large number of "non-buyers" into paying customers, driving sales for high-priced titles and expanding the market.
* Combats Piracy: By offering an affordable and flexible purchasing option, it provides a compelling alternative to pirating games.
* For the Game Ecosystem: It helps expand the user base for games, which can lead to larger and more engaged communities.
This "Save to Play" EMI model is a professional and innovative solution that addresses a significant market need while protecting the interests of the platform and the game developers. It offers a new path for users to acquire games, ultimately leading to a healthier and more profitable gaming ecosystem.

Steam Wallet.

No need to reinvent the wheel. Put money in your Steam Wallet on whatever frequency you are most comfortable with until you have the amount you need in which to purchase your game. Then go purchase your game.

Start_Running 3 Aug @ 7:46am

feature exists. Just deposit a set amount in you steam wallet every month and you'll have enough to buy your game.

And lets be frank.. if you need a monthly payment plan to afford a game.. you should probably spend less time gaming and more time sorting out your life.

MonkehMaster 3 Aug @ 8:55am

(any dictionary)

layaway

"a purchasing agreement by which a retailer agrees to hold merchandise secured by a deposit until the price is paid in full by the customer."

more detailed explanation.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layaway

in other news, this "idea" was already invented, back during 1930 (the great depression) and has come and gone through the decades, as it was needed.

in any case, if someones financials cant afford them a game with out using a "layaway" system, then they honestly need to figure out a better source for income and/or better spending habits/priorities, but in any case, one would rather buy during sales (even if waiting for the deep sales), than pay a monthly "layaway" and watch the sales go by and still paying full price.

that all said, topic reads like someone took "layaway" and "steam" and tossed it into something like chatgpt, asking it to "create" a "layaway system" for steam.

side note: "rent to own" is where, one receives item(s), while making payments.

anywho, have a nice day