We're thrilled to announce the return of GamesBeat Next, hosted in San Francisco this October, where we will explore the theme of "Playing the Edge." Apply to speak here and learn more about sponsorship opportunities here. At the event, we will also announce 25 top game startups as the 2024 Game Changers. Apply or nominate today!
Discord is one of the most popular communication services among gaming fans, but it is not a popular place to download games. A year after adding a library of indie games to its Nitro subscription service, the company is cutting that feature. it turns out that most subscribers do not use it.
“It became clear that while we and some of you love these games, the truth is the vast majority of Nitro subscribers didn’t play them,” reads a Discord blog post. “So, after careful consideration, we won’t be hitting continue when these contracts come up for renewal.”
Discord will remove its library of games October 15. The Nitro subscription service will continue.
In abandoning this strategy, Discord is acknowledging that it doesn’t have the resources to compete. Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Apple all have game-library subscription services now.
Event
GamesBeat Next 2023
Join the GamesBeat community in San Francisco this October 24-25. You’ll hear from the brightest minds within the gaming industry on latest developments and their take on the future of gaming.
Discord Nitro focused heavily on indie and older blockbuster-level games. That doesn’t compare favorably to something like Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft’s service has every new first-party Xbox game, for example. Game Pass has also produced a string of indie hits like Outer Wilds and Void Bastards.
Discord’s Nitro subscription is going to focus on communication
The Nitro subscription service is going to live on without the games library. Discord wanted to use games to attract more subscribers to push the company toward profitability. But it thinks it can do that now by making Discord Nitro a better experience for connecting with friends.
“We’re going to double-down on making sure Nitro nails its mission: more features, fun, and enhancements for hanging out in Discord with the people you care about,” reads the blog.
The company recently introduced Nitro Server Boosting. Subscribers can use this feature to improve the quality of a server’s features by pledging their one boost each month. And in July, the company launched Go Live for small-audience livestreams.
It’s more of those kinds of features that Discord wants to focus on for the future. And dropping games is going to enable it to do that.
GamesBeat's creed when covering the game industry is "where passion meets business." What does this mean? We want to tell you how the news matters to you -- not just as a decision-maker at a game studio, but also as a fan of games. Whether you read our articles, listen to our podcasts, or watch our videos, GamesBeat will help you learn about the industry and enjoy engaging with it. Discover our Briefings.
