Definition:
Games as a Service refers to a model where a game is designed to operate continuously over time through updates, events, subscriptions, and ongoing monetisation rather than as a complete, finite product.
Usage Context:
Common in online multiplayer games, live-service titles, and platform-linked ecosystems that emphasise retention and long-term engagement.
Critical Note:
GaaS shifts the goal of game design from completion and satisfaction to retention and extraction. Players are encouraged to treat games as obligations rather than experiences, with time-limited content and fear of missing out used to sustain engagement.