**The Live-Service Game Frenzy: A Tech Mess in Nigeria and Beyond** The tech world is abuzz with live-service games, a type of entertainment experience that combines gaming with endless content and events. Think Fortnite, the battle royale game that dominated Times Square in New York with a concert featuring Ice Spice and Snoop Dogg. While live-service games can be incredibly lucrative and enduring, the space is also filled with failures and casualties. In Nigeria, where gaming is increasingly popular, live-service games have gained traction among gamers. Platforms like PlayStation and Xbox have made it possible for gamers to access these games, and the likes of Fortnite and Call of Duty have become household names. However, the live-service game gold rush has turned into a graveyard of sorts, with many failed games and shuttered development studios. One notable example is the Sony game, Concord, a sci-fi shooter that was canceled less than a month after launch. This speedy failure highlights the fast-paced nature of the live-service game industry. Another recent example is Highguard, a squad shooter from a new studio made up of veterans from top games. The live-service game space is a mess, with many developers and publishers chasing the same success as Fortnite. While some have been successful, many have failed, and the industry is left with a trail of casualties. The speed at which games are deemed failures is also a concern, with some games lasting only a few weeks before being shut down. So, what's going wrong? The live-service game model is based on endless content and events, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it keeps players engaged and interested in the game. On the other hand, it creates a high-pressure environment where games must constantly innovate and deliver to stay relevant. As gamers in Nigeria and around the world, we must be aware of the potential risks and pitfalls of the live-service game model. While it can be exciting and entertaining, it's also a high-stakes game that can leave players and developers disappointed and disillusioned. **Stay tuned for more insights into the world of tech and gaming, and subscribe to The Stepback newsletter for the latest news and analysis.**