Asset flip

Not to be confused with Property flip.

An asset flip is a type of shovelware in which a video game developer purchases pre-made assets and uses them to create numerous permutations of generic games to sell at low prices.[1] Such games tend to be viewed by gamers as uncreative,[1] and as diverting attention from less popular high-quality titles. Asset flips have been noted to be a problem on many online distribution platforms, especially Steam.[2] The Nintendo Switch eShop has also been accused of allowing the sale of asset flips.[3]

As mobile gaming became popular during the 2010s, app stores such as the Google Play Store have predominantly featured games which utilize "knockoffs" of popular IPs in a similar format. As the required investments are lower for users and publishers alike, mobile asset flips derive profits from free-to-play downloads with frequent in-game advertising and/or a freemium model.[4]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference sterling was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Craddock, Ryan (2020-05-11). "Nintendo Accused Of Hosting Asset Flip Game On Switch, And Fans Aren't Happy". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 2020-05-11. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
  4. ^ "Shovelware Explained, and How to Get Rid of This Unwanted Software". Lifewire. Retrieved 2023-10-26.