>Isn't maximizing profits just a natural consequence of having a for-profit business? It's not just evil video game publishers, everybody wants to sell less for more.
I think less for more naturally would come with inflation across the board but the less for more approach isn't the only way to increase profits or even the most popular one. The computer industry for example is known for scaling by giving more for less. Beverage companies add more drinks for the same price. Less for more requires a monopoly or something close to it, otherwise competitors rush in.
That is a good point. Since every IP is a state sponsored monopoly, this leads to the state of the game industry. You don't add loot boxes to a new franchise, but to existing ones that people are emotionally invested in. For example, you might have competition in the genre of action RPG set in space, but Star Wars is a monopoly, and another company cannot legally make an alternative, so the people who want a Star Wars game are a more captive audience that can be maximally exploited.
I think less for more naturally would come with inflation across the board but the less for more approach isn't the only way to increase profits or even the most popular one. The computer industry for example is known for scaling by giving more for less. Beverage companies add more drinks for the same price. Less for more requires a monopoly or something close to it, otherwise competitors rush in.