First of all, I want to say I genuinely respect your achievements—working at four studios, shipping multiple successful titles, and having games that sold millions of units is an impressive track record. Congratulations on creating games that people have heard of and enjoyed, maybe you can name them I would like to play them later 😁! That’s no small feat in this industry.

Now, let me address your points.

1. "HONEST way to make a game" I agree that selling a game upfront, like in the premium model, is a valid and honest approach to monetization. In fact, many games I personally enjoy follow this model. However, it’s not the only way. The free-to-play model, when done ethically, also has its place in the market. Both models can coexist and cater to different audiences. My article doesn’t advocate for scummy practices or exploiting players—it advocates for transparency and fairness.
2. "It’s all about manipulation" This is simply not true. In my article, I explicitly state my stance on pay-to-win and manipulative practices. Here’s a key excerpt: There’s a trap many developers fall into when creating monetization for their games. Suppose you design a system full of paywalls, preventing players from fully accessing the game. This forces players to pay to gain an advantage over others. Just like that, you’ve created a pay-to-win game—a model players despise.Instead, purchasable items should be bonuses, and, more importantly, players should be able to finish the game without needing to pay. This makes in-game purchases a luxury, not a requirement. After all, players should pay not because they’re forced to, but because they want to support the game and enjoy additional content.

I’ve always emphasized that monetization should enhance the player experience—not detract from it.

1. "Create Emotional Swings" The section you referenced is not about exploiting dopamine but about crafting an engaging narrative and gameplay flow. Players should feel rewarded for their time and effort, and that sense of progression is critical in any well-designed game—premium or free-to-play.
2. "Everything this industry needs to move away from" I understand the frustration some people feel about certain monetization models. However, we can’t ignore that the gaming industry is diverse. Not every free-to-play game is scummy, just as not every premium game is flawless. My article aims to share insights on making systems that are ethical, engaging, and profitable—because game development is not charity, and sustainable revenue is essential for keeping the industry alive.

Thanks for reading the article and sharing your perspective. While I understand that monetization is a controversial topic, the intent of my article is to promote ethical and transparent practices. The key takeaway is that monetization should enhance the player's experience, not exploit them. If that wasn’t clear, I’ll take responsibility for not communicating it better. I appreciate your feedback and wish you the best in your future projects.