Saisonware

Saisonware is a term used to describe a software licensing and distribution model in which access to the software and its features is granted in defined seasonal windows. The term combines saison (season) with software, signaling periodic activation and renewal cycles. It is most commonly associated with live-service games and digital creative tools, where new content, features, or optimizations are released on a regular seasonal cadence, and users obtain access through a season pass, subscription, or time-limited license.

Mechanism and features typically involve seasons lasting several weeks to several months. During a season, users can access the full feature set, with occasional gating of premium features behind a tiered pass or add-ons. At the end of the season, access may expire, or it can continue through renewal, purchase of the next season, or conversion to a permanent license for a reduced price. Data and settings generally persist across seasons, while some season-specific content may be retired or deprecated.

Economic model and licensing considerations emphasize recurring revenue and predictable planning. Revenues are tied to seasonal cycles, enabling monetization through subscriptions, microtransactions, and tiered passes. This model can incentivize ongoing development and frequent content updates but may also pressure users to upgrade and can fragment user experience if seasons diverge too greatly.

Reception and usage: Saisonware remains a niche concept and is not a universal standard. Critics argue it can lead to feature volatility or accessibility concerns, while supporters note sustained development, fresh content, and clearer lifecycle planning for both developers and publishers.