A microtransaction in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 has sparked discussions. Because the item is a single red dot for $1.
This item is about: In Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, there are microtransactions. These were introduced with some delay after the launch.
Most of the time, these are skins that can be purchased with points. And these points can be obtained for real money. Alternatively, one has to grind for the currency for the black market.
People have gotten used to microtransactions by now. But one item has stirred some controversy at least in the media and on YouTube: the “Open Dot.” It is a red dot sold for 100 CoD points. That equals $1 in the real world.
The dot serves as a targeting device, that is, a reticle, for the Reflex Gun: a reticle. Only the player who buys it can see it; for others, the small dot remains invisible.
This is why it is being discussed: People are annoyed that this is really “just” about a single red dot and apparently little to no work has gone into this cosmetic item.
- The site Gamingbolt talks about a “new low for microtransactions”
- The site Golem criticizes an “absurd price-performance ratio.” The graphic designer must have spent only a few moments on it. And almost nothing is visible.
YouTuber Boogie2988 also highlights the absurdity of this red dot. He understands why players in League of Legends get skins to stand out and be noticed.
But a red dot for $1 is not a cool skin that everyone can see.
If players really need it, then the developers should throw it into the game for free.
Interestingly, it seems that this is not a huge topic in the CoD community, but rather one on YouTube and in the media. CoD players are more likely to discuss bugs, lags, and absurdities on Reddit than a red dot.
What lies behind it: This is not about the isolated case, but about a fundamental dissatisfaction with the extent that microtransactions can take.
The prevailing opinion among players seems to be: Instead of focusing on microtransactions, Treyarch should better fix and improve the game.
While the focus on microtransactions seems to annoy many players, they are currently more upset about bugs and problems in Black Ops 4.
