The removal of microtransactions from the online shooter Star Wars Battlefront 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) shows EA’s quick response to feedback. The online shooter is now viewed relatively positively considering the events that transpired.
The backlash surrounding Battlefront 2 and the loot boxes lasted for days and weeks. Now it is over, and EA has to deal with the aftermath. But how do you turn the chaotic weeks into a positive outcome? This can be seen in an interview with Gameindustry.biz.
EA’s reaction shows: We listen to customers
Electronic Arts’ Chief Financial Officer Blake Jorgensen explains that it is important for EA to continue listening to its customers. It is entirely normal to make mistakes along the way and learn from them. These mistakes are a great opportunity to optimize and improve the game.
According to Jorgensen, the removal of microtransactions from Star Wars Battlefront 2 happened because many players felt it was a pay-to-win element.
Microtransactions are great for people with little time
However, in reality, it is a balancing act to find a balance between players who can invest more time in a game and those who have less time. Both should enjoy a good and fair gaming experience.
According to Jorgensen, EA is not giving up on microtransactions. They will learn from player feedback on how to proceed best in the future. The strategy will not change. It is important for the company to offer customers an enjoyable game, keep the community together, and consistently provide new content.
According to Jorgensen, they have perfectly managed this with EA’s sports games. Now they are searching for the right model for other titles.
Battlefront 2 is a great game
The good news is: Star Wars Battlefront 2 is one of the best games ever made. You hear that from the people who really played it. Battlefront 2 is incredibly vast and deep.
And it will be expanded even more in the coming weeks than any game before.
Microtransactions will likely return – EA does not know when
Microtransactions will likely return to Star Wars Battlefront 2, but Jorgensen does not yet know exactly when. In any case, EA stands by microtransactions. The idea of only offering cosmetic changes is viewed with some skepticism by EA.
Regarding microtransactions for cosmetic items, Jorgensen is not very enthusiastic. Although this works in games like Overwatch or League of Legends, it is somewhat more challenging in Star Wars. They do not want to offer a pink or white armor for Darth Vader because that simply goes against the “canon” of the universe.
Cosmetic items do not work well in Star Wars – respect the canon
One must always ensure to provide a gaming experience that fits Star Wars. Cosmetic items could certainly be introduced, but with caution.
Regarding paid DLCs, Blake Jorgensen explains that they had to move away from this, as only about 25 percent of players purchased them in Star Wars Battlefront. This led to the community becoming divided. Some played the DLC content, while others did not. Therefore, EA switched to microtransactions and will stick to them.
In what form they will find their way back into the online shooter Star Wars Battlefront 2 is something that time will reveal.
The loot boxes in Star Wars Battlefront 2 caused quite a stir. In Belgium, the gaming commission even wants to have them banned across Europe.
