In our today’s “My MMO Asks” everything revolves around microtransactions. Especially in full-price games, they are heavily criticized by gamers. What do you think about it?
Microtransactions in Full-Price Titles are Increasing
More and more publishers are incorporating so-called microtransactions into their games; it now seems completely irrelevant whether the games are offered at full price or whether they are – at first glance – free to play. Especially in the latter, players have somewhat gotten used to investing either time or money to progress in the game.
But more and more full-price titles are also relying on microtransactions. Prominent examples include Evolve, the FIFA series, and since last autumn even Destiny.
What are Microtransactions?
For all these games (and of course countless others), smaller or larger packages are available that can be purchased with “real money”. Usually, a small in-game shop has been set up, such as the Eververse in the Tower of Destiny. Here you can obtain a specific currency for real money (in Destiny “Silver”, in FIFA 16 it’s “FIFA Points”), which you can invest in useful or simply nice things.
It must be distinguished whether these purchases provide a level boost, unlock entire game content, or are only cosmetic in nature.
Microtransactions Only for Cosmetics?
Especially in full-price titles, for which one casually pays 60 euros at the register, microtransactions are predominantly limited to cosmetics or optional content that is not crucial to gameplay. In Destiny, you can only purchase amusing gimmicks, like additional gestures or dances; all important game content is available to everyone.
In FIFA 16, you progress faster in Ultimate Team with FIFA Points, as you can open several packs at once, for which you would otherwise have to play numerous games. But even here, microtransactions are completely optional; no additional money needs to be invested to play all game modes and contents successfully. However, it can also happen that you lose track a bit and – poof – 5000 euros from Dad’s credit card are gone.
In Evolve, people took to the streets when they found out that the game relies entirely on microtransactions and new monsters will cost around 15 euros. Players who do not wish to spend anything more after purchasing the game are limited in their selection to 12 hunters and 3 monsters that they can unlock over time. Of course, there are some savings offers, but most players would surely be happier if they could enjoy the thrill of this game in full without further investments. After all, they paid for a full-price game.
Is It All Just a Question of Price?
It always depends on what such a package costs. If it’s a few cents or one or two euros, no one makes a big fuss. But 15 euros for a single monster in Evolve or the possibility in FIFA 16 to spend up to 99 euros at once for “micro”transactions is certainly hard for some to swallow. Even in Destiny, five euros for 500 silver is quite steep. You can’t buy much with that. In light of this development in the gaming market, it is by no means surprising that digital revenue has taken on enormous proportions and is likely not to decrease in the future.
What do you think? Do you see microtransactions in full-price titles as unacceptable profiteering or do you feel indifferent about it, following the motto: “Everyone has to decide for themselves; I’m not spending extra money.” As long as microtransactions are limited to cosmetics, you’re probably not doing too badly with that.
Or do you see it completely differently and say: “Hey, great, I’m happy to invest five euros and finally stand out from the crowd with my new dance moves?”
