Microtransactions are everywhere these days. It seems like it’s more of a talking point when a game doesn’t have them, with publishers trying to find increasingly controversial ways to monetize their releases beyond launch.
With the news that Apex Legends is selling skins for around $18 a pop, the GR editorial team shared their thoughts on whether or not microtransactions are deal-breakers for them when it comes to purchasing a game. As always, leave your own opinions in the comments section below, and we’ll feature our favorite in tomorrow’s Tell GR.
Paul Tamburro, executive editor: “They can be. I used to occasionally splash the cash on microtransactions for games I played heavily, but I don’t do that whatsoever these days. This means that if a game looks like it hinges on purchasing microtransactions, I won’t get a lot out of it. Free-to-play games are often guilty of this, where I know that as soon as I start playing, it’s only a matter of time before it’ll want me to cough up in order to get a certain level of enjoyment out of it.”
Jason Faulkner, senior editor: “It depends on how they’re implemented. If any non-cosmetic part of a full-priced game is gated behind microtransactions it instantly gets a black mark for me. There have been some games like Shadow of War and Metal Gear Survive where it wasn’t that big a deal, but I’m not interested in paying more money to progress in a game I’ve already bought.”
Mack Ashworth, lead editor: “If they are a cosmetic item, then I’m usually fine with it. However, if those paid-for items are a lot cooler and more impressive than the endgame loot featured in the game, then it can really put a dampener on things. I’ll still play the game, but I’ll be very conscious of the grind/amount of loot dropped/etc. that I experience without making additional payments.”
Michael Leri, features editor: “I don’t ever fall victim to them — 500 hours in Overwatch and not a single purchased loot box — but I don’t like when they are overly predatory. When done poorly, it coats the game in this gross goo that can infect the whole package. I didn’t play Shadow of War until after Monolith patched it but I can imagine I’d have a more negative opinion of the game if I hadn’t waited.”
Yesterday’s best comment
Question: Do you care about battle royale games?
Stove: “Never played one. But thinking outloud, what about a strategy battle royal game?! Start with multiple units/command center, have to move to get resources to get reinforcements. Can get to a new area and set up defenses but always be on the move. Units can be defense, offense, or hybrid types. Do you rush to center or go slow getting bigger army moving in? Hmmmm.”
