Microtransactions
Ongoing coverage on Microtransactions.
Latest coverage
Capcom Pulls Dragon's Dogma 2 Microtransactions Ahead of Dark Arisen Expansion Release
Capcom announced that microtransactions for Dragon's Dogma 2 will be removed from sale. This decision comes ahead of the release of the Dark Arisen expansion for the game.
Fortnite Fans Are Obsessing Over Its New Pokémon-Like Sprite Creature Collecting
Fortnite players are spending real money on eBay for rare in-game "Sprite" creatures, which are described as Pokémon-like collectibles. These creatures can be collected and traded within the game.
2 entire years after being raked over the coals for it, Dragon's Dogma 2 is removing a bunch of those silly little microtransactions that weren't even P2W anyway
Capcom is removing microtransactions from Dragon's Dogma 2, including the character editor and convenience items like wakestones and portcrystals, on June 25. These items were criticized at launch for their optics, despite being largely obtainable through normal gameplay. The removal comes two years after the game's initial release.
Two years later, Dragon's Dogma 2's pointless MTXs are finally going away, and it's getting a "permanent discount"
Capcom is removing most microtransactions from Dragon's Dogma 2 and will offer a permanent discount on the base game. This move coincides with the upcoming Dark Arisen expansion and aims to address player concerns about performance and in-game purchases. Some DLC items will be removed on June 24/25, while others, like the Explorer's Camping Kit, will remain available.
Dragon's Dogma 2 Stripped of All PS5 Microtransactions as DLC Nears
Capcom will remove all microtransactions from Dragon's Dogma 2 on June 25, 2026, ahead of the Dark Arisen expansion's release in October. This includes Rift Crystals and purchasable items like Gaol Keys and Portcrystals. The base game will also receive a permanent discount, and the controversial inclusion of these paid items at launch led to a largely negative user reception on PC.
Capcom discontinues Dragon's Dogma 2's controversial microtransactions
Capcom is discontinuing the Deluxe Edition of Dragon's Dogma 2 and several microtransactions, including those for character appearance edits and fast travel, on June 25, 2026. This change is in preparation for the release of Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, which will also see a permanent price cut for the base game. The Dark Arisen expansion, adding a new region and content, is set to launch on October 9th, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is Discontinuing the Deluxe Edition and Various Microtransactions on June 25th
Capcom will discontinue the Deluxe Edition of Dragon's Dogma 2 and remove various microtransactions, including Rift Crystals and Wakestones, on June 25th. The base game will also receive a permanent discount. This move precedes the release of Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen on October 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Dragon's Dogma 2 discontinues deluxe edition - and withdraws many of its controversial time-saving microtransactions
Capcom is discontinuing the deluxe edition of Dragon's Dogma 2 and removing several controversial microtransactions, including those that offered time-saving benefits. These changes will take effect on June 24th, ahead of the release of the upcoming title update and the Dark Arisen version of the game. The base game and other select DLCs will remain available for purchase.
This New Open-World Pokemon Competitor Is Wildly Ambitious
Aniimo is an ambitious open-world creature collector game from Pawprint Studio, featuring a unique "twine" mechanic allowing players to merge with their creatures in combat. The game will launch in Q3 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and mobile platforms as a free-to-play title, with plans for over 200 creatures, a story campaign, trading, base building, and multiplayer elements. Despite its extensive feature set, Aniimo will not launch in early access, and the developers have stated there will be no gacha elements for unlocking creatures.
$80 Games Are Already Here
The video game market is already seeing $80 games, with Nintendo leading the charge on titles like Mario Kart World and upcoming Switch 2 releases. This trend is fueled by rising development costs and inflation, with analysts predicting more publishers will adopt higher price points. While some companies like Sony and Microsoft have maintained $70 prices, others like Take-Two Interactive have successfully implemented price hikes, suggesting $80 could become the new standard for AAA games.
Why So Many Great Games Hide a Casino Inside
In-game casinos have become a popular and reliable side activity in many video games, offering players a way to engage with simulated gambling using virtual currency. This trend is driven by factors such as pacing, depth, atmosphere, and the thrill of risk-free betting, while also helping developers avoid legal complexities associated with real-money transactions. The success of features like the Diamond Casino in Grand Theft Auto V suggests this trend will continue in future open-world and RPG titles.
The Daily Grind: Is conspicuous consumerism a problem in MMORPGs?
This article discusses whether conspicuous consumerism and 'whale culture' are problematic within MMORPGs. It explores how spending large sums of money on in-game items can be a display of wealth rather than genuine desire, and how studios cater to this behavior through microtransactions.
GOALS Review: An Ambitious Free-to-Play Football Game That Misses an Open Goal
GOALS, a free-to-play football game from Swedish studio Goals AB, has officially launched but falls short of expectations. While it offers decent defensive mechanics, the game suffers from static attacking AI, limited tactical choices, and significant pay-to-win elements due to abysmal pack drop rates and the absence of a transfer market. The progression system and use of generic players are interesting concepts but lack proper execution, making it difficult to recommend as a viable alternative to established titles like EA FC.
007 First Light's Land Rover ads cross the line from product placement to late-night infomercials
The article criticizes the excessive product placement of Land Rover vehicles in the game 007 First Light, arguing it crosses the line from typical brand integration into intrusive advertising. The author compares this to traditional product placement in Bond films and discusses potential industry shifts towards ad revenue over microtransactions, expressing concern about the quality of games produced under such models.
Marathon Has Nearly Sold 1.5 Million Copies – Is It Enough?
Bungie's Marathon has sold nearly 1.5 million copies since its March release, with less than 300,000 sold in April and May. The majority of sales are on Steam, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox trailing significantly. This performance raises concerns about the game's high development cost and potential future layoffs at Bungie, despite the recent launch of its second season, 'Nightfall'.
GTA 5 is still selling millions a year, letting Rockstar do whatever it wants with GTA 6: analyst estimates 1.8 million…
Grand Theft Auto 5 continues to sell millions of copies annually, with an estimated 1.8 million units sold on PlayStation 5 in May alone, according to Alinea. This sustained success, alongside significant revenue from Grand Theft Auto Online microtransactions, provides Rockstar Games with the financial freedom to focus on delivering a high-quality Grand Theft Auto 6.
How Microtransactions Changed The Way We Play Mobile Games
Microtransactions have fundamentally altered the mobile gaming landscape, shifting from a single purchase model to in-game economies driven by small, frequent purchases like skins and season passes. This design, optimized for short play sessions, can lead players to spend more than they intend, blurring the lines between entertainment and financial obligation. The article advises players to be mindful of spending habits, check purchase histories, and consider the true value of in-game items beyond simply alleviating FOMO or saving minor grinding time.
Destiny 2 Had To Die For The Series To Ever Live Again
The author argues that Destiny 2's prolonged lifespan and evolving issues, including microtransactions and the Destiny Content Vault, necessitated its eventual end for the series to have a chance at future success. Despite the sadness of its conclusion and reported layoffs at Bungie, the article suggests that the game's over-scope and mismanagement led to a decline that made a fresh start for the Destiny franchise necessary. The piece also touches on the impact of Sony's ownership and the challenges of sustaining live-service games.
Former Dragon Age lead says product placements could help combat "overreliance on microtransactions" and I agree because every game should make you pick a watch colour
Former Dragon Age director Mike Darrah suggests that product placement could offer an alternative revenue stream to combat the industry's overreliance on microtransactions. The article agrees, proposing that integrating branded items, like watches, could help fund single-player games and diversify monetization strategies beyond live-service models.
Product Placement Can Help Save The AAA Games Business, Former BioWare Dev Says
Former BioWare veteran Mark Darrah suggests that product placement could be a viable solution for the financial sustainability of AAA game development, arguing that an over-reliance on live-service models and microtransactions is limiting. He points to existing examples in games and other media, and questions why it isn't a larger part of the gaming industry's revenue streams. Darrah also expressed concerns about the impact of subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass on game design.
