Microtransactions
Ongoing coverage on Microtransactions.
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Space Marine 2 players are not happy with its new $5 voice lines DLC: 'Just scummy as hell'
Players of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 are expressing dissatisfaction with a new $5 DLC that adds voice lines. Critics argue the content is minimal, potentially doesn't include the advertised number of lines, and feels like a 'scummy' monetization tactic by developer Saber Interactive.
Skate Breaks No Paywall Promise for New Map: "Sometimes Plans Change"
Electronic Arts has reversed its promise that the Skate reboot would not feature paywalled map areas. The new Isle of Grom map will initially be available only to Skate Pass Premium holders, and later require payment via Premium or in-game currency for permanent access after a limited event. EA stated that 'plans have to change' regarding the development of the game.
Skate's Early Access Launch Struggles With Server Outages - New Game Network
Electronic Arts' Skate launched in Early Access on September 16, but was immediately plagued by widespread server outages and extreme queue times, with some players waiting behind over 50,000 others. The development team at Full Circle acknowledged the issues, citing record-breaking playtest sign-ups that exceeded server capacity, and began deploying additional servers. The game's requirement for a constant online connection and the presence of microtransactions before leaving Early Access also drew player frustration.
New Battlefield 6 Skips Ray Tracing, Developers Confirm Performance Focus - New Game Network
Battlefield 6 will launch without ray tracing to prioritize performance, with developers confirming the decision was made early in development. The game will also feature EA's Javelin anti-cheat, requiring Secure Boot and thus excluding Linux-based devices like the Steam Deck. Electronic Arts has detailed pricing and editions, with the standard version at $70 and a Phantom Edition at $100, and confirmed that microtransactions will be limited to cosmetics.
Black Ops 6 Zombies Players Want GobbleGum Drop Rate Increase
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 players are expressing frustration over the low drop rate of high-tier GobbleGums in the Zombies mode, with some reporting extremely rare drops even after extensive gameplay. Players are calling on developer Treyarch to increase these rates, but the article suggests that Activision's focus on in-game store purchases for GobbleGums makes a change unlikely.
Get paid to play your favorite mobile games
Scrambly is a free mobile application that allows users to earn real-world rewards, such as gift cards and PayPal transfers, by playing mobile games. Game developers incentivize players through Scrambly to increase player counts, ad views, and microtransaction purchases. Users download compatible games, complete in-app challenges like reaching certain levels, and redeem earned coins for various rewards.
Ubisoft got it wrong. The company won't stop making AAA games
Ubisoft clarified that despite reports, the company will not stop making AAA games. While Ubisoft plans to invest more in shareware projects and microtransactions, it will continue to release premium titles such as Far Cry 6 and Skull and Bones. The Division: Heartland is highlighted as an upcoming shareware title.
Student blows his university savings on video game
This article discusses the negative impact of microtransactions and loot boxes in video games like FIFA and NHL, where players spend significant amounts of money on virtual items with low chances of obtaining valuable rewards. The author criticizes game developers for prioritizing monetization over innovation and compares these practices to gambling, suggesting potential addiction risks and advising caution.
Metal Gear Survive Review | Giant Bomb
Metal Gear Survive is a flawed survival game that fails to capture the essence of the Metal Gear franchise. It combines elements of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain with survival mechanics, but is hampered by microtransactions and tedious upkeep systems. The game features a created character, crystalline zombies, and base-building, but its story is minimal and its online co-op offers little engagement.
Metal Gear Survive Review
Metal Gear Survive combines elements of the Metal Gear franchise with survival gameplay, but ultimately fails to satisfy either genre. The game utilizes assets from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain but features a new scenario with crystalline zombies and resource management. It is criticized for its repetitive gameplay, weak story, and inclusion of microtransactions, making it a poor value at its $40 price point.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War Review
Middle-earth: Shadow of War expands upon its predecessor's Nemesis system, offering a deep and engaging experience with orc customization and fortress sieges. However, the game suffers from an overwhelming number of features, repetitive main story missions, and a lengthy endgame that can lead to tedium, despite the core action remaining fun.
Destiny 2 Review
Destiny 2 significantly improves upon its predecessor with a more coherent story, streamlined gameplay, and a rewarding loot system, making it a compelling loot shooter. While the narrative sometimes leans on clichés and the focus on microtransactions, particularly with shaders, is a drawback, the core shooting mechanics, improved subclass design, and robust endgame activities offer a satisfying experience. Bungie has also implemented numerous quality-of-life updates and a strong clan system, setting a positive trajectory for future content.