Microtransactions
Ongoing coverage on Microtransactions.
Latest coverage
After removing its worst feature, Runescape just upended its entire combat system after only three months of player testing
Runescape has implemented significant changes to its combat system, following a recent removal of microtransactions. These sweeping updates, which have undergone three months of player testing, represent a major refresh for the MMORPG in 2026.
how much have I spent on valorant: How to check the amount of money you've spent on Valorant | Gamzo
This guide explains how Valorant players can check their total spending within the game. Players can access their purchase history and total expenditure through the official Riot Games support page by logging in with their account.
Skull and Bones | A Hearty Pirate RPG
Skull and Bones is a pirate-themed MMORPG from Ubisoft that allows players to create a captain and build a pirate empire in the Indian Ocean. The game features extensive ship customization, naval combat, trade routes, and supernatural elements. Players can engage in quests given by various NPCs, upgrade their ships, and craft new weapons and armor. The Smuggler Pass offers cosmetic rewards, and while PvP is optional, it is present in certain world events. The reviewer highly recommends the game for fans of pirate lore and naval combat.
10 Worst Things In The World Of Gaming In 2020
This article lists ten of the worst aspects of the gaming industry in 2020, including issues like unfinished games, paid DLC that should have been free, advertisements in paid games, hackers and cheaters, persistent glitches, microtransactions in full-priced games, pay-to-win mechanics, and loot boxes. It also touches on the affordability of gaming as a hobby and the impact of platforms like Steam.
Backlash hits Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 over voice pack DLC's missing (and changing) lines
Publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive are facing backlash over the paid voice pack DLC for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Players report that the DLC is missing lines, lacks interactive banter, and offers an inferior experience compared to the original voice lines, leading to overwhelmingly negative reviews on Steam.
Pool Blitz – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
Pool Blitz is a cross-platform pool game featuring realistic physics and 3D visuals, available for PC via Steam. The game offers classic 1v1 matches, tournament play, and a unique Blitz Mode where potted balls go to the opponent's table. It includes optional microtransactions and a free-to-grind model, with a demo available for download.
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.
Fortnite V-bucks: how to get free Vbucks
This guide explains how to safely acquire and use Fortnite V-Bucks, the in-game currency for cosmetic items. It details legitimate methods for earning V-Bucks through gameplay, particularly for 'Save the World' founders, and warns against scams promising free currency. The article also outlines the pricing for purchasing V-Bucks and the benefits of the Fortnite Crew subscription.
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.