Microtransactions
Ongoing coverage on Microtransactions.
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Marathon Patch Will Adjust $10 LUX Bundle, Increase Starting Ammo in Free Sponsored Kits
Bungie is releasing a patch for Marathon to address player feedback regarding the $10 LUX bundle, increasing its value to 1,120 LUX and providing an additional 20 LUX to previous purchasers. The update will also increase starting ammo in sponsored kits and improve objective navigation visibility. The game is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Co-op works brilliantly in Slay the Spire 2 | TAG
Slay the Spire 2 has launched with a highly praised co-op multiplayer mode, enhancing the familiar gameplay with team-based strategy and social interaction. In other gaming news, Bungie is addressing player feedback on Marathon's microtransactions with an upcoming patch, while Valve continues to navigate potential delays for the Steam Machine. Additionally, discoveries in Marathon's lore, a Greek myth-themed tower defense game called Minos, and updates on various other titles like Slay the Spire 2's early access and the Steam Machine's release window are highlighted.
Issues and Activism
Bungie has responded to player backlash regarding microtransactions in their upcoming game Marathon. The first patch will adjust the game to be slightly easier for players.
After listening to your complaints, Bungie is making it just a tad less annoying to buy cosmetics in Marathon
Bungie is adjusting the premium currency bundles in Marathon following player feedback regarding the cost of cosmetic items. The $10 LUX bundle will now contain 1120 LUX, and players who previously purchased it will receive a refund of 20 LUX per bundle. The developer is also discussing further improvements to the cosmetic purchasing experience and has outlined several gameplay updates for the upcoming patch.
Cult favourite roguelite Let it Die going offline is a genuine bummer - but it might also be a rescue in disguise
The servers for the cult roguelite game Let it Die, developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and Supertrick Games and published by GungHo Online Entertainment, are shutting down after seven years. However, an offline version is planned, which aims to remove or make purchasable with in-game currency many of the game's previously criticized microtransactions, potentially making it a more appealing experience for new and returning players.
Bungie is fixing Marathon's worst microtransaction sin
Bungie is addressing player concerns regarding microtransactions in the upcoming game Marathon. The developer will adjust the system so that earned in-game currency, Lux, can be used to purchase runner skins, indicating a broader effort to improve the game's cosmetics offering.
Bungie Responds Quickly to Marathon Microtransactions Backlash, First Patch Will Make the Game Slightly Easier - IGN
Bungie is addressing player backlash regarding Marathon's microtransactions and difficulty. An upcoming patch will adjust the in-game currency, Lux, and credit players who purchased bundles before the change. The update will also include balance adjustments to make the extraction shooter slightly easier, such as increasing the spawn rate of Med Cabinets and Munitions Crates.
Ah yikes, World of Warcraft: Midnight's otherwise solid housing system is soured by its premium currency, which makes you 'minimize leftovers' even though Blizzard said it wouldn't
While World of Warcraft: Midnight's player housing system is praised for its solid design and creative freedom, the implementation of the premium currency, Hearthsteel, is criticized. The article argues that the pricing and individual item purchases of Hearthsteel decor are designed to be annoying and encourage spending more than necessary, despite Blizzard's previous assurances.
WoW Housing Decor Bundles Are Giving Players Sticker Shock
Blizzard Entertainment has introduced expensive microtransactions for player housing in World of Warcraft's new Midnight expansion, with some decor bundles priced at $25 and individual items initially costing $7.50. Following player backlash on Reddit, the price of the Spring Blossom Tree was reduced to $2.50, though other high-priced items and bundles remain available.
Now Marathon Is Out in the Wild, the True Cost of Its Microtransactions Has Been Revealed - IGN
Bungie's newly released $40 game Marathon features microtransactions for cosmetic items, including character and weapon skins, and a battle pass. While gameplay-affecting items are not for sale, some players have criticized the pricing of skins and the virtual currency system, which often requires purchasing more currency than needed for a specific item. Others defend the monetization, noting that it is comparable to or less expensive than other premium titles and free-to-play games.
xQc Says GTA VI Should Cost $800, Sparks Gaming Pricing Debate
Streamer Felix "xQc" Lengyel sparked a debate by suggesting Grand Theft Auto VI should cost $800, citing its expected content volume and quality. This statement highlights industry tensions surrounding ballooning AAA development costs and the normalization of $70 base prices, while acknowledging that such a price is unrealistic. The discussion also touches on Rockstar's history with Grand Theft Auto Online monetization and the broader evolution of gaming as a premium entertainment medium.
Issues and Activism
Players of The Sims 4 are protesting Electronic Arts' decision to implement taxes on paid mods within the game's marketplace. This move has sparked significant backlash from the community, who view it as an exploitative monetization strategy.
With Marathon's release imminent, Bungie say it's got "no pay for power" microtransactions and confirm seasonal rewards will stick around
Ahead of its March 5th release, Bungie has detailed Marathon's monetization, confirming "no pay for power" microtransactions and that seasonal rewards will remain accessible indefinitely. The game will feature two in-game currencies: LUX, purchasable with real money for cosmetics, and SILK, earned through gameplay for regular seasonal rewards. Bungie also stated that seasonal content will be free for all players.
Palmon Survival Needs Less Building, More Story
Palmon Survival offers an intriguing initial story and Pokémon-like elements but suffers from excessive building requirements and frequent crashes, detracting from its potential. The article questions the developer's identity, citing community speculation about Lilith Games, and advises caution regarding microtransactions due to potential issues with refunds and account blocks.
Bungie Reveals Marathon Premium Currency, LUX, Promises It Can't Be Used to Buy Gameplay Advantages - IGN
Bungie has revealed that Marathon's premium currency, LUX, will not be usable for purchasing gameplay advantages, with all seasonal content and playable characters being free. Premium Pass rewards will be limited to cosmetic items, and a separate currency called Silk, earned through gameplay, is used for rewards passes and cannot be bought. Cosmetics can also be acquired via the Codex or purchased directly.
Physical video game sales reach new low as report shows zero growth for industry
The video game industry experienced zero growth in 2025, with worldwide consumer spending remaining stagnant despite record profits. This lack of growth is primarily attributed to a significant decline in physical game sales, which have reached their lowest point since 1995. Publishers are increasingly relying on microtransactions and live service games to compensate for shrinking revenue pools.
Bungie reveals Marathon’s Reward Passes never expire and can be completed anytime
Bungie has revealed details about Marathon's "Reward Passes," which function like battle passes but do not expire and can be completed at any time, eliminating FOMO. Seasonal content will be free for all players, with no "pay for power" mechanics. While players can purchase previous seasons' passes, the premium currency "Lux" is primarily for cosmetic items and cannot be used to speed up battle pass progression.
Battlefield 6 Faces Player Outrage After Turning $50 Skins Free in Just One Week
Battlefield 6 is facing player backlash after making in-game skins, previously sold for 50 euros, available for free within a week of their release. This decision has caused frustration among players who purchased the cosmetic items.
Apex Legends is getting a Gundam collaboration, launching March 10
Respawn Entertainment announced that Apex Legends will feature a Gundam collaboration event starting March 10. The event will introduce Gundam-inspired weapons, abilities, and transform the Broken Moon map with new aesthetics and destructible elements. Limited-edition Gunpla kits will also be available for pre-order.
Highguard Is Shutting Down Soon
Highguard will officially shut down on March 12, developer Wildlight announced, citing a failure to build a sustainable player base. The game will receive one final update adding new content before servers go offline. Highguard launched in January 2026 after being revealed at The Game Awards in December 2025, but failed to maintain its initial player momentum.
