Microtransactions
Ongoing coverage on Microtransactions.
Latest coverage
Baseball Hits 26 Review: A Home Run or a Strikeout?
Baseball Hits 26 is a free-to-play mobile MLB title from Ares Interactive that offers intuitive one-touch controls and high-end graphics. The game features licensed players like Cal Raleigh and includes strategic roster-building, competitive seasonal leaderboards, and three new game modes. While the game is fun and easy to pick up, its reliance on microtransactions is a notable drawback.
Fortnite's new Peak skin costs almost 3 times as much as the indie game it's based on: 'That's actually a slap in the face to the Peak developers'
Fortnite's new Peak climbing game-inspired skins are priced significantly higher than the original indie title, with one customisable skin costing nearly three times the price of the game itself. This pricing has drawn criticism from players and sparked comparisons to a similar situation with Lethal Company skins in 2024. The article suggests purchasing the indie game on sale instead of the expensive cosmetic items.
Pokémon Champions Launches Next Month With Paid Upgrade Pack to 'Support Early Progression'
The Pokémon Company announced that the free-to-play battler Pokémon Champions will launch next month for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. A paid starter pack will be available, offering in-game items to support early progression.
Pokemon Champions releases on Switch in 2 weeks, but a battle pass and extra purchases already loom over the F2P launch
Pokemon Champions is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on April 8 as a free-to-play title, with a Switch 2 update also planned for the same day. While the mobile version's release date is unknown, the game will serve as the new hub for the Video Game Championships starting in August. Concerns are rising about in-game purchases, as a "Starter Pack bundle," a Premium Battle Pass, and a Membership will be available at launch.
Capcom Anniversary Post Fuels Dragon’s Dogma 2 Expansion Rumors
Capcom's anniversary post has sparked rumors of a potential expansion for Dragon's Dogma 2. Players discussed the game's initial performance issues, particularly the 30fps launch, and the implementation of microtransactions for fast travel. There is also hope for DLC similar to the original's Bitterblack Isle, though the departure of the series director may impact future development.
Fortnite's Peak skin is nearly 3 times the price of Peak itself after V-Bucks price hike: "That's actually a slap in the face to the Peak developers"
Fortnite's new Peak Scout skin costs 2,000 V-Bucks, equivalent to $22.40, which is nearly three times the price of the independent game Peak itself. This price hike follows a recent increase in V-Bucks costs by Epic Games, leading to criticism from players and developers who feel the pricing is unfair to smaller studios.
As Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss rushes to fix pressing issues, players are asking for updates to the time-gated dragon mount
Players of Crimson Desert are expressing disappointment with the 15-minute time limit and 50-minute cooldown on the dragon mount, feeling it contradicts the game's marketing of 'complete and total freedom'. While Pearl Abyss is addressing other issues like controls and inventory, this restriction on mounts, including dire wolves and raptors, is a recurring complaint, with players arguing fun should outweigh cooldown timers in a single-player experience.
WWE 2K26 Review: A WrestleMania Main Eventer or a Mid-Carder?
WWE 2K26 offers stellar gameplay with improved realism and new match types, but is significantly held back by its predatory "Ringside Pass" system and a lackluster CM Punk Showcase mode. While the core gameplay is a highlight, the "Island" mode remains a pay-to-win experience, and MyRISE and MyFACTION modes offer diminishing returns. The game is considered an okay entry, best suited for hardcore fans or if purchased on sale.
The Sims 4's Maker Marketplace Is An Insult To Both Players And Modders
Electronic Arts and Maxis have faced backlash for introducing The Sims 4 Marketplace, a system for paid mods and microtransactions. Players are frustrated by additional monetization in a game already laden with DLC, and creators receive only 30% of sales, with EA taking 70%. The article criticizes this model as predatory and an insult to both players and modders, especially given the long-standing player request for a color wheel customization feature that EA claims is technically impossible.
Sony Automatically Refunds Highguards Microtransactions After Studio Shutdown
Sony is automatically refunding players for Highguards microtransactions following the swift shutdown of the game's studio. This proactive approach, which includes refunds for players who did not request them, is seen as a significant customer service move. The rapid closure and subsequent refunds raise questions about game sustainability and digital ownership in the industry.
Crimson Desert Wants to Win You Over With Trust, Not Features
Crimson Desert aims to build player trust through transparent communication and a commitment to a complete, single-purchase experience without microtransactions or monetized progression. The developers emphasize a human-first approach, with no AI-generated voice performances, and are focusing on optimization across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a planned release date of March 19th.
New Cyberpunk TCG becomes the most-funded TCG game in Kickstarter history | News-in-brief
A new Cyberpunk-themed trading card game has become the most-funded TCG in Kickstarter history, surpassing $8.6 million. Separately, Sony has begun automatically refunding microtransaction purchases for players of the free-to-play hero shooter Highguard, which was shut down earlier this month due to failing to meet player retention metrics.
Sony appears to be auto-refunding Highguard players their microtransaction payments
Sony has begun automatically refunding microtransaction purchases made by players of the free-to-play hero shooter Highguard on PlayStation 5. The game, developed by Wildlight Entertainment and reportedly financed by Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studio Group, was shut down earlier this month due to failure to meet player retention metrics.
Highguard Microtransactions Are Being Automatically Refunded on PS5
Players of the first-person shooter Highguard are reportedly receiving automatic refunds for microtransaction purchases exclusively on PlayStation 5. This comes after the game's rapid decline in player interest, leading to significant layoffs at developer Wildlight Entertainment and the game's eventual shutdown.
PS Store Issues Refunds for PS5 Game That Shut Down in 45 Days
The PlayStation Store is issuing automatic refunds for the free-to-play shooter Highguard, which shut down less than two months after its launch on January 2026. Players who made in-game purchases are receiving full refunds, a move that has surprised many given the PlayStation Store's typical refund policy. It is currently unclear if other storefronts like Steam and Microsoft will follow Sony's lead.
Highguard Players Get Refunds As Dev Seemingly Shuts Down For Good
The free-to-play shooter Highguard has ceased operations, with players on PlayStation 5 reporting that Sony is issuing refunds for in-game microtransaction purchases. Developer Wildlight's online presence has vanished, and the company previously laid off most of its staff. Tencent was among the funders who reportedly pulled support after the game's launch, with the game failing to generate sufficient revenue.
Highguard Players on PS5 Are Seemingly Getting Refunds for In-Game Purchases
PlayStation 5 players of the recently shut down game Highguard are reportedly receiving automatic refunds for in-game purchases. While Sony has not officially commented, players on other platforms like PC and Xbox Series X have not reported similar refunds. It remains unclear if this initiative is from Sony or the developer, Wildlight Entertainment.
Det här är Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert, an open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss, is set to release on March 19 for PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game features a single-player focus with a narrative centered on the character Kliff rebuilding his company, incorporating elements like jetpacks and train travel alongside traditional combat. The article also details PC requirements and comparisons between console versions.
WWE 2K26 Faces Negative Reviews Due to Ringside Pass
WWE 2K26 is receiving negative reviews from PC players on Steam due to issues with the "Ringside Pass" microtransaction system. Players are reporting bugs and performance problems associated with the pass.
If all video games were free what would people really play? - Reader’s Feature
This reader's feature explores what video game consumption would look like if all games were free and microtransactions were eliminated. It argues that despite the removal of financial barriers, player behavior would likely remain similar, with a continued focus on popular, easily accessible online multiplayer titles like Fortnite and Rocket League, rather than a significant shift towards niche genres.
