Microtransactions
Ongoing coverage on Microtransactions.
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Epic design lead says V-Bucks price increase is a necessary evil, but players aren’t impressed: ‘We need to fight this hard’
Epic Games is increasing the price of V-Bucks, Fortnite's premium currency, by approximately 20%, a move defended by lead designer Andre Balta as necessary for continued development. Players have reacted negatively, with some calling for a boycott and expressing concerns that the focus has shifted from gameplay to microtransactions and collaborations.
Epic Games defends Fortnite's controversial V-Bucks price hike, insisting it's in "direct correlation to the operating costs" and teasing "amazing things" are coming that'll make you "understand what's been going on"
Epic Games has announced an upcoming price increase for Fortnite's V-Bucks currency, citing "direct correlation to the operating costs" of running the business. This change, effective March 19, will reduce the amount of V-Bucks players receive for their money. Epic Games is also teasing significant new content and features expected within the next six to twelve months.
The Sims 4 modding community is disappointed by new 'microtransaction' marketplace
The Sims 4 modding community has expressed disappointment with Electronic Arts' new 'microtransaction' marketplace. Creators feel that EA needs their contributions to make the marketplace successful, despite the company's perceived lack of support for the modding scene.
The Sims 4 modding community is disappointed by new 'microtransaction' marketplace
The Sims 4 modding community is expressing disappointment over a new 'microtransaction' marketplace. The article also speculates that a potential Businesses and Hobbies Expansion Pack could address issues found in the Get to Work expansion.
Slay The Spire 2 devs don't care about piracy but they hate microtransactions
Mega Crit, the developers of Slay the Spire 2, have expressed a relaxed attitude towards game piracy, stating they will not actively prevent it and even encourage learning from their decompiled code. However, the studio is vehemently against microtransactions, assuring players there will be no gacha or expensive cosmetic DLC. The game is currently in early access on Steam with plans for a console release.
Gamers think they know why Overwatch is “struggling” against Marvel Rivals, and it’s not gameplay, it’s buttcheeks
Players are criticizing Overwatch's new Project YoRHa collaboration skins for their high cost and perceived lack of aesthetic appeal, particularly the design of the character Kiriko. This has led to comparisons with Marvel Rivals, with some arguing Overwatch is struggling due to its character design choices. The discussion also touches on broader concerns about female character representation and the male gaze in video games.
Fortnite Responds to Fan Uproar Over V-Bucks Changes, as Players Say They'll Skip the Next Battle Pass and Cancel Subscriptions - IGN
Epic Games has responded to significant player backlash regarding changes to Fortnite's V-Bucks pricing and availability. Players are upset about receiving fewer V-Bucks for their money and in the Fortnite Crew subscription, leading some to cancel their subscriptions and vow to skip the next battle pass. Epic Games cited increased running costs as the reason for the price adjustments.
EA Sports FC risks losing PEGI 3 age rating due to new loot box rules
PEGI is implementing stricter rules for video game age ratings, with the presence of loot boxes now automatically resulting in a PEGI 16 rating. This change, effective from June, could impact the all-ages appeal of titles like EA Sports FC and NBA 2K, potentially affecting sales. Other factors like battle passes, NFTs, and online communication will also influence ratings.
Epic is increasing the cost of V-Bucks to “pay the bills” as the cost of “running Fortnite has gone up a lot” – sure, sure.
Epic Games is increasing the price of V-Bucks in Fortnite, citing rising operational costs. The price adjustments will take effect on March 19, 2026, with subscribers to Fortnite Crew receiving fewer V-Bucks per month.
PEGI Targets Loot Boxes With Its New Overhauled Ratings System
The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) ratings system is undergoing a significant overhaul, introducing new classifications for loot boxes, microtransactions, and daily login rewards. Games featuring paid random items will default to a PEGI 16 rating, while those with NFTs will be rated PEGI 18. These changes, set to be enforced from June 2026, aim to better inform consumers about potentially predatory in-game mechanics.
Epic Games increases Fortnite V-Bucks "to help pay the bills"
Epic Games is increasing the price of Fortnite's in-game currency, V-Bucks, starting March 19, 2026, citing increased operational costs. Several V-Bucks pack sizes will be reduced, and the Fortnite Crew membership will offer fewer V-Bucks. The main battle pass price is also decreasing. This change follows Epic's successful dispute with Google over app store fees.
PEGI Rating Changes Will See Loot Box Games Classified Much Higher
PEGI is updating its rating system to classify games featuring loot boxes and similar randomized microtransactions at PEGI 16. Games with battle passes or time-limited systems will be rated PEGI 12, with an option to lower to PEGI 7 if in-game purchase toggles are available. These changes, aimed at closing loopholes and addressing concerns about predatory monetization, will take effect in June.
Europe Is Putting Harsher Age Restrictions on All the Things You Hate About Modern Gaming
Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) is implementing significant updates to its age rating system starting June 2026, introducing stricter classifications for loot boxes, microtransactions, and daily login incentives. Games featuring paid random items like loot boxes will automatically receive a PEGI 16 rating, while those with time-limited purchases will be rated PEGI 12. Unrestricted online communication will result in an 18 rating.
Changes to Euro game ratings mean you will need to be nearly an adult to buy EAFC in future – here’s why that really matters
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system is set to change its criteria starting June 2026, which will significantly impact games like EAFC. Previously rated PEGI 3, EAFC is expected to be reclassified as PEGI 16 or 18 due to its in-game paid random items, such as Ultimate Team card packs. This change aims to better inform parents about games with microtransactions and other monetization mechanics.
Loot Boxes And Battle Passes Are About To Impact Game Ratings More Harshly
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating system is implementing stricter guidelines for games featuring loot boxes, microtransactions, and NFTs starting in June. Games with loot boxes will be rated PEGI 16, while those with battle passes will typically be PEGI 12, potentially dropping to PEGI 7 if spending can be disabled. Games featuring NFTs, social casino elements, or communication features will receive an instant PEGI 18 rating.
The Sims 4 modding community is disappointed by new 'microtransaction' marketplace
The Sims 4 modding community is expressing disappointment with Electronic Arts' new official 'Marketplace' for custom content. Creators are unhappy with the introduction of a new currency, 'Moola,' and EA's 70 percent cut of all purchases, arguing it exploits their work. The marketplace also raises concerns due to Electronic Arts' funding sources, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which has led some creators to withdraw their support.
Valve speaks out about New York loot box lawsuit in rare attempt at damage control, saying ‘it would have been bad for users and other game developers’ to preempt situation
Valve has publicly addressed the lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General regarding loot boxes, describing them as gambling. The company stated that the AG's proposed changes to its business operations would have negatively impacted users and developers on Steam, affecting privacy and the ability to trade in-game items.
Fortnite-valutan blir dyrare för att Epic behöver "betala räkningarna"
Epic Games announced that the in-game currency V-Bucks for Fortnite will become more expensive starting March 19th. The company cited increased operational costs as the reason for the price hike, meaning players will receive fewer V-Bucks for the same amount of real-world money.
Fortnite 'Save the World' goes free-to-play
Fortnite's original mode, Save the World, will become free-to-play starting April 16. Epic Games is offering pre-registration rewards and special items for current players as a thank you. This change follows a recent price increase for V-Bucks, the in-game currency for Fortnite and Fall Guys.
How Marathon avoids the mistake that Concord and Highguard made
Marathon is praised for avoiding the "Blorko" problem that affected Concord and Highguard by implementing a unique "Shells" mechanic for combat avatars. The game, developed by Bungie, launched on March 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, offering a fresh take on shooter gameplay with depth and flexibility. The article also briefly mentions other games like Crabmeat, Pragmata, Fortnite, Super Mario Lego, Never's End, Crimson Desert, and the lawsuit against Valve regarding lootboxes.
