Microtransactions
Ongoing coverage on Microtransactions.
Latest coverage
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.
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.