Microtransactions
Ongoing coverage on Microtransactions.
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RuneScape subscription prices go up again — and players aren’t happy
Jagex has increased the subscription prices for RuneScape for the second time in less than a year, with monthly and 12-month memberships seeing price hikes. This change has led to player dissatisfaction, particularly regarding grandfathered subscription rates. Jagex defended the decision by emphasizing a transparent, subscription-focused approach to game development and support.
After Killing Off Microtransactions, RuneScape Raises Subscription Prices
Developer Jagex is increasing the monthly subscription price for its 25-year-old MMO, RuneScape, from $14 to $15 per month, effective April 9. This change follows the recent removal of microtransactions from the game. While players on a grandfathered rate will not see their prices change, they must maintain an active monthly subscription to keep it.
'The Cost of Running Fortnite Has Gone Up a Lot and We're Raising Prices to Help Pay the Bills,' Epic Games Says, Announcing V-Bucks Changes and More - IGN
Epic Games is increasing the price of Fortnite's V-Bucks currency and reducing the amount received from the battle pass and Fortnite Crew subscription, citing rising operational costs. The cost of the battle pass itself will be slightly reduced, but the overall V-Bucks price hike is expected to lead players to spend more money. These changes will take effect on March 19.
Slay the Spire 2 developer refuses to rely on microtransactions or DLC packs to make quick cash, despite some players threatening "to buy all and any cosmetics we may ever release"
Mega Crit, the developer of Slay the Spire 2, has stated they will not implement microtransactions or small DLC packs, despite player interest in purchasing cosmetics. Co-founder Casey Yano emphasized the studio's stance against predatory monetization. The game is currently in early access on PC, with plans for flexible updates and a focus on modding support.
Slay The Spire 2 Devs Won't Add Microtransactions, Even Though Fans Would Pay For Them
Mega Crit co-founder Casey Yano stated that Slay the Spire 2 will not feature microtransactions, despite player interest, as the studio prioritizes a complete content experience for all players. The game is currently in Steam Early Access, with plans for free updates over the next one to two years to add more content and features.
Fortnite V-Bucks Are Getting More Expensive
Epic Games is increasing the price of Fortnite V-Bucks starting March 19, citing rising operational costs. The Battle Pass will now cost 800 V-Bucks, and the Battle Bundle will be reduced. Fortnite Crew subscribers will receive fewer V-Bucks, though the service is now included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
What Makes Crimson Desert a Strong Contender for Game of the Year
Crimson Desert is positioned as a strong contender for Game of the Year in 2026, aiming to make a significant cultural and critical impact as a new IP. The game emphasizes a traditional premium experience without microtransactions, focusing on cinematic action, large-scale battles, and emergent open-world gameplay inspired by titles like Elden Ring and Breath of the Wild. Its unique genre positioning as a single-player, open-world, action-heavy RPG with deep progression systems could attract a broad audience, differentiating it from other upcoming releases.
Slay the Spire 2 dev hates microtransactions, even though players would definitely pay for them: 'A lot of our players threaten to buy all and any cosmetics we may ever release'
Mega Crit, the developer of Slay the Spire 2, has stated they are against microtransactions, despite player interest in purchasing cosmetics. The game is priced at £19.99/$24.99 and has achieved top seller status on Steam during its early access launch.
World of Warcraft players revolt over ‘comically overpriced’ cash shop housing items
Players of World of Warcraft are expressing outrage over the high prices of new cosmetic housing items available in the in-game cash shop. Initially, decor packs were priced at $25, with individual items like a cherry blossom tree costing $7.50. Following backlash, one pack was repriced to $2.50, but many players still consider the items 'comically overpriced'.
Marathon tackles microtransaction complaints, preps patch to smooth out pain points
Bungie is addressing player complaints regarding Marathon's microtransaction pricing and other pain points with an upcoming patch. The developer will increase the amount of premium currency players receive for their money and credit existing customers with extra currency. The patch will also improve in-game navigation and starting supplies.
'We'll Getcha One Day Silksong' — Slay the Spire 2 Dev 'Blown Away' by Enormous Launch as It Joins Steam Top 20 Club - IGN
Slay the Spire 2 has achieved a massive early access launch on Steam, reaching over 574,000 peak concurrent players and breaking into the platform's top 20 most-played games. Developer Mega Crit expressed their gratitude and playfully targeted Hollow Knight: Silksong for future player counts. The studio also confirmed they are against microtransactions in the game.
For science, I raced across 1,836 metres in Fortnite at half of Usain Bolt's top speed
Fortnite has enabled third-party microtransactions for creator-made games, leading to the popular experience 'Steal the Brainrot' immediately introducing $45 item bundles and a roulette wheel. This move has drawn criticism from fans regarding the implementation of premium items and chance-based mechanics within user-generated content.
Bungie Makes Key Change To Marathon's Microtransactions
Bungie is adjusting the in-game currency bundles for its extraction shooter Marathon, increasing the amount of Lux players receive for $10 purchases and retroactively crediting previous buyers. The studio also announced an upcoming patch that will improve objective navigation, increase spawn rates for certain items, and address issues with missing Deluxe Edition rewards and Twitch drops.
Marathon dev Bungie responds to microtransactions complaints and is "preparing a patch" for next week
Bungie is addressing player complaints about microtransactions in its newly released game Marathon. The developer announced plans to increase the amount of in-game currency Lux received for real-money purchases and will issue a patch next week to implement these changes. Bungie also stated they are discussing further improvements to ensure players feel they are receiving good value.
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.