All articles tagged with #microtransactions
Pearl Abyss confirms Crimson Desert will launch as a $70 premium, one-time-purchase open-world RPG with no cosmetic microtransactions at launch, though pre-order bonuses exist and future non-cosmetic DLC is not ruled out.
Pearl Abyss says Crimson Desert will launch March 19, 2026 as a premium, microtransaction-free experience, with no cosmetic shop, emphasizing a single full-price purchase (the game has already gone gold).
Arknights: Endfield launched today but PayPal payments were disabled after a glitch caused random charges across currencies, including some users’ purchases totaling up to $3,300; Hypergryph paused PayPal and urged players to use alternative payment methods while it processes erroneous transactions and considers compensation.
Blizzard introduces a new premium currency called Hearthsteel for housing in World of Warcraft, allowing players to buy items and furniture, but the move has sparked significant backlash due to concerns over microtransactions and monetization strategies, raising questions about Blizzard's and Microsoft's profit motives.
Fortnite introduces Sidekicks, customizable pets that can be personalized once permanently, with options to change accessories but not appearance, at a high cost, sparking criticism over microtransaction practices.
Doja Cat distanced herself from a controversial Fortnite Halloween event post that appeared to allude to sex toys, which she claimed was not her doing. The incident sparked debate over whether it was a genuine mistake or a deliberate marketing stunt, highlighting the cynical nature of modern media and gaming culture's tendency to generate controversy for sales.
Fans of Dead Space have criticized EA's new $35 crossover bundle in Skate, which features a cardboard Isaac Clarke costume and other items, for its high price and microtransaction practices, sparking disappointment despite some positive community feedback on the game's overall direction.
Most gamers buy fewer than two new games per year, with a small, affluent segment driving industry revenue through high spending and microtransactions, while the majority prefer free-to-play or less frequent purchases.
2XKO, a new free-to-play fighting game, has launched with a $100 Arcane-themed Ultra Starter Edition bundle that includes exclusive skins and in-game currency, sparking controversy over its high price and value, especially among dedicated players and fans of microtransactions in gaming.
Isaac Clarke from Dead Space has been added as a skin in EA's free-to-play Skate reboot, costing around $30 in in-game currency, which is more expensive than the physical remake of Dead Space itself, raising questions about the value of digital cosmetics.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and partners have bought Electronic Arts for $55 billion in a leveraged buyout, likely leading to increased profit-driven focus, budget cuts, and exploitation of gamers, with potential negative impacts on game quality and innovation.
EA's Skate revival is launching in early access on September 16-17 with specific global times, offering a free-to-play, always-online experience supported by microtransactions, and featuring cross-play and cross-progression across multiple platforms.
Players are furious with Bungie after a leaked ArtStation post revealed a Gladiator armor set originally designed for Iron Banner was instead sold in the Eververse store, highlighting ongoing frustrations with Bungie's microtransaction practices and the game's current poor state. The controversy is compounded by the reuse of old armor sets and the high cost of new paid content, leading fans to call for better transparency and more player-friendly solutions.
NBA 2K26 is praised for its refined gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive presentation, making it the top annual sports game, despite ongoing issues with microtransactions and pay-to-win elements in modes like MyTeam and The City.
The article warns players that while Destiny Rising appears generous with its currency and rewards initially, this is typical of gacha games, which tend to become more difficult and less rewarding over time due to their gambling-like monetization model. It emphasizes understanding the nature of gacha mechanics and managing expectations, as most players can still enjoy the game without heavy spending, but should be aware of the potential for increased difficulty and the importance of strategic resource management.