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Insert Coins to Continue: Micro transactions in gaming today


We can all realate to just how gamers view micro transactions in games today. We all remember "horse armor" in Elder Scrolls:Oblivion or all the new micro transactions that recently cropped up in World of Warcraft. It makes me wonder if this added expense will start to be more invasive than it has been in recent years, and whether it will start truly effecting just how we play. I make this statement because as gaming has gone along over the years, it appears that two things are for certain. First, EA and Activision have grown in size tremendously since around 2000 to current day. There have been more developers and small studio's purchased and essentially gutted by these two large publishers, and with that, we've seen a rise in this crazy micro transaction! we've also seen a substantial drop in new IP's sadly, which really means that they are banking on the name recognition and legacy built by those with the guts to try!

Recently, its been rumored that EA is trying to built up their processing department in terms of processing credit card information as well as their security around said system. It leaves a lot to the imagination as to what that means. It could be something just as simple as, they are trying to prepare for a more "digital download era," which of course would make sense since at that point they are selling around the third party distributers...It could also be that they are preparing to make microtransactions a part of the gaming experience that they provide...and that in itself is a scary thought! The question of what to do, or how do we react, isn't a great one, it appears that perhaps the mainstream of gaming is going to take on its own level of life..The problem will be, in order to enjoy that, will it end up costing gamers in the upwards of $120 or more to enjoy a single game?

Finally, this begs the question as to "When have they cross a line?" Its a good question to ask, because when these microtransactions become so invasive that they errod the end product we spend our hard earned $60 on, it should be asked whether or not we feel that we've been bamboozled! When is it time for the FTC to come in and say that we're being sold a pack of lies, and need to pay additional money for contents which consumers were under the impression, existed within the final product? I wonder this fairly often as I watch gaming evolved...


 

Comments

TheMart22

02/27/2013 at 01:47 PM

I don't mind microtransactions being in a game as long as it is not required to experience everything the game offers. The day they start charging for the ultimate weapon you "need" to beat the end boss is the day i'm done. I'm ok with it if microtransactions are only used as a shortcut for people who don't have the time to invest in a game to get all the best items. I'll just continue to skip them... Jeez I mean they already catch me for dlc

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/27/2013 at 01:50 PM

I include DLC as micro transactions...DLC didn't really exist prior to this current generation of consoles tbh. Think about how many games were truly a complete experience that needed no online connection to get a full amount of joy out of! Today it feels as though DLC is thought of in the initial creation of the game, and purposely left (especially on disc dlc) to be charged for.

TheMart22

02/27/2013 at 01:57 PM

The DLC i've purchased that annoyed me the most was for DOA5. I'm kinda a completionist when it comes to fighting games and unlocking all the costumes. I get the game day 1 and am working through it and next thing I know theres downloadable costumes every other week that you can't unlock. Now that was sickening. Outside of DOA5, I don't really remember what else I've bought. I completely agree with your sentiment here

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/27/2013 at 02:13 PM

Exactly...that shouldn't be a part of any game, but it is, and its working its way into the model. What irks me the most is that we let them, by paying! I understand where you come from as to be a completionist! I use achievements as a road map to the way I feel the developers want me to experience the games! or show me cool things they did. But when absurd things like that are added...it irks me!

Aboboisdaman

02/27/2013 at 01:54 PM

I hate microtransaction bullcrap. If I'm gonna pay $60 for a game, that game should be complete. I don't care for DLC either. The only time I ever bought DLC was for Mirror's Edge and that was totally worth it.

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/27/2013 at 02:12 PM

My issue with DLC would be that, it should have either been included with the game at release, or if it was content that needed to be finished and the time table had passed, simply been an update to the game at no cost! Otherwise it should be included int he sequal as part of an entire game! Either way, this is a display of suits (I am a suit so I can use that since its "our word" :p) who don't undertand the customers they are selling to, selling to them and ruining their reputation along the way...

I can't say that I've recently heard anyone say "I am really looking forward to the next Electronic Arts/Activision game, they make such quality products and really keep me as a consumer." Its more the developers we love, and the pain it is to watch them be defiled by such scum.  Like watching a good friend start to date an abusive partner..not a good thing ever!

transmet2033

02/27/2013 at 02:30 PM

As long as I can avoid it, i cannot say that i care if they choose to put microtransactions into the games.  

I did hate booting up dead space 2 only to have them ask for online pass code that i did not have and did not want to purchase. 

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/27/2013 at 02:46 PM

Its like a commercial or having shareware and having them nag the crap out of you every time you log in...like you owe them more and the only way to get that popup to go away is to give them money...*sigh*...I feel it will get worst too.

BrokenH

02/27/2013 at 02:46 PM

Some dlc is good. I think it's great games can now receive patch updates online and there is extra content for those who want it.

However, I resent it when certain dlc seems pivotal to the "main story" or "main gameplay". Aka, the stuff where you ask yourself "Shouldn't this have been in the game at launch?".

Good dlc compliments an already complete game. Bad dlc seems as if it was a vital organ removed from a patient's body only to be ransomed back to him or her for a ridiculous amount of money.

I also cannot stand content that's already on the disc yet locked away until we pay a fee.

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/27/2013 at 02:47 PM

Exactly! but new DLC should not be DLC at all...it should either have been included or be saved to be a part of the next game! a good sequal if the game is a success...the other stuff...ya...i won't buy those games at all.

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/27/2013 at 06:32 PM

Having not adopted any current gen consoles, I can't say I've experienced DLC, but it sounds annoying.

Homelessrook

02/27/2013 at 08:21 PM

I kinda see it as a way for them to continue to make money of of the game. I pay 60 bucks for a game then If I want a special something I should cough up .99 to what ever to get said special item. Do I dislike this? Yes and No. I do fell like I am being nickled and dimed but at the same time I feel that if someone wants this item they should have it. Now if it gets to the point if you are at a disadvantage in the game because of not having a Micro purchased items then I feel they would do a disservice to the gamer. Sorry for rambling.

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/28/2013 at 09:16 AM

I get the feeling its starting to go that direction. This all started with "Horse Armor" and is going to continue! we've seen DLC which many believe should have been included from the start because it effects the story of a game in some way. I honestly feel that its a way to pull more cash unfairly from people...do I think non-essential cosmetic things or shortcuts are ok? sure! that doesn't effect anything but the time and look of your game. I just don't think it will stop there.

SanAndreas

02/27/2013 at 08:33 PM

I will never spend a dime on microtransactions myself. I guess if the company wants to include them, they can, but I think liberally sprinkling your games with cash shops even if the content is not required to win would make even an AAA megabudget game like GTA look like tacky low-budget trash.

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/28/2013 at 09:16 AM

I agree 100%, though I don't think its beneath them to try something to get more cash, its part of their business model now!

Justin Matkowski Staff Alumnus

02/28/2013 at 02:32 PM

In my opinion, there is a pretty substantial line dividing quality DLC and cheap, trashy microtransactions. The golden rule I personally use is: is the content something that could have, and should have, been included in the final $60 game on launch day? I find Day 1 DLC to be abhorrent, but if we are talking "down the line", well-crafted content such as Undead Nightmare, Dawnguard, or the Fallout 3 DLC, then I actually very much enjoy it - and even if you decide not to purchase said DLC, it will in no way hinder or downplay the original (hopefully complete) experience.

It surprises me big publishers aren't getting the hint that cheap microtransactions, while seeming like a good idea to bean counters now, will hurt them financially in the long run. Aside from the sketchy morality behind them, microtransactions (especially the crap we've seen with Dead Space 3) make their titles look like the desperate person at the bar; and no one wants to go home with the desperate person at the bar, let alone settle down with them.

ActivisionStoleMy360

02/28/2013 at 09:44 PM

I guess my issue would be that the DLC should have been included. Even well crafted DLC should have been included. If there was more to say/do, it should be fully realized in a full game that contiunes the journey! I love the enthusiasm that a lot of these developers have, but I think they are being pushed against their better judgement! I can also tell when you get developers who are "company men/women" that simply do what they are told, and not so much what is in the best interest of the IP...and do irrepariable damage to the IP.

Justin Matkowski Staff Alumnus

02/28/2013 at 11:56 PM

What troubles me most about the whole concept of microtransations is: where does this leave the state of unlockable content in games going forward? I think quality in game unlockables add a lot of replay value, and really gives you a sense that you get some value for your purchase. It makes me sick that non-DLC unlockable content could go the way of the buffalo; if Symphony of The Night were made today, I bet the inverted castle would have been DLC, instead of being something that you discovered through experimentation and exploration. And that my friend, really sucks.

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