Lately, it seems as though the news is filled with tales about how developers are “sticking it” to gamers in the form of microtransactions. While they started out harmless enough, being relegated to mobile titles or very specific console games, it’s quickly grown into something that gamers both expect, and fear. In the case of Battlefront II, EA’s use of microtransactions created an uproar that’s still being felt today, and it has affected the game’s sales, among other things. Well, one developer has learned from their mistakes and refuses to join in on their game, Square Enix.
For in an interview with MCV, Square Enix CEO Yosuke Matsuda talked about their titles and what their hopes and feelings were about content. When the topic of microtransactions was brought up, Matsuda noted:
“The way that console games are made, the volume of content, and how much effort goes into them, there’s something in that which doesn’t fit in the mind with microtransactions.”
The sad thing here is that other developers don’t seem to make that connection. Now, he technically noted that their “singleplayer” games would not have such content, which leaves it open for games like Final Fantasy XIV to maintain use of microtransactions. Though, to be fair, that games microtransactions are purely cosmetic, whereas Battlefront II’s was more “pay-to-win”.
Now, that doesn’t mean that Square Enix doesn’t have ideas for future content for their games, far from it, they want to continue to make DLC content that’ll help extend the games and their stories, which is what they have done for Final Fantasy XV in spades. Fans don’t have a problem with this kind of content, in a way, it’s almost a necessary part of the game, yet, they don’t have to get it if they don’t want to, as it won’t affect the main experience.
Hopefully, more will take after Square Enix when it comes to microtransactions.
