The issue of microtransactions have been an extremely hot topic in the gaming community recently. After the backlash that surrounded the microtransaction system of EA’s Star Wars: Battlefront II, it seems that the company is reconsidering their strategy when it comes to dealing with the sensitive issue of microtransactions in games.
Several sources spoke to Kotaku, revealing that EA and DICE are planning to offer loot boxes that would only contain cosmetic items and nothing that would affect the gameplay in the next installment in the Battlefield series, which is also rumored to be set in World War 2.
Furthermore, the source close to Kotaku said that:
“No one’s gonna do any pay-to-win stuff anymore, we didn’t take any of the loot box controversy lightly.”
It seems like the uproar by the gaming community regarding the unfair implementation of microtransactions in games has been so loud, that big publishers such as EA, who is extremely notorious when it comes to issues surrounding microtransactions, is now changing its tune. Back in 2016, Battlefield 1’s loot boxes, which can be purchased using real money, only contained cosmetic items. The issue began when Battlefront II contained loot boxes that affected gameplay, as items such as enhanced weapons can be purchased rather than earned.
In addition, Kotaku was able to speak with several key people in the video game industry and it seems that the direction among most developers is to “tread carefully” when it comes to loot boxes.
What do you think of the rumors circulating regarding EA’s decision to be extra careful when it comes to handling the microtransaction issue? Will we finally see a better implementation of loot boxes in games? Share your thoughts down in the comments below.
