Stop Selling the Best Weapons in the Game
(Major Offender – EA DICE with Battlefield 1)
Microtransactions and other forms of paid content are never going to go away, we know that. However, most can live with their existence as long as they are kept under control. We get that not everyone has time to get those cool hats or that one shader, and paying for these additions can be alright. But, if we’re all paying the same entry fee for a game (which is usually $60), then additional funds shouldn’t give anyone a notable competitive advantages. Unfortunately, we do see these sorts of microtransactions happen, and it causes a sore divide between the haves and have nots.
Battlefield 1, for example, allows players to purchase upgrade kits for their classes with real world money. This means you can take something like your Scout or your Medic and max out their level. Seems innocent enough, until you realize that the best weapons in the game are locked behind these levels. Sure, you need Warbonds to actually unlock the weapons once you reach max level, but they are not difficult to come by. With some cash and a little bit of time, a player can easily become a dominant force on a battlefield. Skill still plays a major part, but for a game with a short single player campaign, a multiplayer advantage so easily bought can be a huge detriment.
Games are a business, but part of that business is making sure that consumers feel welcome to play. Being able to purchase a skip in gathering all the coveted ranks and gear is something we hope is left aside going into 2017.
