Microtransactions

     What are microtransactions? Well, they are these little exchanges players can make in game or through a special store not in game that allows purchasing of game related goods and services. In other words, it's a secret way to sap money from people who don't want to pay for subscriptions! Or just anyone who would like to pay a few dollars to have increased run speed for an hour.

      These microtransactions are most commonly seen in free to play games or low cost iPhone and iPad games. The developers need a source of income to keep their company going and retail alone doesn't always work. Microtransactions are a way to continuously earn money from players even after they have purchased their game. The questions is whether or not this is a good practice.

      I am on the fence on this one. The system can work in the company's favor, but this can sometimes also ruin a player's experience. Let's say I have an offline game that has an in game store. I can opt to buy free passage to other levels if the one I am currently on is too difficult. I can also opt to purchase a suit of armor that makes me invincible and lets me one-shot everything. That sounds amazing! Trouble is, the game becomes way too easy and I am basically paying to win. It's like paying for cheat codes. At least with cheat codes it was fun figuring them out and then using them to make that one fight just a tad bit easier to win. 

 

      Another example: suppose I am playing an online game with an in game store. I can either level through the game and obtain some high end equipment in a matter of 25 days or I can buy the best armor and weapons from the store for a measly $59.99. Not only that, they are exclusive to the store, so the best armor has to be bought in order to fully optimize your character. This is horrible! Players who buy the ultimate equipment have an advantage over everyone else. It is another pay to win situation that makes other players consider quitting. When you know you can't get the very best armor without going through a microtransaction, you tend to just stop playing.

      However, not all transactions are designed to be P2W. Some stores sell only cosmetic items or exclusive pets. To a pet collector with a lot of spare money, this isn't so bad. These pets give no advantage to the player. They are merely just adorable. Cosmetic items usually are that. They just look good. Even still, I don't use the stores so much. I prefer earning my items through gameplay and achievements. If I buy that amazing mount that flies and looks like Crosell from Star Ocean: Til The End of Time, it's just fun for a day. Now that Onyx Netherwing Drake that I spent weeks grinding rep for Netherwing Hold on the other hand was DEFINITELY worth it. I still ride it to this day.

      Some companies such as Turbine (LOTRO) offer a special subscription service that gives players free microtransaction points to use in their store. Yes, it is a sub fee, but compared to buying lots of items in the store with your own money, you would be surprised at how much you could spend within a month, let alone a day! Think of it like this: I either pay $15 a month for 2000 Turbine Points or buy Turbine Points for the store on my own time. Buying the point w/o a sub works well for those who seldom buy, but for frequent buyers, that subscription looks like it might help.

      What I am trying to say is there are good microtransaction practices and there are terrible ones. If you drop a lot of money on a game and it has microtransactions, think before you buy. Can I really beat this game without that overpowered flamethrower? Of course you can! Do I really need that XP Boost? Nah, those drop all over the place. Does that Nurse Akali Skin really look that good? That's a concept art picture, not the in game sprite. It looks very different after you buy it. Any thoughts on microtransactions? Should this be practiced at all or completely done away with?