So I have been giving a lot of thought to the current state of video gaming today. Specifically the all the controversy when it comes to microtransactions. So today I am going to try and have a thoughtful and rational discussion about microtransactions in video games.
Before I begin I think it’s important to note my age. Why? Because as a man of 48 years I have more access to disposable income than the average gamer. So from the start, I don’t have the natural distaste for microtransactions as someone who does not have this income to draw from.
That being said, I don’t have a problem with microtransactions as long the following criteria are being met.
To begin with, all microtransactions must be completely cosmic and not give anyone an advantage in gameplay. I can’t imagine that any video game maker would want to do otherwise. I can’t imagine how I would have reacted if back in the day if my Pac Man moved slower than somebody else’s if they could spend 75 cents on a game and I could only afford 25 cents. I can’t support any game that does this. Neither should you. Fair play should be non-negotiable.
My second stimulation is that all microtransaction purchase content must also be readily available in-game through some sort of natural progression.The progression must be realistically attainable and clearly understood by all players.A good example of game maker doing this well I think is the publisher of Fortnite. If you are going make a game and hide and restrict all best cosmic content only those willing to pay extra for it. Then you can keep your game as well.
My last thought is that I think that all players that take time to achieve all possible game content by actually playing the game. They should get something special that’s only attainable to them. Something that says “Hey I earned this shit motherfucker! You can’t buy this!”
What do you think? Am I missing something? Do you think I am full of shit? Please, I would love to hear all rational thoughts. I have an open mind. You can comment below
Keith Ashwood
(Silverstar4216 on PS4)
Joseph Dabon
December 17, 2017 @ 7:30 pm
Nicely written but the subject is, for me, like the storyline of Star Wars – in a galaxy, far, far away…