Are Game Developers Finally Moving Away from Microtransactions?
Electronic Arts promised no micro-transactions, nor lootboxes, with Star Wars Jedi?: Fallen Order. It delivered. | Source: EA/Respawn
- Gamers won’t have to deal with microtransactions in Age of Empires 4.
- Several other new releases don’t feature microtransactions or loot boxes.
- Developers may finally be wising up to what players want in their games.
Age of Empires 4 is one of the newest games that won’t feature microtransactions and that’s something to celebrate. It’s also a good sign as several other recent games to come out have been cutting predatory practices.
In the case of Age of Empires 4, creative director Adam Isgreen is the one confirming the lack of microtransactions. He does as much during an interview with PCGamesN .
The idea of microtransactions in a real-time strategy game isn’t a thing. DLC, expansions – all of that is things that we’re going to be exploring for Age 4.
Developers Will Focus on Expansion and DLC for Age of Empires 4
Seeing Isgreen break out the word ‘expansions” is definitely a surprise. This is what developers used to put out for games before DLC became a thing. The use of that term may mean that players can expect a more classic approach to upcoming content in Age of Empires 4.
It’s not just Age of Empires 4 that is skipping out on microtransactions. There have been several other games recently that have been avoiding the blight of gaming as well.
The newest major game release without microtransactions is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The game goes the route of offering a more classic single-player experience and doesn’t bother the player with extra monetization practices. Plus, it did incredibly well in reviews. Maybe EA is actually paying attention to what customers want.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Also Lack Microtransactions
Next up is Need for Speed: Heat, another video game from EA. Just like with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, players won’t find any microtransactions in the game . It’s surprising to see two major games from EA that don’t feature microtransactions, but here we are.
Finishing up the list is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The game does feature microtransactions, but only for cosmetics. What’s more interesting is that it doesn’t include loot boxes , which are arguably more evil than microtransactions. Players will be able to unlock more content through a premium battle pass though. It’s still sketchy to offer a paid battle pass in a $60 game, but it’s at least a step in the right direction.
Modern Warfare’s Lack of Loot Boxes is Another Good Move for Gamers
All in all, it looks like game developers are finally starting to ease off of predatory practices like microtransactions and loot boxes. Does this mean there still won’t be major new releases that feature them? Of course not.
Instead, this may be a turning point. A moment looked at years later as when developers finally started going back to just making good games without horrible monetization practices. One can hope.
