130°

Microtransactions | Aggravating Necessities

OnlySP: "When video games initiated their plan for world domination, they began as entertaining time sinks that allowed consumers to immerse themselves in something other than television or reality. From simple experiences such as Pong to more complex titles including the Mass Effect series or Metal Gear Solid, video games have transformed into something more enrapturing than mere amusement. This popular form of entertainment has become a lifestyle, a profession, and even a sport. However, with every evolutionary, positive venture comes some controversial elements, and one such point of contention in the industry is the implementation of microtransactions."

freshslicepizza3112d ago

People don't want game prices to go up which is why publishers have created other revenue streams.

SourtreeDing3112d ago

i dont understand the hate with this.. Spend your money if you want on Loot boxes or Microtransactions damn babies as long as its not pay to win i dont care for these practices.. bc you spend the money if you want

3111d ago
HyperMouse3110d ago

Thats the problem they are slowly becoming pay to win or making the grind much harder so you consider buying loot boxes, look at new Forza 7 and Shadow of war, it will only get worse

bolimekurac3110d ago

but hyper mouse you cant spend actual money in forza 7 yet

Nyxus3112d ago

I'd rather see the prices go up if that would mean no microtransactions, honestly.

AspiringProGenji3111d ago

meanwhile Horizon Zero Dawn:

- gives you loot boxes for leveling up
- gives you loot boxes for helping NPCs
- gives you lot boxes for trading with merchants
- Gives you Loot boxes for completing tasks
All of that free loot at $60.

W3 and Zelda and other examples too...

I don't buy that excuse anymore when even SP games have MTs.

freshslicepizza3111d ago

Who knows what the future may lie, Uncharted for example went from a strictly single player game, to a game with online multiplayer added on to a game with microtransactions.

We have all witnessed the progression of some sort of online model entrenched in games and DLC being sold. The old model of buy a game, finish the campaign and your done is getting fewer and fewer. Publishers want to keep players engaged and a reward system like microtransactions and loot boxes are becoming more popular.

Most publishers now release fewer games but are making more money through this model.

Liqu1d3111d ago

That's because the excuse is nonsense. Games are perfectly capable of making a healthy profit at $60, then you have deluxe and collectors editions priced even higher. Microtransactions were implemented because publishers are greedy.

freshslicepizza3110d ago

@Liqu1d
"That's because the excuse is nonsense. Games are perfectly capable of making a healthy profit at $60, then you have deluxe and collectors editions priced even higher. Microtransactions were implemented because publishers are greedy."

That $60 game now costs more than it did to make that $60 game back in 2005, simple economics. Some have been able to remian profitable that's true but we have also witnessed lots of developer closures and less new IP's because the risk can sometimes be very costly.

UCForce3110d ago (Edited 3110d ago )

@moldybread Your logic is flawed as ever. So tell me this, do you want another video game crash ?

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3110d ago
KTF263110d ago

With all these DLCs and deluxe and collector editions
Why add micro transactions?

2600Thunder3110d ago (Edited 3110d ago )

Games do not cost more than movies to make so since I just enjoyed Blade Runner 2049 for $15 in 3D, why should I be expected to pay more than $60 for a game? Just because I spend more time using the product? No, not happening and I am not missing out because the games implementing these practices are empty themed slot machines at best.
Movies:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...
Games:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3110d ago
SegaGamer3111d ago

"This popular form of entertainment has become a lifestyle, a profession, and even a sport"

A sport ? gaming is not and never will be a sport, it's a hobby. I know the article isn't about that but it bugs me when people say this.

Phantom22443111d ago

Definition of sport: "An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment."

By definition, gaming can be considered a sport in specific circumstances, such as mass tournaments, paid competitions, streaming, etc. Physical exertion is applied through the use of finger muscles. Tiny exertions compared to more mainstream sports, but exertions nonetheless.

SegaGamer3110d ago

Anybody can be good a games, there is no talent, no real skill, just practice, even kids can be better at games than adults. It's not a sport and shouldn't be recognised as one. If you are going to class gaming as sport because of the tiny physical exertion of our fingers, then anything can be a sport.

If gaming is a sport, then literally every board game ever made can be seen as sport too.

Umbrus4623110d ago (Edited 3110d ago )

You lost me as soon as you said games have no real skill. Whether something is a sport or not is not a basis on whether or not it requires skill. The mere fact you have to practice to get better indicates it requires some level of skill, because skills are what you develop when you practice something. Different forms of writing require some measure of skill, editing scenes in movies and television requires skill, building a gaming computer requires a minimal amount of skill, training a dog requires skill. Doing well in a video game, whether in a single-player or multiplayer aspect, requires skill (developing reaction time, making better decisions, timing, accuracy, etc). None of these things are considered a sport by many (except maybe video games, which is why we're even having this discussion), yet they do require practice to perfect, which, as I already said, means there's a skill threshold involved.

HyperMouse3110d ago

Im guessing you havnt seen a Lol championship

Skuletor3110d ago

It's called e-sports and it's existed for a long time now.

Umbrus4623110d ago

Just because it bugs you when people say this, doesn't mean it's inaccurate.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3110d ago
Skuletor3110d ago

Microtransactions are necessities? GTFO

Umbrus4623110d ago

What an articulate and informed rebuttal...

60°

Sony Pictures Produces Animated Film of Bloodborne Game

Sony Pictures announced at CinemaCon on Monday that it is producing an animated R-rated film adaptation of FromSoftware's Bloodborne game. PlayStation Productions, Lyrical Animation, and YouTuber jacksepticeye (Seán McLoughlin) are producing the film, with Sony Pictures and Lyrical Animation parent company Lyrical Media co-financing the film.

Read Full Story >>
animenewsnetwork.com
Yui_Suzumiya1d 5h ago

Anything but a sequel or remaster I suppose.

CantThinkOfAUsername3h ago

Hopefully this will renew interest in the franchise and Sony can see the potential.

jznrpg2h ago

I’m sure for a sequel they would want to get Miyazaki for it and he’s a busy person, They could do it without him but he wouldn’t be happy with that and I doubt they want to upset him. Hopefully it lines up with his schedule. Who knows they could be working on it now but I won’t get my hopes up until something is announced.

-Foxtrot1d 3h ago (Edited 1d 3h ago )

So FromSoftware really went

“F*** no are Bluepoint making a remake”

To

“A YouTuber making an animated film? Of course”

Redgrave3h ago

Say what you will about Jacksepticeye's involvement, but I suppose it comes down to how much creative freedom he has in making it.

Iron Lung, while not exactly in the same conversation as Bloodborne, was a perfectly serviceable and quite well made adaptation made by a YouTuber.

Jack at least understands the fan base and such so if he doesn't experience too much corporate interference or what you may call it, it could turn out pretty good.

MrBaskerville55m ago(Edited 53m ago)

Wasn't it Markiplier that made Iron Lung?

And there's more to filmmaking and storytelling than understanding a fanbase. I want a good movie. Maybe he can do it, maybe he can't, we'll see. But i expect nothing.

Tapani2h ago

What are you on about? Sony owns the IP, not FromSoftware. They have zero say in what is done with Bloodborne.

-Foxtrot2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

No but it’s been said how they apparently didn’t want Bluepoint touching the game and Sony respecting their wishes

Michiel19892h ago

oh the youtuber/streamer hate is back, i knew it before i read the comments.So fucking pathetic, acting like they aren't humans and can't do anything right.

-Foxtrot2h ago

Lmao. Ooooft. Touched a nerve 😂

80°

Former Xbox Exec Says Developers Didn't Want a Sony Monopoly

Former Xbox executive Ed Fries comments on the early days of Xbox, the opinion of Japanese game companies, and more.

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insider-gaming.com
22h agoReplies(2)
Reaper22_22h ago

I dont think that'll ever happen. But i must say back in the day, they were definitely trying because they were more cash rich than their competitors.

CosmicTurtle9h ago

I think MS were and still are the richer company. They tried to acquire Sega back in the day (and considered doing so again more recently), they obviously bought exclusivity to Halo which was originally shown as a Mac title. I don’t think as a company MS can claim the moral high ground here. It’s a wilful lack of self awareness.

Of course Sony would try exactly the same if they had the resources, but when the PS2 dominated the industry was in a much healthier place with an abundance of great third parties.

This has been a depressing generation as far as first party decisions are concerned. The fact we are debating business plans rather than which game is better is a sad reflection of the state of things.

Darkseeker22h ago(Edited 21h ago)

There was Nintendo as well, Sony wouldn't have had a monopoly. In fact, the world would be better today if Xbox never existed in the first place. They pretty much brought all bad practices we have today. We might have gotten all of it either way, but not this early. In term of franchises, I don't think there is anything Microsoft released that would actually be missed if it didn't exist. Even Halo the world wouldn't notice if Halo didn't exist.

S2Killinit9h ago

MS was definitely a bad influence on gaming.

raWfodog21h ago

I think almost everyone will agree that a monopoly is not good for the industry. But that being said, the competition needs to be smart and strategic with their business. Simply buying up publishers and traditional third-party studios just to keep them out of the other companies reach is not a sustainable practice. That goes for all parties so don't think I'm just referring to Xbox.

I'm no business guru by any stretch of the imagination but I firmly believe that the best way to drive consumers to your software and hardware is to invest smart in your first-party studios. Give them full support and guidance in making unique, fun games that are only available to play in your ecosystem and the gamers will come.

Reaper22_19h ago(Edited 19h ago)

But first party studios aren't enough. They only make up a small portion of the industry. Without 3rd party there would be no industry for Microsoft or sony.Developing games take time and money and sometimes you gotta make moves to stay competitive.

raWfodog17h ago

Nah, I never said first-party was enough. I said it’s the ‘best way’ to drive gamers to your platform. 3rd-party is a free-for-all and there’s no guarantee that gamers will use your hardware to play the game. If you want to push your own software and/or hardware you need first-party, or at least exclusive deals with third-party studios.

SimpleDad20h ago

They Shure did a great job... 25 years later Xbox is dead.

Reaper22_20h ago

Then why be so emotional and continue to talk about it. Xbox will never die be ause it stays in so many people's head.

lodossrage19h ago

How can you even see him being "emotional" in that comment?

If anything, you're the emotional one, constantly trying to go at anyone that says anything against Microsoft. So when you call him emotional, it comes off as deflection

Elda9h ago

I own an XBSX & I can say it's becoming irrelevant out of the 3 current consoles.

17h agoReplies(2)
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100°

Xbox Game Pass ‘has become too expensive,’ says Microsoft’s new gaming chief in leaked memo

Microsoft’s new Xbox chief, Asha Sharma, has signaled that Xbox Game Pass pricing is about to change. In an internal memo to Xbox employees, obtained by The Verge, Sharma admits that “Game Pass has become too expensive for players” and that Microsoft needs “a better value equation.”

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
GotGame8181d 18h ago (Edited 1d 17h ago )

Microsoft has been talking about adding commercials to get the cost down. Not in game, but before you start a session. I would just open my game then get all the stuff I need to done, before sitting down to play.

If they cut the price down enough to justify it, I'd do it. Most Sub services are giving the option now. If it's worth it!

blacktiger20h ago

no moron! commercial will be in every loading and in game for further opportunity.

shadowfax338h ago

user calling other user moron and gets upvoted....wow how toxic N4G has become.

jwillj2k411h ago(Edited 11h ago)

Multiple tiers. You decide at what level you want the ads. Obtrusive gives you access to more games. This will allow ads to play during crucial moments of gameplay, almost guaranteeing you fail/die. However you gain access to more games. Unobtrusive only shows ads before/after you play, however you get a fraction of the games. /s

peppeaccardo9h ago(Edited 9h ago)

FUK ads ... dont u have enough? MS should just make games and sell them, for indie or AA games get them on GP so to give visibility to small studios. They got into a business model which is not sustainable as it is killing their first party studios. Their fault .. .

Jingsing8h ago

You do realize that has been one of the big reasons for the mass exodus of people leaving subscription services. Getting ad's while paying for a service and having the price continually jack up and ad time.

thorstein5h ago

Why would they cut the cost to you?

GotGame8184h ago(Edited 4h ago)

What you said is not what I saw. What I read said at THE START of a session! Why be a jerk? It isn't like, I was intentionally lying, like so many do! Also, commercials will be an OPTION! Just like Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc, offer them. GP is also aiming for free Cloud gaming with an AD supported tier.

I mean, do you even use GP? If you do and don't want commercials, you can pay not to have them. I in my OG comment said I might go the commercial tier IF it's worth it. No I wouldn't have all my loading screens be an ad like you said.
Have a great day.

BlaqMagiq13h ago

I will never understand why people want forced ads in their faces in their games or their console. It's never worth it not even with a lower price tier.

CornholioX2h ago

Ads are the virus that needs to be removed!!

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2h ago
1d 17h ago Replies(4)
Exthun23h ago

Microsoft owns a massive collection of iconic IPs, yet somehow they keep proving they have absolutely no idea how to run the video game business.

Reaper22_22h ago

Its not their job to run the game business. Everyone has a business model. You do what works for you. You react to changes in the market. Thats really all you can do.

Smellsforfree18h ago

No, actually reacting to the market is how Sony threw $400 million (reportedly) at Concord.

__y2jb9h ago

“Its not their job to run the game business” - a new low in the blind defense of Xbox.

Alek832h ago

Interesting, isn't it?

Halo, Forza, Gears of War, Fable, Minecraft, and now Bethesda games... These should allow them to print money!

hiawa2319h ago(Edited 19h ago)

But, Microsoft heads set the price in the first place. Don't scapegoat Phil and Sarah on that as I don't think made those calls, and a $650 Series X and $400 Series S is a nonstarter for most.

Extermin8or3_12h ago

The cost of the consoles is outside of their control, they aren't going to sell at a loss when they aren't making money off games sales cos xbox players hardly buy any games thanks to games pass, which costs far too much to run and make the first party titles for. The console prices are determined by various global factors effecting hardware atm.

Eonjay3h ago

This is actually correct and what made things harder for Phil and Sarah was Amy hood demanding a 20% return on top of that

Eonjay16h ago

Well it seems like the rumor of COD leaving GP is real.

Jingsing8h ago

They'll probably just end up killing off the surviving Xbox users who are left and that are into that model. They won't regain the vast majority they lost either.

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