If there’s one new trend in gaming that hasn’t exactly created positive vibes, its microtransactions. The Xbox One has a launch library full of games that boast those features, and will most likely continue to do so in the future. But it’s going to be a learning process for Microsoft.
Speaking to Kotaku, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer explained that the company was still in a learning phase when it came to microtransactions. A phase that will be tracking consumer spending as more games arrive with these features. "I want to be able to learn from what we put in," Spencer said.
So let’s make sure we are crafting the game and the analytics so we can see what the consumers — the gamers — like and don’t — if you assume buying habits are a reflection of what people like. So that we can craft the experience better for the gamer.
So where does Microsoft draw the line on microtransactions? "It’s easy to say something like, ‘I’ll never allow somebody to buy the win of the game, I won’t let them buy victory,’ but that’s kind of a trite answer,” Spencer said.
I’d say, ‘Yeah, I guess I have that line, that [we wouldn’t have] "Pay five bucks and get 1000 achievements" or something stupid like that.’ I’m always pushing against that. But, in reality, that’s not what the gamers are looking for. They’re usually looking for customization and their gameplay style opening up.
There’s a right way and a wrong way to do micro-transactions, but that’s one hell of a fine line. The common consensus though, would be to make that feature as inconspicuous as possible. Microtransactions are here to stay for the long run, and hopefully, studios and publishers can get the formula right and create something that actually does add value to a game.
Last Updated: November 27, 2013
InsanityFlea
November 27, 2013 at 11:11
As long as it’s not Pay to Win, I don’t mind. I’m not paying for my toon to have a fancy hat :p
TiMsTeR1033
November 27, 2013 at 11:12
Micro transactions are bullshit! It creates hate, jealousy and perhaps in some places even death! All because someone can’t get this or have that… An Idea for the rich and for those who want to milk people dry! Shame on you MS! shame on you!
RyseandRepeat
November 27, 2013 at 11:19
Even death? LOL What you on about Tim, you had your pills this am?!
TiMsTeR1033
November 27, 2013 at 11:22
Some crazy people would kill to have the latest DLC! If you can think it, it more than likely has happened atleast once.
RyseandRepeat
November 27, 2013 at 11:24
I can think of a person turning into a Darlek and winning IDOLS… Has it happened?!
TiMsTeR1033
November 27, 2013 at 11:25
*shakes head* you know what I mean!
Weanerdog
November 27, 2013 at 11:26
I don’t know anyone who watches idols so who knows?
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 27, 2013 at 11:44
Shhh… don’t attract his attention. Just nod & back away slowly.
RyseandRepeat
November 27, 2013 at 11:50
Guys! Free IDOLS Tickets with your names on them! 😛 You free tonight?
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 27, 2013 at 12:12
I’m free every night, baby. *wink*
But if you’re asking if I’m working, the answer is yes 🙁
RyseandRepeat
November 27, 2013 at 12:17
Oh that’s a shame bro. Where’s @umar, you learning from his excuses now?
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 27, 2013 at 12:34
I’m tempted to say something about falling prey to his tentacles, but we all know what he’s into & might get taken literally.
RyseandRepeat
November 27, 2013 at 12:46
This is very true, and he has mumps at the moment…. That’s… WOW…
Weanerdog
November 27, 2013 at 11:26
Like IRL, you have nailed it Tim. People go to games to escape the bullshit and micro transactions just make bullshit.
TiMsTeR1033
November 27, 2013 at 11:26
My point exactly, and by death I mean I see some jealous kid, kill to beable to get something online which he cant get because he cant afford it…
Weanerdog
November 27, 2013 at 11:30
If the kid is predisposed to killing to get some online goodie, he has probably killed someone for a happy meal toy before, so I don’t really know about the killing part. But yes it could lead to social illness, depression, anxiety etc.
TiMsTeR1033
November 27, 2013 at 11:33
depends man, maybe to that kid all his friends have this game or dlc and he cant get it. That could get to a kid with already issues as you mentioned depression ect.
RyseandRepeat
November 27, 2013 at 11:19
I will never buy the win of a game. There JUST SAID IT. Morons out there, everywhere.
Hammersteyn
November 27, 2013 at 11:25
Pay to win…
http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/a4412xp_460sa.gif
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 27, 2013 at 11:42
He should have practiced more with the wrench.
Hammersteyn
November 27, 2013 at 11:46
Love that movie.
ToshZA
November 27, 2013 at 12:19
Yeah was a good movie.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
November 27, 2013 at 15:21
dodge, dip, dive, duck, and dodge!!!
John's (JJ's) finest excuse
November 27, 2013 at 11:20
Wow, sounds like these guys really spoke with a lot of “gamers” to know exactly what they want.
That Tall Twit
November 27, 2013 at 11:27
Probably about 3 of them. All 13 years old.
John's (JJ's) finest excuse
November 27, 2013 at 11:50
With Mommy’s money
Admiral Chief Duke
November 27, 2013 at 11:20
I LOVE killing someone who has purchased custom gear, just makes me feel even more proud. “Yes, you paid hundreds of dollahs for your custom gear? MEET MY SNIPER BULLET!!!”
Hammersteyn
November 27, 2013 at 11:24
Especially those Vanu teal wearing S&M bondage freaks.
Admiral Chief Duke
November 27, 2013 at 12:48
Agreed
iAmWeasel
November 27, 2013 at 11:26
If it’s not DRM then it’s microtransactions.. MS are really becoming despicable. Xbox One can shove it.
Hammersteyn
November 27, 2013 at 11:28
Microsoft in a nut shell
http://i.imgur.com/9VM9qDd.gif
That Tall Twit
November 27, 2013 at 11:29
Bwahaha!
That Tall Twit
November 27, 2013 at 11:34
I can’t stop watching this and laughing!
Hammersteyn
November 27, 2013 at 11:36
I know, I want to make this my screen saver.
RyseandRepeat
November 27, 2013 at 11:50
Brilliant sir!
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 27, 2013 at 11:33
That’s a big assumption to make. I guess that means I like fruit & veg more than I like chocolate.
Mark Treloar
November 27, 2013 at 11:53
The next Forza will release with 5 colours for your car. You can use any of the 5 as longs as its black. For more colour, they will need your credit card.
Hammersteyn
November 27, 2013 at 12:02
Haha jokes on them. I want mine to be black.
Mark Treloar
November 27, 2013 at 12:26
My favorite colour until they invent something darker
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
November 27, 2013 at 14:20
I have to admit, I’m utterly disappointed in Microsoft. The microtransactions shit they have for Forza 5 is absolutely disgusting… same with Ryse. If this is the future of gaming, with this model gutting our games of content (ESPECIALLY GIVEN THAT THE GAMES ARE MORE EXPENSIVE NOW), then I’m going to reward devs who refrain from this crap and punish those that do.
Gloves are coming off. I am not a fucking teat to be milked of my hard-earned cash.
Brian Murphy
November 27, 2013 at 14:37
Microtransaction’s would disappear, if people simply stopped buying games that employed them. Or refused to utilize the system in-game. If they don’t make any money on these transactions, they’ll stop trying to use it.
And quite honestly, I don’t believe them for a second when they say they won’t offer 1000 achievements for $100 bucks. In the future, I see a system precisely designed for that. Many gamer’s don’t seem to care about the games content, as much as the extra points it adds to their Gamerscore or whatever other penile compensation metric they go by.
Phat
November 27, 2013 at 19:11
My sincere advice is that you buy a Xbox One, not even a PS4. Why? You can see here: http://lovingtheclassicsreviewsite.net/trend/the-5-best-reasons-for-purchasing-the-xbox-one-instead-of-a-ps4/
Shadoe Phillips
November 27, 2013 at 19:38
I paid sixty bucks for your game already; why should I pay more money for that game’s content? Simple: because you’re greedy. Any game with microtransactions on the level of Forza or Ryse will not be getting a purchase from me.
michael jones
December 9, 2013 at 04:47
How about all Xbox one games offer the option to have someone else play the game for you. Then you can sit on twitter bragging about the games you think your good at, while completely loosing touch with reality.