4. Worst: Microtransactions
We begin with a true stinker, and one that's particularly close to gamers' hearts at the moment. Originally conceived as a way of monetising games such as MMOs, microtransactions are now more commonly found with games played on phones/tablets etc. Microtransactions skip out the grind of the game, allowing the gamer to put down real-life money in order to essentially cheat to access something. The true problem with this business model is it is completely starting to invade games played on console and PC. Can't be bothered to play the game you just spent in excess of £40 on? Put more money down and we'll let you skip out all of the nonsense! The term 'micro' when applied to these transactions has also become almost a lie. Recent examples of these transactions no longer being micro in any shape or form are seen in early next-generation games such as Forza 5, which charges in excess of £30 (nearly the price of a new game) for just
one car. Sure, you can argue that you shouldn't buy it - but then, millions are. It shouldn't be like this. We pay game developers through our original purchase price. Microtransactions are insulting to the game industry in general and are preying on the wallets of consumers. Yes, the game industry has to make money. Yes, this is a method of doing so. But charging £30 for something that doesn't exist and only adds a new shiny vehicle to a game? It's complete nonsense. We need to rise up as a gaming collective and stamp this out before it becomes the norm. As it stands it's going to happen, and it's really starting to effect my view of the gaming industry. I don't want to hate games, but microtransactions may well drive me to it within the next few years.