9 Disturbing Video Game Trends That Need To Stop
1. Microtransactions In Full-Priced Games
One of the more widespread and insidious practices creeping its way into the games industry is the implementation of microtransactions in video games that are already full-price.
Not only is it completely unnecessary, but absolutely reeks of unbridled avarice on the developer's part. After spending £50 on a game at launch, as well as a further £25-40 on a season pass, it's infuriating to realise the game wants you to spend even more money in the game itself.
Game developers will argue that their microtransactions are 'completely optional', 'purely cosmetic' and 'don't interfere with gameplay', which simply isn't always the case.
Take Gears of War 4 for instance, part of a franchise that had pretty much perfected its multiplayer component in previous iterations. The game launched with the increasingly prevalent loot box system, which grants players cosmetic items for their characters, as well as XP boosts within matches and skill upgrades for horde mode.
It's hard to argue that the latter two don't affect gameplay or are purely cosmetic, and put players unwilling to spend additional money on loot boxes at a disadvantage.
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