Virtual Currency Breeds Real Disappointment
Critically, NBA 2K18 performed decently with an 80 (PS4) on Metacritic. Commercially, the game performed better than previous entries, but the user score rests at a dismal 1.7. The result of this dissonance seems to lie in player investment. Most fans have argued, quite frantically, that the game is steeped in microtransactions that are detrimental to progression. As for how the negative feedback will impact development on 2K19, one dev shared his thoughts.
In an interview with Trusted Reviews, senior producer Rob Jones called microtransactions “an unfortunate reality of modern gaming.” Take-Two publishes their games with a revenue in mind, so 2K’s creative process entails a balancing act. They must also address fan concerns from previous games or face another backlash when NBA 2K19 arrives. How do you implement microtransactions without infringing on the fun factor and progression? Jones’ response suggests no answer there is no answer that can appease everyone.
“Every game, at some point, in some way has currency and they’re trying to get additional revenue from each player that plays the game,” Jones said. “You know, the question has to be when does it feel like it’s a straight money grab versus when does it feel like it’s value added, right?”
“We know nowadays that most people don’t have the patience to work their way to the top,” Jones continued. “They just wanna be there right away. So, you know, we look at it as, oh it’s an opportunity for us to allow you to skip the grind, but then if the grind is too long, like some people felt last year, they’re gonna sit there and they’re gonna go ‘well, you knew the grind was too long to begin with.'”
What are your thoughts on Jones’ comments? Sure, a lot of games don’t include microtransactions, and no answer will be derived overnight; nevertheless, feel free to comment your take below. Do microtransactions ruin your gameplay experience?
SOURCE: GI.biz