Cliff Blezinski, or in this case Clifford, has taken to his personal blog ‘Clifford Unchained’ to defend the ubiquitous micro-transactions that have become a standard component of modern game releases. He makes the valid point that the games industry is by its nature a commercial enterprise, which has to make money, for itself, its publishers and its shareholders, simply for it to continue to function.
No one will dispute that fact. However, he then goes on to defend micro-transactions.
‘I’ve seen a lot of comments online about microtransactions. They’re a dirty word lately, it seems. Gamers are upset that publishers/developers are “nickel and diming them.” They’re raging at “big and evil corporations who are clueless and trying to steal their money. I’m going to come right out and say it. I’m tired of EA being seen as “the bad guy.” I think it’s bullshit that EA has the “scumbag EA” memes on Reddit and that Good Guy Valve can Do No Wrong…’
‘However, it blows my mind that somehow gamers don’t seem to get that Valve is a business, just like any other, and when Valve charges 100$ for an engagement ring in Team Fortress 2 it’s somehow “cool” yet when EA wants to sell something similar it’s seen as “evil.” Yes, guys, I hate to break it to you, as awesome as Valve is they’re also a company that seeks to make as much money as possible.’
I think many would argue that $100 engagement rings are unnecessary, and a clear effort to make more money. Either way, as we explored this morning, console gamers simply aren’t used to a continuous stream of payments and it’s them that are the majority of vocal dissidents, not people used to playing on their iPhones. Blezinski is completely right that the games industry has to make money, but many gamers, not just a vocal minority as he would have it, don’t agree with a system in which we’re constantly paying.
His full post can be found here.
Airiaen
The balance is corrupt. IMO if a game features a lot of content and it comes with Day one DLC or Micro-transactions then I don’t care. Sure the extra content could be unlocks? like maybe last gen SSIV’s extra coloured or extra costumes would be unlockables. Its just a cruel new way to make money from consumers and its disgusting. Besides with this gen showing the bad sides of publishers, consoles that should’ve been replaced a year ago and digital pricing that is ridiculous.
I see little hope for the Console business. Sure my main platform of gaming is the PC now but that’s because the new games tend to be cheaper like with Borderlands 2, Dishonored and Skyrim being around £30-5. Nevermind the Steam sales or anything else, I’d like to go digital with loads of PS3 games and future Wii U titles but its broken. Previously I’d say that I’d prefer physical copies but because of Steam and PSP Go its something that I don’t mind about now.
…Alright I’ve probably missed the point I was trying to get to and its become a rant of games rather than DLC Uhhh <.< fml