Star Wars: Battlefront 2 was released in 2017 and received praise for its beautiful graphics, the ability to battle on planets and in space, and its story campaign. However, the game faced controversy due to its predatory microtransaction system. Players could earn in-game items by playing, but it required a significant amount of time and grinding. This led to backlash from players and even caught the attention of government officials, with some calling the game a casino. Eventually, the economic system was reevaluated and the game was able to regain some public favor.
The article then shifts to discussing the pricing policy of a new DLC for Apex Legends, which operates on a similar microtransaction model. The DLC includes cosmetic items and characters from the popular game Final Fantasy. Some players are upset with the pricing, as it would cost over $360 to obtain all the items. The article highlights the frustration of players who feel that the pricing is excessive and not worth the cost. However, it also mentions that Electronic Arts adjusted the prices after the DLC was released, offering discounts of up to 90% on some items.
Overall, the article discusses the ongoing issue of microtransactions in video games and the negative impact they can have on players.Title: Apex Legends Faces Backlash Over Expensive Final Fantasy Collaboration
Date: January 8, 2024
Apex Legends, one of the most popular games on Steam, is facing criticism from players due to its collaboration with the popular Japanese franchise, Final Fantasy. The collaboration introduces new cosmetic items and characters from Final Fantasy into the game. However, players are outraged by the exorbitant prices associated with obtaining these items.
The collaboration, which was released on January 8, 2024, offers a total of 36 unique items. Initial reports suggested that players would need to spend over $9000 to acquire all of these items. This sparked outrage among the gaming community, with many expressing their frustration on social media platforms.
One player sarcastically commented, “It’s great that you can get the desired item for free when the chance of obtaining it is only 0.00001%. Otherwise, the whole event costs $360. Truly a pinnacle experience.” This sentiment was echoed by many others, with one fan pointing out that for the same price, players could purchase all 16 previous Final Fantasy games.
Electronic Arts, the publisher of Apex Legends, seemed to have misjudged the reaction of players. When the collaboration was released, it became apparent that most of the items were significantly cheaper than initially advertised. Some items were discounted by as much as 90%, while others had a 50% reduction in price. These discounted prices brought the items closer to the standard pricing in the gaming industry.
The backlash against Apex Legends’ expensive collaboration serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding microtransactions in video games. Microtransactions, which involve the purchase of virtual items or in-game currency with real money, have been a contentious issue among gamers for years. While some argue that microtransactions provide additional revenue streams for developers and publishers, others believe that they create an unfair advantage for players who can afford to spend more.
This is not the first time Electronic Arts has faced criticism for its monetization practices. The company previously came under fire for its implementation of loot boxes in Star Wars Battlefront II, which led to investigations by government authorities and calls for regulation.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how developers and publishers will address the issue of microtransactions and find a balance between generating revenue and providing a fair and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.
How did Electronic Arts respond to the backlash faced over the predatory microtransaction system in Star Wars: Battlefront 2?
Dia and gaming forums.
Players argue that the pricing of these cosmetic items is excessive and unreasonable. They believe that these prices take advantage of dedicated players who are willing to spend money on the game. Some players feel that the pricing model is a predatory tactic, similar to the controversial microtransaction system in Star Wars: Battlefront 2.
Electronic Arts, the publisher of Apex Legends, faced a similar issue with the microtransaction system in Star Wars: Battlefront 2. The game received praise for its graphics and gameplay, but the predatory nature of the system led to widespread backlash. Government officials even expressed concerns, drawing comparisons to gambling.
In response to the backlash, Electronic Arts adjusted the microtransaction system in Star Wars: Battlefront 2 to regain public favor. It seems that they have not learned from their past mistakes, as the pricing of the Final Fantasy collaboration in Apex Legends has sparked renewed controversy.
However, there is a silver lining for players. Shortly after the release of the collaboration, Electronic Arts decided to offer discounts on many of the items. Some items were discounted by up to 90%, making them more affordable for players.
This highlights the power of player feedback and the impact it can have on game developers and publishers. While the initial pricing sparked outrage, the adjustments made by Electronic Arts show a willingness to listen to player concerns.
The ongoing issue of microtransactions and predatory pricing in video games continues to be a topic of concern for players. It is crucial for game developers and publishers to find a balance between making profits and providing fair pricing for their players. The backlash over the Apex Legends and Final Fantasy collaboration serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical and transparent monetization practices in the gaming industry.
