forbes.com had an interesting article the other day, regarding how EA now is “stuck” with a game they can’t monetize as they want to. Here’s a summary of some of the points: 2s4g5o
- Battlefront got backlash for having a $50 season and launching with barebones content.
- In Star Wars Battlefront 2 they changed the system and promised free DLC while using microtransactions and loot-boxes to monetize the game.
- Thanks to the backlash, they have removed microtransactions . . . but they’ve stated that they’re planning on reinstating them.
- If they do bring back microtransactions tied to progression then they will still face backlash.
- If they bring back lootboxes with only cosmetic items they’ll still draw ire. They’ve already enticed responses from multiple governments on the issues of lootboxes.
- That leaves them with really only one path forwards that won’t bring back a ton of backlash: Implementing an online store with microtransactions to purchase cosmetic equipment. No randomized lootboxes at all. It’s likely that wouldn’t sell as well and certainly wouldn’t be nearly so profitable.
- At the end of the day they promised free-DLC, so not delivering on that makes them look bad. At the same DLC would upset those that bought the game. Essentially they’ve backed themselves into a lose-lose situation.
I hope EA way possible to squeeze money out of your fanbase.
The one factor I have seen but not many needs to be investigated because it’s a T rated game, on top of enticing people to spend more $ for a “chance” to get what they want. There needs to be a line drawn between spending $ towards an experience and just pure greed. After my situation with Fortnite I no longer will spend $ on “chances” because it’s the holding out a carrot to later find out you will never get it.
