by Andrew on Wed Jun 03, 2020 12:45 pm
The problem is that if microtransactions are added, it will inevitably become more grindy and the mechanics will do their best to steer people in the direction of paying, meaning anyone who doesn't will be at a disadvantage to those who are willing to buy a shortcut. After all, if the experience is completely unaffected by choosing not to pay, it's not going to reap the revenue that approach seeks. NBA 2K has provided a perfect example of that, with their recurrent revenue mechanics getting more aggressive and intrusive. It's still something we can avoid, but online play in particular presents a situation where you're forced to either grind hard or pay if you want to be competitive, and have an optimal experience. It'll be a choice, but choosing not to means putting in work to enjoy the game.
Another potential issue if they go with a paid currency outside Ultimate Team is the removal of Reward Points, or making them a separate premium currency. Right now, NBA Live has an unusually generous system with its separate Skill Points and Reward Points - all earned in-game - making cosmetic items free (albeit many of them earned in random loot box drops, rather than purchasing them directly). If we have to ration a new premium currency between upgrades and cosmetic items - as in NBA 2K - that's going to be a problem. Again, we can just avoid playing dress-up, but the problem is that cosmetic items have become a part of online culture. One only has to look at kids who are bullied for not using premium Fortnite skins, or Playground gamers in NBA 2K judging each other by their styles and using it as a makeshift matchmaking system. Unfortunately, cosmetic items have become more than "look at this silly hat my avatar is wearing"; they're status symbols, and it's something that publishers are cashing in on.