Gaming Wars #1 - Microtransactions (Part 1/2)

Photo Credit: DeviantArt - SebastianvonBuchwald

I've decided to have a series called "Gaming Wars," where I explore different aspects of the gaming market. I am separating these into the following sections, as they seem to be competing against each other for marketshare: Mobile Market (current king at 42%), Console Market (just ahead of the PC market), and the PC Market (losing heavy ground to the mobile space).

In this, there are further subdivisions such as:

1 - eSports, expected to reach $1B this year

2 - VR technology / games

3 - Streaming / TV gaming services (Like twitchers)

Today I'm exploring what I believe to be the good aspects of microtransactions (MTs), and how they benefit the gaming industry (and the consumer) as a whole. Tomorrow, I'll explore the negatives.

So, what the heck are Microtransactions?! They are the fees in games, whether free to play or otherwise, that are applied to "enhance" gameplay. In the case of Destiny 2, the MTs getting the most attention are the ones applied to the cosmetic appearance of the player (called a Guardian). In other games, such as in World of Warcraft, MTs can be used for weapons, make it easier to level up, and more.

-The Positives-

Helps the developers enhance the game over time

Look, I know most people already think of MTs in a bad light, but there are positives. In the case of Halo 5 - Guardians, I wrote how the game has been improved by putting additional weapon packs behind a paywall, which prevents the developers for having to charge additional fees to the consumer for releasing a new map or upgraded weapon. Since most people don't pay for these packs, unless they are cool, like their failed voice pack, most gamers don't have to worry about them.

It allows (most of us) to enjoy a quality(?) free game

I have played plenty of mobile and PC games where I didn't have to pay even one cent to play them the entire year or so I participated in the game. Why? Because of the group of people who do pay. These small group of "whales" pay for the game, allowing the developers to make money without having to charge an upfront cost. I know a great many a game I wouldn't have tried if I had to pay $20 to $50 for every PC game or $0.99 to $15.00 for every mobile game. It is just not going to happen (unless I do it to review the game).

Releasing free games lowers the risk that the developers face in releasing their game. They know a majority of their audience will not pay for the game, but they also realize that MORE people will play the game and they increase their chances of users paying for MTs like a cool costume or faster recovery time.

So, that's it for the positives today! Did I miss any from your perspective? If so, comment below and I'll be sure to write an updated version of this if I have an engaging conversation in the comment's section!

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