• Uncategorised

Microtransactions are more complicated in the metaverse

Pay-to-win microtransactions that give some players a clear advantage over others absolutely ruin games for those who don’t pay up. As a result, many games have opted to relegate all microtransactions to cosmetics only. These might make one’s character look cool, but don’t give them an edge in a fight.

It makes sense in a competitive game, but what happens when cosmetics are the main draw? This is a conundrum that I couldn’t get out of my head as I played Fortnite this week after buying its battle pass so my cousin could be more comfortable playing it on my PS5. I’ve played Epic Games’ battle royale more than ever this past week.

During that time, I’ve noticed just how critical cosmetics are to the Fortnite experience and how most outfits and emotes are locked behind a paywall. As companies try harder and harder to turn games into metaverses, it’s time to reassess if cosmetic-only microtransactions are still acceptable.

Never-ending Easter

Over Easter weekend, my younger cousin visited me as part of the holiday celebrations. We were eventually drawn to the PS5, and I had installed Fortnite (their favorite game) on to the system so they could see the game in action on a next-gen console.

While we were having fun playing it together, they pointed out that my character had the default outfit and was surprised that I hadn’t spent money buying more cosmetics. Spending money on cosmetics immensely changed my relationship with Fortnite. Understanding that sentiment, I spent £20 on V-Bucks to buy a skin, emote, and Chapter 3 Season 2’s battle pass.

My cousin eventually left, but I didn’t stop playing Fortnite over the rest of that holiday weekend. I had just spent money on the battle pass and wanted to unlock the Prowler and Doctor Strange outfits that I had paid for, but needed to play to earn. It’s at the end of this season’s battle pass. 

Call it sunk cost fallacy, but I’ve tried to get my money’s worth out of Fortnite over the past several days. During that grind, I came to a startling realization: The cosmetics are as crucial to the Fortnite experience as the gameplay. It wasn’t this way when I played Fortnite a bit during its early days, but now that Epic Games is turning the battle royale game into a crossover-filled metaverse, how players look is just as important as how they perform in a match.

Microtransactions are more complicated in the metaverse

Whether it’s in a pregame lobby with random players or a session with close friends, the outfit your Fortnite character is wearing and the emotes they use are vital aspects of the social experience.

Unlocking cosmetics also serves as the backbone of Fortnite‘s progression, because one has to keep playing the game to unlock outfits or earn the currency to purchase them. Spending money on cosmetics immensely changed my relationship with Fortnite, so I’d argue the game’s microtransactions noticeably impact the experience.

The cost of self-expression

Microtransactions are more complicated in the metaverse

Fortnite is a leading metaverse game now despite its humble origins, and many competitors like Manticore Games’ Core are following its lead. Cosmetics are the main things that are monetized because they supposedly don’t impact gameplay.

But this approach directly contradicts statements from developers. Manticore Games CEO Frederic Descamps recently explained to Digital Trends how “the metaverse is a new place for self-expression and creativity.” Right now, a major aspect of player expression is locked behind a paywall or extremely long grind. Developers and players now place so much value on these cosmetics that people like my cousin feel like they are missing out when they don’t have cool character outfits or emotes.

I also keep playing Fortnite because of the cosmetic I paid for but can’t yet access. I’ve noticed just how much of an iron grip cosmetics have over the experience, and I expect future metaverse games to follow suit.

Microtransactions are more complicated in the metaverse

Due to their more positive reputation, cosmetic microtransactions aren’t as immediately noticeable or derided by players. But if you don’t pay up in Fortnite nowadays, you aren’t getting the most out of the social aspect of the game that Epic Games loves to tout.

Cosmetic microtransaction might be the better of two evils when compared to pay-to-win microtransactions. Still, it feels like cosmetic-only microtransactions are becoming just as negatively intrusive in metaverse games as pay-to-win ones. I don’t blame my cousin for wanting their characters to look special and emote uniquely or I don’t regret spending the money so he and I could have a lot of fun playing together.

But it’s clear that a very significant part of the fun of Fortnite for people of all ages is locked behind a paywall and that leaves me concerned for the future of cosmetic microtransactions.

These microtransactions will likely only worsen and become more prominent as more metaverse games like Fortnite continue to emphasize customization and player expression over moment-to-moment gameplay.

As such, it’s not possible for me to look at cosmetics as the “good kind” of microtransactions anymore.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

art-gallery listed on couponmatrix.ukebc-brakes-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukwwwordnancesurveycouk-shop listed on couponmatrix.ukteva listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-kooples listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-ticket-factory listed on couponmatrix.uk
art-gallery listed on couponmatrix.ukLooking to fill your home with inspirational, affordable art? ArtGallery.co.uk is the place to find it. Browse through thousands of works of art from independent artists and find the perfect piece to frame your fireplace or liven up your back room. Shop with an Art Gallery discount code from us and enjoy unique creations for the fraction of the price. From dramatic surrealist paintings to delicate botanical watercolours, Art Gallery stocks a piece of art to suit every taste.
ebc-brakes-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukEBC Brakes Direct is a leading retailer of quality brakes and pads. With an extensive knowledge of the braking industry, you know you’re bagging a bargain on tried and tested equipment with the latest EBC Brakes Direct promotional code. With a variety of products including pads, lines and kits at your disposal, you can find everything you need for your vehicle's brakes at EBC Brakes Direct. Groupon is committed to finding the best EBC Brakes Direct deals for our customers. Whether you're looking for a new set of brake pads or a complete brake kit, we can help you find the best deal. Check back often for newest EBC Brakes Direct deals and get even better value on the brakes you need. There are brakes for both cars and motorbikes available online, so you can get the stopping power you need regardless of if you ride on four wheels or two. EBC Brakes Direct offers a wide range of products for all types of vehicles. Check out the Balanced Big Brake Kit for a comprehensive collection of braking essentials. For track days and race use, this brake kit offers high performance at an affordable price - especially when bought with the latest EBC Brakes Direct discount code! With each kit including a disk, calipers, rotors and pads, it sports all you need to boost your braking power.
wwwordnancesurveycouk-shop listed on couponmatrix.ukExplore Great Britain and all it has to offer with an Ordnance Survey map. They cover all of the nation, so you can get out and about with confidence. Don’t stay stuck indoors with no where to go, enjoy the countryside with a map and do it for less with an Ordnance Survey discount code. From paper to digital, however you like to get around, there is a map at Ordnance Survey for you.
teva listed on couponmatrix.ukTeva sandals had a humble start back in 1984, created out of an old flip flop and watch strap, but now they are loved by outdoor explorers everywhere. From the Grand Canyon to the rest of America, and now the world, Teva have had quite a journey, which is fitting for shoes that can take you on yours, no matter what it holds. Pick up a pair of shoes with your Teva discount code so you can get out without breaking the bank.
the-kooples listed on couponmatrix.ukThe Kooples burst onto the scene back in 2008, amidst the peak of the ’00s indie movement, and it continues to exude this sense of rebellion to this day. With its carefree dresses, tees, suits and handbags, Kooples clothing embodies a sense of grunge for grown-ups. Embrace your rebellious spirit with our Kooples discount code, unlocking discounts on everything from leather jackets to patterned shirts. Whether you’re heading to a gig or the office, your Kooples wardrobe promises cool, effortless style with a rock and roll edge.
the-ticket-factory listed on couponmatrix.ukThe Ticket Factory have been scouting out the very best events in the UK for the past 10 years, so that you get the very best choices and prices for events around the country and beyond. With customer experience at the very core of their ideology, The Ticket Factory prioritised dedicated contact centres and finding access to the absolute top events in the UK. With a background in venue management, The Ticket Factory know both sides of the coin when it comes to ticket management, and that’s why they’re so good at helping you pinch the pennies. With specially designed technology to cover the demands of event releases, and a promise to strive to continually lower their prices below those of their competitors, The Ticket Factory have proven experienced, flexible and personable for a decade of top customer service.