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Seeing as microtransactions are a choice and usually cosmetic, I see little harm in them. I guess you could argue that they take up valuable time for usually the artists that they could be spending on making a new expansion or something, but I leave micromanagement of companies to each their own.
It's just a new business model, one made to survive in a hostile environment, where stealing your game is still an issue.
Like all services know what services are good and bad and don't use bad ones, simple. Many such services like to take advantage of people and gambling addictions and sell "random lucky boxes' or other scam items for the small chance to get nice items. People literally pay hundreds of dollars to get something they could have bought in the in-game store for 10 dollars.
Yes, because they are on sale for a minimum price. To be honest, the reason why I first spend on a micro-transaction despite not liking it and never wanted to support the idea in the first place, was because I actually made some Steam Wallet money off it.
Here's the short story: Game introduced micro-transactions, game introduced rare item drops, played enough and lucked out in obtaining one and put it up for sale. Got sold, get Steam wallet money, use it to buy stuff & micro-transacted for the game. I mean, it's only fair, right?
I don't think there is a general answer to this as it really depends on the specifics.. I would say it adds little value. In my context where I bought a paid weapon, it makes the game easier and more explosions = more fun, I suppose. But the game would be the same otherwise without it. It's just a small added boost with little value.
That's the idea, isn't it? Some use it, some abuse it.
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With regards to your example in the original post: Seems to me that the game is getting popular with a large fan-base, so making the decision to start micro-transactions is a risky move much like a business move.
The way I see it, the demographic can be divided into 2 general parties: the proponents of micro-transactions and the opponents of micro-transactions.
Now, I don't know the gaming demographics well enough to judge but I would say their success depends on which part of the pie chart of gamers they manage to attract. And I think this demographic is like an antsy Salarian high on coffee: they can switch their opinions based on many things they read online and offline, making them a very unpredictable target demographic.
regarding about the kotaku article, well i can say its pretty risky move. but its not like its the first time game developers had done it. you know, it has been ongoing for a long time. its how they execute it that makes the difference. Either poorly or very well. and depends on their target and motives.
This is subjective for me, there are games that give a pretty good bang for buck. Then there are some who just "seem" outright stealing money. *cough cough* HotS *cough cough*.
To sum it, Yeah so far I'm quite satisfied. But that's because I avoid alot of the undesirables games with scary MT, well except HotS. I just don't buy from it.
This one also subjective, some games I actually spend more time, Some I don't; and some I just plain forgot. In terms of value, Hmmm I would say not really. The game is still the same, now if they added more content, like a new faction or something. Then yeah definitely more value.
That's the dream ain't it? but in my opionion, nope. Somehow I feel companies are just getting greedier. It's either that, or everything in the world is getting expensive so they have to opt increase price.
So far the purchased items from my current games are ok and the prices are reasonable to its content.
2. Does the purchase of content through micro-transaction provide further value on the current game? Do you spend extra time on the game when you have purchased those extra content?
Currently im quite satisfied with the add-on content through micro-transaction from several games and yes i do spend that extra time playing on those content bought whether it is enjoyable or not.
3. From your opinion, could the implementation of microtransactions provide an initiative for the developers to improve in their current and future games?
Yes, that is what SHOULD be expected from game developers.
you get more out of the game if you dont spend ♥♥♥♥
I'll be answering through my experience with Mobile games
1. The majority of games that offer in-game transactions (micro) are just the 2nd in-game currency which can be earned through tons of hours of gameplay (that's just the truth, and when you level up) whenever you visit the shop, you see that you get cents worth of the 2nd currency, which determines how patient you want to be or how much are you will to invest in the game. Another tactic that devs are using is offering a "Starter" pack usually they offer $20 worth of stuff, lowered to let's say $5 (to get the player hooked) they also offer seasonal limited edition items or if a game is tied to a show (i.e Family Guy) they bring up limited edition items that is all mental because there's people who want to have every single item. I have played both the Family Guy and The Simpsons Game (same concept, just different theme) and I have purchased their 2nd currency (donuts/clams) I was satisfied, but when you look at value and what you're purchasing. You're dropping about $15-20 for a character or building. I stopped playing those games because if you do the math, you're spending hundreds of dollars to get 100%.
The only Mobile game I'm currently and have been playing for months is WZ, I do buy coins there (2nd currency) but, I buy them, once every 2 months. They don't offer any cosmetic items or limited edition items, Coins are just used to buy Packs (which can be earned) speed up process (typical)
2. Since WZ (World Z) isn't a City Builder, the only way I feel satisfaction is by leveling up my units, I don't use the in-game transactions to speed up their levels nor buy the 1st Currency (which can be easily attainable)
3. In-game transactions are red flags, In my opinion, most of answer 1, I understand that devs have Families and they need to live. But, when you have games like Family Guy who is constanly shoving new content down your throat and non stop promotions, somewhere along the line you have to stop. I know it's "Free" but, sooner or later temptation just overwhelms you via (dope skin, new character) and you pay up. The sad thing about "Freemium" games, is that Devs are seeing these Tacttics work, you have The Starter Packs, You have Limited Edition Items, 30% Off Promotions, etc. It's bad enough trying to find a unique game on the market, but there's too many clones, Clash of Clans, The King Saga Games, Slots, everyone is just trying to get a piece of the pie...
1. It is acceptable from what the game's online shop offered.
Example purchasing packs of player cards in sport simulation games to upgrade your team.
Price to value depending on what you purchase, i think that the price that they set is a bit steep for certain upgrade items but i have to agree with it because this will balance out the game and it won't create any disparity.
2. Yes, it does provide value to the game. Certain content will give you a competitive edge over others and this without a doubt will make you play the game even more. Best example from my experience purchasing extra content is from playing sports simulation games, getting high end players, winning games against other players and with this spending more hours on the game.
3. Depending on what kind of content that the developers offer, if it's beneficial to the users it will certainly give an incentive to the developers to improve the current game and develop future games.