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Battleborn adds microtransactions

http://www.pcgamer.com/battleborn-is-getting-microtransactions-this-week/
Gearbox has spoken previously about its plans to add microtransactions to Battleborn, and those plans come into fruition (well, partly) tomorrow, with an update that introduces the game's premium currency, Platinum.

From June 16, platinum can be used to purchase premium skins and taunts, though Gearbox is considering expanding this down the line to let you buy bank spaces, loadouts, or to boost your XP and credit earnings in ways that "do not affect actual gameplay". In comparison to Overwatch's mystery crate purchases, this doesn't seem too bad, given that you can buy these cosmetic items directly—although you will have to purchase Gearbox's Itchy-and-Scratchy-money in fixed 'Platinum Packs' to be able to pay for stuff.

Here's the exchange rate:

$1.99 for 230 Platinum

$4.99 for 700 Platinum

$9.99 for 1625 Platinum

$19.99 for 3500 Platinum

$49.99 for 9300 Platinum

A taunt will set you back 230 platinum, while a skin will cost 430. You can use the Steam wallet to fork out for Platinum Packs.

Gearbox includes a reminder at the end of the update post, that I think is worth reiterating.

"And remember: as we’ve said all along, we’re stuffing Battleborn with lots of free content across the board – five new, free heroes, competitive multiplayer maps, modes, and updates. Keep an eye out over the next several months as we have lots more content coming down the pipeline for those who own Battleborn."

Well, there's no RNG associated with it, so at the very least if you're willing to drop cash you can get the skins or taunts that you want. And the future content is still mostly (?) free, so it has that going for it, which is nice. I like the system more than Overwatch's, though the lack of RNG thrill is subjective. This is great for people who don't like that RNG, though.
 

Ban Puncher

Member
2zVlEZ2.jpg




GAME IS IN


PARKING LOT
 
Am I cynical in assuming this is only for the few whales hanging around because Gearbox doesn't see the game being profitable any other way now?
 

MiguelItUp

Member
It's almost like they want people to stop playing it now. I wonder if someone from Gearbox was like, "Well, I mean, Overwatch does it, so why not us?! Right?!"
 

SAB CA

Sketchbook Picasso
At those prices, I'll spend less getting a few costumes I want, than I spend on rolling for costumes in smite.

With discounted gems.

During a 50% off Gem chest sale.

There's Season Pass Costumes, Premium Costumes, and Free Stuff being added too. Different "tiered" items are cool in games like this. As long as the "premium" really feels it, with things like new effects and voices, I'm cool with the idea.

I hope they add some ways to earn some free premium currency in game, too. It's always a nice push towards spending a few dollars, when you can reason that part of the cost was paid for in gameplay, as well.
 
At those prices, I'll spend less getting a few costumes I want, than I spend on rolling for costumes in smite.

With discounted gems.

During a 50% off Gem chest sale.

There's Season Pass Costumes, Premium Costumes, and Free Stuff being added too. Different "tiered" items are cool in games like this. As long as the "premium" really feels it, with things like new effects and voices, I'm cool with the idea.

I hope they add some ways to earn some free premium currency in game, too. It's always a nice push towards spending a few dollars, when you can reason that part of the cost was paid for in gameplay, as well.

yeah. stuff like this is why I refrained from ragging on it in the OP. my personal feelings towards Battleborn aside, this isn't a bad system compared to others.
 

Pie and Beans

Look for me on the local news, I'll be the guy arrested for trying to burn down a Nintendo exec's house.
lLUdffh.jpg

(Pictured: The whales they were putting their hopes in)
 

Hari Seldon

Member
Just to note, they are currently at 1k players. On par with games like Obvilion GOTY and GTA4

So how much would each player have to spend on microtransactions for this game to meet projections? Like $10,000 each? They are going to need more costumes.
 
Battleborn may need a bit more help than microtransactions. Marketing trying to make it look like an Overwatch alternative didn't help much either.

jJaQLFs.png
 
I heavily dislike how much shit this game and Gearbox gets on here, but it's too easy to make fun of them sometimes, isn't it?

I dunno, all I can say is that I wish them luck and that I'll be there for Borderlands 3.
 
In comparison to Overwatch's mystery crate purchases, this doesn't seem too bad, given that you can buy these cosmetic items directly—although you will have to purchase Gearbox's Itchy-and-Scratchy-money in fixed 'Platinum Packs' to be able to pay for stuff.

Here is the thing, I trust Blizzard not to let the MT bleed into the gameplay affecting area.

I absolutely do not trust Gearbox to do the same.

Its a bit of a moot point since I dont own Battleborn and had no plans to get it anypoint soon either. But this doesnt move me in the direction of getting it.
 

Kill3r7

Member
Agreed. That's the only way something like this would be more accepted. But then again some of the fans that bought the game at original MSRP will be pretty upset.

Give the current owners the equivalent of $100 worth of in game currency. Problem solved. Nothing lost in the end.
 

TheYanger

Member
http://www.pcgamer.com/battleborn-is-getting-microtransactions-this-week/


Well, there's no RNG associated with it, so at the very least if you're willing to drop cash you can get the skins or taunts that you want. And the future content is still mostly (?) free, so it has that going for it, which is nice. I like the system more than Overwatch's, though the lack of RNG thrill is subjective. This is great for people who don't like that RNG, though.

Not sure how anyone can like it better, since you can't get the shit for free in game :p big difference.
 

geordiemp

Member
So publishers doing a Black ops 3

1. Release game
2. Wait a few months until reviews / initial sales lower
3. Drop in game currency and micro transactions for things players want.

Its a shame, seems to be a current trend. Delay the micro shit and drop it in later so their is less fuss.

Edit : Not knocking BB, they are all doing it.
 
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