Because psychological manipulation is more effective than competence and honesty.
Comment on Every game developer company should be like this
inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world 2 years ago
I mean yeah but gamers keep supporting shitty companies that provide the exact opposite in record numbers so we don’t get stuff like this much anymore.
TwilightVulpine@lemmy.world 2 years ago
inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Absolutely, there’s a reason that ABK hired psychologist to work for them and you damn well know it wasn’t for them to have in house mental health services for their developers.
Hazdaz@lemmy.world 2 years ago
We REWARD incompetence and liars by doing pre-orders and still buying games that have been reported to be buggy or full of in-app purchases, etc.
So why is anyone surprised that this shit happens?
Goronmon@kbin.social 2 years ago
I mean yeah but gamers keep supporting shitty companies...
Yeah, shitty companies like Valve with their lootbox nonsense and other gambling mechanics are really bringing the industry down.
TonyTonyChopper@mander.xyz 2 years ago
They’re entirely cosmetic in Valve games as far as I’m aware
inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Yeah, I like Valve but fuck those loot boxes, their tolerance of gambling, and screw that bs excuse of “it’s only cosmetic” because we know it’s not and it preys on the same insecurities and uses the same psychological tools to maximize profits using addiction.
MrScottyTay@sh.itjust.works 2 years ago
The argument of cosmetic only microtransactions is also a bit of a weak one because it’s the sort of content that would usually just be in the base game, unlockable via gameplay or tied to cheat codes.
Cosmetic only is still better than other types but it’s still a case of the lesser of two evils.
dfc09@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Yeah, the only reason anybody says that is because we’re so desensitized by pay-to-win mechanics and games being released half finished with day 1 dlc to fill the gaps, so we say “at least it’s better than that”
Remember horse armor? I bet there’s plenty of video games out now with cosmetic horse armor for sale.
Nefyedardu@kbin.social 2 years ago
What's wrong with it? Literally every single gameplay-related item in both Dota and CSGO are free. 100%, no strings attached. You can experience the entire game and what it has to offer without spending a dime. You have to charge for something. These companies aren't making these game out of charity, they are in fact businesses.
GladiusB@lemmy.world 2 years ago
We game for what we game for. Some people game for the cosmetics. They are selling what consumers buy. I’m not saying it’s right. But if they keep buying why wouldn’t they sell it?
Syrc@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Cosmetic-only microtransactions in Free to Play games are absolutely fine, and should be encouraged. Those games wouldn’t exist without them.
In paid games it’s a different matter though, sure.
eliza_stats@lemmy.world 2 years ago
I like the way Grinding Gear does it with POE, a FTP game supported by cosmetic-only micro transactions. The stash tabs are the closest thing to “pay to win”.
inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Yes, Valve’s CS loot boxes and ignoring of the gambling sites that profit of off gamers addiction is absolutely bullshit but you’re a disingenuous troll if you think Valve is the leading offender of shitty monetization rampant in the industry.
infyrin@lemmy.world 2 years ago
“IT MUST BE THE NEW WAY” They thought.
And so they continued going that way.
internet_peasant@lemmy.world 2 years ago
You’re absolutely right, complacency on behalf of the consumers is what has given rise to the trend of spending real physical money on in-game currency.
The problem with DLC, is that content is undifferentiated. Meaning things like skins, music, artwork, etc. Are in the same boat as new zones/maps, characters, equipment, etc. Publishers use FOMO by bundling cosmetics with actual ‘new’ experienceable content.
Stahlreck@feddit.ch 2 years ago
This isn’t “gamers”. It affects pretty much everything for everyone. People these days have no backbone anymore. Everything just has to be easy and convenient and going against greedy practices is not convenient so companies can push the limits.
demlet@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Bread and circuses. Rulers had it figured out millennia ago.
MercuryUprising@lemmy.world 2 years ago
It’s true, you get microtransactions for everything these days. I pay a fee (technically I don’t get a discount) because I told my cell phone provider to stop sending me spam multiple times a week. I’d rather pay the couple bucks per month extra then have to deal with that bullshit.
anarchyrabbit@discuss.tchncs.de 2 years ago
It is fucking bullshit. Look at some vehicle manufacturers limiting their cars unless a subscription is paid. Printers. If I buy the god damned thing I should be able to use it at its full potential until I no longer want to.
inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Oh God printers, there was a post that made it to the frontage I think yesterday that showed a email or something from HP that stated they disabled their printer, well the ink cartridge they paid for at least, because they didn’t renew their ink subscription.