[Oni]

What's your stance on micro-transactions or loot crate systems? Micro-transactions and loot crates have been growing popular as a means of charging extra for games. Some games, like CS:GO are known for their crate systems and cosmetic unlocks. Others, like Battlefront 2 are criticized for being predatory.

Spoiler: My Stance

I don't mind micro-transactions if it's a game I really enjoy and I want to support the developers. For the few games I play, a few dollars here and there isn't too concerning. For example, $10 in Destiny 2 for a bunch of shaders and a neat vehicle isn't a problem. That said, I do avoid games with micro-transactions - especially if they are overly intrusive, expensive, or pay-to-win. I'd rather pay more up front for a complete game, than pay less and get baited into some loot crate scheme.

Recent News:

• EA has temporarily removed micro-transactions from Battlefront II, after mass-criticism of extortionate pricing.
  
• Activision has patented a system for online matchmaking that will push players to make micro-transactions.
  
• Bluehole Studios breaks its word and adds micro-transactions to PlayerUnknown's Battlgrounds prior to it leaving early access.
  

[Pikami]

I have mixed feelings about micro-transactions.
If it's a free game:
Micro-transactions are ok as long as they don't give you a big advantage against other players and if you could technically achieve everything without spending money.
I mean the game companies have to pay for servers and shit so they need a source of income.
If it's a paid game:
I hate the fact that even tho you bought the game you don't get all the content and have to spend money to unlock shit, that is ridiculous

[Synthx]

My feeling on it are as long as the game is going to remain popular, and active, and I like the game, I don't mind making micro-transactions. Although I have recently fell out of the gaming world.

[themakokid]

These comments are so different than the Reddit community's attitude of vilifying anyone that doesn't protest microtransactions in any way.

My opinion, they will continue to exist and be implemented into games because the 1% of people that spend hundreds of dollars on them more than make up for the people that don't buy the games at all. That said, the pressure that EA received for this is good, which forced Disney to put their foot down. I largely don't mind if the microtransactions are purely for goods that have no impact on gameplay, like in Overwatch. I do hate the pay-to-win model that many games have. But this kind of stuff isn't new. Look at collectible card games. Magic the Gathering is, essentially, a pay to win game with 'loot crates', yet it is extremely popular and industry defining. Warhammer is similar, but lacks the random factor.

[Bish0pQ]

I don't mind it as long as the game won't become pay to win. And extra skins for example from CS:GO, you choose to buy those, you don't HAVE to buy those. The skins add nothing that can help you win, which is kind of a good thing.

[ring0r]

Microtransactions are ok when the crates contain optical stuff ... but if it is artifical score or power pumping stuff i will try to boycott the game 4 lifetime

[chunky]

I don't mind it as long as the game won't become pay to win. And extra skins for example from CS:GO, you choose to buy those, you don't HAVE to buy those. The skins add nothing that can help you win, which is kind of a good thing.

I don’t really have anything against these cosmetic items but they could just make them purchasable by some kind of in game currency that you earn through playing or through some achievements.

[FreightTrain]

I don't mind microtransactions as long as it is purely for cosmetic items. Like skins for weapons/vehicles/characters are all find in my book. I don't agree with having to pay for items that effect the gameplay of the game. If there are weapons, faster/upgraded cars, or anything along those lines you can't unlock without spending money than I fully disagree with the system. As long as you have the chance to unlock the items without spending money, or what you purchase is purely cosmetic, than I don't have a problem with microtransactions.

I do like games that have the system where you can buy tokens/credits, or you can earn those same credits just by playing the game. Like giving you the option to unlock something early if you choose to pay, or you can earn it by playing the game.

[Oni]

I don't mind it as long as the game won't become pay to win. And extra skins for example from CS:GO, you choose to buy those, you don't HAVE to buy those. The skins add nothing that can help you win, which is kind of a good thing.

I don’t really have anything against these cosmetic items but they could just make them purchasable by some kind of in game currency that you earn through playing or through some achievements.

Some games do that. For example, Fortnite has V-Bucks, which can be earned through campaign.

[Oni]

Some related news, but Netherlands has made certain lootbox systems illegal:
https://www.gamesradar.com/the-netherlan...d-to-know/