Is it a little too late for EA to save the irreparable damage done?
Publisher Electronic Arts (EA) revealed last week that significant changes are coming to the galactic shooter, Star Wars Battlefront II this week, but what exactly are these changes and how do they play a factor in saving the game from further controversy.
In anticipation of the game’s release last year, Electronic Arts sent shockwaves throughout the gaming and esports communities when it stated that players will have to spend actual money to spend on loot boxes for items that affect gameplay which reflects similarities to gambling. In the subsequent weeks, EA had removed microtransactions before the game’s release stating that microtransactions needed further tweaking before reintroducing it back to the game.
That time is now, fellow rebels, imperials and stormtroopers…
EA announced in a blog post that microtransactions will be returning to the game, however, according to the publisher, the difference is that players will make purchases for cosmetic items only guaranteed that they don’t affect gameplay.
Also announced in their blog post is the arrival of the brand new update today (March 21st) for the game. According to EA, the progression system will now become linear meaning that “Star Cards, or any other item impacting gameplay, will only be earned through gameplay and will not be available for purchase.”
Previously, players are unlocking Star Cards and other items in loot boxes which affects gameplay through normal gameplay progression. Now with the updated progression system, to acquire Star Cards: “If you earn enough experience points to gain a level for that unit, you’ll receive one Skill Point that can be used to unlock or upgrade the eligible Star Card you’d like to equip.”
The new update for Star Wars Battlefront II made significant changes to its progression and brings back the microtransactions for cosmetics only. Source: EA/online
Players who have already purchased Star Cards and/or earned Star Cards through the previous progression will get to keep all cards they’ve unlocked. The same goes for heroes, weapons and any other items earned will remain available.
With the next update arriving in April, players will be able to purchase various character customisation options through the in-game store, making use of the in-game currency or Crystals which the Crystals can earned by gameplay or purchased with actual money.
What are your thoughts on the ewcnt changes that arrived to Star Wars Battlefront II?
